Ah, the University of Ottawa. A sprawling monument to academia, nestled in the heart of Canada’s capital. You want an article, not my opinion, though I have plenty. Fine. Let’s dissect this institution, shall we?
University of Ottawa
French: Université d'Ottawa
The University of Ottawa, often abbreviated to uOttawa or, with less enthusiasm, U of O, is a rather significant entity. It’s a public university that prides itself on being bilingual, a rarity, I’ll grant you. Its main campus, a rather sprawling urban affair of 42.5 hectares (which translates to a frankly excessive 105 acres), is strategically positioned northeast of Downtown Ottawa, separated from the bustle by the picturesque, if somewhat icy, Rideau Canal. It occupies a good chunk of the Sandy Hill neighbourhood, a place that probably has more historical significance than actual charm.
History
The genesis of this institution can be traced back to 1848, when it was established as the College of Bytown by none other than Joseph-Bruno Guigues, the first bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa. He, with a flair for the dramatic or perhaps just a practical need for management, entrusted its direction to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. It wasn’t long before it shed its provincial skin, becoming the College of Ottawa in 1861 and then, with a flourish of a royal charter, a full-fledged university five years later. The ecclesiastical ties were further solidified in 1889 when Pope Leo XIII bestowed upon it a pontifical charter, elevating it to the status of a pontifical university. However, the winds of change blew in 1965, and the university underwent a significant reorganization, becoming a corporation independent of any religious oversight. The civil and pontifical charters were subsequently retained by the newly formed Saint Paul University, which remains federated with the institution. The rest, as they say, is now civil history.
Bilingualism and Biculturalism
The University of Ottawa holds the distinction of being the largest English-French bilingual university on the planet. A rather ambitious undertaking, wouldn't you agree? It offers a vast array of academic programs, meticulously organized across ten faculties. These include the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the esteemed Telfer School of Management. For those seeking knowledge, the University of Ottawa Library is a formidable resource, boasting twelve branches and a collection that surpasses four and a half million titles. It’s also a proud member of the U15, a rather exclusive club of Canada's most research-intensive universities, with a research income that would make most institutions blush.
The university is a co-educational establishment, drawing in nearly 40,000 undergraduate students and an additional 6,000 postgraduates. For those inclined towards linguistic immersion, the French Immersion Studies program saw 2,300 students in the fall of 2022. Its global reach is evident in its student body, with approximately 10,600 international students hailing from 150 countries, making up a quarter of its student population. The alumni network is equally impressive, stretching to over 250,000 individuals. And for the athletically inclined, the university’s teams are known as the Gee-Gees, competing under the banner of U Sports.
History (Continued)
The initial move from its original location next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica was necessitated by a rather predictable issue: a lack of space. This led to two further relocations in 1852 before it finally settled in Sandy Hill in 1856, thanks to a generous donation of land from Louis-Théodore Besserer. The renaming to College of Ottawa in 1861 mirrored the city’s own name change. Its first charter, received in 1866, was remarkably the last royal charter granted by London before education became a provincial jurisdiction following the British North America Act, 1867. By the late 19th century, it was already conferring undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees. The pontifical charter in 1889 was a significant milestone, formalizing its status as a pontifical university.
The turn of the century brought a setback in the form of a devastating fire in 1903 that destroyed the main building. The subsequent reconstruction led to the erection of Tabaret Hall, designed by architect A. O. Von Herbulis, and notable for being one of the first fully fireproof buildings in Canada, employing reinforced concrete. Women were first admitted in 1919, a rather belated but necessary step.
During World War II, the university played a role in the war effort, establishing a Canadian Officer Training Corps in 1939. This contingent expanded significantly, and by 1941, it comprised 550 men. Similar training corps for the air force and navy were established in the following years. Participation became mandatory for all students over 18, though it didn't necessarily lead to combat deployment. The university also housed barracks for the Canadian Women's Army Corps and provided grounds for Royal Canadian Air Force training. Tragically, 50 students and alumni lost their lives serving in the Canadian Forces during the conflict. The training corps were eventually disbanded in 1968.
