University of Regina

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

Today, the University of Regina is a place where students can learn through real experiences, such as working on projects or internships. In September 2023, it had more students than ever before—over 16,800 people were studying there. The university is known for its strong focus on research and helping students gain practical skills.

History

Regina College, designed by James Henry Puntin (architect), under construction on 16th Avenue (now College Avenue), 1913

The University of Regina began in 1911 as Regina College, a school started by the Methodist Church of Canada in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. It started with just 27 students. Over time, it grew and changed. In 1925, it began working with the University of Saskatchewan by offering university courses. By 1934, because of financial difficulties during the Great Depression, it fully joined the University of Saskatchewan.

In 1961, it became known as the Regina Campus of the University of Saskatchewan and could grant its own degrees. Finally, in 1974, it became an independent university called the University of Regina. The university has grown a lot since then, 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:

First Nations University of Canada

Campion and Luther colleges used to be high schools that offered college courses approved by the University of Saskatchewan. Campion College joined the University of Saskatchewan in 1923, then changed its partnership, and later 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, which was visited by Prince Edward and later by the Queen in 2005.

First Nations University on the left with Campion College, Wakpá Tower (South) and Paskwāw Tower (North) Residences, Library and Language Institute and Administrative Humanities Building

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 that offer many different programs. These programs include certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees.

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

Students can also prepare for professional careers through special transfer programs in fields like 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 take part in these programs, especially in science and engineering. The Faculty of Arts also has special internship opportunities for its students.

Faculty	Overview
Faculty of Arts	The U of R's largest faculty and is home to the social sciences, languages, and humanities. The Faculty of Arts offers the country's only Police Studies program.
Faculty of Business Administration	The Faculty encompasses both the Paul J. Hill School of Business (undergraduate programs) and the Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business (graduate degree/certificate programs).
Faculty of Education	Offers undergraduate and graduate-level level for primary and secondary-level teaching. One of the U of R's quota (competitive entry) programs.
Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science	Engineering programs offered: Electronic Systems Engineering, Environmental Systems Engineering, Industrial Systems Engineering, Petroleum Systems Engineering, and Software Systems Engineering. Students may add a specialization in the following disciplines: Communications Engineering, Controls, Digital Design, Power Electronics, Manufacturing Engineering, and Process Engineering.
Faculty of Media, Arts, and Performance	Home to the U of R's fine and performing arts and art study programs in the arts of visual art, theatre, music, and media production and studies.
Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research	Offers masters and doctoral study programs in conjunction with all other faculties.
Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies
Faculty of Nursing	Accepting its first intake in Fall 2011, offers a degree-track nursing program jointly with SIAST.
Faculty of Science	Departments and programs include computer science, math and statistics, geology, biology, physics, chemistry and biochemistry, and actuarial science.
Faculty of Social Work	With primary campuses in Regina and Saskatoon, and satellite campuses across Saskatchewan offers practice and research based programs of study.

Residences

College West viewed from the South Residence, across the Barber Academic Green

Regina College once had 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. For a long time, it was a place where students shared strong opinions. Now, it is more like a regular newspaper.

Indigenous programs

The University of Regina helps Indigenous people, even those living far away, by offering special services. They work together with Indigenous communities through programs like SUNTEP to meet their needs. Elders from these communities are available on campus to support students. The Kâspohtamatâtân Mentorship Program lets Indigenous students guide younger students back home. The university also has an Aboriginal Career Centre to help students find good careers.

Arms

The University of Regina has its own special symbols and designs, known as its arms. These symbols show its history and values. The university started in 1911 as a school linked to a church. Over time, it grew and changed, becoming part of a bigger university before standing on its own. These arms represent the university's journey and what it stands for today.

Notable faculty and alumni

The University of Regina has had many well-known teachers and graduates. Some have become authors, like Janice Acoose and Gail Bowen, while others have 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. Many visitors from different fields, such as writers and journalists, have also taught there for short periods.