10 Questions with… Kristen Sanders, university records manager
What drew you to Oregon State?
I came to Oregon for a visit and appreciated the scenery and friendly atmosphere. It felt like a place I could call home.
How did you get involved in records management?
I first got involved with some basic filing systems, which sparked my interest in records management. From there, I learned more and pursued opportunities that allowed me to develop my skills while helping others stay organized and efficient.
What makes you passionate about higher education?
I enjoy the energy on campus and seeing all the different work and ideas being explored. Higher education is always evolving, which keeps things interesting and exciting.
OSU was one of the first universities to create an extensive records management program. Why are such programs essential?
Records management programs are important because they help us stay compliant with regulations, make sure we have the records we need to do our work and protect the university in case of legal issues or audits. They also help preserve historically significant materials for the long term.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself who was just starting college?
I’d tell myself to relax a bit more. College felt stressful at the time, and I’d remind myself to enjoy it and have some fun too.
As an increasing number of records are now digital, what challenges does that present to record preservation?
Digital records bring new challenges, like figuring out who’s responsible for a record that exists on multiple platforms and is used by different people. Preserving these records and making sure they’re properly destroyed when needed also takes careful attention.
What was your favorite course in college?
I can’t pinpoint one favorite course, but I enjoyed literature classes that explored pop culture and included music and movies. I liked the variety and discovering how different things connect.
How do faculty and staff know which items are important for preservation and which can be discarded or deleted?
That’s what I’m here to help with. This site provides information such as the schedule to show how long different types of records should be kept. Retention can vary, and I’m happy to work with anyone to discuss questions and find solutions.
What is the biggest challenge modern records managers face when tackling an institution as large as Oregon State?
I’m still new to OSU, so I can’t speak for every challenge, but a big one is the variety of ways records are created and stored. With so many applications, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. My role is to help units set up processes that make managing records easier and keep everything in line with the retention schedule.
What is your favorite non-academic pursuit or passion?
I have a few. I like to knit in my spare time, and I really enjoy reading horror books and watching movies that are so bad, they’re good.
