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The Douglas College Council (more often referred to as simply the College Council) was founded in March 1969. Amendments to the Public Schools Act six years earlier required that all college's in the province of British Columbia be governed by a College Council. The stated purpose of these councils under the amendment was the management, administration, and control of the property, revenue, business, and affairs of each respective college. Citizens who wanted a college in their region could vote in a plebiscite to contribute to the institution's costs through their local school taxes. School districts in Richmond, Delta, Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Coquitlam voted on March 9, 1969 in support of the college's creation. The government established the first college council, which was required by law to consists of one member appointed by each participating school board, members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, and one District Superintendent of Schools from one of the participating districts appointed by the Minister of Education. Jack Smedley was the first chairperson of the Douglas College Council, and he held the position from 1969-1970.

The Council was responsible for recruiting the College's founding principal, George Wootton, and the secretary-treasurer, M.F. (Bill) Morfey. The council was also involved with hiring other key personnel, developing the College's first budget, and procuring facilities.

Other powers and responsibilities of the College Council included: appointing necessary instructional and other staff; determining student fees and tuition; overseeing the management and carrying-out of the college's curriculum and instruction; preparing annual budgets; and determining admission requirements.

In 1979, following the passage of the College and Institute Act, the Douglas College Council became the Douglas College Board.

The Douglas College Board (more often referred to simply as the College Board) was formed in 1979 as the result of passage of the College and Institute Act. Under the legislation, colleges became corporations and their councils became boards. The composition of college boards no longer required representation from school board officials, but otherwise the powers and responsibilities of the board were largely were largely unchanged.

The Douglas College Board acts on behalf of the public, and oversees the affairs of the organization (including property, revenue and expenditure), performing duties aligned with the College and Institute Act to support proper administration and advancement of Douglas College. The board focuses on policy and strategic leadership rather than administrative detail.

The first board chairperson was Helen Casher who held the position from 1979-1981.

The Douglas Pinion was a campus newspaper created with the goal of "bridging a long-time communication gap between students, faculty, staff and the communities served by this college." Although its first publication date was April 2, 1975, the Pinion was not formally approved by the Douglas College Council until April 3, 1975. The paper was staffed by students from the College's new journalism course, who served as reporters, editors, and photographers.

The Pinion covered campus and community news, with regular arts, sports, and opinion sections, as well as advertisements and classifieds. The newspaper highlighted new program offerings, extracurricular opportunities, construction updates, staff hirings, and student politics.

Originally intended to publish every two weeks, the Pinion's publication history proved to be less frequent and less consistent. Typically the paper came out once a month during the school year, although not every month saw the release of a new issue.

The Douglas Pinion published its final issue in April 1981. When Kwantlen College separated from Douglas College that year, the new institution took with it the journalism program and the student-run newspaper, which was renamed The Kwantlen Chronicle.

The I-CARE Literacy Program was first developed at Douglas College in 1978 as a pilot project funded by the Ministry of Education, after the College had identified literacy as one of its top priorities and hired regular literacy faculty in 1977. Its early success led to I-CARE being incorporated into the College's base funding structure. The program was developed "to help meet the literacy needs of adults who are unable or unwilling to enter a classroom situation because of work schedules, negative school experiences in the past or other such seasons."

Since its inception, I-CARE has offered one-on-one literacy education for members of the broader community, with tutors tailoring their sessions to each individual learner's needs and goals. Although some logistical and administrative details of the program have changed over the years, its overall structure has largely remained constant since the late 1970s: Volunteers receive literacy tutor training, are paired with a community member seeking literacy education, and commit to weekly sessions with their assign learner for one year. I-CARE's newsletter 'Breakthrough' was originally designed for tutors, however, it evolved into a resource for learners too. I-CARE also produces a monthly publication featuring the written work of learners called 'Writing For Our Future.'

Dr. George C. Wootton served as principal of Douglas College from its inception in 1969 until 1979. Born in Saskatchewan and raised in British Columbia, Wootton graduated from North Vancouver High School and received his BSc, MASc, and PhD (in metallurgical engineering) from the University of British Columbia. Before his appointment to Douglas College, he worked for the Department of Mines in Ottawa, Atomic Energy Canada in Chalk River, and Seneca College in Toronto where served as Dean of Engineering.