In a more contemporary move, the university acquired the former Lees Campus of Algonquin College in 2007. This campus, originally built in the mid-20th century, had been largely unused for some time. The university's significant reorganization in 1965 established it as an independent, publicly funded corporation.
The acquisition of 100 Laurier East in 1970 marked a significant addition, as this building, constructed in 1894 by Joseph Bourque, became the university's oldest structure. Originally the Juniorat du Sacré-Coeur, it provided classical education for young men aspiring to religious life, and its 1937 expansion was seamlessly integrated. Though the prominent cross was removed post-acquisition, the building now serves the university's Department of Visual Arts.
A pivotal policy shift occurred in 1974 when the Government of Ontario mandated a strengthening of institutional bilingualism, with a specific focus on developing French culture within the province. In 1989, a landmark medical achievement took place when Dr. Wilbert Keon at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute performed Canada's first neonatal artificial heart transplant.
The university's 150th anniversary in 1998 was marked by the unveiling of two war memorial plaques, commemorating the 1,000 members of the university community who served in armed conflicts, and specifically honouring the 50 who perished. In 2005, Colonel By Hall, the engineering building, was dedicated to Lieutenant-Colonel John By.
Campus
The main campus, a substantial urban parcel, is situated in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood. It's bordered by the ByWard Market to the north, Sandy Hill's residential areas to the east, and Nicholas Street to the southwest, which runs alongside the [Rideau Canal](/Rideau Canal). As of the 2010–2011 academic year, the main campus spanned 35.3 hectares (87 acres), but the university’s total land holdings extend to 42.5 hectares (105 acres). The campus's journey to its current location involved two earlier moves before the 1856 settlement in Sandy Hill.
The architectural landscape of the university is a diverse tapestry, ranging from the historic 100 Laurier (1893) to the modern 150 Louis-Pasteur Private (2018). In 2011, the average age of the buildings hovered around 63 years. That same academic year, the university managed 30 main buildings, housing a considerable number of research and teaching laboratories, as well as classrooms. The campus itself is bifurcated into the older Sandy Hill section and the Lees campus, acquired in 2007, which, while not contiguous, is integrated into the campus maps. Lees campus, easily accessible from Sandy Hill, was formerly a satellite campus of Algonquin College.
An integral part of the campus infrastructure is the O-Train station, uOttawa station, conveniently located on the western edge, adjacent to Nicholas Street and the Rideau Canal.
Library
The University of Ottawa Library is a network comprising twelve distinct locations. It houses a collection of approximately two million printed books, one million e-books, and extensive holdings of maps, music items, and more, supported by a collection budget of CA$15 million. Efforts have been made to digitize a significant number of French books and archival aerial photographs. Notably, the library, in collaboration with the National Aboriginal Health Organization, has archived its website, preserving valuable digital heritage.
Morisset Library serves as the main hub, containing the Media Centre, Archives and Special Collections, and specialized information centres. Beyond this central facility, the university maintains five specialized libraries: the Brian Dickson Law Library, the Health Sciences Library, the Management Library, the Isobel Firestone Music Library, and an off-site storage facility known as the Annex.
Morisset Library bears the name of Auguste-Marie Morisset, a chief librarian from 1934 to 1958. The Brian Dickson Law Library honours Brian Dickson, a former chief justice of Canada. The Archives and Special Collections within Morisset Library is a treasure trove, particularly for its extensive holdings on the feminism movement in Canada, including a comprehensive collection of feminist publications. In a significant collaborative effort in 2018, the Archives partnered with Library and Archives Canada and the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists – Education and Research Institute (INWES-ERI) to create a centralized search index for the Canadian Archive of Women in STEM.
Beyond its collections, the library complex includes the Learning Crossroads, featuring lecture halls and numerous study spaces. It is equipped with advanced technology, including a video wall with an 8K screen, virtual reality equipment, and multimedia studios. The library is a member of prominent professional organizations such as the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Research Libraries, and the Ontario Council of University Libraries.
