The position of Registrar was created in 1853 to carry out secretarial and administrative duties that included responsibility for accounts, correspondence, student admissions and enrolments, staff appointments and staff records. Faculties were administered by Assistant Registrars. The position of Registrar came under the direction of the University Council and its Committees. In 1999, the functions once performed by the role of Registrar were divided between the University Secretary and the Vice-Principal (Administration).

The Registrars' correspondence series held by the University of Melbourne Archives record the primary activities of the University's Central Administration for over a century. They include documents relating to a variety of subjects and functions such University regulations and statutes, academic departments, curricula, finance, University Council, examinations, etc.

The correspondence series (often referred to by it's registration number UM312) is one of the richest sources of University history available. Subject indexes for each year from 1853 to 1969 are available during opening hours in the reading room. The list below gives some indication of the bredth of the collection.

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