Conrad Grebel University College

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Conrad Grebel University College: A short, easy-to-understand overview

What it is
- A university college affiliated with the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
- It has roots in the Mennonite church and focuses on programs in music, peace and conflict studies, religious studies, and Mennonite studies.
- The college is named after Conrad Grebel, a founder of the Swiss Brethren and an early leader in Anabaptist history.

History
- Founded in 1963 as Conrad Grebel College with a peace-centered Mennonite vision.
- In 2001 it became a university college affiliated with the University of Waterloo.
- An act recognizing the college was passed in 2004 (Conrad Grebel University College Act).

Location, campus, and facilities
- Located next to the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario.
- On-campus housing for about 140 students, plus a separate apartment building for about 32 residents.
- Milton Good Library for study and research.
- Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement.
- An on-site map and campus facilities support both residence life and academics.

Programs and academics
- Undergraduate students are enrolled at the University of Waterloo and take courses that count toward Waterloo degrees.
- Grebel offers specialized undergraduate programs in Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, Religious Studies, and Mennonite Studies.
- Graduate programs include a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies and a Master of Theological Studies.

Ensembles and music
- The college runs various music ensembles, such as Orchestra @UWaterloo, instrumental chamber groups, jazz, a Balinese gamelan group, and choirs.
- These ensembles are open to students both within and outside Grebel’s own programs.
- Since 2003, Grebel has hosted a musical event every two years, and in 2025 staged a Canadian premiere of a musical (The Clockmaker’s Daughter).

Scholarships and bursaries
- The college offers scholarships for Aboriginal, First Nations, and Métis students, including support listed in the Aboriginal Bursaries Search Tool.

Media and student life
- Conrad Grebel Review: a peer‑reviewed journal of Christian inquiry from Anabaptist/Mennonite perspectives, published three times a year.
- Grebel also publishes a student-run magazine, GrebelSpeaks, produced by residents and associates.

Community and campus life
- Grebel emphasizes a close, supportive community, reflecting its Mennonite roots and small college size.
- Residents participate in regular chapel services, Snack Nights, and a weekly Community Supper, which brings together residents, associates, faculty, and staff.
- The college is affiliated with the Inter-Mennonite Children’s Choir.

Relationship with the University of Waterloo
- Undergraduates are registered at and graduate from the University of Waterloo, taking Grebel-taught courses that count toward Waterloo degrees.
- Grebel offers some graduate programs itself, acting as a specialized college within the broader Waterloo system.

mascot
- The college uses a friendly mascot named Conrad the Cookie.

Location and contact
- Address: 140 Westmount Rd. N, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G6
- Website: grebel.ca

Overall
- Conrad Grebel University College provides a small, community-focused alternative within the University of Waterloo, offering targeted programs and a distinctive peace-centered environment along with active music ensembles and a strong sense of community.