University of Regina

The University of Regina is a public university in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. It began in 1911 as a private school connected to the Methodist Church of Canada. Later, it linked with the University of Saskatchewan and became its own university in 1974.

Today, the University of Regina helps students learn through hands-on experiences, like projects and internships. In September 2023, more students than ever were studying there—over 16,800. The university is known for its focus on research and helping students gain useful skills.

History

The University of Regina started in 1911 as Regina College. It was a school opened by the Methodist Church of Canada in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. It began with only 27 students. Over the years, it grew and changed. In 1925, it started working with the University of Saskatchewan to offer university courses. By 1934, it fully joined the University of Saskatchewan because of money problems during the Great Depression.

In 1961, it became known as the Regina Campus of the University of Saskatchewan and could give out its own degrees. Finally, in 1974, it became its own university called the University of Regina. Since then, the university has grown a lot, adding new buildings and programs. It also opened La Cité universitaire francophone in 2015, the first French-language university in Saskatchewan.

Federated colleges, regional colleges and associates

The University of Regina works closely with three special colleges:

• Campion College
• First Nations University of Canada
• Luther College

Campion and Luther colleges used to be high schools. They offered college courses approved by the University of Saskatchewan. Campion College joined the University of Saskatchewan in 1923. It later changed its partnership and returned to work with the University of Saskatchewan in 1964. It moved to the new campus in Regina in 1968. Luther College also moved to the new campus in 1971 but still runs a high school on Royal Street.

The First Nations University of Canada started in 1976 and became part of the University of Regina. It moved to a new building in 2003.

The University of Regina also works with two affiliated colleges: the Gabriel Dumont Institute and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic. It has two associated colleges: Athol Murray College of Notre Dame and Briercrest College and Seminary. These schools work together with the university on various programs.

The university is also part of the University of the Arctic, an international group that supports learning and research in the Arctic region.

Faculties

The University of Regina has ten faculties and one school. They offer many different programs, including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees.

The university has a graduate school called the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. It works with the University of Saskatchewan to offer Masters and Doctoral programs.

Students can also prepare for careers through special programs in Agriculture, Chiropractic, Dentistry, Law, and Medicine.

The university supports French language programs through La Cité universitaire francophone. This center helps French-speaking students and communities.

The University of Regina offers co-operative education programs. Many students join these programs, especially in science and engineering. The Faculty of Arts also has special internship opportunities for its students.

Residences

Regina College used to have separate homes for male and female students. These were changed to classrooms when the college joined with the University of Saskatchewan in 1934. Today, the Main (Wascana) Campus has rooms for about 1,200 students. Most rooms are for one student, but some can be shared if needed.

The university has several buildings for students to live in:

• College West, built in 1972, has apartments and also includes classrooms and offices.
• La Résidence in the Language Institute is for students who speak French or study other languages.
• Wakpá Tower (South) and Paskwāw Tower (North) were finished in 2004. These tall buildings have apartments, studios, and dorm rooms.
• Kīšik Towers Residences, opened in 2015, have apartments for two or four students, studios, and single rooms with private bathrooms.
• Luther College Residences opened in 1971 and offers traditional dorm rooms with shared facilities.

The university makes sure to save many rooms each year for new students, especially those coming from far away.

Sports

Main articles: Regina Cougars and Regina Rams

The University of Regina is part of U Sports and has men’s and women’s teams in many sports. All teams are called the “Cougars,” except the “Rams,” which started as a community football team and joined the university in 1999.

Men’s teams include football, basketball, cross country, hockey, swimming, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. Women’s teams include basketball, cross country, hockey, soccer, swimming, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. The university also has many club teams like cheerleading and rowing.

In the summer of 2005, the university hosted the Canada Summer Games.

Media

The University of Regina has a student newspaper called The Carillon. It is a place where students share their ideas. Today, it works like a regular newspaper.

Indigenous programs

The University of Regina helps Indigenous people, even those who live far away, with special services. They work with Indigenous communities through programs like SUNTEP. Elders from these communities are on campus to support students. The Kâspohtamatâtân Mentorship Program lets Indigenous students guide younger students. The university has an Aboriginal Career Centre to help students find good careers.

Arms

The University of Regina has special symbols and designs called its arms. These symbols show the university's history and values. The university began in 1911 as a school linked to a church. It grew and changed over time, becoming part of a bigger university before becoming independent. The arms represent the university's story and what it stands for today.

Notable faculty and alumni

The University of Regina has had many famous teachers and graduates. Some became authors, like Janice Acoose and Gail Bowen. Others succeeded in sports, such as Chris Bauman and Tevaughn Campbell.

The university has also been linked to political leaders, including Lorne Calvert and Andrew Scheer, and artists like Ruth Chambers and Holly Fay. Visitors from different areas, such as writers and journalists, have also taught there for short times.