Colleges University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa www.uottawa.ca/en

Founded in 1848, the University of Ottawa is the world’s largest bilingual university, where students can choose to study in French, English or both. The main campus is located on 42.5 hectares (105 acres) directly to the northeast of Downtown Ottawa across the Rideau Canal in the Sandy Hill neighborhood. Based on its location in the nation’s capital, uOttawa offers ready access to major Canadian institutions. Its proximity to the Parliament of Canada, federal government departments and agencies, non-government and non-profit organizations, major libraries, research institutions, and health centres adds to its character as a unique place to study. Students may choose from over 350 student clubs and a wide range of sports, cultural and recreational activities, and events. The university has a network of more than 250,000 alumni and regularly enrolls approximately 40,000 students among nine faculties: Arts, Law, Education, Engineering, Medicine, Science, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, and the Telfer School of Management. Although most students live off-campus, there are a variety of housing options among the school’s eleven student residences.

Academics

The University of Ottawa is a member of the Canadian U15 group of research-intensive universities and operates approximately 40 research centres and institutes. The school offers some 550 undergraduate and graduate programs, including 89 that offer the option of work terms within one of Canada’s five largest university co-op programs, one which boasts a 95 percent placement rate and enables students to gain practical work experience, build professional networks, and prepare for their future careers. The university also gives students the opportunity to build on their knowledge by earning a master’s or doctoral degree, or to follow an intensive, highly specialized graduate certificate program. The student-faculty ratio at University of Ottawa is 8:1. Popular majors include Psychology, Business, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, and Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.

Special Highlights

Living Learning & Themed Communities. Living Learning Communities support specific areas of study. A professional staff member from your faculty oversees your community and provides support by planning events specific to your area of study, sharing academic resources, and helping connect with faculty members and other students. Themed Communities support students who share a similar identity or interest. Studies have shown that integrating students into learning communities based on a common theme that incorporates mutual interests is a powerful way to promote participation and learning. To make your residence experience even more enjoyable, a Community Advisor oversees your community, organizing regularly scheduled fun and informative activities.

ACE uOttawa. ACE Canada is one of the largest undergraduate business student organizations in Canada. This student-managed organization hosts a number of engaging business conferences throughout the academic year. During these conferences, students participate in challenging case studies that focus on a variety of business fields including accounting, marketing, finance, human resources, e-commerce, business ethics, and international business. Students also participate in difficult business simulations in a wide range of industries including travel and tourism, food and restaurants, fashion and retail, sports and entertainment, and hospitality. ACE Canada’s primary event is the annual National’s Conference that takes place in Toronto. Students attend workshops hosted by experts, and gain valuable insights through presentations by Canada’s top business leaders. Students are also given the opportunity to network with established business professionals from some of the largest and most well-known organizations in Canada.

School Mission & Unique Qualities

At the University of Ottawa, open-mindedness is the key to generating productive and transformative discoveries. Always in tune with our community’s changing needs and aspirations, we offer the space, tools and technologies that will enable students to become the best version of themselves. Among the university’s unique features is its Museum of Classical Antiquities, which is composed of artifacts which reflect daily life during the period from the 7th century BC to AD. The university also houses the student-run Gallery 115, which provides the opportunity to work within a gallery setting and the chance to develop curatorial and administrative skills, as well as to display student art pieces. uOttawa offers children and youth in the community the chance to learn and explore in a safe, friendly environment. Fully bilingual “Gee-Gees” make up a team of coaches, counsellors, and leaders who encourage and oversee participation in a variety of sports, games, activities, and initiatives.

Student Reviews…

“Although the school is very strong academically, I found it hard to involve myself in clubs and spent most of my time trying to stay on top of my school work. To experience student and campus life you really have to get out there. Lots of athletic clubs but very little varsity. Housing is really expensive for what it is and some residential buildings are pretty far from campus.”