A residential university college with dynamic liberal arts programs, Renison is one of 160 Anglican colleges worldwide. Affiliated with the University of Waterloo since 1959, Renison is proud to provide the setting for excellent undergraduate learning through its committed faculty, small classes, and a strong sense of community. Renison is also home to the School of Social Work, which offers a post-BA Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree, and the English Language Institute, which offers credit and non-credit courses in English as a Second Language.
Renison’s undergraduate liberal arts courses lead to bachelor’s degrees of the University of Waterloo. Programs available exclusively through Renison are Social Development Studies and East Asian Studies. In addition, Renison contributes to University of Waterloo curriculum with courses in Applied Language Studies, English, Fine Arts, History, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology. Renison University College faculty and courses are designated by an "R" in this Calendar.
Social Development Studies (SDS) at Renison offers courses in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Interdisciplinary Social Science. This innovative multidisciplinary program prepares students to apply different perspectives to contemporary social issues and to impact individuals, families, and communities locally, nationally, and globally. It is tailored for students interested in such helping professions as social work, teaching, public service, ministry, and law. Students can complete a University of Waterloo BA with a major (honours or general) or a minor in SDS. A Diploma of General Studies in Social Work and the Certificate in Studies of Child Abuse are also available from Renison.
To serve those seeking business and cultural contacts in the Far East and those travelling to the area, Renison offers a wide range of courses in East Asian culture, literature, religion, politics, and languages (Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin). In addition to Renison’s Diploma in East Asian Studies, students can register for a Minor or an Option in this discipline. For those who want to become language teachers at home or abroad, Renison coordinates an interdepartmental option and diploma in Applied Language Studies (APPLS).
The School of Social Work at Renison offers a unique Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree through full-time or part-time studies for those with a BA (or equivalent) and ten prerequisite courses. Students complete the full-time program in an intensive ten months on campus, while those who study part time complete their studies in three years (or less) through on-campus and online courses. The school has distinguished itself through strong academics as well as a skills-oriented approach to social work practice in intensive field placements. The school prepares its graduates to serve a wide range of populations at all systems levels within the framework of a mission promoting social justice and community service.
The BSW program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Work Education. Graduates are eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Canadian Association of Social Workers, and are eligible to apply for certification to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
In addition to the academic and social advantages of a world-class university, Renison’s multicultural and multi-faith student body enjoys the strong sense of community and individual attention that only a small university college can provide. With room for up to 220 men and women in its residences, Renison offers both academic day students and residents a broad range of activities including student government, athletics, social events, and community dinners. Renison is also home to the Renison Institute of Ministry, a leader in lay training, and to the Confucius Institute of the University of Waterloo, which offers non-credit courses in Chinese culture and language.