Laurentian University

Laurentian University (Université Laurentienne), founded in 1960, is a mid-sized bilingual university in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. While LU's focus is primarily on undergraduate programming, the university also features Canada's newest medical school — opened in 2005, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, in consortium with Laurentian and Lakehead University, offers a significant number of graduate-level degrees for medical students. Laurentian is the largest bilingual provider of distance education in Canada.

Overview
The university's campus is located on the south side of Lake Ramsey, just south of Greater Sudbury's downtown core and near some of the city's wealthiest residential neighbourhoods. The city's Idylwylde golf course also borders on the university campus.

The university has a federated school structure, similar to that of the University of Toronto. The school also has an unusual and sometimes controversial student government structure &mdash; there are actually two separate student unions (in addition to the part time and graduate student associations). The Francophone Student's Association (AEF) is for francophones, while the Student's General Association (SGA) is for both anglophones and francophones. However, any student can affiliate with either union, regardless of language, and because the two unions do not offer identical student services, many students from one language group change their affiliation to the other student union depending on which services they want. Consequently, in practice the two student unions often compete with each other rather than serving distinct groups.

The university has strong ties with the mining industry, being one of the few schools in Canada offering mining engineering, and the only Canadian university located in a city where the major industry is mining. The Willett Green Miller Centre, a provincial building located on the site, is home to the Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO), a not-for-profit applied research and technical service company formed through collaboration between Laurentian University and the private and public sectors. The Willett Green Miller Centre is also home to the Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC), a semi-autonomous research and teaching centre whose focus is field-based, collaborative research on mineral deposits and their environments. The mission of MERC is to conduct and promote cutting-edge, field-based, collaborative research on mineral deposits and their environments, and to educate and train highly qualified personnel for careers in the minerals industry, academia or government.

The university is also a key partner in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO), the world's deepest underground laboratory that has been providing, since 1998, new clues on the composition of the sun and the origins of the universe.

In 2004, the university, along with Lakehead University, formed the Northern Ontario Medical School.

The university's campus radio station, CKLU, broadcasts at FM 96.7 in both English and French. Its campus newspapers are Lambda in English and L'Orignal déchaîné ("The Unchained Moose") in French. Its varsity teams in Canadian Interuniversity Sport are the Laurentian Voyageurs and the Laurentian Lady Vees.

The university also has a collaborative education program with Georgian College, offering several university degree courses at the college's campus in Barrie.

Administration
Laurentian University's president is currently Dr. Judith Woodsworth. She has been at the University since 2002. The Board of Governors heads the university with the president. Directly to the left and right of the president is the assistant to the president, and the Laurentian University senate. Laurentian University's affiliate universities, each have a chancellor. The chancellor is largely a ceremonial role, and has little participation in the day-to-day operations of the university. The chancellor for the affiliated, University of Sudbury is prominent Sudbury lawyer André Lacroix Q.C./c.r. LL.D. (from the law firm Lacroix Forest LLP/s.r.l.). The chancellor for the affiliated Thorneloe University is Dr. Ernie Checkeris. And the first chancellor of the affiliated Huntington University is Mr. Theodore (Ted) Jewell. University administration is the responsibility of the Board of Governors, headed by the chairperson of the Board of Governors. This post is current held by Carolyn Sinclair.

Chairpersons of the Board of Governors


 * Ralph D. Parker (1960-1965)
 * Horace J. Fraser (1965-1969)
 * W.J.(Bill) Shea (1969-1971)
 * W.B.(Bill) Plaunt (1971-1973)
 * J.-N. Desmarais (1973-1978)
 * André Lacroix (1978-1981)
 * Frank Clumpus (1981-1984)
 * Normand Forest (1984-1987)
 * Alan Querney (1987-1991)
 * Roberto Grosso (1991-1994)
 * Jamie Wallace (1994-1996)
 * Douglas Los (1996-1998)
 * Robert Del Frate (1998-2001)
 * Maureen Lacroix (2001-2004)
 * Jim Smith (2004-2007)
 * Carolyn Sinclair (2007-present)

