Whether you are just entering post-secondary education for the first time or continuing your journey of higher learning, I am delighted that you have chosen the University of Calgary. I am deeply proud of this spirited community of over 38,000 inquisitive, ambitious and daring thinkers and doers. When you enrol at the University of Calgary, you become a part of the energy that drives us forward, a member of an inclusive campus community, and a champion for higher education.
Every year, the future gets brighter. This year, UCalgary was ranked amongst Canada’s top-five research-intensive universities. This is the first time UCalgary has cracked the top-five, and we are the youngest university on the list. But we won’t stop there. We’re on a mission to pursue an unparalleled student experience, transformative research and widespread community impact, as outlined in the Eyes High institutional strategy. And how do we plan to achieve these daring ambitions as a young university? Framework for Growth is our roadmap to success as an entrepreneurial university, committed to creating a campus where everyone can Start Something; Discover Something; Build Something; Explore Something. UCalgary students see their career prospects grow through future-focused program delivery, stackable credentials, personalized learning trajectories, and opportunities for internships. Further, we continually deepen our partnerships with industry, government and non-profits that promote the unique scholarship, research and innovation on UCalgary campuses. And finally, we encourage a new kind of transdisciplinary scholarship that breaks down siloes in the relentless pursuit of new ideas and solutions.
For you personally, this strategic orientation means that you will feel empowered to realize your academic ambitions and seek out knowledge with purpose. You will encounter a wealth of opportunities for experiential and work-integrated learning that position you for professional success. You will be inspired by the trailblazing research and innovations happening on UCalgary campuses and maybe even launch your own investigations or startup company. You will join a diverse and supportive community of over 202,000 UCalgary alumni who can attest to the power of higher education and how it has changed their lives.
The word, "community" is central to all that we do at the University of Calgary. Together, our campus community appreciates the opportunity to live, study and work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). The University of Calgary is creating more space for these First Nations perspectives through our Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p, as we make progress toward reconciliation together. A truly inclusive UCalgary is our goal, and through meaningful actions, like committing to the “Scarborough National Charter on anti-Black racism and Black Inclusion in Higher Education,” our campus community will realize this vision.
The academic year ahead is a moment of renewed hope and aspirations shining through across all five of our campuses. The world needs new ideas, and I see University of Calgary students and graduates contributing their ideas towards a brighter future. It’s time to take your place amongst this community of changemakers.
Ed McCauley, PhD, FRSC
President and Vice-Chancellor
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