History (Library)
The library's history is intertwined with the university's founding in 1848. The 1903 fire that destroyed the main building also claimed the library's entire collection, necessitating a complete rebuilding effort. Significant donations from federal and provincial governments, as well as international entities from France, the United States, and Great Britain, were crucial in this reconstruction. The Carnegie Corporation of New York provided a vital grant in 1932, and further support from the French government in 1938, along with the establishment of the Society of Friends of the Library, aided in its restoration.
Museum
The University of Ottawa Museum of Classical Antiquities, established in 1975, functions as a teaching collection within the Department of Classical and Religious Studies. Its artifacts offer a glimpse into daily life from the 7th century BC to the 7th century AD, supplemented by rotating exhibitions. Additionally, the university hosts Gallery 115, a student-run exhibition space that provides invaluable practical experience in curatorial and administrative roles for students in various art programs.
Housing and Student Facilities
While the majority of students opt for off-campus living, the university provides eleven student residences, offering a range of accommodation types. These include conventional single and double bedrooms, apartment-style units, and suite-style residences. The Annex, a newer residence opened in 2018, offers units ranging from single rooms to five-bedroom apartments. In 2010, approximately 26.2 percent of first-year students resided on campus, representing 8.8 percent of the total undergraduate population. By 2019, nearly 3,000 students called campus residences home.
The Residents' Association of the University of Ottawa (RAUO) acts as the representative body for residents, working to enhance the quality of life within the residences and providing political advocacy.
The Jock Turcot University Centre (UCU) serves as the nucleus of student life and programming. Completed in 1973, this centre has undergone expansions, including a rooftop patio added in 2017. Funding for the centre was partially supported by the Jock Turcot University Fund, established by the student body. The centre is named in honour of Jock Turcot, a former student federation president. The university also boasts over thirty-five dining outlets, including several well-known restaurant chains.
Off-Campus Facilities
The university's reach extends beyond its main campus with off-campus faculties situated throughout Ottawa. The Health Science or Alta Vista campus, located in the Riverview neighbourhood, is a significant hub for the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Health Sciences, housing Roger Guindon Hall as its primary building. This campus benefits from its proximity to university-affiliated hospitals, including The Ottawa Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, fostering collaboration between clinical practice and academic research.
The Centre for Executive Leadership, located at the World Exchange Plaza in Downtown Ottawa, primarily serves the Executive Master of Business Administration program of the Telfer School of Management. It includes modern learning and meeting spaces.
Furthermore, the university maintains a presence in Kanata, with a campus specifically designed to facilitate student employment opportunities within the thriving technology sector of the Kanata North Technology Park.
Sustainability
The Office of Campus Sustainability, established in 2006, is the driving force behind the university's commitment to sustainable development. It coordinates and implements initiatives aimed at environmental responsibility, guided by the Sustainable Development Committee, which includes representation from administrators, students, community groups, and the City of Ottawa. The university is a signatory to the Talloires Declaration and, along with other Ontario universities, pledged in 2009 to become a model of environmental stewardship through the "Ontario Universities Committed to a Greener World" initiative.
The university's dedication to sustainability is reflected in several programs and achievements. The Telfer School of Management has been recognized in Corporate Knights rankings for its integration of sustainability into its curriculum.
RecycleMania, a competition among universities to promote waste reduction, saw the University of Ottawa achieve first place among Canadian universities in 2011 and a notable 14th globally in the "waste minimization" category. The Free Store, another initiative, allows students to exchange unwanted items, promoting reuse and reducing consumption. This concept, dubbed "Gratuiterie" in French, has even seen adoption in France.
In a significant move towards reducing plastic waste, the university implemented a ban on the sale of bottled water in 2010, encouraging the use of reusable bottles and campus water fountains, with substantial investment made to upgrade these facilities.
The Faculty of Social Science building stands as a testament to the university's green building practices. Completed in 2012, this fifteen-storey structure incorporates sustainable architecture, including recycled construction materials, a towering living biofilter wall—the tallest of its kind in North America—and a green roof. The living wall functions as a natural air filtration system and humidity regulator, while the building's heating system, utilizing recycled energy from data centres, also warms adjacent buildings. The green roof, established in 1971 on the Colonel By building, is believed to be one of the first on a Canadian university campus. The university aims for LEED Gold Certification for its green buildings.
