Yukon University

Last updated
Yukon University
Yukon University logo.png
Former name
  • Yukon College (1988–2020)
  • Yukon Vocational and Training Centre (1965-1988)
  • Whitehorse Vocational and Technical Training Centre (1963-1965)
Type Public
Established1988;35 years ago (1988) [note 1]
Endowment CA$2.72 million (2019) [1]
Chancellor Jamena James Allen [2]
President Lesley A. Brown [3]
Administrative staff
220
Students1285 [4]
Address
500 University Drive
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 5K4

60°45′1.20″N135°5′55.49″W / 60.7503333°N 135.0987472°W / 60.7503333; -135.0987472
CampusSuburban & rural
Colours Plum and teal
  
Affiliations BCCAT, CCAA, CBIE, CICan, UArctic
Website www.yukonu.ca

Yukon University (formerly Yukon College) is a public university in the Canadian territory of Yukon. The university main campus is based in Whitehorse, although the institution also operates 12 campuses throughout the territory. The university confers bachelor's degrees, diplomas, certificates as well as trades and vocational training and adult basic education. The institution is currently the only university based in northern Canada.

Contents

The institution traces its origins to the Whitehorse Vocational and Technical Training Centre established in 1963; later renamed as the Yukon Vocational and Training Centre in 1965. The institution operated as a post-secondary education centre, providing vocational training for its students. During the 1980s, the institution was reorganized as a college. The institution operated as Yukon College until the institution was reorganized into a university in 2020, the first university in any of Canada's northern territories. [5] [6] [7]

History

The institution originates from the Whitehorse Vocational and Technical Training Centre (renamed the Yukon Vocational and Technical Training Centre in 1965). [8] The institution changed its name to Yukon College in 1983, although it was not formally designated as a college until 1988, with the passage of the College Act, 1988. [8] The institution opened its new campus, 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from its original location on the bank of the Yukon River in the suburb of Riverdale in the same year. In 1989, the College Act was amended, providing the college with an independent Board of Governors. [8]

During the late 1980s and 1990s, the institution began to offer several degree programs in partnership with the University of Alberta, and the University of Regina. [9] During this period, the institution also opened several satellite campuses in a number of First Nations communities. [9] The Northern Research Centre (later renamed the Yukon Research Centre in 2009, and since 2020 named the YukonU Research Centre) was established in 1990 for the purposes of researching mine reclamation, cold climate construction, and climate change. [8] [9]

Efforts to reorganize the institution into a university began with the Government of Yukon in 2011, with its reorganization into a university listed in the college's 2013 and 2016 strategic plans. [10] [11] In 2016, the college was admitted as a member of the BC Association of Institutes and Universities, an institution that represents eight post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, as well as Yukon College. [11] In 2018, the college created its first degree program specialized for the territory, a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous governance. [9]

In November 2019, the Yukon University Act was passed, resulting in the college's reorganization into a post-secondary university; with the legislation going into effect on 20 February 2020. [11] [12] The following legislation established a bicameral governance structure for the institution, establishing a new board of governors, and replaced the college's academic council with the university senate. [9] As a result of its reorganization, the institution's logo and colours were changed as well. [11] Plans were in place to commemorate its reorganization into a university in May 2020; [13] although several events were cancelled as a result of safety measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. [11]

Campus

Panorama from Yukon University Roof Panorama for the Yukon College Roof.jpg
Panorama from Yukon University Roof

The university's main campus, also referred to as Ayamdigut, is located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) north of downtown Whitehorse, situated on a plateau that slopes 20–25 metres (66–82 ft) to the east, south, and west. [14] The campus property is 97 hectares (240 acres), although most areas outside the central core of the property remains undeveloped. In particular, the areas adjacent to McIntyre Creek is zoned for environmental protection by the municipal government. [14]

The property itself is bounded to the west by McIntyre Creek, to the northeast by Mountain View Drive, to the southeast by University Drive and the Whitehorse Correctional Centre, and the residential neighbourhood of Takhini to the south. [14] The property is surrounded by several other residential neighbourhoods, including the Northlands Trailer Park, and Whistle Bend; although the core of the campus remains geographically isolated from these neighbourhoods. [14] The main campus may be accessed through University Drive, which diverges westward from the main road, and climbs steadily towards the campus. [14] Institutions adjacent to the campus include the Yukon Archives and the Yukon Arts Centre.

