Office of the President

As the world’s largest bilingual (French-English) university, the University of Ottawa is a vibrant, dynamic learning environment.

President Jacques Frémont speaking with students in front of Tabaret Hall.

Welcome to the University of Ottawa

Learn more about 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�’s executive team

We’re a vibrant, inclusive, research-intensive community of learning, the largest bilingual (French-English) university in the world. We’re one of Canada’s top 10 research universities and a community pillar of our country’s national capital. We’re also your home away from home.

Whether you’re a prospective or current student, a professor or staff member, a graduate, friend, or partner, at the University of Ottawa, we encourage you to seek out bold ideas and inspired solutions in our shared pursuit of knowledge.

As we work together to become more agile, more connected, more impactful and more sustainable, we remain committed to excellence in teaching, to cutting-edge, high-quality disciplinary and interdisciplinary research, and to nurturing thoughtful, independently-minded leaders who will help to transform the world.

It’s a privilege each day to witness the talent and creativity displayed across all disciplines at the University and to interact with the remarkable people whose aspirations and achievements illuminate this campus.

The greatest strength of any institution is its people. I want to thank you for choosing to be part of our community.

Jacques Frémont
President and Vice-Chancellor

91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� appoints Marie-Eve Sylvestre as the next President and Vice-Chancellor

On June 3, 2025, the Board of Governors approved the appointment of Marie-Eve Sylvestre as the new President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa. She will take over from Jacques Frémont on July 1, 2025, for a five-year term.

Learn more about Marie-Eve Sylvestre and her vision for the future

President's priorities

Anti-racism and inclusive excellence

At 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�, we are actively combatting racism and working to build a more inclusive University community to foster the well-being of everyone on campus and to encourage optimal progress in research and teaching at the University.

Digital strategy and learning innovation

The University of Ottawa is committed to pushing the boundaries in order to provide a rich, innovative and engaging learning experience. In order to advance this goal, the President appointed Kevin Kee, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, to the position of Senior Advisor, Digital Strategy and Learning Innovation. Senior Advisor Kee performed these duties on a full-time basis until his return to the Office of the Dean.

Student with a Franco-Ontarien badana around his neck

Francophonie

The Francophonie is key to our university’s mission and mandate. The University of Ottawa Act states that one of our fundamental goals is to “further bilingualism and biculturalism and to preserve and develop French culture in Ontario.”

Indigenization on campus

The University of Ottawa acknowledges and honours that our campus sits on the traditional, unceded territory of the Omamìwìnini Anishnàbeg (Algonquin) and is committed to building meaningful relationships with neighbouring Algonquin communities and with Indigenous peoples throughout the region and across Canada. Reconciliation and decolonization work are a priority and are being conducted in faculties, departments, and services across campus in line with the Indigenous Action Plan.

Mental health and wellness

The well-being and safety of our students, faculty and staff are top of mind at the University of Ottawa. We’re committed to offering a supportive teaching, learning and working environment where our community can thrive academically, professionally and personally. We’re also taking action to make our workplace more safe, psychologically speaking. By taking care of ourselves and of each other, we can reach our goals, both individually and collectively.

Sustainability

The University of Ottawa is committed to sustainability in our teaching, research and operations.

Building the university of tomorrow

Consult the University of Ottawa's 2030 strategic plan.

Transformation 2030

Honorary doctorates

Convocation

Honorary doctorate recipients

Honorary doctorates are awarded for substantial contributions made by the recipients to the University of Ottawa, to their profession, to science, or to society at large. An honorary doctorate acknowledges that the recipient deserves to be recognized for their unsurpassed abilities due to life's learning and experiences.

Convocation

Spring Convocation 2025: 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ� to confer nine honorary doctorates

The University of Ottawa will confer nine honorary doctorates during this year's spring Convocation ceremonies to be held June 8-12, 2025, at the Rogers Centre, to individuals whose exceptional careers have had a significant impact on their field of expertise and on society.

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