During Wootton's tenure at Douglas College, satellite campuses were added in Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Pitt meadows, and White Rock. His principalship saw the development of career programs in the area of psychiatric nursing, clinical health, child care, and community service work. Other programs initiated during this time were in the fields of criminal justice, women's studies, graphic arts, theatre, and environmental studies.

Wootton left Douglas College in 1979 to become director of the Vancouver Public Library.

Established to provide services and support to Indigenous students at Douglas, the Douglas College First Nations Advisory Committee was made up of stakeholders from within the College community and beyond. A 1995 resource guide for Indigenous students included the following description of the committee:

“The Douglas College First Nations Advisory Committee meets regularly to work with Douglas College in developing and implementing community educational initiatives, programs and services. Membership is comprised of First Nations representatives from Qayqayt First Nation, Vancouver and New Westminster Education Centres, New Westminster Urban Cultural Society, New Westminster Senior Secondary School, Douglas College Faculty and Staff, Douglas College First Nations Alumni, Douglas College Student Society First Nations representative, and the New Westminster, Katzie and Coquitlam Bands. The Douglas College First Nations Advisory Committee works to support and guide the ‘Spirit’ for enhancing services for First Nations Learners at Douglas College.”

In the early 2000s, the committee’s name was changed to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

The Aboriginal Advisory Committee continued the work of its predecessor committee in providing services and support to Indigenous students at Douglas College. The Committee was comprised of stakeholders from within the College community and beyond.

The Committee's name was later changed to the Indigenous (FNMI) Advisory Committee.

Established in 1970 by Dr. Barry Leach, the Institute of Environmental Studies sought to encourage greater public engagement with environmental issues, particularly those impacting ecosystems in the “College Region.” One of its stated objectives was to disseminate the results of studies and projects to public and private groups so they might further “their own work towards a better use of the environment.” The Institute offered non-credit courses, published a series of Information Booklets and other monographs on a range of topics, hosted workshops and lecture series, and collaborated on conservation projects with civil society organizations like Ducks Unlimited, with which it operated an Environmental Study Centre in a conservation area called the Serpentine Fen. The Institute of Environmental Studies was based at the College’s Surrey campus. In 1981, when the College divided, the Institute became part of the newly formed Kwantlen College.

Lillian Zimmerman joined Douglas College in 1971 as a programmer for the Liberal Arts Division with the expressed desire to develop credit-free courses in the area of continuing education for women. Beginning in 1972, she worked with staff from the Counselling department to offer workshops and inter-disciplinary evening courses, which proved popular. In 1974, she was elected to the position of "Convenor" of Women's Studies at Douglas College. Zimmerman held this role until 1978 when she took a leave from College in order to complete a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of British Columbia. Following her return to Douglas College, Zimmerman worked as a regular faculty member in Human Services and Community Programs. She became the Chair of Community Programs and Services in 1990 before retiring in 1991. Subsequent to her retirement from Douglas College, Zimmerman became a renowned advocate for the rights and dignity of middle-aged and older women. She was a Research Associate in Gender Issues at Simon Fraser University's Gerontology Research Centre, contributing significantly to the field and publishing multiple books on this topic including “Bag Lady or Powerhouse?: A Roadmap for Midlife (Boomer) Women” and “Did You Just Call Me Old Lady? A 90-Year-Old Tells Why Aging Is Positive.”

Margaretha Hoek first joined the College in 1975 as a sessional faculty member in the Counselling Department, where she taught a number of courses and workshops focused on the issues and experiences of women. In 1978, Hoek was hired as Coordinator of Programs for Women (at times the position was also referred to as Coordinator of Women's Studies). She held this position until 1985.

Formally established in 1974, the Women's Studies Advisory Committee also existed under other names (the "Co-ordinating Committee on Education For Women" and the "Women's Studies Committee") as early as 1971. Initially it was made up of Women's Studies convenor Lillian Zimmerman and senior administrators from the Continuing Education, Liberal Arts, and Counselling divisions; however, the committee later expanded its membership to include representatives from the student body and the broader community.

Led by Zimmerman, the committee was responsible for overseeing Programs For Women at Douglas College. In 1977, the committee was changed to the Women's Studies Advisory Board, a change that coincided with the designation of Women's Studies as a Special Programs Unit.

