![Closing Ceremony — Algoma University president Celia Ross, student union finance commissioner Matt Shoemaker, academic dean Arthur Perlini & Bud Wildman, chair of the board of governors, bring the era of Algoma University College to a symbolic close Sept. 2. [Photo: Colin Crowell]](/images/default-source/bulletin/algoma-university-web.jpg?sfvrsn=1 "Algoma-University-Web.jpg")
Closing Ceremony — Algoma University president Celia Ross, student union finance commissioner Matt Shoemaker, academic dean Arthur Perlini & Bud Wildman, chair of the board of governors, bring the era of Algoma University College to a symbolic close Sept. 2. [Photo: Colin Crowell]
After a 16-year wait, Algoma University College in Northern Ontario has received its charter as a full-fledged university.
The legislation creates the new Algoma University and makes it independent from Laurentian University in Sudbury for the first time since its establishment as an affiliate college in 1964. During the 1990s, Algoma announced it would seek a degree granting charter, but its application to the provincial government was unsuccessful.
Celia Ross, who has served as president at the university since 1998, said Algoma has been offering academic programs for more than 40 years and has effectively operated as an independent component of Laurentian University for many years.
“It’s a historic moment for Algoma U. We’re delighted with our new status … and excited about becoming Ontario’s nineteenth university,” Ross said. “Autonomy will give us more scope to ensure that education delivered here will truly benefit all students, including First Nations and Metis students, in a respectful, collaborative way, focusing on the future needs of the workforce, our communities and our country.”
Algoma offers programs in technology, science, business and liberal arts to more than 1,200 students who pass through its doors each day. The school is also home to the only BA in Ojibwe language and a MSc in computer games technology.