Housing and student facilities

The majority of the university's residential buildings are located on the western periphery of the developed part of the property. [14]

Off-campus facilities

In addition to Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse, the university also has smaller campuses in the communities of Faro, Teslin, Watson Lake, Mayo, Ross River, Pelly Crossing, Carmacks, Haines Junction, Carcross, Old Crow, and Dawson City. There is also a campus within the Whitehorse Correctional Centre.

Administration

The governance of the university is conducted through the board of governors, and the university senate; both of which were established in the Yukon University Act. The board of governors is responsible for governing and managing the university and convenes once a month. [9] [15] The board of governors includes members from the university administration, faculty, staff, student body. [15] The board also includes 10 members appointed by the Commissioner in Executive Council, three of whom must come from a Yukon First Nations community; and three that reside outside of Whitehorse. Board members are appointed to three-year terms, which may be renewed. [15] The university's board of governors originated as Yukon College's board of governor, and its membership was expanded to include 17 members after the institution became a university. [16]

Prior to its reorganization into a university, the institution's academic policies were maintained by the college's Academic Council. [9] However, in 2020, the university senate was created to assume the role of the Academic Council; maintaining academic policies including standards for admission and qualifications for degrees, diplomas, and certificates issued by the university. [9] [17] Members of the university senate includes members from the school's faculty, student body, and administration. The Yukon University Act stipulates that 60 percent of the senate's membership must be made up of faculty members. [18] The university attempts to maintain a senate composition where 30 percent of its membership originates from various indigenous communities across the territory, and Canada; although this is not required under the Yukon University Act. [18]

The university is headed by the president and vice-chancellor, who acts as the university's chief executive officer; although the chancellor serves as the ceremonial head of the institution.

Karen Barnes served as president and vice-chancellor of Yukon College from July 1, 2011, [19] and as the institution's founding president after it was reorganized into a university. She stepped down from the position on June 30, 2020. In January 2021, she was named president emerita by the Board of Governors. The designation recognizes the outstanding contributions of retired presidents to the university and to the community, including demonstrated excellence, distinguished service, and effective leadership beyond normal expectations. Barnes is the first president emerita of Yukon University. Several retired faculty and deans hold the honorific title professor emerita/emeritus. [20]

Mike DeGagné, formerly president and vice-chancellor of Nipissing University in Ontario, began his term as president and vice-chancellor on July 1, 2021, but later resigned 3 months into the job to become the head of Indspire Charity, and was replaced on an interim basis by vice president finance and administration Maggie Matear. [21] [22]

On October 6, 2020, Jamena James Allen was announced the new chancellor of the university.. [23] Allen was installed as chancellor in a small, physically distanced ceremony on November 17, 2020. [24] Following in the footsteps of Pierre Berton, T’aaḵú Tláa Pearl Keenan, Ken MacKinnon, Anyalahash Sam Johnston, Rolf Hougen, Geraldine Van Bibber, and Piers McDonald, Jamena James Allen is the eighth well-respected Yukoner to serve in this honorary capacity since 1989. Jamena is the Dän k’e (Southern Tutchone) name of James Allen. T’aaḵú Tláa and Anyalahash are the Tlingit names of Pearl Keenan and Sam Johnston respectively.

On June 23, 2021, Lesley Brown was announced as the next president and vice-chancellor of Yukon University and began her term August 16, 2021. [25] Brown was previously provost and vice president (academic) at Mount Royal University (MRU) in Calgary. In this role, she oversaw all facets of educational programming and research at MRU, which evolved into a university in 2009. Before this, Brown was at University of Lethbridge, serving as a faculty member and an administrator in a number of roles including vice president research (interim), associate vice president (research) and vice provost (academic).

