(The following is from the guide given to all prospective and new students of the Thane College of Magics).
The Thane College of Magics was founded in the year 436 by the arch wizard Henry Thane, and for over three centuries has been the premiere school of arcane knowledge in the world. Graduates of the College are some of the most famous sorcerors of the day, including Louis Dragonbane, Elayne of the Seven Robes, and Peter du Marquon. A degree from Thane College is one of the most highly sought after prizes for any practicioner of magic, due to the dedication of its teachers and students to furthering understanding, knowledge, and mastery of all matters mystical. The challenge offered to students is high, but the rewards are beyond measure.
To better organize the pursuit of magical knowledge the College is divided into 9 Schools: the School of Enchantments, the School of Invocation, the School of Illusions, the School of Transmutation, the School of Abjuration, the School of Conjuring, the School of Divination, the School of Alchemy, and the School of General Magics. Each School is headed by a Vice Chancellor of the College, who together with the Chancellor of the College form the Board of Directors. After two years of study students must apply to and be accepted by one of the Schools to continue towards their degree.
The current Chancellor of Thane College is Francois La Fontain (class of 704). Formerly the Vice Chancellor of the School of Conjuring, Chancellor La Fontain has served as the official court wizard of the Emperor of the Fractacian Empire, and was a member of the group of adventurers that defeated the demon queen Llolth. Chancellor La Fontain was elected to the position of Chancellor in 736, and during his tenure has helped establish student exchange programs with the Temple of the Divine Moon, the Black Tower of Fenris, and the elven University Arcanis.
Current enrollment of Thane College is 354 (for the third consecutive year, a record number). It takes on average five years to complete the required courses to earn a basic degree, with another three years on average to earn an advanced degree. There are currently 48 students pursuing advanced degrees at Thane College, many of them also serving as assistants to the full Professors.
The 42 Professors of the College represent one of the greatest collections of sorcerous expertise ever assembled. Each and every Professor is an acknowledged master of his or her craft, and many are famous for their previous exploits, creations, and service to royalty and deities alike. In addition to teaching students every Professor participates in research to help further their school's body of knowledge. This research is assisted by students pursuing advanced degrees as well as the most gifted and talented students in the basic program.
Graduates gain many benefits upon obtaining a degree from Thane College. In addition to the prestige and honor that come with the conferring of such a degree, graduates in good standing are free to make use of the College's extensive library, research laboratories, and other facilities. In addition the College sponsers numerous conferences and gatherings of sorcerous practicioners, during which wizards from around the world (and indeed, from places well removed from this plane of existance) come together to share their research and help push back the boundaries of arcane knowledge.