Renison was incorporated on January 14, 1959, by provincial Letters Patent and under the authority of the Synod of the Diocese of Huron, due to the efforts of the Kitchener and Waterloo Anglican communities.

Harvey Southcott, who was rector of Church of the Holy Saviour at the time, were particularly influential as he had the original vision for an Anglican college in Waterloo.

Archbishop Renison served in the Anglican Church of Canada with great distinction for nearly six decades, a significant amount of that time being spent in Northern Ontario.

The family agreed to let the new institution use his heraldic emblem and accompanying motto, Sed Coelum Solum (one sky over all), until the college was granted its own unique coat of arms in 1978.

2013 saw the completion of the East Side Extension, which is home to new classroom space, student lounges, and Renison's School of Social Work.

Renison completed its newest building in 2015 and was opened by David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and former president of the University of Waterloo.

With 17 new classrooms, the complex also features student lounges, meeting rooms, a glass atrium capable of hosting small events, and office space for staff and faculty members.

In a poll conducted by the University of Waterloo's student newspaper, The Imprint, Renison's Lusi Wong Library was voted the best place to study on campus.

Renison is home to the Luscott Ministry Centre, where all students, staff, and faculty have the opportunity to relax on couches, enjoy free coffee, tea, and cookies, and make use of a variety of stress relief activities.

The Ministry Centre is a meeting place where community forms, faith is a welcome part of conversation, and transformation is championed.

The board of governors has responsibility for the university's properties, affairs and income and determines approval for tenure and sabbatical for professors of the college.

The president also holds the position of vice-chancellor of the college, assuming the duties of the chancellor during his/her absence or temporary vacancy in the office.

The chancellor, who serves as the titular head of the college, is elected by the members of the board for a term of four years with the possibility of renewal.

The primary duty of the chancellor is to preside at all Renison convocations, and grant honours to candidates on behalf of the college at Founders Day.

The CLS department also supports Renison and University of Waterloo students by offering credit courses in English, Fine Arts, History, and Religious Studies.

The program prepares students for ethical, critically reflective, anti-oppressive, competent and accountable social work practice.

The MSW Program is being offered for full-time or part-time study in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo.

CAPE offers non-credit courses, workshops as well as special events and programs that explore topics such as language, culture, and spirituality.

The Renison Institute of Ministry (RIM) offers theologically and biblically based courses, workshops, and events.

Participants can earn a Certificate in Christian Studies or a Licentiate in Theology (in partnership with Huron University College).

The Renison International Office (RIO) offers opportunities for students wanting to study abroad as well as an array of customizable programs.

Dons are the primary point of contact for all residents whether it is asking for assistance, resolving conflict, responding to emergencies, or planning floor events.

Peer Leaders’ responsibilities include: providing learning opportunities that complement in-class studies, helping athletes become involved in Renison Residence community events, providing support for academic success, and acting as a resource to assist with athletic or personal concerns.

A WALC Scholarship of $1000 was developed that is awarded to 5 members of the community with the highest academic average after their first term on a full-time course load.

Peer Leaders are responsible for facilitating weekly activities and conversation social events with the students to help them build their language skills.

EFAS and BASE students also attend mandatory check-in meetings twice a term with their Peer Leaders to assess their adjustment to North American studies.

Reni has represented the college at a variety of events including Orientation Week, Waterloo Warriors hockey games, convocations, Renison's One Sky Festival, to name but a few.

The nominee must have made a substantial and noteworthy contribution to Renison University College, to his or her field, and/or to the community at large.

The nominee must have made noteworthy contributions to Renison over an extended period of time during his or her employment at the college, the University of Waterloo, or the other university/colleges on campus.

The chair of the board of governors of Renison University College wears green robes with gold braiding.