It is the highlight of my year to welcome a new community of students to the University of Calgary. On behalf of the university’ faculty and staff, we are here to create an environment for rich exploration, experience, and the expansion of your horizons in exciting new directions.
Since becoming president in 2010, I have been inspired by the overwhelming commitment to growth and innovation that I have witnessed in our staff, faculty and students alike. Our slogan, mo shùile togam suas which translates to, “I will lift my eyes high,” is the central theme of our strategic vision introduced last fall – Eyes High – which belongs to every member of this university community:
The University of Calgary will be a global intellectual hub located in Canada’s most enterprising city. In this spirited, high-quality learning environment, students will thrive in programs made rich by research and hands-on experiences. By our fiftieth anniversary in 2016, we will be one of Canada’s top five research universities, fully engaging the communities we both serve and lead.
The University of Calgary plays an important role in the larger community and our graduates have had a significant impact in making this young Canadian city one of the top-ranked urban centres in the world. The University of Calgary is committed to accelerating its students toward leadership in all areas of their lives through a number of formal and informal leadership initiatives including the University of Calgary Leadership Program, Camp LEAD for first-year students, the Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) and the Canadian Conference on Student Leadership, to name just a few.
In this our 46th year, the University of Calgary has a renewed focus on creating an outstanding learning environment for our students as well as a place where you are encouraged to explore your passions and values. The University of Calgary Co-curricular Record is an official university document, uniquely designed to capture and recognize the non-academic contributions you make during your time at the university for their enduring value. Over the coming months and years, we will be inviting you to take part in decisions and directions that will impact students and scholarship for generations of students to come. We look forward to your contributions.
Whether you’ve chosen to live in residence or commute to classes, we hope you experience campus as your second home. The University of Calgary offers a representative mix of the old and new, from the state-of-the-art LEED-certified Energy, Environment, and Experiential Learning building to some of Calgary’s most enduring examples of mid-century modern architecture. The University of Calgary features wonderful athletic facilities, the innovative new Taylor Family Digital Library, and a brand-new downtown campus. I think you will find this to be a rich environment for inspiration, contemplation, and recreation.
As we approach our 50th anniversary, the University of Calgary is energized by a youthful, bold and ambitious spirit. Working together, we will achieve our goals to be one of Canada’s top five research universities and the hub of Calgary’s intellectual community. Congratulations on making the decision to embark upon a university experience. I am confident it will be a rewarding experience that will help define who you are and what you will be in the future. Remember to keep your eyes high, embrace the new opportunities that you will encounter and pursue your dreams with passion and commitment. On behalf of everyone at the University of Calgary, we look forward to supporting and celebrating you in this exciting time of exploration.
Elizabeth Cannon
President
Welcome