The UC Lit

Consider getting involved in Canada's oldest democratically elected student government, the University College Literary and Athletic Society ("the Lit"), founded in 1854. Opportunities include serving as a first-year representative for the Lit council or volunteering for one of the Lit's many commissions. The Lit plans events, represents students on college and university committees, supports UC clubs, organizes intramural athletics and much more. We are always looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers.

The Lit office is in the Junior Common Room and is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tel: (416) 979-2500
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The Lit Executive 2010-11

Core Executive

Michael Galang, President 
The President oversees the Lit, ensuring that planning is done and goals are met, and helps the other executives and council members.
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Kate Wilkes, Vice President
The Vice President assists the President, manages the Lit office and coordinates council activities.
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Banafsheh Bagheri, Finance Commissioner
The Finance Commissioner prepares the summer and fall budgets in consultation with the other executives and council, tracks spending, provides council with up-to-date financial actuals, and performs the annual audit.
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General Executive

Dushyaan Sri Renganathan, Off-Campus Commissioner
The Off-Campus Commissioner manages the UCOC mentor program, plans events for off-campus students and oversees the UCOC office.
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Olivia Lubanski, Athletics Commissioner
The Althletics Commissioner coordinates intramurals teams, team attendance, team captain selection and equipment management. She or he also represents UC on intramural athletics committees and plans the annual athletics banquet.
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Andrew Johnson, Community Outreach Commissioner
The Community Outreach Commissioner coordinates community service initiatives, and administers the WUSC student refugee program as well as the foster child sponsorship. He or she also helps plan Reflect, the annual social awareness art show.
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Adolf Toral, University & Academic Affairs Commissioner
The University & Academic Affairs Commissioner represents UC students on College committees and plans educational/academic events.
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Sarah Jevnikar, UC Residence Council President
The UCRC President is elected at the same time as the UC Lit and coordinates residence activities.
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Scotty Dallen, Social Commissioner
The Social Commissioner plans social events and activities throughout the year and assists council representatives in planning their events.
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Nuria Ranger, Global Action Commissioner
The Global Action Commissioner coordinates global action initiatives.
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Rebecca McNeil, Services Commissioner
The Services Commissioner plans major events during the year, particularly the Fireball (in February) and the Red and White Ball (in September).
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Steven Wojnarski, Spirit & Communications Commissioner
The Spirit & Communications Commissioner promotes UC Lit events and oversees spirit wear sales.
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Paulo Bettencourt, Literary & Creative Arts Commissioner
The Literary & Creative Arts Commissioner coordinates Reflect, the annual social awareness art show, as well as cofffee houses, co-op art and other artistic/performance events. She or he also oversees UC clubs.
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UC Lit Activities

Orientation: Run by two co-chairs who work over the summer, Orientation is one of Lit's main initiatives and a great way to get involved and help new students.

Diabolos' Coffee Bar: Consistently rated as one of the best places to get coffee on campus, Diabolos' has a variety of fair-trade coffees, pastries, drinks and snacks. It's a completely student run, break-even operation and prices are low! Diabolos' is located in the Junior Common Room.

Spirit Wear: Hoodies, T-shirts, baseball caps and other items with UC insignia are for sale at the Lit office.

Red & White Ball: Held the week after Orientation, this is a semi-formal dance in East and West Halls. Tickets are available from the Lit office and included in Orientation kits.

Fireball: Commemorating the great fire of 1890, the formal Fireball dance is held in the East and West Halls, Croft Chapter House and the Junior Common Room. Each room is decorated according to the year's theme.

Reflect: Held just before Fireball in East Hall, Reflect has a social awareness theme and showcases art from across campus.

All-night study space: The Lit and UCRC sponsor all-night study space in Fung and the JCR during exam periods.

Speaker/Secretary/Elections Coordinator: These three positions help run Lit activities by chairing meetings, taking minutes and running elections, respectively.

UC Residence Council (UCRC): A commission of the UC Lit, the University College Residence Council (UCRC) organizes a variety of social and educational programs for UC residents throughout the year.

UC Off-Campus (UCOC): A commission of the UC Lit designed to provide a link between off-campus students and campus life. UCOC runs support services, such as the first-year Mentor Program, events geared towards off-campus students (ski-trips, free pizza lunches) and a variety of other events in conjunction with on-campus groups. UCOC has an office in the F-wing of the college in the cloisters next to the Junior Common Room. To sign up for the UCOC mailing list or for more information, contact UCOC at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

UC Student Clubs

Student Newspaper: The Gargoyle

The Gargoyle is the College student newspaper. Founded in 1848 as an underground publication, the Gargoyle was shut down in 1903 and resurrected only in the 1950s.  The "Garg" has grown into an eclectic and sometimes controversial paper which welcomes all submissions, from original artwork and poetry to hard-hitting investigative journalism. The paper operates as an editorial collective and welcomes new members. The Gargoyle's offices are located in the F Wing (in the cloisters near the Junior Common Room and down the stairs). For more information, contact the Gargoyle at (416) 946-0941 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Student Literary Magazine: The UC Review 

The UC Review has been showcasing student art and literature for over 30 years. The Review is published once a year, in the spring. Be sure to pick you your free copy at the Registrar's office and enjoy the wonderful collection of poetry, short prose, art and photography by your fellow students.  For information on how to submit original work or to join one of the committees (Selections, Design/Layout or Publicity) please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Student Yearbook: The Gryphon 

The Gryphon is UC's yearbook, a collection of photos and and reminiscences about UC students, staff and community events. For more information, please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Student Theatre Troupe: The UC Follies 

The UC Follies has a long and proud history of musical productions. Recent productions include: The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Urinetown, and last year, The Threepenny Opera. Auditions are held in the fall and are open to students, faculty and staff with any level of experience. The show runs for two weeks in early February. For information on this year's production, The Who's Tommy, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Student Dragonboat Team: The UC Waterdragons 

The UC Waterdragons is a club intended to promote fun, team work, excellence and fitness among its members. The sport is about spirit and team cooperation as well as skill and strength. The team is composed mostly of UC students, but any student who is interested is encouraged to try out. Founded in 1998, successes include numerous wins and a trip to compete in China.