University of Canterbury Engineering Society Inc. (ENSOC)

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University of Canterbury Engineering Society Inc. (ENSOC)

Type	Incorporated Society
Founded	1897
Headquarters	Christchurch, New Zealand
Industry	Engineering Society
Website	ensoc.com

The University of Canterbury Engineering Society Inc. or ENSOC was founded by Professor Robert Julian Scott in the reign of Queen Victoria in 1897. It is one of the oldest surviving student clubs at the University of Canterbury (The other being the Christian Union). The School of Engineering was itself only established 10 years prior. ENSOC was established as a medium for scholars to discuss important engineering issues and fraternize.

ENSOC is an incorporated society whose constitutional objectives include;

To hold meetings at which papers may be presented, or addresses given, by members of the Society or non-members, on engineering or allied subjects.
To assist members to understand the conduct of meetings, the methods of arranging and presenting papers, and other such matters of which knowledge is desirable in the practice of the profession of engineering.
To further the cultural, educational, engineering and allied interests of members of the Society in particular and the School of Engineering in general.
To further the sporting and social interests of members of The Society.

ENSOC specialises in promoting the social faculties of its members through a series of functions and activities - it is renowned on campus for its barbeques, the second largest Ball (Formal) in Christchurch (1600 people) and the Undie 500 car rally. ENSOC also organise the Back to School Pub Crawl and inter-Faculty sporting fixtures.

ENSOC is the largest elective club at the University of Canterbury, with a steadily increasing membership in recent years;

**ENSOC Membership**
Year	Number of Members
2000	1630
2001	1800
2002	2020
2003	2100
2004	2250
2005	2500
2006	3000

[edit] Criticisms

ENSOC has been criticised for promoting binge drinking in New Zealand and for its chauvinist culture that further marginalises females in a profession that females are underrepresented in.

One of its flagship events, the Undie 500, has come under criticism for its association with drink-driving.

[edit] Future Projects

Establishment of an independent university hostel modeled on Rolleston House (c.f. United States "Frat" House)
Re-establishing Rolleston House Haka
Building on the Symposium movement to include Building Science and Architecture students and expanding to include Australian institutions.

[edit] Famous Office Bearers

T R Burt - Secretary 1897 (Founder of the modern Master Trade/PDL Brand)
R J Scott - President/Patron 1897 - 1922 (Founder of Engineering School and cousin of Antarctic explorer R F Scott)