Colleges in their inception were created to serve the purpose of creating smaller communities within York's large student population and give students a space to meet socially. Their role has evolved and are now also a place for academic support. Each college is also dedicated to preparing you for your future career by proving opportunities for student engagement and the tools, skills and knowledge for academic, personal and professional success, which professors are unable to cover in class due to time constraints.
New College was officially formed on July 1, 2009, under the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS). At the time, it was the newest of York's nine colleges and of the four colleges within LA&PS. New College supports Commerce, Human Resources Management, Information Technology and Disaster and Emergency Management students.
In Spring of 2012, New College conducted a contest for students to submit their ideas for a College flag design. U Kai Lai, an international student in his first semester of study, was the selected winner of the contest. On November 26, 2012, New College held a Banner Raising Ceremony in York's Senate Chamber to celebrate the official unveiling of the New College Banner and Logo. U Kai Lai explained the concept behind the design and spoke of his interest in doing something for his school and the reward of becoming involved. The New College Banner Raising Ceremony was an event which not only celebrated this milestone in New College history, but the essence and purpose of York’s Colleges in creating community and opportunity for students to engage and grow.