Arts
Humanities
 * Computer Science
 * Communication Studies
 * English
 * French
 * Modern Languages and Literatures
 * Philosophy
 * Fine Arts
 * General Arts
 * Arts d'Expression
 * Theatre Arts
 * Music
 * Religious Studies
 * Women's Studies
 * Classical Studies
 * Folklore and Ethnology
 * Native Studies
 * Mathematics
 * Ethics Studies

Social Sciences
 * Anthropology
 * Earth Science
 * Economics
 * Geography
 * Gerontology
 * History
 * Labour and Trade Union Studies
 * Law and Justice
 * Political Science
 * Psychology
 * Sociology
 * Sports Psychology

Sciences

 * Anthropology
 * Behavioural Neuroscience
 * Biochemistry
 * Biology
 * Chemistry
 * Computer Science
 * Environmental Earth Science
 * Forensic Science
 * Geology
 * Liberal Science
 * Mathematics
 * Physics
 * Psychology

Engineering

 * Mining Engineering
 * Chemical Engineering
 * Civil and Mechanical Engineering

Professional Programs

 * Commerce and Administration
 * E-Business Science
 * Education
 * Human Kinetics
 * Midwifery
 * Native Human Services
 * Nursing
 * Social Work
 * Sports Administration

Commerce and Administration
Laurentian's school of commerce and administration was founded in 1960. Laurentian has embraced the world of international business by creating and maintaining relationships with other universities around the world. Laurentian's commerce program is regarded as the best in Northern Ontario. It is modeled off of the prestigious University of Western Ontario's Richard Ivey School of Business. The school of commerce and administration offers a wide variety of programs, from MBAs to honours degrees in commerce, sports administration and e-business.

The school is a 'case school', in which it teaches through extensive use of business case studies. The case method enables class discussion of real business problems. Which will apply the concepts, decision making methods and tools to those situations to help develop analytical and decision making skills. They get involved in the community by studying real organizations of their choice, participating in research projects sponsored by businesses in the community and solving real problems.

Education
Currently, Laurentian has both English and French language education programs for teacher training.

In the Alphonse Raymond building, at the east end of campus, is L`École des sciences de l`éducation de l`Université Laurentienne. Named after Father Alphonse Raymond, and opened in 1974, the building houses classrooms, a cafeteria, an auditorium, a small gymnasium, and offices for more than a dozen professors. Students attending L'École des sciences have a variety of programs from which to choose. The school, for example, offers a traditional consecutive post-grad B.Ed., a newer concurrent B.A. Educ. degree that can be taken full or part-time, the possibility of engaging in studies on-line, and the chance for certified teachers to complete additional qualifications. B.Ed. students who attend L'École des sciences must complete fifty days of practicum placement focusing on observation and practice teaching. The program provides many of the French-speaking teachers who work in Ontario's publicly-funded education system, particularly in schools located in the northeastern section of the province. See http://laurentienne.ca/educ/index.htm
 * L`École des sciences

The English side of the education equation has been more chequered. In 1967 Nipissing University College (with its origins in the North Bay Normal School - commonly called a "Teachers’ College" in Ontario) became affilitated with Laurentian. But in 1992 Nipissing received its own charter and Laurentian lost its formal connection to an English language school of education. More than a decade later, in September 2003, Laurentian began offering its own bachelor of education program in English. This concurrent B.Ed. is a four or five year program taken along with an undergraduate degree. The primary goal of the English language bachelor of education program is to foster the development of a new generation of reflective educators who employ holistic teaching approaches. The curriculum features an emphasis on equity and diversity as well as the infusion of aboriginal issues and content. At the moment, the program is offered in just two of the three areas of potential concentration: the primary/junior and junior/intermediate divisions. At present, most faculty members are located on the fifth floor of the Parker Building, with the remainder in the Science II building. A new school of education building - based on sustainable environmental principles and located across from L`École des sciences at the east end of the campus - is slated for completion in early 2008. See http://laurentian.ca/education/
 * English-language School

