University College University of Toronto: Encyclopedia - University College University of Toronto

University College, University of Toronto

University College, University of Toronto (abbreviated as UC) is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Toronto. UC was founded in 1853 as The Provincial College to provide higher education in Ontario without regard to religious affiliation. Currently, 4,100 students and 100 faculty make their academic home at University College, one of several National Historic Sites at the University of Toronto. It is a lively academic community of students, faculty, staff and alumni.

UC offers a number of distinct programs and courses within the University of Toronto. These include programs in Aboriginal Studies, Canadian Studies, Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Drama, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Sexual Diversity Studies.

UC prides itself both on academic excellence and its openness to diversity; the college's motto is "Promoting and Celebrating Diversity".

Undergraduates belonging to University College are represented by the University College Literary and Athletic Society, fondly referred to as the 'Lit.' Founded in 1854, It is the oldest continually operating student council in Canada.

The college's three residence buildings hold about 600 students, and are fully co-ed, although Whitney started out as the women's residence and Sir Daniel Wilson's as the men's. A third residence, Morrison Hall, was added in 2005. Demand for places is high for a number of reasons: most rooms are singles, the community life is accepting and diverse and most main academic buildings are right across the street. Off-campus students can participate in the residence community life by becoming associate members of one of the houses.

The building was built in 1856-1857 by Frederic Cumberland and William G. Storm.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "University College University of Toronto", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki