Engineering Traditions
Notorious for being the most spirited faculty on campus, engineering is filled with tons of traditions, both old and new, as well as an interesting history that makes it one of the coolest and most widely recognized faculties at the University of Toronto. For example, did you know that the term Skule™ originated from the days when the entire faculty existed within one little red school house? Or that graduates of engineering take part in a secret ceremony called the Iron Ring Ceremony? From thousands of students dressed in yellow hardhats to crazy bands that burst into classrooms unannounced, there is a good chance you’ve seen or heard our engineering traditions on the news, in person, or through other people.
If it has anything to do with engineering at the University of Toronto, chances are it will have the word Skule™ (pronounced “school”) associated with it. It is a term trademarked by the University of Toronto Engineering Society, Canada’s first and oldest student engineering society.
Claimed to be the metric spelling of “school”, the term was first invented in the days when the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto was simply called the School of Practical Science (SPS). More recently, the term Skule™ has come to represent the engineering spirit at the university.
One of the greatest known engineering traditions is the Iron Ring Ceremony. The history behind this ceremony dates back to the 1920’s where, during a famous meeting of engineers, it was suggested that something was needed to bind all members of the engineering profession in Canada more closely together and to develop a statement of ethics to which a young graduate in engineering could subscribe.
Three years later, the first Iron Ring Ceremony was born and held in 1925, at the University of Toronto. Rumour has it that the rings were created from the remains of the Quebec Bridge, whose 1,800 foot cantilever structure collapsed in 1907. Hence, the rings serve as a reminder to the engineers that they are not infallible, and that there are real and serious consequences for their failures.
Today the Iron Ring is recognized as a symbol of the engineer’s pursuit of pride and excellence in design, while simultaneously reminding them of their humility. The Iron Ring has been registered and may be worn on the little finger of the working hand by any engineer who has been obligated at an authorized ceremony of the Ritual of the Calling of the Engineer.
Newer Traditions
At the start of each school year, engineers take over the downtown core parading up and down the streets of Toronto dyed purple and dressed in bright yellow hardhats, a tradition dating back several decades. Due to the ongoing rivalry between engineers and “artsies” (Arts & Science undergraduate students), engineers must be careful to not let their hardhats be stolen. Some engineering students will go as far as attaching a chain to their hat and tying it around their waist!
The official mascot for engineering at U of T is the Cannon, which is fired at many Skule™ events. Another important symbol is Lady Godiva. Considered to be the patron saint of engineering by many engineering organizations, her name is included in many important events and organizations such as the Lady Godiva Memorial Band and Lady Godiva Spirit Week—a week of merrymaking and revelry including events like chariot races. Just imagine a field full of engineers decked out in their greased-garbage-bag best, each engineering program fiercely defending its chariot as rival teams make several unscrupulous attempts to impede others’ progress. It’s all a part of that thing we call Skule™ spirit!
Since 1921, engineers have written, directed and performed in Skule™ Nite, a hilarious musical comedy put on each year in March. (In the early days, the show was actually put on at Massey Hall in Toronto!) You may also want to pick up a copy of “The Cannon” or “Toike Oike“—our two engineering publications (the Toike will have you rolling on the ground with laughter).
From the Iron Ring Ceremony to Orientation Week, the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto is rooted in many traditions that have given it the reputation it has today, and that continues to make it the most fascinating and notoriously fun faculty at U of T.
