Renison University College

Renison University College Welcome to the official page of Renison University College at the University of Waterloo.

Renison University College makes a valuable contribution to the greater University of Waterloo community by providing the setting that makes excellent undergraduate learning possible. Committed faculty, small classes, and a strong sense of community are among the elements that have made Renison a success. Renison, affiliated with the University of Waterloo, offers academic programs and courses leading to Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees. Renison seeks to prepare students for a variety of careers, including social work, social development studies, education, law and the ministry. Renison also strives to assist students to develop programs within the traditions of a strong liberal arts education. In conjunction with courses available from the University at large, Renison assists students to develop a sound programme in the arts thereby increasing their awareness and appreciation of themselves and their potential both as individuals and as citizens of the world. It endeavours to ensure they have encountered the best of literature and philosophy, some of the great findings of the sciences, and some of the great creations of arts and culture. It seeks to familiarize students with the methodologies of the academic disciplines within which they work and the assumptions upon which these disciplines rest. Renison also helps students develop the skills to express their own ideas with precision and eloquence. Through its residence, Renison offers accommodation for students following its programmes and for those studying elsewhere in the University. It provides an intimate setting where students of all religious persuasions or spiritual outlooks may live and learn while enjoying all the resources of a major university.

10/02/2026

Amanda, an SDS and BSW graduate, shared her experience completing both degrees and how they complemented one another. We spoke with her about the skills, knowledge, and confidence she gained through the program.
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Applications are now open for the Social Development Studies (SDS) program and the SDS and BSW Double Degree.⁣
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Learn more
SDS: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs/social-development-studies
Double Degree: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs/sds-social-work-double-degree

October is Women’s History Month! Each week, we’ll be featuring women who have played an important role in the Renison c...
10/01/2026

October is Women’s History Month! Each week, we’ll be featuring women who have played an important role in the Renison community.

This week, we’re highlighting Gail Cuthbert Brandt, Renison’s first woman principal and the University of Waterloo’s first woman Head of College.

Gail first came to Renison as a History student in 1963 and returned in 1992 to serve as Principal and Vice-Chancellor. She also built a career researching and teaching women’s history.

Learn more about Gail and her time at Renison: https://uwaterloo.ca/renison/news/womens-history-month-gail-cuthbert-brandt

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember those...
09/30/2026

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember those who never returned home, and reflect on our responsibilities toward reconciliation.

Members of the Renison community took part in University of Waterloo's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation programming, including the Sunrise Ceremony, Commitment Polishing Ceremony, and the walk around Ring Road.

At Renison, students were also invited to stop by our booth to pick up an orange shirt pin and share what the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation means to them.

Here are a few more ways to engage with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

🧡 Learn more about Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Explore resources through UWaterloo Office of Indigenous Relations, Waterloo Public Library, and other Indigenous-led educational resources.

🧡 Support Indigenous creators and businesses by purchasing from Indigenous artists, reading Indigenous authors, listening to Indigenous musicians, and supporting Indigenous-owned businesses.

🧡 Consider donating your time or resources to Indigenous organizations that preserve Indigenous culture and history, like Woodland Cultural Centre.

09/30/2026

"To me, truth and reconciliation means remaining aware of Canadians' colonial history and how it continues to impact people and systems today. We need to remain aware of these impacts in order to break colonial patterns." - Kieran, Inclusion Coordinator

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We asked the Renison community what this day means to them.

This day invites us to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools, honour Survivors and their families, and commit to meaningful learning and action. We encourage everyone to take time to learn about the history and participate in events planned for the day.

☕ Did you know that every bag of Morning Moose supports Renison student scholarships?Made with beans from Peru, Ethiopia...
09/28/2026

☕ Did you know that every bag of Morning Moose supports Renison student scholarships?

Made with beans from Peru, Ethiopia, and Brazil, Morning Moose is Renison's signature coffee blend. The coffee, name, and label were all chosen by the Renison community, so it truly is a Renison blend!

If you'd like a fresh bag waiting for you each month, consider joining the Morning Moose Coffee Club!

Learn more and subscribe: https://donations.renison.ca/morning-moose-subscription.html

Renison is heading to the Ontario Universities' Fair this weekend! 🎓Stop by to chat with our team, learn about our progr...
09/25/2026

Renison is heading to the Ontario Universities' Fair this weekend! 🎓

Stop by to chat with our team, learn about our programs and residence, and get your questions answered. We can't wait to see you there!

📅 September 26-27
🕤 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
📍 Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building

Learn more: https://www.ouevents.ca/ouf/

We’re pleased to welcome Takeshi Matsunaga, Consul-General of Japan in Toronto, to Renison as part of the Belair Centre ...
09/23/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Takeshi Matsunaga, Consul-General of Japan in Toronto, to Renison as part of the Belair Centre Speaker Series! Matsunaga will present Promoting Friendship between Japan and Canada.⁣
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The session is presented with EASIA 203R: Japanese Culture and Society and is open to the wider Renison community.⁣
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To register, please send your full name, affiliation, and email address to [email protected].⁣
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📅 September 30, 2026⁣
🕓 4:00 p.m.–5:20 p.m.⁣
📍 REN 2107

09/23/2026

Happy International Day of Sign Languages! 🧏🤟

Today is a day to celebrate sign languages and raise awareness of their importance to Deaf communities around the world.

Follow along with our Resident Don Abby and learn how to sign the ASL alphabet! 👐

Interested in pursuing a Master of Social Work? Learn more about our MSW program, including what to expect from the prog...
09/22/2026

Interested in pursuing a Master of Social Work? Learn more about our MSW program, including what to expect from the program and the application process, followed by a live Q&A where you can ask your questions!
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This session is intended for those who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or are currently completing a BSW and are considering an MSW.⁣
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📅 October 28, 2026⁣
🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET⁣
💻 Online via Zoom⁣
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Registration is required: https://uwaterloo.zoom.us/meeting/register/CUkIm6_zQbOvfG9jo5mGgQ #/registration

Address

240 Westmount Road North
Waterloo, ON
N2L3G4

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+15198844404

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