The City of Burlington and McMaster University today announced their intention to enter into discussions aimed at bringing a post-secondary campus to Burlington within the next three years.

The City of Burlington initiated the search for a campus presence in the city earlier this year by establishing an 11-member Mayor's Task Force on Post-Secondary Education. The Task Force met with a number of colleges and universities, and considered a variety of options for post-secondary education in Burlington. They developed selection criteria and a vision for a post-secondary institution in Burlington, and sought out a respected partner with a proven track record in post-secondary education that could offer Burlington a unique and innovative way to enhance learning opportunities for Burlington citizens, while at the same time reflects the values of the community.

McMaster senior administrators and faculty met with the task force on a number of occasions to articulate the University's desired growth directions, our interest in interdisciplinary education and our commitment to student-centered, research-driven learning. Ultimately, the task force recommended that McMaster University be chosen as the lead partner for the next stage of planning for a new campus in the city.

“McMaster University is very pleased to pursue this expansion opportunity with the City of Burlington,” said McMaster President Peter George. “As McMaster considers its future growth plans, the possibility of a new campus in Burlington opens many exciting options. We are committed to working with the City and potential partners to explore how we might provide a quality post-secondary education facility that complements the Burlington community as well as the University.”

Together, the City of Burlington and McMaster University will establish a process for the two partners to build upon their common strengths and together develop a plan that explores the feasibility of a McMaster University campus in Burlington. The aim of this partnership is to create a new campus for a new century that recognizes the changing educational needs of today's society. The city and the University hope to arrive at a Memorandum of Understanding on overall goals and timing for the new campus within the coming weeks.

Throughout the academic year 2004-05, extensive research and consultation will take place to ensure that the campus and its programs reflect the needs and objectives of future students and faculty as well as those of the larger community. Faculty and staff will be given the opportunity to participate in discussions and planning to ensure that the programs and other activities that will be developed for a new Burlington campus are consistent with McMaster's academic and research objectives. The project will also require the support and assistance of many members of the McMaster community, in both academic and administrative planning. The initiative is being led for McMaster by provost and vice-president academic Ken Norrie, with the planning process being co-ordinated by vice-president research and international affairs Mamdouh Shoukri.

A public announcement about this initiative was made through a joint media release by the City of Burlington and McMaster University today (Thursday, July 29, 2004).

More information on the City of Burlington Post-Secondary Task Force and related developments can be found on the City's Web site at www.burlington.ca.