Founded in 1968, McLaughlin College was named in honour of the late Colonel R. S. McLaughlin, business pioneer and philanthropist. Public policy is the academic mandate of the college. The college is dedicated to fostering knowledge and critical attitudes about public policy. Special attention is given to inviting policy analyses and review aimed at improving our society - the local community, the province, Canada and the global commons. A full range of cocurricular and extracurricular activities fills the college public policy program: panel discussions, lectures and noon-hour seminars on issues of the day. Public policy concerns that are either national or international in scope are included in the series of symposia.

Each year McLaughlin jointly plans and sponsors with Vanier College a conference entitled “Encounter Canada”, on an important issue of the day. The college also features an annual public policy address by a person of distinction in the field of public policy. Other forums on matters important to student life - gender concerns, academic integrity, aboriginal issues - enhance the varied cocurricular program. We try to carry on the ideal of the college’s first master, George Tatham, by providing an environment for the development of the all-round, “whole person”. The college sponsors a University-wide poetry contest at our annual Burns Night, welcomes jazz sessions in the college pub and encourages students to become active in intramural and intercollegiate athletics. We also organize special art shows and cinema festivals in our combination gallery and screening room.

Social and cultural activities include trips to special musical and theatre events in Toronto organized by the McLaughlin College Student Council. Its athletic program is oriented to winning the York Torch. Social activities include talent nights, special Halloween and Valentine’s Day dances, Christmas and year-end dinner formals and an annual ski trip. A well-equipped weight room, Dyna-Macs, is available to students on a membership basis. Locker rooms with showers are adjacent.

Through our affiliation with the Faculty departments, student associations representing majors in health and society, law and society, labour studies, political science, public policy and administration, international relations and sociology are invited to make McLaughlin College their base of activities. These groups work with the master and with McLaughlin College Council to develop cocurricular programs for students majoring in those fields and for the wider community.

The college provides offices for Fellows from a wide variety of York’s divisions and departments. Fellows are available to students for advice about courses and careers.

McLaughlin College serves both non-residence and residence students. McLaughlin’s 13 storey Tatham Hall offers single and double-room accommodation in six houses for men and women. Each house has a common recreation room. The residence life coordinator and dons work closely with house presidents and an active residence council. A full calendar of residence events provides a rounded social and cultural life on campus. The master of McLaughlin, the academic adviser and their administrative staff have an open door policy. They warmly welcome students who drop by for information, advice or a social visit.