University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg or UW) is a public research university in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It offers undergraduate programs in art, business, economics, education, science and applied health as well as graduate programs. UWinnipeg's founding colleges were Manitoba College and Wesley College, which merged to form United College in 1938. The University of Winnipeg was established in 1967 when United College received its charter.

University of Winnipeg
MottoLux et Veritas Floreant
Motto in English
Let Light and Truth Flourish
TypePublic
Established1938 as United College; 1967 as University of Winnipeg
Endowment$64.7 million[1]
PresidentTodd Mondor
Academic staff
340[2]
Administrative staff
489[2]
Students9,028[2]
Undergraduates8,776[2]
Postgraduates252[2]
Location, ,
Canada
CampusUrban
LanguageEnglish
Affiliations
MascotWes Lee Coyote
Sports teamWinnipeg Wesmen
Websiteuwinnipeg.ca Edit this at Wikidata

The governance was modelled on the provincial University of Toronto Act of 1906 which established a bicameral system of university government consisting of a senate (faculty), responsible for academic policy, and a board of governors (citizens) exercising exclusive control over financial policy and having formal authority in all other matters. The president, appointed by the board, was a link between the bodies to perform institutional leadership.[3]

The university is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate (CUSID) and a member of U Sports.

History edit

 
The University of Winnipeg
 
University of Winnipeg seen from Ellice Avenue

The UW's founding colleges were Manitoba College, 1871, and Wesley College, 1888, which merged to form United College in 1938.[2][4] In 1967, United College received a charter and became the University of Winnipeg. George Creeford Browne (architect) & S. Frank Peters designed Wesley Hall (1894–5), which is now part of the University of Winnipeg.[5]

The University of Winnipeg was established on 1 July 1967[6] when United College received its charter.[7] United College was formed in 1938 from the union of Manitoba College, founded in 1871, and Wesley College, founded in 1888. Originally affiliated with the University of Manitoba, United College received its charter in 1967 and became the University of Winnipeg.[7]

Campus edit

 
The University of Winnipeg's Rice Centre.
 
University of Winnipeg Buhler Centre
 
University of Winnipeg Theatre & Film

The campus of The University of Winnipeg is made up of 23 buildings spreading over several full blocks of Downtown Winnipeg, located directly on Portage Avenue.[8] Over the past decade, the campus has undergone over 10 new building construction or major renovation projects. Through its revitalization, the university has become an engine for downtown renewal and improvement.[9]

The Rice Centre is the home of the university's administration and student services.

The Buhler Centre was constructed to house the Faculty of Business and Economics, as well as PACE (Professional, Applied and Continuing Education), a division of the University of Winnipeg. The doors to the Buhler Centre opened September 2010.[10] Designed by PSA+DPA+DIN collective a collaborative effort between Peter Sampson Architecture Studio inc, David Penner Architect, and DIN Projects. The Buhler Centre also houses the Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art and Stella's Cafe on the main floor.

 
McFeetors Hall - panoramio

McFeetors Hall: Great-West Life Student Residence is a student dormitory. It was partially funded by Raymond L. McFeetors, Chairman of The Great West Life Assurance Company who donated $2.67 Million for a dormitory to be built on newly acquired property west of the campus.[11] The money came from his personal resources and from Great West Life.

The Asper Centre for Theatre and Film provides facilities for theatre and media studies.[12]

The Axworthy Health & RecPlex opened in 2014. It offers a range of sport and recreation facilities.

Leatherdale Hall is a shared multi-use building that is mainly used by the collegiate.

Downtown Commons which is located on Colony Street is a 14-storey apartment complex that offers accommodation for students and others.

Wesley Hall is a stone-clad brick structure built in 1894–95 and is on the Registry of Historic Places of Canada.[13] It is located on 515 Portage Ave. near Portage Place Mall. The institute for stained glass in Canada has documented the stained glass at the University of Winnipeg. Specifically at the convocation hall.[14]

Campus development edit

 
Marsha Hanen Way with the Health & RecPlex in the back.
 
Axworthy Health & RecPlex

Campus development, by the University of Winnipeg, is headed by The University of Winnipeg Renewal Corporation (UWCRC), "a not-for-profit charitable corporation, spearheads and manages campus development."[15] The UWCRC is a not-for-profit subsidiary of the University of Winnipeg and works to achieve environmental, social, economic and cultural sustainability. Their mandate is to "apply [the UWCRC's] values, skills, competencies, and experience to non-University specific economic development activities. [UWCRC] is mandated to develop wholly owned or joint-venture real estate developments and to provide development, project management and property management services to other post-secondary institutions, non-profit organizations and First Nations clients."[16]

The university president sits as the chair of the corporation and participates in its business partnerships.