Finances

Between June 2018 and June 2019, the university's revenues totaled C$50,741,951, while its expenses totaled C$50,734,978; yielding a surplus of C$6,973. [1] Contributions from the Government of Yukon make up the largest source of revenue for the university. Salaries for direct instruction is the largest expense for the university, with the university spending approximately C$16.1 million that year. [1] During the 2018–19 year, the university spent approximately C$4.47 million on research. [1] As of June 2019, the university had an endowment valued at approximately C$2.72 million. [1]

Academics

Yukon University is a publicly-funded institution that operates as a "hybrid" university; serving as a research hub and offering degree programs, while also providing vocational training and trades programs typically found in Canadian colleges. [11] The university is a member of Colleges and Institutes Canada; [26] and is in the process of applying for membership with Universities Canada. [10]

Yukon University offers certificates, diplomas and degrees through six academic areas - the School of Academic and Skill Development, School of Science, School of Trades, Technology and Mining, School of Health, Education and Human Services, School of Liberal Arts, and the School of Business and Leadership.

Academic programs at the university allow Yukoners to stay in the north while pursuing post-secondary studies. It also accommodates contract training demands by local industry and government in a range of specialties. Programming is delivered from campus to campus, across Yukon, through locally delivered courses and on-line learning technology. The President's Committee on First Nation Initiatives, with representatives from all fourteen Yukon First Nations, influences programming and services delivered at the university.

With respect to research and development, the university is home to the Yukon Research Centre.

Partnership

Exterior of the Yukon School of Visual Arts, an art school the university jointly operates with two other organizations. KIACSOVA streetview.jpg
Exterior of the Yukon School of Visual Arts, an art school the university jointly operates with two other organizations.

Yukon University operates a fine arts post-secondary school known as the Yukon School of Visual Arts, in collaboration with the Dawson City Art Society, and the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation. [27]

The university participates in the international University of the Arctic network and cooperates with several universities to deliver programming, including the University of Alberta, the University of Regina, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Alaska Southeast. [28]

Notable people

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ The following year was when the institution was formally established as Yukon College, under the College Act, 1988. However, the institution traces its origins to the Whitehorse Vocational and Technical Training Centre established in 1963. Yukon College was eventually reorganized into a university in 2020.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simon Fraser University</span> Public university in British Columbia, Canada

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university in British Columbia, Canada, with three campuses, all in Greater Vancouver: Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver. The 170-hectare (420-acre) main Burnaby campus on Burnaby Mountain, located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from downtown Vancouver, was established in 1965 and comprises more than 30,000 students and 160,000 alumni. The university was created in an effort to expand higher education across Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Manitoba</span> University in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The University of Manitoba is a Canadian public research university in the province of Manitoba. Founded in 1877, it is the first university of western Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Concordia University</span> University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Concordia University is an English-language public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1974 following the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University, Concordia is one of the three universities in Quebec where English is the primary language of instruction. As of the 2022–23 academic year, there were 49,898 students enrolled in credit and non-credit courses at Concordia, making the university among the largest in Canada by enrolment. The university has two campuses, set approximately 7 kilometres apart: Sir George Williams Campus is the main campus, located in the Quartier Concordia neighbourhood of Downtown Montreal in the borough of Ville Marie; and Loyola Campus in the residential district of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. With four faculties, a school of graduate studies and numerous colleges, centres and institutes, Concordia offers over 400 undergraduate and over 120 graduate programs and courses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Waterloo</span> Public research university in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

The University of Waterloo is a public research university with a main campus in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is on 404 hectares of land adjacent to "Uptown" Waterloo and Waterloo Park. The university also operates three satellite campuses and four affiliated university colleges. The university offers academic programs administered by six faculties and thirteen faculty-based schools. Waterloo operates the largest post-secondary co-operative education program in the world, with over 20,000 undergraduate students enrolled in the university's co-op program. Waterloo is a member of the U15, a group of research-intensive universities in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Ottawa</span> Bilingual public research university in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The University of Ottawa, often referred to as uOttawa or U of O, is a bilingual public research university in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The main campus is located on 42.5 hectares directly to the northeast of Downtown Ottawa across the Rideau Canal in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carleton University</span> Public university in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Carleton University is an English-language public research university in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1942 as Carleton College, the institution originally operated as a private, non-denominational evening college to serve returning World War II veterans. Carleton was chartered as a university by the provincial government in 1952 through The Carleton University Act, which was then amended in 1957, giving the institution its current name. The university is named after the now-dissolved Carleton County, which included the city of Ottawa at the time the university was founded.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charles Darwin University</span> Public university in Northern Territory, Australia

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is an Australian public university with a main campus in Darwin and eight satellite campuses in some metropolitan and regional areas. It was established in 2003 after the merger of Northern Territory University, the Menzies School of Health Research, and Centralian College.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OCAD University</span> Public art university in Toronto, Canada

Ontario College of Art & Design University, commonly known as OCAD University or OCAD, is a public art university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The university's main campus is spread throughout several buildings and facilities within downtown Toronto. The university is a co-educational institution which operates three academic faculties, the Faculty of Art, the Faculty of Arts and Science, and the Faculty of Design. The university also provides continuing education services through its School of Continuing Studies.

