A New Chapter Begins for the U of R in Saskatoon

The University of Regina officially opened its new Saskatoon campus, celebrating a significant investment in students and a renewed commitment to serving communities across Saskatchewan.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together government representatives, University leaders, faculty, staff, students, and community partners to mark the opening of a dedicated University of Regina home for the Faculties of Nursing and Social Work and La Cité universitaire francophone.

For President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen, the new campus represents much more than a new building.

“A university’s reach should not be limited by the walls of its main campus,” said President Keshen at the opening. “Our students live, work, and build their lives in communities across Saskatchewan, and our responsibility is, whenever possible, to meet them where they are. This new Saskatoon campus strengthens our ability to do exactly that, providing students with a place to learn and build community while extending the University of Regina’s reach across the province.”

The University has served students in Saskatoon for decades through its Nursing and Social Work programs. The new campus brings those programs together under one roof, creating a permanent University of Regina presence while opening the door to future collaboration and growth. It also provides a home for La Cité universitaire francophone, supporting the bilingual programs in the Bridge City.

The new campus was designed with student experience at the forefront.

Nursing faculty now have access to teaching studios equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology that supports remote synchronous teaching, lecture recording, and hybrid instruction. The technology gives faculty dedicated spaces to create content for students in online courses while creating a more engaging and consistent learning experience.

Additional classroom space also provides practical benefits for students studying online. Those who need to complete in-person evaluations or examinations can now do so in Saskatoon instead of travelling to Regina. Smaller nursing classes will also be offered at the campus, creating additional classroom capacity and reducing pressure on larger classrooms.

Dr. Robin Evans, dean of the Faculty of Nursing, said the new environment gives faculty greater flexibility in how they teach and support students.

“The new Saskatoon campus gives us opportunities to rethink how we deliver nursing education,” said Evans. “The teaching studios and technology allow us to support high-quality remote learning, while the additional classroom capacity gives us greater flexibility to meet the needs of our students.”

Social Work students will also benefit from larger classrooms, additional breakout rooms, student study areas, and welcoming gathering spaces designed to encourage connection outside the classroom. The campus also includes a dedicated classroom for smudging and other Indigenous cultural practices.

Dr. Cathy Rocke, dean of the Faculty of Social Work, said those spaces are already helping create a sense of belonging.

“This new space gives our students a place where they can learn, connect, and build a sense of community,” said Rocke. “The larger classrooms, breakout spaces, and dedicated space for smudging create an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and responsive to the needs of our students.”

The campus also provides dedicated student services, including counselling and academic supports, allowing students studying in Saskatoon to access many of the same supports available in Regina.

The new campus was made possible, in part, through a multi-million-dollar investment from the Government of Saskatchewan.

“Our government is proud to contribute $4.2 million to help establish a facility that reflects the needs of today’s learners,” said Minister of Advanced Education Ken Cheveldayoff. “This new campus will strengthen the University of Regina’s ability to serve students in Saskatoon and the surrounding area, preparing them for in-demand careers across Saskatchewan.”

The investment supports more than 900 Nursing students in Saskatoon, along with 500 Social Work students, while providing modern learning spaces for faculty and staff.

The campus was selected following an extensive review of potential locations across Saskatoon. Safety, accessibility, public transportation, parking, available space, renovation requirements, and long-term operating costs were all considered before the University chose the site.

“Our presence at the new Saskatoon campus will enable La Cité to better serve the region’s Francophones, regardless of their first language, and increase their access to post-secondary education and training in French,” said Dr. Sophie Gaudet, Dean of La Cité universitaire francophone. “We are proud to contribute in this way to the cultural, linguistic, and professional development of the Fransaskois community.”

Today, the facility offers flexible classrooms, student lounges, meeting spaces, teaching studios, and workspaces that can adapt as teaching and learning continue to evolve. It also creates opportunities for additional University programs and services to connect with students and communities in Saskatoon in the years ahead.

The new Saskatoon campus reflects the University of Regina’s strategic plan, Together, We Serve, by expanding access to education, strengthening community partnerships, creating inclusive learning environments, and ensuring students have the support they need to succeed wherever they choose to study.

Banner Image: President Keshen was on hand for the opening of the new Saskatoon campus. The campus houses the Faculties of Nursing and Social Work and La Cité universitaire francophone. Credit: University Communications and Marketing