The Women's Studies Advisory Board was established when Women's Studies (also known as "Programs for Women") was designated a Special Programs Unit in 1977. The board's objective was to coordinate, promote, and protect Women's Studies and related services in the regions where Douglas College operated. It also advanced scholarships and raised money related to these goals. The Women's Studies Advisory Board was comprised of staff, students, and community representatives.

William (Bill) Day was among the first employees of Douglas College. Hired in 1970, he originally served as Dean of Continuing Education until 1975 when he became Dean of Curriculum. In 1978, he became principal of the College's New Westminster campus and in 1981 he was appointed President of Douglas College, a position he held until retiring in 1995.

Kwantlen College was formed in 1981 as the result of a separation from Douglas College.

In June 1980, responding to the provincial government's desire for a "realignment of educational services" in the Douglas College region, the Board recommended the College be divided into two institutions. At the time, Douglas had eight campuses: New Westminster, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, Agnes Street, and Newton Centre. The geographic dividing line would be the Fraser River, with those campuses north of the river remaining part of Douglas College and those south of the river forming a new institution. The name Kwantlen College was selected through a contest and was approved by Grand Chief Joe Gabriel of the Kwantlen First Nation.

In 1995, Kwantlen College became Kwantlen University College.

The Douglas College Student Society (DCSS) was incorporated in 1972 under the Society Act with a mandate to represent and protect the rights and interests of students. The makeup of the Society's executive membership has changed over time, but typically included a President, Vice President(s), Secretary, Treasurer, and campus- or program-specific representatives. At different times in the history of the DCSS, the records of the Executive were collected by a staff person who was also responsible for the management of Society business/administration.

When the DCSS was formed it represented students from three campuses: New Westminster, Surrey, and Richmond. For this reason, the earliest governing body of the DCSS - the Student Council - was also sometimes called the Tri-Council. By 1979, five additional campuses were also being represented by the DCSS: Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, Agnes Street, and Newton Centre. Consequently, the DCSS's governing body became the Multi Campus Council. In the early 1980s, following the College's split into two separate institutions, the DCSS updated its Constitution and its governing body was reorganized as the Senate. Rather than a campus-specific focus like its predecessor, the Senate used a model of representation based on areas of study.

In 1992, DCSS membership voted to leave the Canadian Federation of Students, only to re-join the national organization six years later. In 1999, the DCSS underwent a restructuring in which it was renamed the Douglas Students' Union (Canadian Federation of Students, Local 18).

The Douglas Students' Union (DSU) is a non-profit society incorporated under the BC Societies Act. The Union represents students on matters of school policy, provides services and hosts events aimed at enriching campus life, and engages in advocacy on behalf of its members.

M.H. (Bill) Morfey was the College's first staff employee, hired in October 1969 as Secretary-Treasurer. His title and role changed to College Bursar shortly thereafter. Together with Principal George Wootton, Morfey was responsible for establishing the College's first education plan, hiring senior staff, and developing the first budget. Prior to joining the nascent educational institution, Morfey was an accountant with Canadian Industries Limited. He managed the College's financial affairs until his retirement in 1988. That year, the M.H. (Bill) Morfey Scholarship was created in honour of his service to the College since its very beginning.

Morfey died in January 1990.

Since the college's opening in 1970 until a name change in the late 1990s, the Public Information Office (PIO) was responsible for promoting the institution both within the campus community and throughout the Lower Mainland. The PIO shared information about programming and events, working with the administration and other internal stakeholders to develop and promote the College's public image. The office produced advertisements, drafted speeches and press releases, designed posters and brochures, and publicized the accomplishments of faculty, staff, and students. William Bell led the PIO as Public Information Officer from the early 1970s until 1992. He was succeeded by Brad Barber.

In 1996, the Public Information Office became the Communications and Marketing Office.

The Communications and Marketing Office (formerly the Public Information Office) developed and administered College marketing plans, produced College publications and promotional materials, liaised with media, established proactive publicity activities, coordinated and provided support for College special events, and supported internal communications through the College newsletter, bulletins and other materials.

The Office's name was changed to the Marketing & Communications Office.

EVENT is a literary magazine that publishes fiction, poetry, non-fiction, notes on writing, and book reviews by emerging and established writers. It was founded in 1971 due in large part to the efforts of creative writing professor David Evanier, who was also the magazine's first editor. Associate editors were made up of faculty from the Department of English and Communications.