The structure of the UWCRC is unique in Canada as it allows the corporation to avoid being governed by the strictures of university governance.[16] The corporation serves as "a primary engine for the redevelopment of Winnipeg's downtown", a task traditionally undertaken by government and the private sector, and not educational institutions.[16]

Recent initiatives include the newly renovated Asper Centre for Theater and Film, Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex, The Axworthy Health and RecPlex, McFeetors Hall (a new student residence) and the UWSA Daycare.[15] A new mixed use 14-story apartment complex for students and the community began construction in 2015.[15]

The financial statements of the corporation are not publicly available under public disclosure legislation. The corporate draws its operating funds entirely from the university budget.[15][17]

Academic edit

The University of Winnipeg is a provincially and privately funded post-secondary institution with undergraduate and a growing number of graduate programs including Canada's only master's degree in development practice with a focus on Indigenous development, as well as a professional, applied and continuing education and a high school division.

Students and faculty edit

Students at the university are represented by the University of Winnipeg Students' Association.[18] CKUW is the student radio station based at the University of Winnipeg. The Uniter is the campus newspaper.[19] The Student Services staff are represented by AESES.[20]

Faculties edit

  • Faculty of Arts (34% of undergraduate students) offers Honours degree programs in Classics (Greek and Roman Studies), Conflict Resolution Studies, Criminal Justice, Developmental Studies, Disability Studies, English, French Studies, German Studies, History, History of Art, Human Rights, Indigenous Studies, Interdisciplinary Linguistics, International Development Studies, Mennonite Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion & Culture, Rhetoric, Writing and Communications, Sociology, Spanish Studies, Theatre & Film, Urban and Inner-City Studies, Women's & Gender Studies.[21]
  • Faculty of Business and Economics (14% of undergraduate students) offers undergraduate programs in Business & Administration, Economics, Economics and Finance. It also offers a joint program with Red River College.
  • Faculty of Education (17% of undergraduate students)
  • Gupta Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health (6% of undergraduate students) offers programs in Kinesiology, Physical and Health Education, Athletic Therapy.
  • Faculty of Science (19% of undergraduate students) offers programs in Applied Computer Science, Bioanthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies and Sciences, Geography, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychiatric Nursing, Statistics.[22]
  • Faculty of Graduate Studies offers a growing number of graduate programs.[23] These include Masters of Arts programs in Applied Economics, Cultural Studies, Indigenous Governance, Environmental and Social Change, and Criminal Justice (As of 2018), Master of Science programs in Applied Computer Science and Society, and Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy; Professional Programs in Indigenous Development, and Technology, Innovation and Operations.[24] It also offers several joint programs with the University of Manitoba. These include Masters programs in History, Public Administration, Religious Studies and in Peace and Conflict Studies[24] There are several Postgraduate certificates: Higher Education Teaching Certificate and the Postgraduate Professional Skills Certificate[24]
  • United Centre for Theological Studies offers a variety of courses in theology. The Masters in Sacred Theology and Master of Arts Spiritual Disciplines & Ministry Practices are under review.[24]

Colleges edit

There are three interdisciplinary colleges located on the campus:

  • Global College is an interdisciplinary centre designed to bring together students, faculty and international visitors in dialogue about global citizenship. It hosts a BA in Human Rights and MAs in Indigenous Development and Peace & Conflict Studies.[25]
  • Menno Simons College is a centre for International Development Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies. It is located on the UofW campus and is a program of Canadian Mennonite University in affiliation with the University of Winnipeg.[26]
  • Richardson College for the Environment is a modern science research facility conducting research in biology, chemistry, environmental studies, Indigenous science and the social sciences. It is one of the most energy efficient educational buildings in North America.[27]

Research edit

The university has a growing research profile. Research grant income rose from $6M in 2015-16 to $12M in 2019-20.[28] It has established a number of research centres including the Centre for Access to Information and Justice (CAIJ), the Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR), the Centre for Research in Cultural Studies (CRiCS), and the Centre for Research in Young People's Texts and Cultures (CRYTC).