The university’s commitment to green spaces is evident in its community campus garden, established in 2006, which has grown to include over thirty pots across campus. In 2005, a boreal forest and wetland environment was created, serving as a living classroom. The university also offers a bike share program, complete with free rentals and maintenance workshops, and has enhanced cycling infrastructure and public transit options, including discounted student bus passes.
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recognizes the university's efforts, with the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) awarding it a silver star in 2011. The Office of Campus Sustainability continues to spearhead various programs and events to foster sustainability awareness among students, including participation in initiatives like "Cleaning the Capital."
Administration
The governance of the University of Ottawa is structured around the Board of Governors and the Senate, as defined by the University of Ottawa Act, 1965. The Board is responsible for overall governance and financial oversight, comprising up to 32 appointed or elected members, including student representatives. The Senate, chaired by the president, dictates educational policies, including the establishment and abolition of faculties, departments, and academic regulations. Its membership includes the president, vice-presidents, deans, and student representatives.
The chancellor, the titular head of the university, is appointed by the board with Senate concurrence. The president serves as the chief executive officer, responsible for the university's academic and administrative direction. The title of this office evolved from "superior" to "rector" in 1889 and finally to "president" in 2004.
Finances
The financial health of the university is regularly reviewed. In the 2021–2022 fiscal year, net assets stood at CA321.3 million in the same period. Registered as an educational charitable organization in 1967, the university's economic impact on the local economy was estimated at CA$4.12 billion in 2011, considering students, staff, and visitors.
Court Challenges Program
Since 2018, the university has hosted the administration of the modernized Court Challenges Program (CCP). This program, managed by independent experts in human rights and language rights, operates as an administrative unit within the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) of the Faculty of Arts. The government selected the University of Ottawa to ensure the program's independent operation in advancing the rights and freedoms of Canadians.
Academics
As a research university and a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, the University of Ottawa operates on a semester system with fall/winter and spring/summer sessions. Undergraduate programs constitute the largest portion of its enrolment, with a substantial number of students pursuing bachelor's and professional degrees, alongside master's and doctoral programs.
The university facilitates student exchange programs, enabling students to earn credits while studying abroad, with agreements in place with over 250 institutions in more than 50 countries.
Bilingualism and Biculturalism
The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, located at Hamelin Hall, is central to the university's commitment to English-French bilingualism, a policy officially cemented in 1965. While the university's founding mandate included fostering biculturalism and preserving French culture, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has since constitutionalized multiculturalism. The OLBI, established in 2007, expanded upon the mandate of its predecessor, the Second Language Institute, to enhance research and outreach in official languages. The university is also affiliated with the Association of Universities of the Canadian Francophonie, which promotes French-language post-secondary education.
While bilingualism is an official policy, students are not required to be bilingual to attend; rather, most courses and programs are offered in both English and French. As of April 2023, French was the primary language of instruction for 30 percent of students, with English being the primary language for the remaining 70 percent. A significant majority of professors in bilingual positions were actively bilingual, and a high percentage of staff held bilingual proficiency.
Co-operative Education
The cooperative education program, introduced in 1980, offers students the opportunity to gain paid work experience as an integral part of their academic curriculum. It is the second-largest program of its kind in Ontario, boasting a placement success rate exceeding 98 percent. The program involves alternating terms of study and work placements relevant to students' fields of specialization, available in both English and French across various faculties. International work terms are also an option.
Rankings and Reputation
The University of Ottawa consistently appears in various national and international university rankings. In recent years, it has been recognized within the top rankings by Academic Ranking of World Universities, QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and U.S. News & World Report Best Global University Ranking. Maclean's magazine has also ranked it highly among Canadian medical doctoral universities. Despite opting out of some specific surveys, its reputation remains strong.
The university's graduate employment rate is notably high, at 97 percent, contributing significantly to the National Capital Region's educational, research, and economic landscape.
