The University of Oregon has begun implementing a new records management program that will provide clarity for employees around records retention and ensure that the important work done by faculty and staff is preserved, work that in time becomes the university’s legacy.

Modern records management procedures will build in resiliency for disaster response and help the UO alleviate reputational and financial risks, in addition to eliminating some inefficiencies. Many other institutions, including the University of California system and the University of Washington, have introduced similar programs.

In February, campus leaders were asked to designate a records steward for every unit. That group of stewards will help introduce the updated record-keeping practices across campus. This year, records stewards will work with the records management office to develop unit-level procedures around record-keeping and inventory physical and electronic records.

Next year, the program will focus on best practices in managing email, archiving or eliminating records, understanding the record-keeping abilities of the university’s software systems, and developing a vital records program.

All faculty members and staff are invited to attend one of eight general information sessions to learn more. The first session is March 12 at 9 a.m. in the Erb Memorial Union Diamond Lake Room.

No registration is required. Future dates, times and locations are available on the project website, which includes frequently asked questions, a timeline and a project overview. To learn more, visit recordsmanagement.uoregon.edu