Piers McDonald, OC is a Yukon politician and businessman. Born in Kingston, Ontario, McDonald, originally a miner by profession, is a long-time MLA, Cabinet minister, and the fifth premier of Yukon. He was leader of the Yukon New Democratic Party from 1995 to 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thompson Rivers University</span> Public university in British Columbia, Canada

Thompson Rivers University is a public teaching and research university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees and vocational training. Its main campus is in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, and its name comes from the two rivers which converge in Kamloops, the North Thompson and South Thompson. The university has a satellite campus in Williams Lake, BC and a distance education division called TRU-Open Learning. It also has several international partnerships through its TRU World division. TRU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) at the associate, baccalaureate and master's degree levels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of the Fraser Valley</span> Public university in British Columbia, Canada

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), formerly known as University College of the Fraser Valley and Fraser Valley College, is a Canadian public university with campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, British Columbia. Founded in 1974 as Fraser Valley College, it was a response to the need for expanded vocational training in the communities of the Fraser Valley. In 1988, it became a university college, with degree-granting status. As the University College of the Fraser Valley, it grew rapidly, becoming one of the largest university colleges in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Namibia University of Science and Technology</span> Institute of tertiary education in Windhoek, Namibia

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), formerly known as Polytechnic of Namibia, is a public university located in the city of Windhoek, Namibia. Andrew Niikondo is its acting vice-chancellor. NUST was headed by the founding vice-chancellor Tjama Tjivikua until March 2019. After two acting appointments, Erold Naomab was appointed vice-chancellor in January 2021. The largely ceremonial role of chancellor of the university is held by Peter Katjavivi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Higher education in Manitoba</span>

Higher education in Manitoba includes institutions and systems of higher or advanced education in the province of Manitoba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Higher education in Alberta</span>

Higher education in Alberta refers to the post secondary education system for the province of Alberta. The Ministry of Advanced Education in Alberta oversees educational delivery through universities, publicly funded colleges, technical institutions, and private colleges. These institutions offer a variety of academic and vocational pursuits. Students have access to post-secondary options through most regions of Alberta, and a developed articulation system allows for increased student mobility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Higher education in Yukon</span>

Higher education in Yukon is shaped by the territory's small population in a relatively large geographic area. The history of higher education went hand in hand with the establishment of a representative territorial government in 1979. Yukon University is the only higher education institution in Yukon. Yukon University issues certificate, diploma, and degree programs. In December, 2019, the Yukon Legislature passed a bill that would transform Yukon College into Yukon University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Higher education in British Columbia</span>

Higher education in British Columbia is delivered by 25 publicly funded institutions that are composed of eleven universities, eleven colleges, and three institutes. This is in addition to three private universities, five private colleges, and six theological colleges. There are also an extensive number of private career institutes and colleges. Over 297,000 students were enrolled in post-secondary institutions in British Columbia in the 2019-2020 academic year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto Metropolitan University</span> Public university in Ontario, Canada

Toronto Metropolitan University is a public research university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The university's core campus is situated within the Garden District, although it also operates facilities elsewhere in Toronto. The university operates seven academic divisions/faculties, the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Community Services, the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, the Faculty of Science, The Creative School, the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, and the Ted Rogers School of Management. Many of these faculties are further organized into smaller departments and schools. The university also provides continuing education services through the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education.

Frederick Howard Collins October 1, 1897 – August 24, 1988) was the commissioner of Yukon from 1955 to 1962. He succeeded Wilfred George Brown and was followed in the position by George Robertson Cameron. The Yukon territorial government today resembles those in the Canadian provinces, i.e., parliamentary with a Legislative Assembly and a Premier as head of government. But historically, and during the term of Collins, the federally-appointed Commissioner was the empowered chief executive of the territory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Rwanda</span> Public university in Kigali, Rwanda

University of Rwanda is a public collegiate, multi campus university based in Kigali, Rwanda. Formed in 2013 through the merger of previously independent education institutions, the University of Rwanda is the largest education institution in Rwanda. The University of Rwanda is ranked number one in the country by the Higher Education Council, an organ established by the Government of Rwanda.

