Seeking our next Chancellor
If you're passionate about advanced education, research and innovation, you can help us tell our story.
Play an integral role in our bold, vibrant community
Connector. Leader. Ambassador.
The UCalgary Chancellor is a unique, robust volunteer who is responsible for a variety of important duties on campus. The Chancellor works closely with UCalgary leadership to advance the university vision and interests. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated integrity in all aspects of life, a deep connection to community, and a dynamic approach.
This is a four year term, starting July 1, 2026.
Convocation
The Chancellor presides over all degree-conferring ceremonies of the university, and presents Honorary Degrees and the Order of the University of Calgary. Recipients are selected by the Chancellor with the President and Vice-Chancellor. Honorary degrees are granted by authorization of the senate.
Senate
The Chancellor acts as the Chair of the university Senate. The Senate, in alignment with the university’s Ahead of Tomorrow strategy, promotes the university’s priorities and enriches productive community relationships to foster positive relations in the communities we lead and serve.
Board of Governors
The Chancellor serves as a member of the Governors of the University of Calgary. The Board of Governors oversees the university’s operations, strategic direction, and policies, ensuring resources are used effectively, activities align with its mandate, and institutional risks are well managed.
What does it mean to be UCalgary's Chancellor?
"Being the Chancellor of the University of Calgary has fundamentally shaped my perspective and character. The role offers unique opportunities to influence and inspire, and teaches invaluable lessons about institutional leadership. To future Chancellors: embrace the learning journey, trust the process, and remember that your voice and presence matter deeply to the university community and beyond."
Jon Cornish
Chancellor, 2022-2026
President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley is the chief executive officer of the University, providing institutional leadership and oversight, developing and driving the mission, strategies and advancement of the University and acting as the chief advocate, the principal ambassador and the principal voice of the University.
Learn more about the University of Calgary’s Executive Leadership Team, strategies and progress towards our Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan.
Chancellor Recruitment Process
Interested parties are invited to submit an application or nomination by January 31, 2026. The application should consist of a cover letter and resume in PDF or Word format. UCalgary encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Applications can be submitted to UCalgary-Chancellor@jssearch.ca
If you require accommodation in any area of this application process, please contact us using the email address above.
Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.
The Chancellor Search Committee will identify their final candidate and submit a recommendation to Senate.
The Senate will select the chancellor. All candidates will be notified of the final selection.
The current Chancellor will complete their term June 30, 2026 and cannot be reappointed (as per the Post-Secondary Learning Act). The Chancellor Search Committee (CSC) has been tasked by the UCalgary Senate to conduct an open, transparent search for a new Chancellor. The role of the committee is to solicit submissions, evaluate candidates and recommend one candidate to the Senate.
The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
The submission and review process will be treated as strictly confidential.
Ahead of Tomorrow | Strategic Plan 2023-30
The University of Calgary’s remarkable trajectory reflects audacious growth and entrepreneurial spirit. Our students, postdocs, faculty, staff, and community have built a bold university in less than 60 years.
What is next? How do we look beyond tomorrow?
This Strategic Plan shapes our journey toward 2030, considered through long-term, foundational commitments to: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; Indigenous Engagement; Mental Health; Global Engagement; and Sustainability.