This collection contains materials that document the early developments of Drexel's microcomputer program. The program was important because Drexel became the nation's first university to require all undergraduates to have personal access to a microcomputer for use in all of their coursework. The materials span 1977-1985, with the bulk of the materials from 1983-1985. A large portion of the collection consists of working papers published by individuals involved with the microcomputing program in 1984 and 1985. Papers typically discuss applications for personal computers in a variety of academic disciplines (Series I). Another significant portion of the collection includes early issues of Drexel publications and newsletters relating to microcomputing aimed at students, faculty, and computer support consultants. Also included are news clippings from various media outlets including Drexel publications that document the implementation and developments of microcomputer program at Drexel (Series II). There are smaller files on microcomputing surveys and user guides (Series III) as well as files on Faculty Development seminars (Series IV), which were part of the Continuing Professional Development program for faculty. The materials were collected from various campus offices, including Microcomputing Program, Computer Center, and University Relations, by the archives librarian during the period 1983-1985.

The collection is arranged in 4 series: Working Papers; Print and Publications; Administrative files; Faculty Development seminars.

The Working Papers series is arranged alphabetically. Materials include fairly complete runs of working papers published by those involved with the microcomputing program from 1984-1985.

The Print and Publications series is arranged alphabetically. Materials include newsletters, clippings, a brochure. Drexel-specific newsletters include: boot, Consultant's Weekly (MUSG), Drexel Digest, Drexel Letter, Drexel Micro News; and Drexel University Computer Center newsletter. Also included is a 62-page scrapbook compiled by Brian Hawkins, assistant vice president of academic affairs at the time. The scrapbook contains clippings detailing Drexel's implementation of the microcomputer policy, about half of which appear to be from university publications. The rest of the clippings are from various local and national newspapers and news magazines. A printout of a biographical article on Dr. Brian Hawkins is also included with the collection.

The Administrative files series is arranged alphabetically. Materials include an accreditation review application from 1985, correspondence pertaining to the microcomputer program and the incoming freshman class, grant application materials, a survey and questionnaire pertaining to microcomputing, software, and Drexel facilities, and various manuals and user guides.

The Faculty Development seminars series is arranged alphabetically. Materials include correspondence, seminar schedule, and seminar literature/handout materials. The seminars were part of the Continuing Professional Education for Drexel faculty members to acclimate themselves with the new microcomputers and how they may be used as teaching tools.