Dr. Joanne MacLean, UFV President & Vice Chancellor
Our role as a university in addressing racism — We have been shaken by the recent death of George Floyd at the hands of police. Within a space of a few weeks. the media has confronted us with two deaths by design: the asphyxiation of George Floyd and the shooting of Ahmaud Aubrey. Both occurred … Read more
UFV condemns racism and offers support — Dear UFV Students, George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Tony McDade. Ahmaud Arbery. These names are added to the long list of victims of systemic racism and racial injustice in our society. While these are American victims, Canada is not free of these same injustices. This is evidenced by the … Read more
The University of the Fraser Valley strongly condemns the racism and violence unfolding in the United States and we stand with those communities supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and those who peacefully demand justice and equality for racialized members of society. Xenophobia, hatred, and exclusion will not be tolerated at UFV. When we see … Read more
I am a firm believer that times of great challenge inherently hold even greater potential for learning, growth and transformation. The current COVID-19 pandemic has made us look at the way we do things and ask ourselves if there is another, better, way to do it. We have had to be innovative and make difficult … Read more
Dear Students: These are unusual times. For many, these are very challenging times. Being an optimist, I feel that challenges often bring opportunities for us to explore and experience. So, if you are struggling with the uncertainty of this moment and questioning whether pursuing higher education in a time like this is worth it, I’m … Read more
From campus to frontline: Nurses Week 2020 — Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) — or “COVID-19” — has caused global disarray. The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest challenge of the 21st century. The nursing profession plays an active role in all facets of healthcare including supporting public health emergencies such as a pandemic. Corina … Read more
Dear Students, This has been an extremely challenging time for students and I know you have many questions about what your university experience will look like this Fall. Although I don’t yet have the answers to all your questions, I’m pleased to be able to share with you how we plan to approach the Fall … Read more
Expertise, bureaucrats, and civic commitment: why universities matter more than ever — Last weekend, while reading something about the anti-science and anti-reason pronouncements and actions of American conservatives, I mused aloud, “remember Allan Bloom?” Thirty years ago, his best-selling and controversial book, The Closing of the American Mind (1987), was at the centre of conservative … Read more
Hi everyone, it’s Joanne MacLean, president of UFV. It’s Tuesday, May 5, which is Thank a Teacher Day in some countries. I like to take every opportunity I can to thank our educators, especially during this challenging time. Many of us have been shaped in important ways by the teachers in our lives and I’m … Read more
Living our mission in a time of crisis – When I arrived at UFV last fall, one of my first tasks was to kick off the effort to develop a new strategic plan. At the time, I saw this as a terrific opportunity to develop a rich understanding of my new environment. And it did: … Read more