St. Paul's United College

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St. Paul's United College is an affiliated college of the University of Waterloo, located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The college has two functions: first, it is a residence for both undergraduate and graduate students of the University; and, second, it offers classes to all University students.

Contents 1 History 2 Residences 2.1 Undergraduate residence 2.2 Graduate Apartments 3 Academic programs 4 Aboriginal Student Services 5 Principals 6 External links

[edit] History

St. Paul's was founded in 1962 by the United Church of Canada (UCC) and first opened its doors to students in 1963. The UCC's goal was to provide a place where students of any background, denomination, religion, or academic program could come to study and be stimulated academically, intellectually, and spiritually.

[edit] Residences

St. Paul's has two residence communities: the undergraduate residence and the Graduate Apartments.

[edit] Undergraduate residence

The undergraduate residence opened in 1963 and houses 192 students on eight "floors". Seven of these floors - Empire, Wildside, Penthouse, Alcatraz, Dungeon, Oasis, and La Bastille - contain double accommodation and have been in use since the opening of the college. The remaining floor, Purgatory, opened in September, 2003 and has single accommodation. Empire was formerly known as Apathy, and Wildside was formerly known as W5 (Wild Wonderful Women of the West Wing).

The residence has several traditions that are unique to the college. The fall term begins with a week-long Orientation Week that is run jointly with the other residences and faculties to acquaint incoming first-year students with the campus. Early in the fall term, the entire college plays a game entitled "Gotcha" where the residents try to tag and eliminate each other through survival of the fittest. Also in the fall term, the male residents on Empire organise the Empire Wine & Cheese.

The Winter Formal is held in the winter term and is a night with a dinner and dance. In early March, the annual Blackforest Coffeehouse showcases talent from both the college and the region; most performers present musical acts, although other acts (such as magic or spoken word) are sometimes showcased.

Each school night, toast and several spreads are made available at Toast Time so that students can have a study break. Other regular activities include Tuesday Toast Talk, writing workshops, intramural sports teams, Meat Club, and community dinners.

St. Paul's has a weekly chapel service that is run by students. Chapel services combine music, discussion, a message, and the customs of various Christian traditions. The college, along with the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, share a chaplain who is affiliated with the UCC.

La Bastille, a floor that houses 18 French-speaking students, is the only such floor on the Waterloo campus. A tutor from France lives on the floor from September through April to help stimulate French-language growth in the students. Occasionally, students from La Bastille will eat together over a conversation in French or watch a French movie.

Facilities that are available to students include a cafeteria with full meal service, five lounges, a library and study hall, a chapel, and a games room.

[edit] Graduate Apartments

The Graduate Apartments at St. Paul's opened in September, 2004. The building houses over 100 graduate students in 80 apartments and suites. There is a variety of designs available in the units, including single accommodation, double accommodation, and accommodation to house the student's family. There are also 8 rooms available to visitors of the University (such as parents, researchers, and visiting professors).

The College also houses a small number of graduate students on the Purgatory floor in the undergraduate residence.

[edit] Academic programs

St. Paul's offers a small number of courses in the areas of Spirituality and Personal Development, Native Studies, and Religious Studies. St. Paul's was the home of the Canadian Studies program; however, the program closed at the end of the 2004-05 academic year.

The College will propose a new program to the University of Waterloo administration in the area of International Development. This program will be a multidisciplinary program that teaches students about volunteerism and philanthropy and how to use it across the globe.

[edit] Aboriginal Student Services

St. Paul's is home to the University of Waterloo's Aboriginal Counsellor. The counsellor is available to members of the university community for counselling, academic advice, and liaising to aboriginal resources. The Aboriginal Counsellor works closely with the Aboriginal Students Association to provide opportunities for aboriginal students to explore and celebrate their heritage.

Events that are organised that are of interest to aboriginal students include weekly speakers as part of the NATST 370 course and the SUNDANCe Pow-Wow.

[edit] Principals

• Graham Brown (1999-present)
• Helga Mills (1994-1999)
• William Klassen (1989-1994)
• François Gerard (1989-1994)
• Alan M. McLachlin (1965-1977)
• Douglas J. Hall (1962-1965)

[edit] External links

• St. Paul's United College
• Courses in Native Studies
• Courses in Religious Studies
• Courses in Spirituality and Personal Development