uOttawa News

OTTAWA, June 30, 2015  —  The University of Ottawa has initiated a selection process to choose the University’s next chancellor, who will succeed the Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean. The University’s Board of Governors is responsible for naming the new chancellor, on recommendation of the University’s Senate.

Michaëlle Jean, who is currently the Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), will continue to serve as chancellor until a new chancellor is named, as indicated when her departure was announced last April.

The chancellor is the titular head of the University, and as such, presides over convocation ceremonies, confers degrees and is an honorary member of the Board of Governors and an ex officio member of the University Senate.

The chancellor also represents the University at major events, both on campus and elsewhere, including at commemorative ceremonies, welcoming activities, awards ceremonies and other university functions, such as special guest lectures and visits by dignitaries.

“We seek a University of Ottawa chancellor who is interested in the quality of the university experience, and supportive of it,” said Robert Giroux, who is President of the Board of Governors. “We are also looking for someone who is bilingual, who is well-known and who has international experience. This person will be a leader capable of rallying the University’s stakeholders and partners, inspiring them to collaborate to meet uOttawa’s goals.”

A selection committee has been established to choose a new chancellor. The community, including students, professors, employees and alumni, has been invited to submit nominations by late August. The name of the new chancellor will be announced once approved.

“I am certain that with support from our University community, the selection committee will choose an excellent candidate to represent uOttawa, both here in Canada and around the world,” stated University of Ottawa President Allan Rock.

The University of Ottawa—A crossroads of cultures and ideas

The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada’s top 10 research universities—our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today’s challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe.

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