The records in this collection, dating from 1985-2013, document Parsons School of Design faculty member Robert Kirkbride's involvement in faculty bodies and reviews of academic programs at The New School, primarily between 2004 and 2013, including his role as faculty advisor on the design and construction of the New School University Center at 65 Fifth Avenue. Also represented are materials documenting Kirkbride's participation in the curriculum review of various Parsons undergraduate programs and events and exhibitions in Parsons' Product Design Department.

The Schools of Public Engagement was formed in 2011 with the reorganization of the New School for General Studies. As of 2016, the division consisted of: the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students (BPATS); the School of Languages; the School of Media Studies; the Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy; and the Creative Writing Program. The collection also holds the 1991-2008 records of the World Policy Institute.

Dating largely from the 1990s until 2014, these records contain correspondence, memoranda, reports, budget and financial material, and faculty and personnel files relating to the administration and governance of the Schools of Public Engagement and their predecessor programs, departments, and schools. Some files are restricted. Please email archivist@newschool.edu for details.