The Role of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in Montreal’s Urban Space

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

Tongji University, Shanghai, May 13, 2010

A few words on the history of UQAM

UQAM celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2009-2010

Founded in 1969 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

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

Initially without a campus, UQAM was created from the merger of several institutions

École des beaux-arts de MontréalCollège Ste-Marie (Jesuits)3 teacher-training institutions

A new campus focusing on accessibility

located above the city’s largest subway station, Berri UQAMincorporating elements of Montreal’s first cathedralcentred on a vast agora, with access to two performance spaces and the subway

Main campus built gradually until the end of the 20th century

15 buildings, most with underground connection to the subway, including:

the largest school of management in Quebec and 3rd largest in Canadaan Education building, training:

30% of teachers in Quebec70% in the Montreal area

a building housing student services and computer servicesa sports pavilion and student residences

Contribution to the revitalization of the Latin Quarter

A campus linked to the new Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec built next to UQAM 5 years ago

UQAM is a key element in Montreal’s creative identity and cultural lifeThe most comprehensive arts curriculum in Canada

Cutting-edge performance and exhibition spaces Two theatres, an art gallery, a concert hall, the Agora de la danse

Recognized authors, actors and producersGraduates in communications, theatre, creative writing

Contribution to Montreal City of Design, designated by UNESCOSchool of Design, Design Centre, School of Fashion

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

A 21st-century science complex

Ultramodern science campusbehind Place des Artsbuilt above the Place des Arts subway stationbeside the new Place des festivalsin the Quartier des spectacles, currently undergoing transformation

A group of 8 contemporary buildings around a garden

LEED-certified Biological Sciences buildingCoeur des sciences: providing science to the general public

Student housing

A human and creative legacy

A significant contribution to improving the skills of citizens

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

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:

research funding totalling $60M

A major employermore than 1,000 professors and language instructorsmore than 2,000 lecturersMore than 2,000 support staff

UQAM helps to improve the urban fabric in several ways

The École des sciences de la gestion contributes to the growth or revitalization of industrial sectors in Montreal

Tourism, project management, biotechnology management and fashion industry management

UQAM is a pioneer in environmental science

Interdisciplinary research, effecting change in attitudes and practices

In the human sciences, it contributes to the understanding of societies and the well-being of the population

Within Montréal Technopole, UQAM contributes to health

Institut en santé et société with more than 100 researchers in the sciences and human sciencesMain focus: prevention and the social determinants of health

UQAM is a vibrant urban university, bustling with activity and ideas

Conclusion

In 40 years, UQAM has become a vital presence in Montreal’s urban space

We hope these few notes interest you in learning more about UQAM and Montreal

Thank you for your attention.