University Position on Statements
The University of Calgary will refrain from releasing statements unless they are directly related to the university’s operations, including core academic and research functions, or relate to a policy or strategy previously approved through governance.
Why do we have this?
Over the past decade, the university has increasingly been called upon to issue statements related to political, social or global concerns. A university speaks with many voices, not one. When the institution issues a formal statement on a subject, it can silence opposing viewpoints.
To clarify this situation, the University Position on Statements was created in alignment with UCalgary’s Statement on Free Expression and the principles of academic freedom.
While the University of Calgary and its faculties and units will refrain from taking positions or releasing statements, members of the campus community remain free to do.
Who does the University Position on Statements apply to?
The position on statements applies to all faculties, departments, councils, offices and administrative units that make up the university.
Who can I contact if I think someone is violating the Position on Statements?
If you have concerns about a statement in non-compliance with the University Position on Statements, please contact the Provost at provost@ucalgary.ca.
All UCalgary policies can be viewed online. Find them here
What is considered a university statement?
An institutional statement is an official public communication often made in response to a significant local, national or global event.
Statements are attributed to the University of Calgary. They are issued on subjects of considerable interest to the public and posted on the UCalgary website.
The University Position on Statements, approved by the Board of Governors on June 13, 2025, outlines UCalgary policy on when it is appropriate for the university to issue a statement on an issue of public concern.
When can the university issue a statement?
The University of Calgary will only issue statements when they have a direct connection to our institution. This includes:
- When they address matters directly related to the university’s operations, including core academic and research functions.
- When the university has adopted a formal position on the matter through bicameral governance, including through pre-existing policies and institutional strategies.
In both cases, proposed statements will be reviewed and endorsed by the Executive Leadership Team before being released.
Can my department or unit issue its own statement?
Under the University Position on Statements, all faculties, departments, offices and administrative units must refrain from taking positions or issuing statements on contentious issues or current events.
Does this mean we can’t speak to the media on this subject?
Members of the campus community can continue to speak with media in a variety of capacities, including discussing their research or academic expertise, professional or personal experience. Any comments should be attributed to the individual who made them, and not as speaking on behalf of the university.
What about my right to free expression and academic freedom?
Academic freedom and free expression are essential to all universities. Higher learning is only possible when people can debate ideas, ideologies, theories and perceptions. As outlined in the TUCFA collective agreement, academic staff at the University of Calgary have the right to “examine, to question, to teach, to learn, to investigate, to speculate, to comment, to criticize, to write, to publish and like freely, without pressure, direct or indirect, to conform to or defer to prescribed doctrines, and recognize the right of academic staff to engage in these activities.”
Academic staff members have the same rights to freedom of expression as the general public. Policies such as the Statement on Free Expression and the University Position on Statements were established in alignment with supporting the core value of academic freedom.
Do all university statements need to be approved through governance?
All university statements will be created in alignment with the University Position on Statements and reviewed by Executive Leadership Team members.
If we can’t issue a statement, what can we do?
Global conflicts have very real impacts on our students, faculty and staff. A number of student supports are available. As we move forward, the University of Calgary’s focus will be on continuing to support programs and services that help our community navigate serious
events.