As the new school year gets into full swing, you can also take a look at what the fall semester was like for some students in the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Thanks to our partner Stanly Community College, we’ve added several catalogs and student handbooks to our site that give us a slice of community college life.

Class offerings and majors have changed quite a bit since the 1973 catalog (back when the school was called Stanly Technical Institute). Within the “Technical Division” of courses, there were three types of “Secretarial Science:” executive, legal, and medical. There are also some specializations that are still popular today, like auto repair and early childhood care.

By the time the 1988 catalog was printed, course offerings had expanded significantly. Three different computer specializations—computer engineering technology, business computer programming, and computer operations—are available alongside cosmetology, horticulture, physical therapy, and welding.

Along with the information about academics and policies are some great photographs of student life. Even though the fashions and hair styles have changed over the past 50 years, apparently, sitting on the quad with your friends never goes out of style.

You can see the full batch of handbooks and catalogs (1973-2005) here. You can also explore handbooks, catalogs, and yearbooks from schools all over the state in our North Carolina Yearbooks collection. To see more materials from Stanly Community College, visit their partner page and their website.