BRANDON, MB — Motivated by a number of Brandon University professors’ request and previous positive experiences, Dr. Deborah Poff — the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor — has made a successful bid to become a member institution of the University of the Arctic. She recently attended the organization’s annual general meeting, held at the University of Lapland in Rovaiemi, in Finland.
“We are very pleased with our acceptance as members of the University of the Arctic,” said Dr. Poff. “This membership offers many possibilities for our faculty and students. There are student exchange programs and research partnerships within UArctic that have the possibility of offering enriched opportunities for both students and faculty.”
A network of universities, colleges and organizations with a focus on higher education and research in the North makes up the University of the Arctic. There are more than 138 members in this network, including the Abisko Scientific Research Station in Sweden, the Arctic State Institute of Culture and Art in Russia, Bifröst University in Iceland, Harstad University College in Norway, the Institute of the North in Alaska and the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland. Brandon University is now one of the almost 20 Canadian universities and colleges involved in the University of the Arctic.
This unique circumpolar group has developed a number of thematic networks that assemble collaborators concerned with specific issues, like Arctic medicine, distance and e-learning, geopolitics and security, global change, indigenous arts and crafts, and northern tourism, among others. As well, guiding the members of the University of the Arctic are values like empowering the North, improving access to education, creating shared knowledge along with serving the target community, building regional identity and strengthening the voice of Arctic inhabitants.
Membership in this cooperative group will give Brandon University faculty members unparalleled opportunities to participate in research partnerships, forums and symposia, and teaching exchanges. As well, students will have the chance to take part in more student exchange possibilities than previous available.
– 30 –
For more information, please contact:
Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communications
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
Tel. 204-727-9762
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
To receive any BU publication in an alternate format please contact Communications@BrandonU.ca
About BU
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.