As higher education across Canada faces a range of significant challenges, Memorial 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 Memorial’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 Office of Public Engagement’s website to attend the keynote and panel (in person or online).

This event is supported by Memorial University’s 100th Anniversary Fund.

About Memorial University’s Office of Public Engagement
Memorial's Office of Public Engagement (OPE) is the steward of the Public Engagement Framework. OPE acts as a catalyst for public engagement at Memorial, 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 Memorial'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), Memorial University, at rcohoe@mun.ca