As early as 1909 plans for an Arts Building were proposed for the University of Saskatchewan campus. In the early years of the University David Brown and Hugh Vallance, the original campus architects had in fact designed a building for the Humanities. The building was to have been named Haultain Hall after Sir Frederick Haultain, Premier of the North West Territories from 1891-1905 and Chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan from 1917-1940.

Finally in 1957 funding for the construction of an Arts building materialized. In that year the Canada Council provided a grant to the University of Saskatchewan for the construction of the Arts Building. The grant was part of a greater program designed to fund the construction of facilities for the Humanities at Universities across Canada. In May of 1957 University President Walter Thompson obtained an agreement from the Provincial Government to provide for one-half of the funds for the Arts Building as well as full funding toward the construction of an Animal Husbandry and a Biology Building.

http://digital.scaa.sk.ca/gallery/uofs_buildings/

"The building is the first one, and for many years will occupy the place of honor, and even in later years, when the principal buildings have been built, its position is such that it deserves thorough study to develop the architectural possibilities." - David Brown to Walter Murray, 5 November 1909.

Designated as a provincial heritage property in 1982 and as a National Historic Site in 2001, the University's first building has long served as the architectural, intellectual and emotional cornerstone of the campus.

Designed by Brown and Vallance, the College Building was originally intended ultimately to house the College of Agriculture; but from the start, served numerous purposes. As early as April 1910, the floor plan included space for milk testing, butter making, cheese making, grain work; a gymnasium; several classrooms; offices for the Registrar, Dean of Agriculture, Director of Extension, and President; the original "faculty club"; laboratories; the library; and quarters for the janitor. After a sod-turning ceremony on 4 May 1910, the cornerstone was laid by Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier on 29 July 1910. It was constructed between 1910-12 by Smith Bros. and Wilson general contractors. Completed in 1912, the building was officially opened by Walter Scott, Premier of Saskatchewan on 1 May 1913.

The College Building serves as a memorial to much of the University's history: numerous plaques to individuals and organizations can be found in its interior, including memorial ribbons honouring members of the university community who served in the First World War. In 1997, the University created "Nobel Plaza" in front of the College Building, honouring two Nobel Laureates associated with the University: Gerhard Herzberg and Henry Taube.

As the University grew, the College Building gradually became the administrative centre for the University. By the 1950s, most of the original teaching facilities were taken over by new or expanded offices including those of the registrar, controller, alumni and news services, and presidential staff. The building became known as the Administration Building at this point, and later the "old Administration Building" to distinguish it from the new wing.

This expansion continued through the 1960s and 1970s, particularly with the appointment of a university secretary and vice-presidents. While Convocation Hall became too small for regular Convocation ceremonies by 1930, it maintained its original, broader function as a venue for concerts, meetings, lectures, and other events.

Parts of the building were declared to be unsafe in 1979, which led to the construction of the new wing of the Administration Building, opened in 1987. Most of the original building was closed, but Convocation Hall remained in use until 1997.

The building was reopened and officially rededicated as the College Building in September 2005 after a major rehabilitation project. The rehabilitation was reported to be "one of the largest heritage conservation projects in Canada - second only to the work being done on Parliament Hill." In addition to senior administrative offices and Convocation Hall, the College Building became home to the Museum of Antiquities and new gallery space for the University Art Collection.

Mandate:The University Controller's Office was responsible for administering financial activities of the University of Regina. Included under their mandate were such things as: contracts, services, faculty and staff matters. These matters dealt with accountable allowances, and charitable donations, university pension fund, the administration of grants, scholarships and funds, and university insurance. Predecessor and successor bodies:The University Controller's Office was established on July 1, 1974. Prior to 1974, the University Controller was known as the Office of the Assistant Controller, University of Saskatchewan Regina Campus. In 1984 the title of the Controller was changed to Associate Vice President of finances and Services and Controller. In 1988, the Controller, S.G.Mann, retired. In 1991 the office was dissolved and became the duties of the Associate Vice-President of Administrative Services. Administrative relationships:The Controller, S.G.Mann, reported to the President of the University, Dr. Lloyd Barber. Administrative structures:The University Controller's Office consisted of the Controller, and one secretary.

Mandate:The purpose of the University Secretary's Office was to organize and arrange the meetings for the Board of Governors, the Senate, Council, and other administrative bodies. It was also responsible for organizing convovation. Predecessor and successor bodies:The University Secretary's Office began in 1979. Prior to 1979 the duties of the office were the responsibilities of the individuals holding the titles of College Secretary(1934-1975), Campus Secretary(1934-1975), and University Secretary(1976-1979). In 1994 the University Secretary's Office was absorbed into the President's Office. Administrative relationships:The Campus Secretary in 1964 to 1972 was Mr. W.C.Blight. He was directly accountable to Dr. W.A.Riddell, the University of Saskatchewan Regina Campus from 1964 to 1969. Mr. D.T.Lowery became the Campus Secretary in 1973. Mr. Blight and Mr. Lowery were directly accountable to the University of Saskatchewan Regina Campus Principal, Dr. J.H.Archer from 1969 to 1973. The University of Saskatchewan Regina Campus became the University of Regina in 1974. Mr. D.T. Lowery became the University Secretary, and was directly accountable to the University President, Dr. Archer until Dr. Archer's retirement in 1976. Mr. D.T. Lowery continued as the University Secretary until 1985. He was directly accountable to the University of Regina President, Dr. L.I.Barber. Administrative structures:From 1964 to 1973, the Campus Secretary's Office was comprised of Campus Secretary, office secretary, and one administrative assistant to the campus secretary.From 1974 to 1979, the University Secretary's Office comprised of University Secretary,two office secretaries, and two administrative assistants. From 1980 to 1983 the University Secretary's Office was comprised of the University Secretary, an assistant to the Secretary, two office secretary's, and a staff assistant. Minutes and agendas from the Board of Governors,various committees and faculties were removed and interfiled into the master set within Publications. Other accessions in the University Secretary's Office Fonds are: 78-5, 87-50, 88-4, 89-35, 91-58, 91-59, 94-36, 95-8.