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Mission
Memorial University is an inclusive community dedicated to
creativity, innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, research and
scholarship, and to public engagement and service. We recognize our special
obligation to the citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Memorial
welcomes students and scholars from all over the world and contributes knowledge
and shares expertise locally, nationally, and internationally.
This
mission statement is at the core of all of Memorial's plans for its programs,
campuses and activities at home and abroad.
To learn more about the
university's plans and priorities, consult these online resources:
- The
Strategic Plan and Targets Document were approved by Senate at a special meeting
on January 30, 2007. The documents received final approval from the Board of
Regents at its February 1, 2007 meeting.
- In 1999 Memorial University
adopted a Strategic Framework to guide planning and priorities. This document
outlines a number of priorities and strategies and progress towards these
objectives is noted in progress reports, also on line. In 2005, the university
announced its intention to develop a new Strategic Plan.
- The annual
President's Report contains an overview of university plans and activities as
well as a wide variety of facts and figures, including complete audited
financial statements.
- The Centre for Institutional Analysis and Planning
(CIAP) collects, analyses and disseminates institutional data to help inform
strategic planning, particularly for academic units. This information includes
academic performance profiles, surveys of first year and graduating students,
and the results of academic program reviews.
- CIAP also publishes an annual
Factbook, which highlights key information about Memorial, including student and
human resources profile data, financial information, research statistics, and
alumni and development statistics.
- Memorial's Calendar contains the
university's program offerings and regulations, plus general information on the
institution and scholarships available.
- The annual Research Report provides
an overview of the diverse range of research ideas being explored at Memorial
and highlights the progress we have made towards our research targets, and our
contributions to the community.
History
Memorial University
College opened its doors on the old Parade grounds in St. John's to a total
student body of 55 on September 15, 1925.
The college was established as
a memorial to the Newfoundlanders who had lost their lives on active service
during the First World War; it was later rededicated to also encompass those
lost in the Second World War.
University status
The first
post-Confederation Government made the elevation of the college to the full
status of a university one of its main priorities. On August 13, 1949, the Bill
creating The Memorial University of Newfoundland received Royal Assent, exactly
one month from the opening of the House.
The university's governing
bodies, the Board of Regents and the Senate, were inaugurated in May 1950, and
the first Convocation of the University was held on June 3, 1950, when the first
degrees were awarded.
Motto
The university's motto, Provehito in
Altum (Launch forth into the deep), captures the spirit of the adventure of
learning and urges students to extend the frontiers of
knowledge.
Coat of Arms
The Arms of Memorial University have as
their central element a cross, a symbol of sacrifice. Its anchor-shaped ends
signify the hope that springs from devotion to a good cause. The wavy bars
allude to our maritime setting, and the three books signify our educational
role.
White and claret, derived from the Cross of St. George, are the
colours of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment: red for courage and sacrifice, and
white for purity. Gold is associated with nobility and generosity. The colours
remind us that courage tempered with mercy may be enlisted in the service of
noble causes.
The coat of arms was designed by alumnus Robert Horwood. |
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