When Kwantlen College was formed in 1981, responsibility for EVENT shifted to that institution, which is where key faculty involved with the publication had been re-assigned. When Kwantlen announced its plans to cease funding EVENT at the end of the 1984-85 fiscal year, then-editor Leona Gom launched a campaign to save the publication. Readers, past contributors, and other members of the Canadian literary community rallied to the cause and Douglas College agreed to take back control for the magazine in 1985.

Contributors to EVENT have included writers like Gordon Pinsent, Carol Shields, Susan Musgrave, Madeleine Thien, Timothy Taylor, and Alistair MacLeod. The magazine has also been the recipient of numerous National Magazine Awards and Western Magazine Awards.

Past editors include: David Evanier (1971-1973), Robert W. Lowe (1974-1975), Monica Ochs (1975), Rona Murray (1975), John Levin (1976-1980), Leona Gom (1980-1984), Dale Zieroth (1983-1986), Calvin Wharton (1997-2001), Cathy Stonehouse (2001-2004), Billeh Nickerson (2004-2007), Rick Maddocks (2007-2010), Elizabeth Bachinsky (2011-2014), Ian Cockfield (2014), and Shashi Bhat (2015- ).

Marlene Hancock first joined the College as a contract political science professor in 1988, becoming a regular faculty member three years later. She had a longstanding academic interest in Middle East history and politics, having traveled extensively in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan during her youth. Her Master's thesis in political science from Simon Fraser University (1982) focused on political development in Saudi Arabia.

Starting in 1997, she travelled to Egypt on five separate occasions with groups of students participating in the model United Nations conference hosted by the American University of Cairo. It was after the first such trip that Hancock organized and served as faculty advisor of the Douglas College International Model United Nations (DOUGIMUN).

In 2005, she travelled to Jordan as a guest of the Jordanian government, meeting with government officials and visiting a Palestinian refugee camp.

Hancock taught at Douglas College until her retirement. She died in 2017.

The Charter of Rights Committee was originally formed in response to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom's main equality provisions coming into effect in 1985. The Committee's purpose was the creation of a cross-divisional project to integrate teaching of the Charter into the College's curriculum. An announcement in a January 1987 edition of the Mad Hatter newsletter stated: "The Charter has the potential to bring about profound change in the community and as a teaching institution and a community college we must be actively involved in fostering understanding, initiating community discussion, and preparing our students to participate in the shaping of their society."

The Committee oversaw the creation of a course (IDST 100 Human Rights and Canadian Society: Multidisciplinary Perspectives), which was offered from 1989 until at least 2006.

Records of the Committee cease after April 1990.

Born in Vienna (ca. 1921), George Porges was a World War II veteran who came to Canada in 1951. He studied history in Montreal at Sir George William University, and later received his B.Ed and M.A. from the University of Alberta. He taught high school in Edmonton prior to joining the Department of Liberal Studies at the newly created Douglas College in 1970. Porges taught history as a regular faculty member until his retirement in 1988.

Porges died in 2004 at the age of 83.

Born in England in 1920, Harold Norman "Andy" Andrews was a veteran of the Second World War, during which he participated in the 6th Airborne Division D-Day landings in Normandy. After the war, Andrews completed his studies in engineering and immigrated to Canada. He worked with the Royal Canadian Engineers and in 1967 he was the Canadian Forces Liaison to the Winnipeg Pan-American Games.

In 1972, Andrews joined Douglas College as the Chairman (and later Director) of Program Development until 1979 when he was appointed Vice-Principal of McBride Campus in New Westminster. He held this position for two years, at which time he became the Director of Program Planning and Development. He retired in 1984.

Upon his death in 2000, Andrews' family established the Andy and Helen Andrews Memorial Award for students who demonstrate both athletic and academic achievement.

Albert L. Atkinson joined Douglas College in 1982 as Director, Student Services & Developmental Education. In 1989, he became the Dean of Educational and Student Services, a position he held until 1995, when he was appointed Vice-President, Educational Services. Atkinson was in this role until his retirement in 2004. Atkinson was a member of the Douglas College Foundation (1991) and the Education Council (1994-1995, 1997-1999).

During his 32 years of service at Douglas, Atkinson championed the needs of students with disabilities or who face barriers to education and employment. As such, a bursary was established in his name at the time of his retirement for students engaged in Vocational Education and Skills Training, or VEST, (formerly known as Adult Special Education) programs.