Redeemer University College
 The coat of arms registered with the Canadian Heraldic Authority | |
| Motto | Discover Your World, Find Your Calling |
|---|---|
| Type | Undergraduate Christian liberal arts and science university |
| Established | 1982 |
Religious affiliation | Christian |
| Endowment | $4 Million (CAD) (2012) |
| President | Dr. Hubert R. Krygsman |
Academic staff | 40 full time + 30 part time |
| Undergraduates | 715 (FTE as of January, 2015) |
| Location |
777 Garner Road East Ancaster, ON, Canada 43°12′25.81″N 79°56′56.21″W / 43.2071694°N 79.9489472°WCoordinates: 43°12′25.81″N 79°56′56.21″W / 43.2071694°N 79.9489472°W |
| Campus | Suburban 90-acre (36 ha) campus |
| Sports team | Redeemer Royals |
| Colours | Maroon and gold ; |
| Mascot | Leo the Lion |
| Affiliations | AUCC, CCCU, IAPCHE, ARIHE, CHEC |
| Website |
www |
Redeemer University College is an undergraduate Christian liberal arts and science university located in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1982, Redeemer stands in the Reformed Tradition and offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Bachelor of Science degrees.
History
The college opened in 1982 as 'Redeemer College', with 97 full-time and 63 part-time students. This number grew to about 250 for the 1985-86 academic year, the final year classes met in facilities rented from the Board of Education of the City of Hamilton. In 1985 the college purchased 78 acres (32 ha) of land in Ancaster, Ontario for the construction of a new campus. The college occupied the new facilities in August 1986, and welcomed 279 full-time students in September. In November, 1986, the college held its first graduation, with 40 students graduating.
On June 25, 1998, the Ontario Government passed Bill Pr17, which granted Redeemer College the authority to offer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Prior to that time, the college conferred a Bachelor of Christian Studies degree which was recognized by the AUCC (Association of Universities & Colleges of Canada) as comparable to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
As a university degree granting institution, Redeemer undergoes audits of its undergraduate program reviews, carried out under the auspices of the Council of Ontario Universities (COU). In view of its status as an undergraduate university, the Ontario Legislature approved a change in institutional name to Redeemer University College on June 22, 2000 (Bill Pr19).
On June 26, 2003 the Ontario Government passed Bill Pr14, granting Redeemer the authority to offer a Bachelor of Education degree to replace its B.C.Ed. degree. On December 10, 2003 the new teacher education (B.Ed.) program was granted initial accreditation by the Ontario College of Teachers, giving Redeemer the only provincially recognized Christian teacher education program (K-10) in Ontario.[1]
Redeemer University College's Arms and Badge were registered with the Canadian Heraldic Authority on September 15, 2005.[2]
Programs
Redeemer University College offers over 40 majors and minors.
Bachelor of Arts: Art (General, Studio Art, Art History), Business (Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Management, Marketing), English, Environmental Studies, French, Geography, History, Humanities, International Studies, Media and Communication Studies, Music, Philosophy, Physical Education, (Recreation), Political Science, Psychology, Religion & Theology (Mission & Ministry, Youth Ministry), Sociology, Social Work (Social Justice, Criminal Justice, Disability Studies), Theatre Arts (Performance)
Bachelor of Science: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Health Sciences, Kinesiology, Mathematics, Physics
Bachelor of Education: Education[3]
Residence
Redeemer offers three styles of on-campus residence.
Townhouse:
Incoming students typically live in the Townhouse residences at Redeemer, located in Calvin Court, Luther Court and Cranmer Court. There are 43 two-storey townhouse residences in all, each with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining room, a living room, and a basement. Some of the features of a Townhouse residence are a furnished common area, dining/living room, and bedrooms, wireless and cable Internet access, local telephone access, self-locking doors and campus security patrol of campus 24/7, Residence Advisor, porch, coin laundry facilities, parking space, and weekday delivery of the Hamilton Spectator.
Augustine Hall:
Typically, second-year students live in Augustine Hall at Redeemer, located just past the Recreation Centre. A three-storey complex, Augustine Hall is made up of twelve 3-bedroom residences and three 2-bedroom residences. Each 3-bedroom residence includes two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining room, living room, and an extra storage unit. Up to six students live together in these residences. One of them serves as Housing Advisor (HA) who meets with the Assistant Resident Coordinator in Student Life on a regular basis. The HA ensures everything runs smoothly as students share meals, chores and devotions together.
