The fonds of the Department of Chemistry consists of records created and received in the course of the administration of the department and the carrying out of its functions of providing instruction and promoting research. Also included are the records of the Canadian Council of University Chemistry Chairmen. The activities documented include policy and procedures development; the planning, initiation and administration of curricula and programs; departmental and faculty meetings; faculty salary, appointment, promotion and tenure deliberations; departmental reviews; and the publication of journals and reports. The types of documents include meeting agenda, correspondence, course outlines and examinations, an external review, faculty files, memoranda, minutes of meetings, and reports.

The fonds consists of records relating to the academic development of the Faculty of Science and the departmental administration of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Activities, topics and events documented include the Dean's correspondence with faculty and departmental chairs; correspondence with the university community, local and international science professionals, and provincial and national organizations; departmental reviews; participation on university committees and the Management Council of the Western Canadian Universities Marine Biological Society; liaison with university research institutes; and construction of the South Science Building on campus.

The types of documents include meeting agendas, minutes, and supporting papers; correspondence and reports; annual reports; budgets and financial working papers; speeches; policies and procedures; bound architectural drawings; and publications including newsletters, pamphlets, journals, conference programs, posters, research summaries, and a calendar.