Malcolm Carter became director of The New School's university communications in 1985. The Malcolm Carter University Communications records document the three primary areas of activity over which Carter had oversight: advertising and marketing; public relations; and publications. Materials include memoranda, letters, reports, and printed materials, encompassing the range of Carter's activities.

Printed publicity materials including but not limited to circulars, mailers, promotional booklets and pamphlets, and postcards generally advertising Parsons School of Design, or a particular course or program of study not connected to a specific department. Also includes a small number of audiovisual recordings in various formats, presumably made for promotional purposes.