Algoma University is one of Ontario’s smallest universities—a fact students and faculty take pride in. Located in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma University is an undergraduate-only institution. It offers small class sizes to encourage more interaction between students and faculty. To promote less lecturing and more discussion, Algoma is the only university in Ontario that caps classes at 75 students.
Algoma University was established in 1965, but was an affiliated college of Laurentian University until 2008. Today, Algoma has official university status and offers degrees in more than 30 programs.
Which Programs Does Algoma Offer?
One of Algoma’s most recognizable distinctions is its special mission to provide and cultivate cross-cultural learning between First Nations and Metis populations and other Canadian communities. The fact the university is located on the former site of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School is taken very seriously. In fact, Algoma is the only university in Canada to offer an undergraduate degree in Anishinaabernowin, the Ojibwe language.
Noteworthy Programs:
- Business Administration: This four-year bachelor’s degree has an optional co-op term. It offers students a choice of minors in accounting, economics, human resource management, or marketing. Along with classwork, students build their networking skills by engaging with local professionals.
- Community, Economic, and Social Development: Touted as the only university degree of its kind in Canada, the CESD program focuses on northern, rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The program has two work placements. It’s also interdisciplinary, combining social work, sociology, political science, geography, economics, and business administration.
- Environmental Science: Taking advantage of Algoma’s natural northern setting and state-of-the-art Essar Convergence Centre, the Environmental Science program examines the global impacts of climate change.
Algoma Makes Diversity a Priority
Algoma has one of the most diverse campuses in Canada. Over 27% of the student population are international students from more than 30 different countries. It’s also one of the few universities across Canada with a president who is a woman. Asima Vezina has been Algoma’s President and Vice-Chancellor since 2017, when she succeeded Dr. Celia Ross in the position. Vezina has more than 25 years experience working in education, and is a firm believer in Algoma’s dedication to collaboration and community. She notes:
“Our approach to education, undergrad research opportunities and relevant programming prepares our students to tackle the most pressing issues of our time.”
Photo Source: Algoma University
Since taking office, Vezina has been heavily involved in Algoma’s work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. She shares: “Algoma University celebrates the ability we have as Canadians to dialogue about our country. Discussions around reconciliation are gaining momentum as people come together with a better understanding of each other and a growing awareness of the strength of partnership.”
At ApplyBoard, embracing diversity is at the core of what we do – and it’s key to our origin story. Check out our blog with co-founder Martin Basiri to learn more.
Image Credit: Fungus Guy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Buildings and Facilities
Here are some key buildings and facilities students can access at Algoma’s main campus:
- Shingwauk Hall: Formerly a residential school for First Nations children, Shingwauk Hall is one of the city’s oldest landmarks. With the support of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA), the hall is now home to an important cross-cultural research and educational development project called the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre.
- Essar Convergence Centre: Algoma’s C$16 million, state-of-the-art bioscience and technology centre opened in 2011. It has laboratory space for students and professors, and various research institutes.
- George Leach Centre: Home of the Algoma Thunderbirds, and varsity teams in soccer, cross-country running, wrestling, basketball, Nordic skiing, and curling. This facility has a gym with three regulation court surfaces and an indoor walking/jogging track open to all students.
Image Credit: Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where is Algoma University?
Algoma University’s main campus is in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. “The Soo”, as it’s also known, is Northern Ontario’s third largest city. Students can enjoy lots of outdoor activities not far from campus, as it’s in the heart of the Great Lakes region. Algoma also has smaller campuses located in Brampton and Timmins.
Want to explore after class? Check out our list of six of Ontario’s hidden-gems you won’t want to miss!
Interested in Studying at Algoma?
Here are some next steps:
- Visit Algoma University’s school pages for their Sault Ste. Marie and Brampton campuses. ApplyBoard’s collected detailed information on all programs international students are eligible for. Check out class details, admission requirements, tuition costs, and more.
- Ready to apply? Create your free ApplyBoard account.
Don’t miss out! Algoma University is offering an exclusive 50% application fee waiver for applications submitted through ApplyBoard.
