A distinguishing feature of York University is the college system that uniquely bridges the large multi-Faculty University to smaller units for a closer relationship between faculty members and students.
York colleges are small interdisciplinary communities, with distinctive characters and mandates, that offer a welcoming, innovative and convivial environment supportive of students successful adjustment to the university and the successful completion of their degree requirements.
Each undergraduate student entering York University for the first time is placed in a college. The seven colleges serving day students - Calumet, Founders, McLaughlin, Norman Bethune, Stong, Vanier and Winters - provide a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities to complement the instructional programs of the various Faculties and to enrich the experience of the York student. College facilities include common rooms, dining halls, coffee shops, study areas, computer rooms, seminar and small lecture rooms, in addition to recreational rooms.
Colleges accommodate about out-of-town students, about 10 per cent of the total college enrolment, in well-equipped residences adjacent to college buildings. For further information, please consult the Academic Services and Support section in this Calendar.
The college is self-governed in its day-to-day activities by both faculty members and students. Each college is administered by a master, academic adviser and residence life coordinator, and by dons in the residence. Each college also has its College Council, elected by students, which plans and finances a full range of social, cultural and athletic programs.
