The University
Carleton University is unique within the Ontario university
system for several reasons. It was founded in 1942, not by
church or state, but through a community movement, initiated by
the YMCA, to provide non-sectarian education and learning
opportunities for the thousands of men and women who came to
Ottawa in support of the war effort. Because of these roots,
Carleton has, throughout its history, attempted to meet the
needs of the community by making its programs and resources
widely available through innovative technologies and life-long
learning opportunities.
Carleton's location in Canada's capital is also an important
factor in its development and mission. The University's
philosophy and character have been shaped by the public life of
Canada and by the resources of the national capital area. The
first courses ever offered were in public administration and
journalism, linking Carleton's program of instruction to the
federal civil service and the national press gallery. Later,
the development of programs in such areas as political science
and economics, social work and sociology, Canadian studies and
international affairs, mathematics and statistics, reinforced
the reciprocity between the University and national
institutions.
Carleton's location and national focus also have had a
significant impact on the development of programs in the arts
and humanities. The proximity to national libraries, archives,
galleries, museums, and embassies ensures excellent research
facilities and a distinctly Canadian perspective in such areas
as history, art history, music, English, and French.
The availability of government scientists and research
laboratories and the high concentration of high technology
firms offer educational opportunities in science and e
ngineering unequalled in Canada. By joining forces with the
University of Ottawa in offering joint graduate programs in the
engineering and science disciplines, Carleton has created
centres and institutes of national and international
significance that link to the national facilities located in
the area.
Although Carleton originated as a University with special
ties to national institutions, it quickly developed strong
international links and today enjoys academic partnerships and
joint research projects with more than 70 institutions in 28
countries.
The dynamic, pioneering spirit that gave birth to Carleton
more than 60 years ago is still very much alive at the
University. Today, Carleton University is a major research and
teaching institution - an international leader in the study of
public affairs and management, and advanced technologies. The
University offers outstanding programs at the undergraduate and
graduate levels in the major disciplines of the arts and social
sciences, engineering and design, public affairs and
management, and science.
Carleton's current strategic priorities are to provide an
outstanding university experience for students and to ensure
their academic success. In support of these priorities, the
University promotes a high level of research, and endeavours to
recruit and retain the highest quality of faculty and
staff.
Carleton is on track to reaching its goal of being among the
best comprehensive universities in Canada.
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