Hart House

Hart House is a student centre at the University of Toronto. It is named after Hart Massey and the money to build the centre came from the Massey family with the idea being advocated by Vincent Massey, then a student at U of T. Work began on the structure in 1911, but it was not completed until the end of the First World War. Its most prominent feature is the Soldiers' Tower that honours U of T students and faculty who served in the war. The Neo-Gothic structure was designed by Henry Sproatt, who was also responsible for the Massey-funded Burwash Hall.

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The building contains a wide variety of facilities. The basement holds athletic facilities including a pool and a range. The Hart House Theatre is at ground level on a separate entrance. Upstairs is located an art gallery, reading rooms, music rooms, and lounges. The main feature is the large Great Hall, where university events are held.

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The Massey donation stipulated that the building was to be used only by men. Vincent Massey felt that a co-ed facility would ruin the sense of collegiality he hoped to create. Beginning in the 1950s this cause much controversy, and women demanded admission. Massey stood by his original conditions, however. After his death the Stewards and administrators of Hart House had Massey's deed of gift altered to allow women to become members. Since 1972, women have been able to fully participate in the House's activities.

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Hart House is a unique organization in many ways, not in the least because of its student-centred governance structure. The House is run almost completely by student committees comprised of a majority of undergraduates, as well as graduate students, senior members, and staff. Two levels of committees operate in the House: standing committees and club committees. Standing committees have broad mandates for the general operation of the House. The House Committee, for instance, is responsible for the daily governance and administration of the House; the Literary and Library Committee oversees the House's library, literary events, speaking series, and other related activities; and so on. The club committees are responsible for the operation of the various clubs, organizations, and groups the House facilitates. These include, but are not limited to, an archery club, a scuba club, a Diplomacy group, and a host of musical ensembles. Overall responsibility for House governance and operations rest with the Board of Stewards, a committee comprised of the secretaries of the standing committees and various other interested parties from the University and the community.

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At first glance this governance structure can seem cumbersome. Such a setup is important, however, because all of the House's operating funds come from a yearly student levy. The University of Toronto provides no financial assistance to the House and therefore adequate and involved student representation is considered essential to maintain the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere the House is known for.

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University of Toronto: Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto (U of T), in Toronto, Ontario, is the largest university in Canada....

Hart Massey: Hart Almerrin Massey (April 29, 1823 – February 20, 1896) was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist born in Haldimand Township (now Alnwick/Haldimand, Ontario) in what was then known as Upper Canada. His parents were Daniel Massey and Lucina Bradley. The doorstep of the original Massey hom...

Vincent Massey: The Right Honourable Charles Vincent Massey, PC , CH , CC (February 20, 1887 - December 30, 1967) was the eighteenth Governor General of Canada and the first who was born in Canada....

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