1. The Role of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in Montreal’s Urban Space Speech by Claude-Yves Charron Vice-Rector Université du Québec à Montréal Tongji University, Shanghai, May 13, 2010

2. A few words on the history of UQAM UQAM celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2009-2010 Founded in 1969 during the “Quiet Revolution” to democratize access to higher education Target populations  Young baby boomers born after the war  Adults lacking sufficient educational background according to current standards  Minorities and neighbouring communities A "new" university, attentive to the needs of the public

3. Initially without a campus, UQAM was created from the merger of several institutions  École des beaux-arts de Montréal  Collège Ste-Marie (Jesuits)  3 teacher-training institutions A new campus focusing on accessibility  located above the city’s largest subway station, Berri UQAM  incorporating elements of Montreal’s first cathedral  centred on a vast agora, with access to two performance spaces and the subway

4. Main campus built gradually until the end of the 20th century 15 buildings, most with underground connection to the subway, including:  the largest school of management in Quebec and 3rd largest in Canada  an Education building, training:  30% of teachers in Quebec  70% in the Montreal area  a building housing student services and computer services  a sports pavilion and student residences Contribution to the revitalization of the Latin Quarter A campus linked to the new Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec built next to UQAM 5 years ago

5. UQAM is a key element in Montreal’s creative identity and cultural life The most comprehensive arts curriculum in Canada Cutting-edge performance and exhibition spaces  Two theatres, an art gallery, a concert hall, the Agora de la danse Recognized authors, actors and producers  Graduates in communications, theatre, creative writing Contribution to Montreal City of Design, designated by UNESCO  School of Design, Design Centre, School of Fashion Contribution to the 3D animation and electronic games industry, pride of Montreal

6. A 21st-century science complex Ultramodern science campus  behind Place des Arts  built above the Place des Arts subway station  beside the new Place des festivals  in the Quartier des spectacles, currently undergoing transformation A group of 8 contemporary buildings around a garden  LEED-certified Biological Sciences building  Coeur des sciences: providing science to the general public Student housing

7. A human and creative legacy A significant contribution to improving the skills of citizens  40,000 students today  2,500 students from 80 countries  200,000 graduates – approximately 50% women UQAM today  300 undergraduate, Masters and PhD programs  6 faculties and a School of Management  37 departments and a School of Fashion Design  6 institutes  21 institutional research centres  58 research and innovation Chairs:  research funding totalling $60M A major employer  more than 1,000 professors and language instructors  more than 2,000 lecturers  More than 2,000 support staff

8. UQAM helps to improve the urban fabric in several ways The École des sciences de la gestion contributes to the growth or revitalization of industrial sectors in Montreal  Tourism, project management, biotechnology management and fashion industry management UQAM is a pioneer in environmental science  Interdisciplinary research, effecting change in attitudes and practices In the human sciences, it contributes to the understanding of societies and the well-being of the population

9. Within Montréal Technopole, UQAM contributes to health  Institut en santé et société with more than 100 researchers in the sciences and human sciences  Main focus: prevention and the social determinants of health UQAM is a vibrant urban university, bustling with activity and ideas

10. Conclusion In 40 years, UQAM has become a vital presence in Montreal’s urban space We hope these few notes interest you in learning more about UQAM and Montreal Thank you for your attention.