University College, Toronto facts for kids
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| Motto | Parum claris lucem dare (Latin) |
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Motto in English
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To shed light on that which is obscure |
| Type | Constituent college of the University of Toronto |
| Established | 22 April 1853 |
| Principal | Markus Stock |
| Undergraduates | 4,538 full-time, 305 part-time (2017) |
| Location |
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Canada
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| Campus | Urban (St. George) |
| Newspaper | The Gargoyle |
| Affiliations | Faculty of Arts & Science |
| Website | uc.utoronto.ca |
| Official name: University College National Historic Site of Canada | |
| Designated: | 1968 |
University College, often called UC, is a special part of the University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is located at the university's St. George campus. UC was founded in 1853 to be a place of learning that was open to everyone, without being tied to any specific religion. It was the first college of its kind within the University of Toronto's unique system. This was different from other colleges at the time, which were often linked to churches.
University College is one of only two places at the University of Toronto that has been named a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's a very important historical place in Canada. It is also home to the oldest student government in Canada, called the Literary and Athletic Society.
Contents
Discovering University College's Past
After gaining power in Canada's first responsible government (where the government answers to the people), politicians like Robert Baldwin made big changes. In 1849, they took control of King's College from the Church of England and renamed it the University of Toronto. Baldwin hoped that colleges linked to religions would join the new, non-religious University of Toronto.
However, some colleges, like Queen's College, chose to stay independent. So, in 1851, a new leader named Francis Hincks decided the university should use a "collegiate university" model. This system, used in places like Oxford and Cambridge, meant the university would have several smaller colleges under one main university.
Founding the Provincial College
On April 22, 1853, University College was created as the "Provincial College." It was the first college to join the University of Toronto. It took over the teaching duties and resources of the old King's College. The university itself then focused on setting exams and giving out degrees.
Frederick William Cumberland was chosen in 1856 to design the college's new building. It was finished in 1859. For many years, University College was the only college within the University of Toronto. This meant its principal was also the main leader of the entire university. Later, other colleges like Wycliffe College, Knox College, and Victoria College joined the university.
The Great Fire of 1890
On February 14, 1890, a big fire badly damaged University College. The fire started when servants accidentally dropped two kerosene lamps. It quickly spread through the eastern part of the building and the college library. The university's chancellor, Edward Blake, even told the Canadian Parliament about the fire.
The fire destroyed over 33,000 books in the library. But University College recovered quickly. Other colleges offered classrooms for students. The building was repaired using insurance money and donations. Within two years, the library was refilled with books from all over the British Empire.
Student Voices: The Strike of 1895
On February 15, 1895, over 700 University College students held a huge meeting. They were upset because a popular Latin professor, William Dale, had been fired. William Lyon Mackenzie King, who later became Prime Minister of Canada, suggested that students stop attending classes until the government looked into the issue.
During this student strike, many classes were empty. The strike lasted until February 20. Students voted to return to classes after the government agreed to investigate. This showed the power of student voices.
A National Historic Site
In 1968, University College was named a National Historic Site of Canada. This recognized its important role in creating the college system at the University of Toronto. It was also one of the first examples of this college model in universities across the Commonwealth.
Exploring University College's Buildings
The main building of University College was built between 1856 and 1859. It was designed by architects Frederick William Cumberland and William George Storm. The building's style was chosen after many discussions. It mixes different styles like Norman and Romanesque Revival. These styles were thought to be good for school buildings.
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The architects wanted the building to look interesting and not perfectly symmetrical. It uses thick stone and brick walls. About one-third of the outside is stone, and the rest is light yellow brick. The building has many arched windows and large, open entrances. You can see many arches, often in rows, supported by small columns.
The building is decorated with many stone carvings. These carvings show nature, animals, mysterious creatures, and the college's shield and motto. There are also beautiful stained glass windows, including a large round "rose window."
Today, some of the original building plans are still in place. The main entrance is in the stone tower at the front. Inside, there's a beautiful courtyard called the quadrangle, surrounded by carved walls. Before the 1890 fire, the east side of the building had the main hall, museum, and library. The west side had student rooms, dining halls, and classrooms. Today, the west side is no longer used for living, as students now live in separate residence halls.
Modern Updates: Revitalization
From January 2018, the historic University College building underwent a big update. This project made the building easier to access for everyone. The library moved back to its original spot in the East Hall. The West Hall became a new event space called the Clark Reading Room. A conference center was created in Croft Chapter House, and a new café called the Owlery opened on the third floor.
Learning at University College
The University College Council helps run the college. It makes decisions about money, rules, and school programs. The Principal leads the College Council and is the main leader of the college. Students also have a say, with student leaders and other students on the Council.
University College offers several academic programs within the University of Toronto. These include Canadian studies, cognitive science (how the mind works), drama, health studies, and sexual diversity studies. The college also hosts visiting experts who come to teach and do research.
University College also hosts five different public lecture series each year. These are talks given by experts on various topics. For example, the Alexander Lectures focus on literature, and the Graham Lectures explore science in an easy-to-understand way. The Teetzel Lectures are about art and architecture.
The Laidlaw Library was the main library until 2018. It then moved back to its original spot in the East Hall, where it was before the 1890 fire. The library focuses on subjects related to the college's programs, especially in humanities and social sciences. It has over 20,000 books, including special collections like the Avie Bennett Collection.
Student Life and Fun Traditions
Spooky Stories and Good Luck Charms
University College has a famous ghost story about a sculptor named Ivan Reznikoff. It's said his ghost can be seen in the college quadrangle. Another tradition involves a wooden Griffin statue on the east staircase. Students believe that touching the Griffin brings good luck, especially for exams!
Diabolos' is a student-run coffee bar at University College. It has been run by students since 1966. It sells fair trade coffee, tea, and vegan and vegetarian snacks. It's a popular spot for students to relax and study.
The Lit: Student Government
The University College Literary and Athletic Society, known as the 'Lit', is the oldest student government in Canada. It started in 1854. Every student at University College is a member of the Lit.
The Lit helps students by providing services, hosting events, and making sure students feel like part of the community. They also run Diabolos' coffee bar and organize the annual Fireball formal dance, which remembers the 1890 fire. They also help new students during Orientation Week.
The Gargoyle is the student newspaper of University College. It started in 1954 and is named after a gargoyle statue on the college building. Students write and edit the newspaper.
Living at University College
The college has three residence buildings that house about 720 students. All residences are co-ed (for both boys and girls). Whitney Hall was originally for women, and Sir Daniel Wilson Hall was for men. Morrison Hall was added in 2005. Many students want to live here because most rooms are singles, the community is welcoming, and the main academic buildings are very close.
The residences are divided into fifteen smaller groups called "houses." For example, Sir Daniel Wilson Residence has houses like Jeanneret and Taylor. Whitney Residence has Cody and Mulock houses. Morrison Hall has Landsberg-Lewis and Perron houses.
College Leaders
In March 2019, Professor Markus Stock was chosen to be the 17th Principal of University College. He started his term on January 1, 2020, and it ended on June 30, 2024. He followed Donald Ainslie, who was Principal since 2011.
Famous People from University College
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Edward Blake
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James Reaney
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Bob Rae
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