What Are Universities For? International Symposium and Public Panel

A seemingly simple, yet fundamental question: What Are Universities For?, evokes a myriad of possible answers based on one’s ideological, political and sociological outlook.

For more than 1,000 years universities have grown and evolved to meet changing societal conditions, roles and expectations. This evolution continues today as universities face constant pressure to show a return on investment, balance public expectations, redress societal deficiencies through inclusiveness and reconciliation, and produce scholarship, research, and career ready graduates.

From May 4 – 6, 2023, national and international experts will gather at the University of Regina to do a deep dive into current ideas, challenges and re-imaginings of the modern university.

As part of this discussion, the public and media are invited to attend a free, pre-symposium panel, moderated by award winning journalist Nahlah Ayed, which will be recorded for airing on CBC IDEAS.

Details

Time:      7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (President’s reception to follow)
Date:        Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Location: Darke Hall, 2255 College Avenue

University of Regina President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen will provide opening remarks and panellists include:

• Jonathan R. Cole, (virtual) John Mitchell Mason Professor of the University & Provost and Dean of Faculties, Emeritus at Columbia University
• Malinda Smith, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) at the University of Calgary
• Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Former Pro-Vice Chancellor Māori University of Waikato and current Distinguished Professor at Te Whae Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
• Joel Westheimer, University Research Chair in Democracy and Education at the University of Ottawa

As space is limited, those planning to attend the panel in-person should register at: What Are Universities For? free public event.

Virtual attendees can view the live stream event at: What Are Universities For?

In an era of alternative facts, this timely symposium examines universities’ pivotal role in science, truth, and democracy. Just two of the many notable sessions include:

• President’s Panel - The Changing (Canadian) University Context on Friday, May 5^th brings together the president’s of Canada’s three research funding agencies (Dr. Michael Strong, Canadian Institutes of Health Research [CIHR], Dr. Alejandro Adem, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [NSERC], Dr. Ted Hewitt, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [SSHRC]), Dr. Peter McInnis, President, Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT), and Mr. Paul Davidson, President, Universities Canada.
• A special panel on the importance of Indigenous-led, and culturally responsive higher education, on Saturday, May 6, will feature Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Engagement), University of Regina, Cadmus Delorme, Chief of Cowessess First Nation (term ending May 1), Chair, federal Residential School Documents Advisory Committee, and Jacqueline Ottmann, President of First Nations University.

The format of the symposium is unique in that there are no concurrent sessions - attendees will get to experience the full three days of discussion without needing to choose between various topics and speakers. All symposium sessions will be held in the Research and Innovation Centre (RI 119) with the exception of the Indigenous panel which will be held at First Nations University of Canada. The registration fee to attend the symposium is $325 and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on May 4, 5, and 6.

For information on each of the presenters and presentations visit: What Are Universities For?

Interviews can be arranged via the contact noted or by contacting:    

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