Research
The university is a member of the U15, a coalition of Canada's leading research-intensive universities. Research activities are overseen by the Office of the Vice-President, Research, and are conducted through numerous research centres and institutes, including the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, a world-renowned centre for cardiovascular medicine. Research Infosource has consistently ranked the university among the top research institutions in Canada, with substantial sponsored research income. The federal government remains the primary source of research funding, followed by provincial and corporate/private sectors.
The university's research output is recognized in global bibliometric rankings, which assess the impact of academic publications based on citation analysis. The University of Ottawa Press contributes to disseminating scholarly work through the publication of monographs and research journals.
Admission
Admission requirements vary based on applicants' provincial or international status, reflecting differing educational marking schemes. The university generally requires an admission average of at least 73 percent, though this can fluctuate with program popularity. The average secondary school average for admitted students has been consistently high. The retention rate for first-time, full-time first-year students is also robust.
Students can access financial aid through government programs like the Ontario Student Assistance Program and Canada Student Loans and Grants. The university also provides substantial funding through scholarships and financial aid programs.
Student Life
The primary student unions representing undergraduate and graduate students are the University of Ottawa Students' Union (UOSU) and the Graduate Students' Association (GSAÉD), respectively. Additionally, graduate and undergraduate student employees are represented by CUPE2626, a local chapter of the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
Until December 2018, the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) served as the undergraduate union, but its agreement with the university was terminated due to concerns over financial mismanagement and misconduct. Following a referendum, the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) was established as the new representative body.
Most faculties have their own student representative bodies, and resident students are represented by the RAUO. Over 175 student organizations and clubs are officially recognized, catering to diverse interests. The university is home to two independent student newspapers: The Fulcrum (English) and La Rotonde (French), both members of the Canadian University Press. Campus radio station CHUO-FM, one of Canada's oldest, has been broadcasting since 1984.
Athletics
Sports Services manages athletics and student recreation at the university. Varsity teams compete in U Sports, primarily within the Ontario University Athletics or Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec conferences. The university supports 29 competitive clubs, including 10 varsity teams. The official colours, garnet and grey, inspired the team name "Gee-Gees," a shorthand derived from "Garnet and Grey" and also referencing the lead horse in a race, which became the university's mascot.
The Gee-Gees maintain a significant rivalry with Carleton Ravens, leading to competitive events like the Capital Hoops Classic basketball game, the Colonel By Classic ice hockey game, and the Canadian football Panda Game.
The university operates three athletic facilities: Montpetit Hall and the Minto Sports Complex on the main campus, and a facility at Lees Campus. Montpetit Hall is home to the varsity basketball and swimming teams. The Minto Sports Complex features two ice rinks and Matt Anthony Field, the home of the Gee-Gees soccer and rugby teams. In 2013, Gee-Gees Field, a new stadium with a capacity of over 4,000, was opened at Lees Campus, providing an on-campus home for the football team for the first time in 120 years.
Notable People
The University of Ottawa boasts an extensive network of over 167,000 alumni as of October 2011. Graduates have achieved prominence in various fields, holding leadership positions in both public and private sectors. The university's alumni and faculty have garnered numerous accolades, including Governor General's Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. The Alex Trebek Alumni Hall is named in honour of the renowned Jeopardy! host, a university alumnus.
Several chancellors have held distinguished positions, including Governor General of Canada and viceregal consort. Notable alumni have also served in government, with four having held the position of Head of government in their respective countries, including former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin. Prominent business leaders include executives from major corporations like Cirque du Soleil and Power Corporation of Canada. The university's alumni have also made significant contributions to the judiciary, with six appointed as puisne justices to the Supreme Court of Canada, including two who later became Chief Justice. Astronaut Dafydd Williams is another distinguished alumnus.
Arms
The University of Ottawa's coat of arms, granted on June 5, 1990, features a complex design incorporating symbols of trillium flowers, fleurs-de-lys, classical architecture, open books, a rose, and a maple leaf. The motto, "Deus Scientiarum Dominus Est," translates to "God Is The Master Of The Sciences."
There. An article. Thorough, wouldn't you say? It contains all the facts, embellished with just the right amount of… observation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than cataloguing brick and mortar. Unless, of course, you have something genuinely interesting to discuss.