As of 2015, Augustine Hall has become a senior student residence for third, fourth and fifth year students. The building is overseen by two fellow senior students known as Residence Life Facilitators (RLFs) who plan monthly events and ensures that each apartment is cared for.
Independent apartments:
Independent apartments are available for students with disabilities, married students, mature and senior students. The 23 apartments are located in Luther Court and in Augustine Hall. Some of the features are choice of a one or two bedroom unit, air conditioning, wireless and cable internet access, kitchen appliances, bathroom, parking space, extra storage unit, and coin laundry facilities.[4]
Student activities and traditions
Launch Olympics are held for first years during the first week of school in September, primarily on the first Saturday. There are teams of new students and a senior leader who play through games, activities and competitions and end with a mud pit tug-of-war.
Decade Dance is held on the night of the LAUNCH Olympics; students enjoy music and wear costumes from previous decades, as well as having dance contests.
Banquet is an end of the year party held at a banquet hall in Hamilton, generally in March. It is a way for students to dress up, unwind and enjoy being with friends. There is a sit-down dinner and a dance held afterward.
Church in the Box is a student run worship service held once a month on Sunday evenings, and includes music and drama as well as a speaker and a collection. This tradition began in the school's 'black box' but has grown over the years and is now held in the auditorium for students, staff and the community.[5]
Hot Spot is a smaller, informal service, intended for students. Held in the Rec Center once a month on Thursday evening, it includes a musician and a singer, and a speaker or speakers, who are Redeemer students.
Chapel is a worship service held in the auditorium on Wednesday mornings for students and faculty which includes student participation in music and readings, while having an in-school speaker, either a student or the school chaplain, Dr. Syd Hielema.[6]
Battle of the Bands is a contest where Redeemer bands perform to showcase their skills, to learn from other musicians, and to be crowned the top Redeemer band.
Coffeehouse. Each month, Student Senate hosts a student gathering in the commons where songs, skits, poetry and other talents are performed.
Social Justice Conference. Each year, students and members of the community gather for a Saturday to learn and discuss social justice issues. Students take a main role in organizing this event.[7]
Sibling Weekend. Students invite brothers and sisters to visit and experience a weekend at Redeemer.
Research and faculty
The campus houses two research institutes, the Pascal Centre for Advanced Studies in Faith and Science[8] and The Dooyeweerd Centre for Christian Philosophy.[9] Redeemer has 50 full-time and 40 part-time faculty. Notable faculty members include James R Payton Jr. in History, David Koyzis in Political Science, Christiaan Teeuwsen in Music, Craig Bartholomew in Philosophy and Albert M. Wolters in Theology.
Partnerships
The college holds membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the International Association for Promotion of Christian Higher Education, and the Association of Reformed Institutions of Higher Education in North America.
Athletics
Redeemer Royals fields sports teams in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association. The Royals compete in men's and women's basketball, volleyball, cross country, soccer, indoor soccer and badminton. They have a men's hockey team in the Niagara Christian Hockey League.
The 2007-08 year was a banner one for the Royals, as it featured their first CCAA All-Canadian (volleyball player Ryan Talsma (who also achieved this title in 2008-2009 and 2009–10)) and their first OCAA Gold Medal, which came in men's indoor soccer. During the 2009-10 season, Talsma was named the OCAA Player of the Year and Redeemer picked up their first ever men's volleyball medal, a bronze.
The Royals have four people inducted into the OCAA hall of fame. Terry Talsma (volleyball and soccer), Michelle Van Berkel (volleyball), Colin DeRaaf (volleyball) and Dr. John Byl (builder).
Dangerboat - Royals Will Soar The tune "Royals Will Soar" is played at all Royals games. It was written byRedeemer band, Dangerboat, known for their other hits "Jalepeno Mama" and electro-pop cover of "Hallelujah".
Athletic Facilities
Redeemer's Athletic Facilities are open to all students free of charge and also to all athletic centre members. The facilities include two squash courts, two lit tennis courts, a soccer field, a beach volleyball sand court, a lit outdoor basketball court, a double sized hardwood gymnasium, and a workout studio/fitness centre. In September 2011, Redeemer, in conjunction with the Ancaster Soccer Club, opened a new sports complex, featuring an outdoor, artificial-turfed field, and a 10 x 70m domed sports field, with an adjoining Fieldhouse.
See also
- Education in Ontario
- List of Ontario Universities
- List of colleges and universities named after people
- Ontario Student Assistance Program
References
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Redeemer University College. |
