University College

University College, informally known as Castle, is the oldest constituent college of Durham University in England. Centred on Durham Castle on Palace Green, it was founded in 1832 by William van Mildert, Bishop of Durham. As a constituent college of Durham University, it is listed as a higher education institution under section 216 of the Education Reform Act 1988. Almost all academic activities, such as research and tutoring, occur at a university level. University College moved into its current location in 1837. Around 150 students are accommodated within Durham Castle. Other college buildings, including converted 18th century houses and purpose-built accommodation from the 1950s, 1970s and 1980s, are within five minutes' walk of the castle. The college has 700 undergraduates and is currently the most over-subscribed college of the university. In 1987 it admitted women undergraduates for the first time, having previously been an all-male college. University College fosters a traditional atmosphere, encouraging its members to attend formal dinner which happens every Thursday. Formals take place in the great hall, consisting of a three-course dinner for which gowns are required dress. Students must also recite grace in Latin and must not stand until both a senior member of the JCR and the MCR have bowed to the high table. The MCR typically hosts a subsequent Port & Cheese event for their members following the formal. Castle also hosts the June Ball, a white-tie event as part of the end of examination celebrations. The MCR hosts their own Charity Ball in the month of June. From January 2012 until March 2019 the Master of the college was political theorist David Held. Wendy Powers joined as the college Principal on 1 June 2020.