University of Alberta Faculty of Extension

In 1912, the University of Alberta was a young institution under the Presidency of Henry Marshall Tory, who charged his protégé, a young A.E. Ottewell, with the task of "bringing the University to the people."

100 years later, the Faculty of Extension galvanizes its legacy under the mandate:

"To create opportunities for lifelong learning in response to the needs of individuals and society by engaging the university and communities in learning, discovery, and citizenship."

What once was traveling libraries, "magic lantern" shows, and free public lectures in far-flung rural Alberta is today a multi-faceted, research-driven agent of community engagement, locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Faculty of Extension now delivers over 700 courses to 8500 students (more than 25% of whom hail from outside Canada annually). These students, benefit by earning credentials, completing studies in their preferred schedules and delivery, advancing their careers, and enriching their lives.