(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON- February 26, 2020): Earlier today, Algoma University was selected as the newest member of the University of the Arctic (UArctic) co-operative network during the organization’s annual assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark. Algoma joins an ever-growing network of universities, colleges, and research institutes engaged with education and research in and about the North. Other Northern Ontario UArtic members are Lakehead and Nipissing.

UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and collaborative infrastructure so that member institutions can better serve their constituents and their regions. Through cooperation in education, research and outreach, UArctic strives to enhance human capacity in the North, promote viable communities and sustainable economies, while forging global partnerships.

As part of a presentation at the assembly, Dr. Donna Rogers, Algoma University Provost and Academic Dean stressed the commonalities between the network and the Sault Ste. Marie based institution including the northern focus and cross-cultural learning elements that are essential to Algoma’s institutional identity. “Algoma’s academic staff are eager to participate in several thematic networks, such as northern food security and local-scale planning, climate change and resilience,” noted Dr. Rogers. “Our research strength in biology, environmental science, and Indigenous history/culture, among other areas, positions us well to contribute to the networks and we look forward to learning from and collaborating with other northern-focused institutions.”

Algoma University students, faculty and staff welcome the opportunity for greater engagement and fruitful exchange with other UArctic members. Of particular interest is the north2north student mobility program that aligns with Algoma’s internationalization strategy.  The initiative supports and encourages students to study at a partner university while enabling Algoma to welcome more students from diverse regions. Algoma’s Anishinaabe (Indigenous) student population will especially welcome north2north mobility opportunities.

Algoma looks forward to the rich collaborative opportunities that will emerge as a result of UArctic participation.

Photo: Copenhagen, February 26, 2020: L-R Algoma University Provost and Academic Dean Donna Rogers, with UArctic President Lars Kullerud and Liisa Holmberg, Assembly Chair and Rector of the Sámi Education Institute

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