About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a comprehensive research university that, in its short 41-year history, has grown to take its place among the finest institutions in Canada. Combining the best of long-established university traditions with the City of Calgary's vibrant energy and diversity, the university aims to provide a research and scholarly foundation for students eager to acquire the knowledge and skills essential for a successful personal and professional life.
Our 213-hectare campus provides a beautiful and dynamic setting for scholars in 16 faculties. Our 2,600 faculty members are actively engaged in research and scholarship. With more than 2,700 support staff, the university is Calgary's fifth largest employer. More than 28,000 students, including 1,930 international students from 100 countries, are enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. The U of C has more than 120,000 alumni living in 128 countries.
Research and Education
As one of Canada's top seven research universities, innovation, discovery and learning are at the heart of all that we do. Our relentless pursuit of quality in our teaching and research programs is guided by our mission to contribute to the well being of the people of Alberta, Canada and the world. U of C research funding has risen dramatically to $252 million. Research brings significant benefits provincially, nationally and internationally, and is the foundation of Alberta's economic and social vitality. Multidisciplinary research is core to the university's teaching and research mandate.
With that goal in mind, the university offers quality undergraduate education that is characterized by the synthesis of research, teaching and learning. We mean to enhance the undergraduate learners' experience by using a student-centred focus that maximizes opportunities to provide a distinctive learning experience that fully integrates the features of a research university. The university is broadening opportunities for students to take inquiry-based courses that lead to greater critical thinking skills, increased exposure to research methods and greater access to leading edge scholars.
Our efforts have raised our global profile, enhanced the quality of our undergraduate and graduate programs, promoted innovation and excellence in scholarly activity and provided significant returns and tangible benefits to our community and economy.
Facilities
The main campus features 20 academic buildings - many of which are interconnected by enclosed walkways. The MacEwan Student Centre is a tremendous hub of activity at the university. There is also a museum and arts gallery, four performance theatres, a childcare centre and residences for single students and students with families.
Additionally, the University has completed the construction of a Child Development Centre, which was built to the highest environmental standards. Construction has begun on the Dr. Fok Ying Tung International House and ground has been broken on the new Taylor Family Digital Library and the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy.
The Faculty of Medicine is located on the south campus adjacent to the Foothills Hospital. The Kananaskis Field Stations, located a short drive from the city on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, and the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, located in the foothills south of the city, represent satellite institutes of the university. Development of the university's west campus is currently taking place, and is the site of the new Alberta Children's Hospital.
The University of Calgary features some of the finest athletic facilities in the country, featuring Canada's only covered speedskating oval and home to the fastest ice in the world. The Oval also houses the Canadian Sport Institute, a high-performance training centre and two Olympic-sized rinks where the reigning women's gold medal hockey team trains. There are also tennis courts, a triple gymnasium, a yoga studio, an Olympic-size swimming pool, weight rooms, jogging tracks and a huge indoor climbing wall. Nearby is the home of U of C Dinos football team, McMahon Stadium.
