Simon Fraser University (SFU) is a public research university located in British Columbia, Canada. Founded in 1965, it is named after the explorer Simon Fraser. SFU has three campuses: Burnaby Mountain, Surrey, and Vancouver. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including business, computer science, engineering, arts, and social sciences. SFU is known for its strong research programs and commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Simon Fraser University was founded in 1965 with the goal of providing higher education opportunities for residents of British Columbia, Canada. The province had a rapidly growing population at the time, and the existing universities were struggling to meet the demand for higher education. The government of British Columbia established Simon Fraser University as a new public institution, with a mandate to provide undergraduate and graduate education, conduct research, and serve the community. The university was also intended to be a "different kind of university," with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, innovative teaching methods, and community engagement.
Simon Fraser University was first proposed in the early 1960s, as part of a broader effort to expand higher education opportunities in British Columbia. A government-appointed commission, led by economist and former SFU Chancellor Gordon Shrum, was tasked with studying the need for a new university and recommending a location for the new institution. After a comprehensive study, the commission recommended the establishment of Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain, a location that offered a scenic setting and proximity to both Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
In 1963, the British Columbia government passed legislation establishing Simon Fraser University, and appointed a board of governors to oversee its development. The university officially opened its doors in 1965, with an initial enrollment of 2,500 students. The first classes were held in temporary quarters, while construction of the main campus buildings began. The original design of the Burnaby campus was a modern, open concept, with a central courtyard and buildings arranged around it. The university continued to grow and expand over the next few decades, adding new programs and facilities, including the Surrey and Vancouver campuses.
Simon Fraser University was established with the support of the British Columbia government under Premier W.A.C Bennett. The government appointed a commission led by economist and former SFU Chancellor Gordon Shrum to study the need for a new university and recommend a location for the institution. The commission's recommendation was then included in the government's policy for expanding higher education in the province. It was passed as legislation under Premier Bennett's government, who served as the premier of British Columbia from 1952 to 1972.
Simon Fraser University (SFU) was founded with the goal of being a "different kind of university" with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, innovative teaching methods, and community engagement. When it opened its doors in 1965, SFU was seen as a more progressive and liberal institution compared to the other universities in British Columbia, which were more traditional and focused on traditional disciplines.
SFU was also known for its open admission policy, which allowed students to take classes without being formally admitted to the university. This policy helped to attract a diverse student body, which was seen as a reflection of the university's liberal and inclusive values.
SFU was also known for its commitment to community engagement, which was reflected in its mandate, and it was one of the first universities in Canada to establish a community service learning program. The university's focus on interdisciplinary studies, and its commitment to community engagement and social justice issues, helped to establish SFU as a liberal and progressive institution.
Timeline
The establishment of Simon Fraser University had a significant impact on the people of Vancouver and the surrounding areas. It provided additional higher education opportunities for residents of the region, which helped to meet the growing demand for higher education. This in turn helped to create more jobs and economic opportunities for people in the area, as well as attracting students from across Canada and around the world to the region.
The SFU also created a cultural and intellectual center for the people of Vancouver. The university has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, innovative teaching methods, and community engagement, which has led to a vibrant and diverse academic community. The SFU also hosts a wide variety of events, lectures, and performances that are open to the public, which has helped to enrich the cultural life of the city.
Furthermore, the university has also been a major contributor to the local economy, as it is one of the largest employers in the region and attracts many students, researchers, and staff to the area. The university has also contributed to the development of the surrounding communities, by supporting community organizations, and providing outreach and services to local residents.
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Reference: Article by (Staff Historian), 2023
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