The collection documents the tenure of Paul Gray as president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and includes some records from his years as chancellor. MIT correspondence and subject files include memoranda and correspondence with MIT faculty and administrators about Institute policies on admissions, tenure, student life, research, working conditions, academic and cultural programs, committees, and appointments and budgets. Correspondence with MIT alumni and alumni clubs is also included.

There is correspondence documenting contracts with other colleges and universities and professional and government organizations. Included are copies of testimony given before the U.S. Congress (Human Resources and Intergovernmental Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations) by Paul Gray and other representatives of MIT. The collection also includes copies of speeches and remarks given by Gray and articles he wrote about subjects including fundraising and development, and science policy. Grays's chronological file of outgoing correspondence with individuals, the U.S. government, foundations and companies about fundraising, and national science issues is also included. Many of his appointment calendars and mail logs are in the collection.