Skule

Skule™ is a registered trademark of the University of Toronto Engineering Society. The request was filed in December 1982, and officially registered on January 20, 1984.

The origins of the word Skule™ come from the School of Practical Science (SPS), which was the name of the engineering school at the University before it was officially absorbed as the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. The name was engraved in a large lintel stone above the entrance of the old Skulehouse. Students referred to the SPS simply as "School", even long after the Faculty became a part of the University.

The first recorded usage of the word Skule™ appeared in a 1943 School Nite programme, which listed the revue as "Skule Nite". From then on, a new era of spelling began.

For several years, both School and Skule™ were used in referring to the Engineering Faculty. The general rule of thumb was to use School for more formal occasions. Controversy surrounding the use of Skule continued for some time. Many thought that Skule was degrading to the old School of Practical Science.

In 1966, the Schoolhouse was torn down to make room for the Medical Science Building, effectively removing the last link with SPS. After this, Skule was used almost exclusively.

The lintel stone from the old Schoolhouse was moved to the Galbraith quadrangle by the class of 2T3 in 1967 "to commemorate the engineers who developed transportation, mines and industry in Canada and who received their professional training in the School of Practical Science". The stone was later moved into the lobby of Galbraith Building.

'Skule™' has since become synonymous with the University of Toronto engineering experience, with references to Skule™ Life, Skule™ Alumni, Skulebook, etc. It is a unique symbol that University of Toronto engineering students and alumni can easily identify.