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University of Calgary

LIBRARIES & CULTURAL RESOURCES

Master Records Retention Schedule (MaRRS)

Authority of MaRRS: MaRRS is a Board of Governors authorized document. Compliance with MaRRS is obligatory for ALL University units. MaRRS applies to ALL University records regardless of format. University records cannot be destroyed unless they are covered by a retention rules contained in MaRRS authorizing their destruction. MaRRS does not apply to published materials such as articles, periodicals or books, and teaching records, nor does it apply to records created by a University employee while acting in a non-University capacity.

What is MaRRS and what does it do?

  1. MaRRS is the acronym for the Master Records Retention Schedule. MaRRS is composed of individual retention rules for University record series that:

  2. Establish a timetable for the records according to their value to the University,

  3. Establish a timetable for the records according to their value to the University,

Basic Principles of Applying MaRRS

  1. Determine the records or record series for which you need records management instructions or retention information.If you have a large amount of records you are trying to determine the retention for, first break down the records into categories:
    • Are the records all of one type? (eg: invoices, timesheets, equipment catalogues)
    • Are the records filed together in a series? (eg: employee files, student files)
  2. Check the Master Records Retention Schedule to find the applicable retention rule. (See the tabs below under the heading “Retention Rules”.)Retention rules are grouped together buy thesis according to the function they represent. For example:
    • if you have invoices, expense claims, donor tax receipts, or copies of credit card slips, the function these all relate to is Financial Management
    • if you have employee files, records of promotion, curriculum vitae, or salary information, the function these all relate to is Human Resources
    • if you have student files, grade appeals at the department level, USRI or other evalaution of instruction records, the function these all relate to is Academic Operations.
  3. Once you have determined the function that the records relate to, check the list of retention rules attached to that function.The retention rules will indicate:
    • how long to keep records in your office
    • when to dispose of records
    • how to dispose of records

    If no retention rules are listed for the records you are looking for, contact the University Archives.

    Records that MAY have permanent value.

Retention Rules Sorted Alphabetically

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Retention Rules Sorted by Record Type

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Retention Rules

General Retention Rules

AC Academic Operations

The AC ACADEMIC OPERATIONS block of the University Classification System covers activities including curriculum and program development and review, admissions, enrolment and registration of students, liaison with educational institutions, evaluation of instruction and of students, teaching skills development and student experiences with travel study, exchanges and practicum programs.

AD Administrative Services

The AD Administration Block of the University Classification System covers administrative liaison with external organizations, including associations, socieities, clubs, agencies, committees and councils; and liaison with University clubs and associations. It also covers the booking of facilities and equipment, and administrative activities at the unit level including support staff meetings, the coordination of staff vacations and leaves, and the development of internal office procedures.

General Retention Rules:

CA Capital Assets

The CA Capital Assets block of the University Classification System covers activities involving long-range campus including building priorities; the management of off-site University properties; and the various aspects of space management including the construction of new buildings, the use of existing space, and the alteration and development of University campus properties.

Specific Retention Rules:

CI Collections & Information Management

The CI Collections & Information Management block of the University Classification System covers activities relating to the administration and management of collections and information sources on campus, including library, archival, and museum collections, and the corporate record. It includes planning and acquisition, outreach activities, and the risk management of these collections and information sources.

There are currently no retention rules for these activities. Contact the University Archives at uarc@ucalgary.ca for more information.

CR Community Relations

The CR Community Relations block of the University Classification System covers activities relating to the development of effective relations between the University and its stakeholders, both internal and external, and to the expansion and development of private financial support for the University. These include Senate activities, alumni relations, convocations, and special events designed to promote the University.

Specific Retention Rules:

FM Financial Management

The FM Financial Management block of the University Classification System covers activities reflecting the financial administration and management of the University including the direction of budgeting, tuition planning, provincial funding, and the management of revenues, funds and trust accounts.

Specific Retention Rules:

GV Governance

The GV Governance block of the University Classification System covers the governance function involving the overall control and direction of the policies, functions and activities of the University. It includes activities of General Faculties Council and Board of Governors committees, senior administrative groups, and faculty councils. It also includes risk management, insurance coverage, legal matters, government relations, and University endowments.

Specific Retention Rules:

HR Human Resources

The HR Human Resources block of the University Classification System covers activities relating to the employment of University personnel such as appointments, promotions and dismissals; leaves and holidays; compensation and rewards; staff training and development; benefits; staff planning; and staff relations and collective bargaining. Records contained in this block include documents concerning individuals, and correspondence of a policy or general nature.

IN Internationalization

The IN Internationalization block of the University Classification System covers activities related to internationalization and international development, including the development of linkages and partnerships with international bodies, and the creation and management of international development projects.

There are currently no retention rules for these activities. Contact the University Archives for more information at uarc@ucalgary.ca.

RE Research

The RE Research block of the University Classification System covers research and technology transfer as it relates to University operations and the promotion of the University’s research expertise. It includes chairs and professorships; sponsored research; research ethics; research partnerships with industry including business, industrial, technological and research organizations, and with community organizations; and liaison with research bodies including institutes, centres and groups.

Specific Retention Rules:

SS Support Services

The SS Support Services block of the University Classification System covers the provision of institutional support on campus to students, faculty and other clients including the operation and maintenance of University buildings, security services, motor vehicles, and technological and learning support.

Specific Retention Rules:

ST Student

The ST Student Services block of the University Classification System covers activities relating to the provision of student programs and services, including those for international students, native students and special students. It also covers related to student health and wellness, student awards and financial assistance, and student associations.

For student academic files, including scanned records, see AC Academic Operations Block.

Specific Retention Rules

Other

The OTHER operations rules pertain to records which do not fall under a specific UCLASS block

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