The William Otis Hotchkiss Presidential records span the years 1935-1943, when Hotchkiss held the office of President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The records depict RPI's concern and need to prepare for World War II through the numerous files dealing with the various Defense Programs at RPI. Three files labelled "Albany Medical College" discuss the c. 1938 proposed, but rejected, merger of R. P.I. with Albany Medical College. This early anticipation of a possible collaboration in a biomedical program was later fulfilled in 1963. The records also include several files on RPI related organizations such as: Faculty Women's Club, the RPI Players, the Polytechnic, Transit, fraternities, etc. The records are arranged alphabetically in subject files. The inventory consists of Hotchkiss' original headings and arrangement.

Subject files include Advisory Departmental Committees, professional organizations, alumni correspondence, defense program materials, financial records, gifts and bequests, scholarships, and related topics.