The contribution of UQAM to Montreal’s creativity and innovation

Speech by Claude-Yves CharronVice-RectorUniversité du Québec à Montréal

Fudan University, Shanghai, May 12, 2010

Some features of UQAM

UQAM celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2009-2010

Created in 1969 by the Act respecting the Université du Québec, not through private initiative

Founded during the “Quiet Revolution” to democratize access to higher education

Target populationsYoung baby boomers, born after the warAdults lacking sufficient educational background according to current standardsMinorities and neighbouring communities

Means to facilitate accessibility

Adult admission on the basis of relevant experienceCourses offered days, evenings and weekendsUndergraduate degree obtainable by accumulating certificatesYoung people and adults in the same classes 

Community Services Office

training and research tailored to groups with limited meanssocial groups involved in defining activities, according to their needs

A "new" university, attentive to the needs of the public

Offering interdisciplinary programs

From its inception, used technology in the service of education

First to computerize library cataloguesComputerization of student services (registration, marks)Email and web sites for teachers and studentsComputer labs in each facultyMoodle platform for course development

UQAM’s contribution to Montreal’s creativity and innovation 40 years later

A significant contribution to the democratization of higher education

40,000 students today2,500 students from 80 countries200,000 graduates – approximately 50% women

UQAM trains school teachers30% of teachers in Quebec70% in the Montreal area

UQAM contributes to language training of immigrants

UQAM today300 undergraduate, Masters and PhD programs6 faculties and a School of Management37 departments and a School of Fashion Design6 institutes21 institutional research centres58 research and innovation Chairs

UQAM offers over 25 graduate programs in partnershipwithin the Université de Québec networkwith other Montreal institutionsacross Quebecinternationally

UQAM is a key element in Montreal’s creative identity and cultural life

The most comprehensive arts curriculum in Canada

Performance and exhibition spaces:Cutting-edge dance, theatre, design, visual and media arts, music

Recognized authors, actors and producersGraduates in communications, theatre, literary studies

Contribution to Montreal City of DesignSchool of Design, Design Centre, School of Fashion

Contribution to the 3D animation and electronic games industry, pride of Montreal

UQAM trains new generations of entrepreneurs at the School of Management (ESG)

Largest French business school in Quebec (enrolment)Third largest in Canada (enrolment)Largest school of Actuarial Science in Canada

Specialized training contributing to the growth or revitalization of industrial sectors in Montreal

Tourism, with the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du QuébecProject ManagementBiotechnology ManagementFashion Management

UQAM is a pioneer in environmental scienceDevelopment of new interdisciplinary competenciesEngine of change in attitudes and practices

The Faculty of Science contributes to five sustainable development challenges:Preventive health and improvement of therapeutic interventionsUnderstanding the Earth system, the environment and ecologyAssessment and management of natural resourcesPure, applied and didactic mathematicsTechnological innovation

Computer scienceNanomaterialsMicroelectronics

UQAM’s human sciences programs contribute to our understanding of societies and to the well-being of the population:

Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Sexology, History and Philosophy

This helps improve the urban fabric

UQAM contributes to health within Montréal Technopole

Health and Society Institute with more than 100 researchers in the sciences and human sciencesMain focus: prevention and the social determinants of health

A university in the heart of the city

Main campus built above Montreal’s central subway station Direct access to the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du QuébecSymbol of the accessibility of higher learningPresence revitalizing Montreal’s Latin Quarter

Pierre-Dansereau Science ComplexUltramodern science complexBehind the Place des Arts in the Quartier des Spectacles, undergoing major transformationLEED certificationCoeur des sciences: providing science to the general public

Conclusion

A very partial overview of UQAM’s contribution to creativity and innovation

We hope this makes you want to learn more about UQAM and Montreal

Thank you for your attention.