President David Turpin announced two major initiatives during his November installation as the 13th president of the U of A.
In recognizing that the university must do more to meet the needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, the university intends to build the Maskwa House of Learning on North Campus. "[It] will be a space where Indigenous students can find and create a home on campus," Turpin said in his installation speech.
Also, beginning next fall, first-year students admitted to the U of A will be guaranteed a place in residence, he announced. The aim is to help draw students from across the province, the country and the world and "make them feel at home." Studies show living in residence increases student involvement in the university community and improves academic success, he noted.
Turpin also outlined his vision of the university's role. "Our task continues to be to ask unexpected questions, seek truth and knowledge, and help society define, understand and frame its challenges. Our goal for the future is to find new and innovative ways to mobilize our excellence in research and teaching to help municipal, provincial, national and international communities address these challenges."
Earlier in the fall, Turpin initiated community consultations that will help shape the university's strategic plan. He invited students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate in the discussion.
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