The college is named after the founding chancellor of La Trobe University, Sir Archibald Glenn.

The construction of Glenn College finished in early 1967 in preparation for the university's first students that would enrol in March that year.

[2] In the early years, the college served as a central part of university life.

[4] On the evening of 8 March 1967, the day on which the university was officially opened, the council held an inaugural ball at Glenn College.

The intercollegiate sports are held throughout the university year and include cricket, hockey, swimming, tennis, Australian rules football, softball, baseball, badminton, netball, touch football, squash, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, billiards and the Ring Road Relay.