Saint Paul University

Université Saint-Paul

Overview

Saint Paul University is a bilingual, public pontifical university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was originally founded as the College of Bytown on September 26, 1848, by Bishop Joseph-Eugène Guigues, O.M.I., and was later entrusted to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1856. The institution was renamed Ottawa College in 1861 and elevated to university status in August 1866. By apostolic letters of Pope Leo XIII in 1889, it received a pontifical charter[1][2].

History

In the early years, the university underwent several transformations. It became the University of Ottawa, and in 1934, its pontifical charter was revised to comply with the Vatican's guidelines for Catholic universities. By 1965, the institution had grown significantly and was leading nine faculties and four schools[3]. However, due to the need for a broader public educational institution, most of the original University of Ottawa's faculties and holdings were transferred to a new secular institution, also named the University of Ottawa. The remaining institution, focusing on ecclesiastical disciplines like theology, philosophy, and canon law, was reconstituted as Saint Paul University[1][3][5].

Federated Institution

Since 1965, Saint Paul University has been federated with the University of Ottawa, allowing for mutual exchanges and collaborations, particularly in the faculty of philosophy. Students from Saint Paul University are automatically registered at the University of Ottawa, and both universities jointly confer certificates, diplomas, and civil degrees[3]. The university's unique focus allows it to maintain a distinct niche within the Ottawa educational landscape while benefiting from a broad range of academic resources available through its affiliation with the University of Ottawa[5].

Academic and International Profile

Saint Paul University is known for its small class sizes, diverse student population, and strong international vision. It offers instruction in both English and French, catering to students from across Canada and internationally. The university's student body is diverse, with about half coming from Ontario, a quarter from Quebec, and the rest from other Canadian provinces and foreign countries[3]. The university is affiliated with several international bodies, including the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the International Association of Universities[2].

Governance and Affiliations

The university operates under both civil and pontifical charters, reflecting its dual commitment to Canadian law and Catholic tradition. Its chancellor is Most Reverend Marcel Damphousse, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa–Cornwall. Saint Paul University is a member of various academic and international associations, strengthening its global connections[2].

[1] https://ustpaul.ca/en/about-us/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Paul_University [3] http://history.ottawaeast.ca/HTML%20Documents/Mainstreeter/St_Paul%20Facts.htm [4] http://history.ottawaeast.ca/HTML%20Documents/Scholaticate/St_Paul/Saint%20Paul%20University%20Page%20One.htm [5] https://ottawacitizen.com/sponsored/news-sponsored/this-is-the-face-of-change-saint-paul-university-celebrates-175-years