Speaker Name & Presentation:
Past President George Carson introduced today’s speaker - Dr. Jeff Keshen, PhD. President and Vice Chancellor, University of Regina.
Prior to assuming his present role on July 1st, 2021, Dr. Keshen was Vice-President of Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Chair of the Department of History and adjunct Professor in the Centre of Military and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary.
Dr. Keshen is the author of five books, and more than 25 scholarly articles.
Since becoming University of Regina’s eighth President Dr. Keshen has worked in many areas to advance the University’s three-part mission of teaching, research and service to the community. So far, he has created the centre for Experiential and Service Learning; opened as Brad Hornung Accommodations Test Centre; developed the University as first-ever Indigenous Engagement and Strategic Plan as well an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan; developed a 2023-26 Academic Plan; created a Research Alliance with the City of Regina and facilitated numerous academic and research agreements with provincial, national and international institutions.
Dr. Keshen opened his comments with a Land Acknowledgement. He gave a most interesting and informative presentation covering a wide range off topics.
He stressed how important it is that students realize the benefit they receive, especially when considering the cost. It is critically important for them to gain the ability to communicate as many of them could very easily change their career paths. U of R covers both general and professional topics such as Biochemistry, law preparation, media arts, technologies, computer science, kinesiology, physical therapy, chiropractic. Students must determine how their skills are meaningful in many areas.
A challenge for the University is funding. Costs are steadily increasing and funding is not keeping up. For example, Government funding used to cover approximately 70% of costs however today it is only some 44%.
U of Regina has had a long history of international students dating back to 1976 when there were some 700 students from China. Today there are students from some 100 countries with the highest numbers being students from India, Bangladesh, China and Nigeria. Recent government policy changes have resulted in our international student number falling from 4500 in 2023 to 3200 today. International students pay significantly more than local residents. This reduction in international students has resulted in a significant reduction in tuitions and has negatively affected the universities annual budget. Most of these problems stem from a few “bad actors” not following the rules. U of R has not had a housing problem for international students.
The change in government policies has tarnished Canada’s reputation abroad resulting in a significant reduction in students applying. To help offset this U of R has been sending recruiters abroad to visit Bangladesh, China and India to discuss setting up curriculums in their own country. This would enable foreign students to get their education at significantly reduced cost. Steps are also underway to find a program to reduce fees for international students.
Today some 65% of students are women. Men are moving to the trades and polytechnical.
First Nation people are an increasing percent of the population. There are some 2300 Indigenous students at the U of R. They are mostly in social work but are moving toward business.
A very interesting wide-ranging presentation. Dr. Keshen answered a few questions and was warmly thanked by President Russ.
