As higher education across Canada faces a range of big challenges, Memorial University is inviting all members of the university and the public to join us for a free panel discussion that will ask the question “what do universities owe the public?”

This session, moderated by CBC NL’s Adam Walsh, will explore key questions, including: what is the role of universities in an era of rising polarization? How do we best serve our communities? What does Canada’s publicly funded post-secondary sector owe to the public, and to itself?

We are so pleased to welcome Dr. Ted Hewitt, President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, to St. John's to provide a keynote address.

Dr. Hewitt’s presentation 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. A reception will follow the event.

All are welcome to join us on May 28^th, 2025 at 7:00 PM (NDT) at Signal Hill Campus, or virtually. Register here to attend the keynote and panel (in-person or online).

 This session is open to all: Engage Memorial Symposium registration is NOT required to attend this event. If you are a Memorial student, faculty or staff member who has already registered to attend Engage Memorial Symposium in-person, you do not need to register again at the above link.