Despite a long history, U of T mostly lacks a strong set of traditions. That’s a shame.
Comments (2) 
Convocation: one of the few overt displays of tradition at U of T
Tradition is a tricky thing. Some forms of it retard progress; others strengthen groups and propel them forward. It has always been difficult in society to draw the line in regards to which traditions ought to be maintained, and which forgotten. But here at the University of Toronto, it strikes me that, for the most part, the school’s traditions have slipped by the wayside. Why? Because many argue that tradition means exclusivity, and exclusivity, it seems, is irrevocably wrong – something that is frowned upon in our politically-correct generation.
But before I continue on with the virtues of university traditions, let me get one thing out of the way: I think exclusivity is good. It evokes a sense of camaraderie and duty and a desire for excellence within those in its circle. To be a member of a club offers individuals a sense of accomplishment, and consequently, a feeling of having done well for themselves. Exclusivity is good, provided everyone has access to some form of it. And simply by attending the University of Toronto – an institution that has criteria for acceptance or dismissal – students have joined an exclusive club.
But why is exclusivity good, and how does this correlate to tradition? In any social group that has own rules and customs there is a sense of belonging: the stronger the traditions, the stronger the sense of belonging – and the stronger the sense of belonging, the stronger the member. By this, I mean that individuals, being part of a history, feel that their identities are enhanced, not only by their own accomplishments, but by those of their forbears.
For an example of why tradition is good, look no further than the spiky spires of Trinity College. Now, I am a Victoria College man myself, but I have no problem in commending Trinity for its strong sense of personality. Among Vic students, I have heard countless criticisms of Trinity for requiring its students to wear robes to dinner, of its exclusive, black-tie events, and its secret society. Yet, I cannot help but feel that these criticisms are sour grapes.
Victoria College, Trinity’s chief rival, once possessed as many traditions, but over the years, maybe due to a change in administration, has, for the most part, let them go. I’ve seen them, and they’re hopelessly watered down to the point students feel little pride in participating in them. I am sure that if initiations (no, you don’t need to necessarily eat a goldfish) and songs and traditions were taken with more seriousness, students would welcome them with more enthusiasm.
Newer colleges such as Woodsworth, have few traditions of their own. But it would be a shame to say that merely because something is new and recent, it cannot begin a history.
As much as one may criticize Trinity for its exclusive nature, one must admit that the college, unlike many others at U of T, has a strong identity and personality – one that is more clearly defined than say, that of Innis or New. With its historic traditions, Trinity has been able to create a tightly knit community within a very large university campus. This has led to a great deal of criticism from others, but also a great amount of pride for those studying at Trinity. And I see no reason why other colleges cannot begin to follow suit, according to their own terms.
The various colleges and faculties of the University of Toronto are akin to a person’s limbs. Each one must be strong in order for the human form to reach its ultimate potential. Currently, we have one muscled arm, and the rest is lagging behind. If every college celebrated its traditions, university spirit as a whole would undoubtedly be stronger for it, as we’ve seen in the similarly structured institutions of Oxford and Cambridge (from which U of T adopted the collegiate system).
Some may argue that I’m enamoured with the American or British collegiate systems. I am not. I am enamored with the concept of pride. I’ve paid my dues to the University of Toronto (quite literally), I’ve persevered through countless lectures and long readings. I deserve, as every student does, to be proud of this university. There is the pride one feels in oneself, but this sense of pride multiplies 10-fold in association with an institution that has educated generations of great minds. Many great traditions have developed at U of T since its establishment in 1827. It’s time we celebrated more of them.
Reader Comments
I’m afraid that I have to disagree and label most of the article as complete hogwash. To claim that Trinity College is the only college or faculty at the University of Toronto to hold onto tradition and celebrate it is utter nonsense.
As a student of the University of St. Michael’s College, within the University of Toronto, I can tell you that my college upholds many traditions. From our complete domination of Frosh Week, year after year (ie. we have won nine out of the past decade’s 10 Bed Racing competitions; we pull off more pranks than any college or faculty, save one), to our widely attended Kelly’s Korner, SMC Improv, and Stage Musical events, and not forgetting our under-acknowledged “Quad Parties,” we most certainly hold tradition dear to our hearts.
In addition, I have nothing but respect for the huge amounts of spirit that the University of Toronto’s Engineers, also known as Skule, possess. While some of their traditions are downright bizarre (dyeing oneself purple), others are quite admirable (the establishment of the Lady Godiva Memorial Bnad). The Engineers are the only college or faculty to be able to outprank St. Mike’s, and their use of a working cannon as a mascot for over 75 years is something to behold.
Perhaps the author’s college – Victoria – doesn’t hold onto tradition very well, and perhaps Woodsworth, Innis, and New College don’t either, but Trinity is certainly not the only part of our grand institution known as the University of Toronto to hold onto what makes attending here so fantastic. Take a look around – it’s amazing what you discover when you go outside of your comfort zone.
I go to U of T Engineering Skule and I’m pretty confident when I say we have a lot of traditions and we keep most of them alive. I agree that exclusivity and pride are great things. They’re wonderful. Pride in my faculty is what makes me say “Engineer!” without another thought when someone asks me who I am.
There are harmful traditions that should be talked about in more depth, though. For example, in engineering, we tell our Frosh Engineers “hate ArtScis” and “love nurses.” This is obviously done in good humour, but frosh don’t know that. It’s the leaders’ duty to let them know about it. Maybe then we’d have fewer stolen hardhats and shoes around campus.