Graduate Programs

 * Biology (M.Sc.)
 * Business Administration (M.B.A.)
 * Chemical Sciences (M.Sc.)
 * Mineral Resources Engineering (M.Eng. and M.A.Sc.)
 * Geology (M.Sc.)
 * History (M.A.)
 * Human Development (M.A. and M.Sc.)
 * Interdisciplinary Humanities (M.A.)
 * The Master's in Humanities: Interpretation and Values is unique to Laurentian University. The interdisciplinary programme is designed to introduce students to the whole spectrum of the Humanities; students who are in the programme are not pigeon-holed into one specific discipline within the Humanities, but rather, are allowed to freely explore all the humanities' disciplines holistically.
 * One of the features that differentiates the Interdisciplinary Humanities M.A. from others is the practicum component. Students not only cover a broad spectrum of humanities discourses—and disciplines—in the programme, but also, with the practicum component, they must also bring the theoretical to the practical. Part of the requirement of this M.A. is that students must go into the work force and complete a work study, using the framework of various Humanities discourses to find meaning in a practical, "hands on" setting.
 * Nursing (M.Sc.)
 * Applied Physics (M.Sc.)
 * Science Communication (Graduate Diploma)
 * Social Work (M.S.W.)
 * Applied Sociology (M.A.)


 * Biomolecular Sciences (Ph.D)
 * Human Studies (Ph.D)
 * Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology (Ph.D)
 * Natural Resources Engineering (Ph.D)
 * Rural and Northern Health (Ph.D)

Federated Schools

 * Algoma University College
 * Huntington University
 * Northern Ontario School of Medicine (in partnership with Lakehead University)
 * Université de Hearst
 * Thorneloe University
 * University of Sudbury

Nipissing University in North Bay, formerly a federated school of Laurentian, became an independent university in 1992. In June of 2007, the Ontario government announced that Algoma University College will also be chartered as an independent university.

Research Centres

 * Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS)
 * Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI)
 * Centre in Mining Materials Research (CIMMR)
 * Centre for Research and Human Development (CRHD)
 * Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research (CRaNHR)
 * Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit (CFEU)
 * Elliot Lake Research Field Station (ELRFS)
 * Geomechanics Research Centre (GRC)
 * Institut Franco-Ontarien (IFO)
 * Institute of Northern Ontario Research and Development (INORD)
 * Laurentian University Mining Automation Laboratory (LUMAL)
 * Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC)
 * Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO)
 * Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO)

Great Hall (Grand Salon)
The Great Hall is a multipurpose dining hall and auditorium that plays a prominent role in the life of the University. During special events, invited speakers and dignitaries may address the University population or general public from the Great Hall. Many conferences held in Sudbury may book the hall for lectures or presentations. Even bands touring Canadian campuses may schedule concerts at the Great Hall.

On a more routine basis, the Great Hall serves as the dining area of the university cafeteria, and is a popular place for student, staff, and faculty alike to grab a snack at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. (The adjacent servery features a made-to-order sandwich bar, Pizza Pizza counter, stir-fry station, grill, and baked goods stand.)

The hall's outdoor balcony has a view of the greens of the Idywylde Golf and Country Club.

Fraser Auditorium
The Fraser Auditorium in the Fraser Building is another large-volume auditorium, though it is more formal than the Great Hall and is regularly used for the larger first-year classes. The Fraser Auditorium is also used for special events and conferences, but a student's most memorable visit will likely be for convocation ceremonies, held within the auditorium each spring. In addition the Fraser Auditorium has hosted the Falconbridge Lecture Series hosting such guests as Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, and Senator Roméo Dallaire (March 2006).

The auditorium also sometimes hosts cultural events, such as theatre and concert performances, and was the original home of the city's Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario and Sudbury Theatre Centre.

Residences
The Laurentian Residences offers four unique residences under the supervision of the main campus and three located at the main campus under the supervision of the federated colleges.

Single Student Residence (SSR)
The Single Student Residence is an apartment style complex consisting of 4-6 residents in personal apartment containing a living room, kitchen, and washrooms. The entire complex includes rooms for 369 students in 69 apartments. Student Street, consisting of a convenience store, computer room, mail room, snack bar, and games room, among other rooms and services, is located at the bottom of the SSR complex.

University College Residence (UC)
The University College Residence is a ten storey co-ed building with single and double (shared) rooms, providing accommodations for 240 students. University College is also connected to student street giving students access to the same ammenitties available to SSR students.

Married/Mature Student Residence (MSR)
The Mature Student Residence offers furnished apartments for those who are over 21 years of age or whom have accumulated over 90 credits. The residence is generally thought of as the overall quietest at Laurentian. The rooms consist of one bedroom, a living room, bathroom and kitchen.

