The New School Associates records are divided into three series. The administrative records largley consist of meeting files, which contain agendas, reports and minutes. Minutes span 1948 through 1960, with calendar years mirroring the academic calendar, with reports by the committees comprising the Associates: Activities, Art, Education, Finance, Forum, Membership and Nominating committees. Also includes bylaws, drafts of publicity and promotional materials, memoranda, planning documents and lists of potential members. Of note is an organizational memorandum authored by New School President Bryn Hovde advising staff of the reporting structure for the Office of Public Information.

The second series contains material relating to New School President Alvin S. Johnson, the bulk regarding events, such as his annual birthday celebrations, book talks and lectures. Other files in the series relate to the Fund Raising Committee and the Alvin Johnson Fund.

The third series documents individual events or event series sponsored by the Associates. Documentation includes announcements, invitations, guest lists, and organizational materials. Additional documentation may include press releases, budgets and correspondence with administrators and guests. The bulk of the first subseries are one-day events, particularly exhibition openings, but also include author receptions or “bookwarmings,” seminars and lectures, concerts, theater trips and benefits, flea markets, formal teas, and other receptions for administrators. The Associates sponsored lecture programs, or Dinner Forums, inviting a panel of speakers to discuss topics ranging from United States foreign policy to the status of Broadway theater. Dinner Forum programming differs from Luncheon lectures, with the latter comprised of a single topic featured in more than one talk over the course of the spring or fall semester. Of note is a lecture series given by Erich Fromm (1955-1957).

Much of the documentation in these records appears to have been generated by Edith Jonas Levy, the longtime executive secretary of the New School Associates, who held this position from at least 1949 to 1960. Other files appear to have been generated by Margaret C. (Mrs. Joseph) Renier, a Membership Committee chair, Mrs. Otto Sommerich, and G. De Carlo.