The Université de l’Ontario français is a French-language public university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The university campus is situated in the East Bayfront neighbourhood of downtown Toronto, near the Toronto waterfront.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Office of the Auditor General of Canada. "Yukon University Independent Auditor Report" (PDF). www.yukonu.ca.
  2. ↑ "Chancellors Message". www.yukonu.ca. Yukon University. 2021. Retrieved 27 Aug 2021.
  3. ↑ "Presidents Message". www.yukonu.ca. Yukon University. 2021. Retrieved 27 Aug 2021.
  4. ↑ "Fast Facts". www.yukonu.ca. Yukon University. 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  5. ↑ "Yukon College will become the first university in Canada's territories". CTV News. The Canadian Press. 1 December 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  6. ↑ "Arctic U: Yukon passes bill to create first university in Canada's North". The Globe and Mail. The Canadian Press. 1 December 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  7. ↑ "It's official — Yukon College is now Yukon University". CBC News . Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Our History". www.yukonu.ca. Yukon University. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Russell, Rhiannon (17 June 2020). "The shiny new university in Canada's North". www.universityaffairs.ca. University Affairs. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  10. 1 2 "Canada's first university north of 60". Perspectives. Royal Bank of Canada. 2019. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "University hailed as 'incredible initiative'". Whitehorse Daily Star. Whitehorse Star Limited. 19 May 2020.
  12. ↑ Waddell, Stephanie (21 February 2020). "New act allows Yukon College to become Yukon University". Yukon News. Black Press Group Ltd. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  13. ↑ "The Yukon University Act has passed Third Reading". www.yukonu.ca. Yukon University. 21 November 2019. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Yukon College Ayamdigut Campus Master Plan" (PDF). www.yukonu.ca. Yukon College. June 2015. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
  15. 1 2 3 "Board of Governors". www.yukonu.ca. Yukon University. 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  16. ↑ "Yukon University Act proclaimed". Education News Canada. Jaguar Media Inc. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  17. ↑ "Yukon University Act" (PDF). www.gov.yk.ca. Legislative Counsel Office. 2019. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  18. 1 2 "Senate". www.yukonu.ca. Yukon University. 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  19. ↑ "Dr. Karen Barnes hired as next Yukon College president | Yukon University". www.yukonu.ca. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
  20. ↑ "Dr. Karen Barnes honoured with president emerita title by YukonU Board | Yukon University". www.yukonu.ca. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
  21. ↑ "Yukon University president bails for new job after less than 3 months - CBC News". CBC. 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2021-08-17.
  22. ↑ "President of Yukon University resigns after starting the job on July 1". thestar.com. September 16, 2020.
  23. ↑ "Jamena James Allen named chancellor of Yukon University | Yukon University". www.yukonu.ca.
  24. ↑ "Audrey McLaughlin, Dave Joe receive first honorary YukonU degrees at Chancellor installation ceremony | Yukon University". www.yukonu.ca. Retrieved 2021-08-28.
  25. ↑ "Dr. Lesley Brown appointed president and vice chancellor of Yukon University | Yukon University". www.yukonu.ca. Retrieved 2021-08-28.
  26. ↑ "Member colleges and institutes". www.collegesinstitutes.ca. Colleges & Institutes Canada.
  27. ↑ "Mission & Governance". yukonsova.net. Yukon School of Visual Art. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  28. ↑ Phu, Lisa (22 October 2013). "UAS and Yukon College partnership advances Native language efforts". KTOO.
  29. ↑ "Meet John". www.ylp.ca. Yukon Liberal Party. 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  30. ↑ "The Western Producer".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. ↑ "Yukon man inspires others with dance videos". NBC News. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  32. ↑ "Regina Leader Post". Regina Leader Post.
  33. ↑ "Inside Stories: The Joy of Dancing Bhangra-style". capitalmarkets.bmo.com. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
  34. ↑ "Gurdeep Pandher on Dance and Diversity – Air Canada enRoute". enroute.aircanada.com. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.