The West Residence
This residence is the newest residence at Laurentian. It is designed for students who have spent at least two years at the university and obtained a minimum of at least 60 credits. The residence consists consist of same sex apartment style rooms and cost $14.5 million CAD.

Thorneloe Residence
The Thorneloe University College Residence provides accommodations for 58 students. This residence offers large kitchens, sauna, and common rooms with large pool tables. In 2004 the former administrative offices were transformed into a suite for four students. Thorneloe University College, although founded by the Anglican Diocese of Algoma, welcomes all students at Laurentian.

University of Sudbury
The University of Sudbury Lucien Matte Residence houses 174 students in 92 single and 41 double bedrooms. The University of Sudbury, although associated with the Roman Catholic Church, welcomes those of all religions.

Huntington University
The Huntington University College Residence houses 184 students in dorm-style rooms. Kitchens and TV lounges are present on all four floors. The residence is located with the Academic complex which includes classrooms and a library. Huntington University is affiliated with the United Church of Canada, but does not require religious affiliation. Christopher Levan, noted author, was once president of Huntington University.

Notable alumni

 * Rick Bartolucci
 * Alex Baumann
 * Michel Bock
 * Elie Martel
 * Tony Martin
 * Sharon Murdock
 * André Paiement
 * Marie-Paule Poulin
 * Tony Ruprecht
 * Derwyn Shea
 * John Sola
 * Sylvia Sweeney
 * Gary Wilson

Noted faculty

 * Dr. Pat Bailey
 * Lorenzo Cadieux
 * Dr. Hoi Cheu
 * Robert Dickson
 * Dr. Rand Dyck
 * Dr. Harold Gibson (Geology) - international leader in volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits and winner of the 1992 Willaim Harvey Gross Medal of the Mineral Deposits Division of the Geological Association of Canada.
 * J. F. Hendry
 * Dr. Shannon E. Hengen
 * Dr. Balz Kamber (Geology) - international leader and Canada Research Chair in Precambrian Geology and geochemistry. He is also the 2007 Ingerson Lecturer of the International Association of Geochemistry.
 * Dr. Gary Kinsman
 * Dr. C. Michael Lesher (Geology) - international leader in magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposit genesis and winner of the 2007 Duncan Derry Medal of the Mineral Deposits Division of the Geological Association of Canada.
 * Dr. Graeme S. Mount
 * Dr. Roger Nash
 * Alan Nursall
 * Dr. David Pearson
 * Dr. Michael Persinger
 * John Rutherford

Student General Association
The SGA is the largest student union at Laurentian, with around 5100 students. It offers services in both English and French, although in recent years the English services have became predominant. The association is presided over by a board of directors consisting of representatives of each of the academic departments and residences, as well as commissioners representing groups within the school (francophone, aboriginal, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, international students, women, cultural affairs and special needs), three university senators and the executive. Under the by-laws the board only comes into existence on the first day of classes of the fall session and is dissolved at the end of the winter session, for the remainder of year the executive has the full powers of the board.

The executive consist of the president, and two vice-presidents (student issues and services), supplemented by an executive director and a receptionist. The staff of the association is relatively small — the president, executive director and receptionist are all full time employees. The vice-president of services is a full time employee from May 1 until the first day of classes in the fall term, when he or she becomes part time. The vice-president of student issues is a part time employee from the second Monday in August onward. The Chief Returning Officer is a part time employee during the election campaign. The editor of Lambda, the director of CKLU, the manager of Pub Down Under and the manager of the games room are part-time employees of arm length operations.

In March 2007, LUPSA published their first issue of its student-produced Laurentian University Journal of Political Science.

Sports
The university's varsity teams, known as the Voyageurs for the men's teams and the Lady Vees for the women's teams, compete in basketball, soccer, swimming, cross-country running, golf, and Nordic skiing. There are also competitive club teams in lacrosse, and a plethora of intramural sports programmes. The Lady Vees basketball team have been one of the most successful franchises in the history of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport women's basketball championship, winning the title seven times. Notable alumnae of the basketball team include broadcaster Sylvia Sweeney. Overseeing the Althetic Department is Athletic Director Peter Hellstrom who is a graduate of Laurier University.