It has Canada Research Chairs in Fundamental Symmetries in Subatomic Physics, Quantum Materials Discovery, Culture and Public Memory, Human-Environment Interactions, Health & Culture, Indigenous People, History and Archives, Environmental Influences on Water Quality, and in Indigenous Arts, Collaboration and Digital Media.[29]

Reputation edit

University rankings
Global rankings
Canadian rankings
Maclean's Undergrad[30]13
Maclean's Reputation[31]35

In Maclean's 2023 rankings, the university was ranked 13th out of 19 primarily undergraduate universities.[30]

Indigenous UWinnipeg edit

The University of Winnipeg offers several programs and services to Aboriginal people. It is the first university to mandate that all students take an Indigenous course requirement as part of their degree. The course was added by the University of Winnipeg in support and compliance with the recommendations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.[32]

The University of Winnipeg offers a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies with a master's degree in Indigenous Governance. The University of Winnipeg provides special first-year bridging programs for Aboriginal students. Academic counsellors, tutors, and Aboriginal Elders are present on campus to provide academic and social supports, as offered by The Aboriginal Student Services Center (ASSC) on campus.[33]

Through its Wii Chiiwaaknak Learning Centre, Eco-Kids Program and Eco-U Summer Camp services, the University of Winnipeg actively partners with Aboriginal communities. The University of Winnipeg is now offering the only master's degree in Development Practice with a focus on Indigenous Development in the world, joining a network of 22 prestigious universities globally with support from the MacArthur Foundation.[34]

In 2012, the university named broadcaster Wab Kinew as its first Director of Aboriginal Inclusion,[35] a position designed to oversee the expansion of culturally inclusive outreach efforts and program development in First Nations education.[35]

The Collegiate edit

The Collegiate at The University of Winnipeg is an on-site high school that offers Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 programs.[36] It is an independent school and a division of The University of Winnipeg.[37] It offers an admission process intended to accelerate admission into first year university for Collegiate Students.[37] As of 2020, there are 376 students at The Collegiate.[2]

The Collegiate was created within Wesley College in 1873. At the time it was the only secondary school in Manitoba.[37]

Athletics edit

 
Duckworth Athletic Centre and Bill Wedlake Fitness Centre

The university is represented in U Sports by the Winnipeg Wesmen in volleyball, basketball, soccer, wrestling, as well as baseball. The U of W built a new field house (" The RecPlex"), named after Lloyd Axworthy, adjacent to the Duckworth Centre that provides indoor soccer services and smoothies.[38]

 
The granite boulder on the U of W's front lawn.

The Great Rock Climb edit

The University of Winnipeg has held their annual UWinnipeg Duckworth Great Rock Climb for over 67 years. The rock climb is traditionally held at the beginning of classes each year, on the front lawn of Portage Commons. The competition involves teams of three racing from Wesley Hall to the granite boulder monument on campus. The team to run and climb the rock the fastest wins. The fastest record was made at 9.4 seconds in 1979.[39]

Library, Museum, Archives, and Art Gallery edit

The University of Winnipeg Library supports the teaching and research needs of the university community through consultation services, research materials access, and spaces for study. In addition to administration of the library, The dean of the library manages a portfolio that includes the copyright office, archives, art gallery, anthropology museum, and WinnSpace, the university's institutional repository.[40] The library facility occupies the 4th and 5th floors of Centennial Hall, which was featured on the March 1973 cover of Progressive Architecture.[41]

The Anthropology Museum holds collections in ethnology, archaeology, primatology and hominid osteology which support the research, teaching, and public service functions of the Anthropology Department.[42]

The University of Winnipeg Archives[43] preserves and provides access to the records of the University of Winnipeg, as well as aspects of Manitoba history relevant to research at the University of Winnipeg, including social justice and human rights.[44]

Gallery 1C03 is the campus art gallery, located in Centennial Hall. The mission of the gallery is to, "engage diverse communities through the development and presentation of contemporary and historical art exhibitions and related programming initiatives."[45] The gallery shows Manitoban, Canadian as well as international artists.[46] The gallery also works to develop, preserve and present the university's art collection.[46]

