Access & impact A snapshot of MSVU
MSVU opens doors to higher education that otherwise remain closed. This isn’t new. We’ve been challenging the status quo for 150 years. We’ve been trailblazers when it comes to making education accessible to underserved populations.
Founded in 1873, we were one of the few institutions of higher education for women and girls in Canada at a time when women could not vote. MSVU is the leading and longest standing university in Canada for the advancement of women. MSVU remains committed to advancing gender equity toward a better society for everyone. We began enrolling men 50 years ago and they’ve joined us in embracing our feminist foundation and focus.
Today, we prioritize access and impact for all underserved groups. We support all students to achieve their academic goals, including Indigenous students, students of African descent, students with disabilities, mature students, parents, and students in remote communities. In fact, our exceptional academic programs have reached around the globe through our 40+ year leading history in distance (now online) learning. We know that education changes lives, societies and communities.
Research changes lives too – and MSVU researchers are solving social, health and economic problems, including through research programs rooted in community partnerships. From early childhood to older adults, our researchers are improving lives across the lifespan. They’re also advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in research. MSVU is the only Atlantic university in the federal Dimensions program to advance EDI in research.
Equity, diversity, inclusion & accessibility is all of us at MSVU. Meaningful, continual action on our journey toward truth and reconciliation is a deeply held priority. We nurture socially responsible global citizens, by emphasizing social justice, EDIA, and in particular, Indigenous and feminist perspectives.
At MSVU, we believe the world is a better place when more diverse people have access to higher education.
OUR PURPOSE We foster the education of women and other engaged thinkers, while committing to social justice, and to an equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible community.
OUR VISION We are a model of creative teaching and research that nurtures socially responsible global citizens.
OUR VALUES Academic Freedom Accountability Creativity Engagement Professionalism Respect
The advancement of women and girls, inspired by our strong tradition of social responsibility.
OUR MISSION
The delivery of academic excellence through a rich and rewarding university experience. The pursuit of knowledge: scholarship, teaching and intellectual endeavors of the highest quality. The promotion of accessibility through flexible learning opportunities and services.
UPDATED FALL 2022