The information found in the links below will provide you with an overview of the University of Windsor. We encourage you to review them to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the University of Windsor.
The University of Windsor’s origins can be traced back to 1857 with the founding of Assumption College near the crook of the Detroit River. This was a remote area of Upper Canada 10 years before Confederation. Across the river, the future city of Detroit was little more than a bustling outpost for harvesting fur and lumber on the American frontier.
In 1870, the Bishop turned the College over to the Basilian Fathers. Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Basilian-run College offered residential education for young men, drawing students from Southern Ontario and the U.S. Assumption College offered university degrees in commerce and liberal arts through the first half of the 20th century under an agreement with the University of Western Ontario in London. Assumption gained independent university status in 1953. While still a Roman Catholic institution, Assumption University welcomed young men of all religious faiths and began a period of expansion which opened enrolment to women. Also in the 1950s, the independent Essex College was formed with the building on Patricia Street next to Assumption’s Dillon Hall to teach science and engineering.
The public University of Windsor was incorporated by an act of the Ontario Legislature in 1962. In 1963, Fr. Eugene Carlisle LeBel was installed as its first President. The University of Windsor campus included three former Assumption buildings (Dillon Hall, Memorial Hall and the St. Denis Hall and gymnasium). Essex College became Essex Hall. A scholar of the classics, Dr. J. Francis Leddy, became President in 1964 and oversaw a major phase of growth in the development of buildings and programs through the 1970s. The University of Windsor library was named Leddy Library in his honour.
Dr. Leddy was followed by President Mervyn Franklin in 1978. Dr. Ron Ianni, Dean of Law, became President in 1984 until his death in 1997. In January 1998, Dr. Ross Paul became President of the University of Windsor and served two terms, ending in July 2008. Dr. Alan Wildeman, a distinguished researcher and Vice-President of the University of Guelph, was installed as the University of Windsor’s sixth president in the fall of 2008. Dr. Wildeman concluded his term in July 2018. Dr. Douglas Kneale served as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor until September 2019 when the University of Windsor welcomed its seventh and current President, Dr. Robert Gordon.
Created by the University of Windsor Act of 1962, the University of Windsor operates on a bicameral system of governance. The Board of Governors is responsible for the oversight of all operational aspects of the University, and the Senate is responsible for oversight of academic matters. Both governing bodies have bylaws and policies that guide their activities.
Visit the Administration & Governance website to learn more about the University's organizational structure.
On June 5, 2013, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the University of Windsor launched a new logo that incorporates a sense of pride in its rich history with modern elements representing the excitement the campus has for the next 50 years.
The new blue and gold logo depicts the shield from the University of Windsor’s coat of arms, paired with a modern font in grey. Among the graphic elements are:
- the fleur-de-lis, symbolic of the French-Canadian heritage of Windsor-Essex as well as the Order of St. Basil;
- the lily, a heraldry icon representing religious tradition;
- the maple leaf, embodying Canadian pride.
Gold bands are woven through the “W” to illustrate the importance of the University’s location on an international border, and also the journey our students take to become members of our alumni.
Blue and gold are proudly featured, harkening back to the traditional colours of the University of Windsor Lancers. The outer shape of the shield has been matched to the curved silhouette of the Lancer.
Visit the following website to download the logo and other templates: http://www.uwindsor.ca/logo
Visit the Planning & Budgets website to learn about the current and previous operating budgets.
As a mid-size university supporting more than 15,000 students, UWindsor provides a broad range of academic opportunities.
Learn more about the Academic Programs at the University of Windsor.
At the University of Windsor, we are committed to providing all students with an exceptional experience. Regardless of your role, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the many services provided to students. The link below will connect you to an array of support services.
The University's Annual Giving Campaign provides employees with an opportunity to collectively have a measurable impact on the student experience. The link below will connect you to the information on how to support our students through this giving campaign.