People edit

Chancellors edit

Presidents edit

Notable faculty edit

Notable alumni edit

University history edit

  • A. Gerald Bedford, The University of Winnipeg: A History of the Founding Colleges, Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 1976
  • Gerald Friesen, Principal J. H. Riddell: The Sane and Safe Leader of Wesley College, In Prairie Spirit: Perspectives on the Heritage of the United Church of Canada in the West, edited by Dennis L. Butcher, et al. Winnipeg, University of Manitoba Press, 1985.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "The University of Winnipeg Foundation: 2017-2018 Annual Endowment report" (PDF). The University of Winnipeg Foundation. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "UWinnipeg Fast Facts | Fast Facts | the University of Winnipeg". Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  3. ^ Robson, Tom W.; Hay, Marnie (4 March 2015). "University of Winnipeg". The Canadian Encyclopedia (online ed.). Historica Canada.
  4. ^ Friesen, Gerald. "Principal J. H. Riddell: The Sane and Safe Leader of Wesley College." In Prairie Spirit: Perspectives on the Heritage of the United Church of Canada in the West, edited by Dennis L. Butcher, et al. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 1985.
  5. ^ George Creeford Browne (architect) & S. Frank Peters
  6. ^ Pound, Richard W. (2005). Fitzhenry and Whiteside Book of Canadian Facts and Dates. Fitzhenry and Whiteside.
  7. ^ a b Bedford, A. G. The University of Winnipeg: A History of the Founding Colleges. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1976.
  8. ^ https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/map/docs/campus-map.pdf[dead link]
  9. ^ "Projects | the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation".
  10. ^ "Campus Development Buhler Centre". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  11. ^ University of Winnipeg. "Ray McFeetors, Great West Life". Retrieved 13 July 2008.
  12. ^ "Campus Development". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  13. ^ "Wesley Hall". Canada's Historic Places. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  14. ^ "Institute for stained glass in Canada". Retrieved 16 November 2011.
  15. ^ a b c d "Campus Development – The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
  16. ^ a b c "What We Do | The University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation". uwcrc.ca. Retrieved 11 October 2017.
  17. ^ "Audited Financial Statements and Other Financial Information - Financial Services, The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca.
  18. ^ "The University of Winnipeg's Student Association". Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  19. ^ "The Uniter". Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  20. ^ "Home - Association of Employees Supporting Education Services". Association of Employees Supporting Education Services.
  21. ^ "Undergraduate Programs". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  22. ^ "Student Enrolment Report 2018-19". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  23. ^ "Graduate Programs overview". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  24. ^ a b c d "Programs Overview | Graduate Studies, The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  25. ^ "Global College". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  26. ^ "About Menno Simons College". Menno Simons College. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  27. ^ "Richardson College". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  28. ^ "Presidents Report 2020". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  29. ^ "Centres and Chairs". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  30. ^ a b "Canada's best Primarily Undergraduate universities: Rankings 2023". Maclean's. Rogers Media. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  31. ^ "Canada's best universities by reputation: Rankings 2023". Maclean's. Rogers Media. 7 October 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  32. ^ "Home | Indigenous Course Requirement, The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  33. ^ "Elders in Residence | ASSC, The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  34. ^ "The University of Winnipeg" (PDF). www.uwinnipeg.ca. Archived from the original on 26 June 2008. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  35. ^ a b "UWinnipeg names first Director of Indigenous Inclusion". University of Winnipeg, 4 October 2012.
  36. ^ "UWinnipeg Fast Facts | Fast Facts | the University of Winnipeg".
  37. ^ a b c "About the Collegiate". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  38. ^ "Campus Development – The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  39. ^ "Duckworth Great Rock Climb – 50th Anniversary – The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  40. ^ "Staff Directory | Library | the University of Winnipeg".
  41. ^ "515 Portage Avenue (Centennial Hall)".
  42. ^ "Anthropology Museum at U of W". museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  43. ^ "Home - Archives - The University of Winnipeg". archives.uwinnipeg.ca.
  44. ^ "About Us | Archives, The University of Winnipeg". archives.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  45. ^ "Home | Art Gallery, The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  46. ^ a b "About | Art Gallery, The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
  47. ^ "Chancellor P.H.T. Thorlakson Entrance Scholarship". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  48. ^ "Dr. & Mrs Roderick Hunter Award". University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  49. ^ "W. John A. Bulman". Winnipeg Regional Real Estate. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  50. ^ "Past Presidents". President & Vice-Chancellor Lloyd Axworthy. University of Winnipeg. Retrieved 23 December 2010.
  51. ^ "President – The University of Winnipeg". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  52. ^ "Dr. Todd Mondor Appointed Tenth UWinnipeg President". www.uwinnipeg.ca. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  53. ^ "Andrea Slobodian: Weather Anchor". Global Winnipeg. Shaw Media Inc. 11 March 2008. Archived from the original on 2 January 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2011.

External links edit

49°53′24.44″N 97°9′12.12″W / 49.8901222°N 97.1533667°W / 49.8901222; -97.1533667