The University of Regina turns 50
“A look back at the history of some students’ “home away from home”
July 1, 2024, marked a significant milestone for the University of Regina (U of R) as it celebrated its 50th anniversary as an independent degree-granting institution. Half a century ago, the U of R grew from its start as Regina College, evolving into the dynamic university which some now call a home away from home.
The U of R was founded in 1911 by the Saskatchewan Methodist Church as Regina College and opened its doors to only 27 students. From there, the institution evolved into the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus and officially became the University of Regina on July 1, 1974.
The U of R currently exists and has historically existed on Treaties 4 and 6 lands, the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Metis/Michif nation. The Treaty Land Sharing Network reminds settlers that “during treaty negotiations, Indigenous Nations agreed to share the land…not to cede or surrender it.” The U of R’s situation on this land allows it to passively benefit from structural inequities resulting from both historic and ongoing colonial practices.
The First Nations University of Canada, along with Luther College and Campion College are integral parts of the university we know today.
According to a news release by the U of R, during the spring 2024 convocation, 2,529 students were awarded a total of 2,672 degrees, diplomas, and certificates. In 1974, just prior to the University of Regina becoming an independent institution, only 222 undergraduate and graduate students convocated in the class of spring 1974, a news release explained.
Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the U of R, highlighted the university’s journey from its beginnings as the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus to its current status as an independent institution.
“The transformation from the University of Saskatchewan – Regina Campus into today’s independent post-secondary institution, with more than 90,000 alumni, is truly astounding and historic for our province,” Keshen remarked, according to a news release by the U of R.
Moreover, like many institutions across Canada, the U of R seeks out international students every year. The 2023 fall semester brought a record-breaking international student enrolment surge, totalling 16,860 students. International students typically pay triple the tuition fees of domestic students. The U of R offers a plethora of scholarships throughout the academic year to help support international students in their academic journey.
The U of R also provides various financial aid options such as the Scholarships for Undergraduate International Students and the International Student of Distinction Scholarship aimed at easing the financial difficulties of international students. The International Student of Distinction Scholarship, for example, offers a total value of $80,000 over four years and is awarded to fifty international students with the highest admission averages each term, providing free on-campus housing and a meal plan.
Still, it is an unfortunate reality that many international students struggle to balance their full-time studies with part time jobs and they struggle to cover their tuition and living expenses.
In addition to its commitment to academic excellence, the U of R also offers hands-on learning opportunities, equipping students with practical skills. Through internships, co-op programs, and community engaged projects, students get valuable experience that helps bridge that gap between academic knowledge and professional development.
The Centre for Experiential and Service Learning (CESL) aims to empower students to serve and lead with purpose through its range of services from volunteer opportunities to career development sessions and job boards to specialized employer events and co-op opportunities alike.
The journey from Regina College to the University of Saskatchewan’s – Regina Campus, and finally to the independent University of Regina has been a long road. Over the years, the university’s research enterprise has expanded significantly, now offering 21 research centers and 9 Canada Research chairs.
https://www.uregina.ca/news/2024/university-of-regina-celebrates-spring-2024-convocation.html
