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¹û½´ÊÓÆµ University panel to consider: What do universities owe the public?

May 22nd, 2025

As higher education across Canada faces a range of significant challenges, ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ University’s Office of Public Engagement is inviting all members of the university and the public to attend a free panel discussion that will consider: What do universities owe the public?

The session, moderated by CBC’s Adam Walsh, will explore key questions, including but not limited to:
• What is the role of universities in an era of rising polarization and anti-intellectualism?
• How can universities better support the priorities of their communities?
• What does Canada’s publicly funded post-secondary sector owe to the public — and to itself?

Dr. Ted Hewitt, president of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, will present a keynote address, which will be followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Barbara Neis, professor emerita and Honorary Research Professor with ¹û½´ÊÓÆµâ€™s Department of Sociology, and Dr. Chief Mi’sel Joe, traditional saqamaw and Newfoundland district chief for the Mi’kmaq Grand Council.

There will be an opportunity for audience members to ask questions and a reception will follow the event.

All are welcome to join the event on Wednesday, May 28, at 7 p.m. (NDT), either in person at Signal Hill Campus or virtually.

Register at the to attend the keynote and panel (in person or online).

This event is supported by ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ University’s 100th Anniversary Fund.

¹û½´ÊÓÆµ ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ University’s Office of Public Engagement
¹û½´ÊÓÆµ's Office of Public Engagement (OPE) is the steward of the Public Engagement Framework. OPE acts as a catalyst for public engagement at ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ, working with internal and external groups to design and support programs and initiatives that advance the goals of the framework.

OPE administers a suite of funds to support the public engagement work of ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ's students, faculty, staff and public partners. It also co-ordinates public engagement support units and practitioners — inside and outside the university — by facilitating collaboration, and works to help create an environment where public engagement can thrive. 

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For more information, please contact Rebecca Cohoe, manager (public engagement), ¹û½´ÊÓÆµ University, at rcohoe@mun.ca