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SFU.CA Burnaby | Surrey | Vancouver
SFU's Academic Quadrangle

GRO Conference '09
Coping and Capitalizing: Universities in Challenging Times

June 16–19, 2009 | Vancouver, BC

Welcome to the 13th Annual University Government Relations Officers Conference at the campuses of Simon Fraser University in Burnaby and downtown Vancouver from June 16–19th, 2009.

As the Canadian and global economies try to find their way out of the current economic malaise, the future poses even greater risks (and, potentially, great rewards) for Canadian universities.

Support from senior levels of government for universities has been shored up as a result of economic stimulus packages. However, stagnating government revenues and budget deficits herald an uncertain future. For universities, major gifts and endowments are under stress, and many Canadian institutions are struggling to adapt to this new world economic order — some aspects of which many predict will be permanent and irreversible.

In the midst of economic chaos there is opportunity, and Canadian institutions have seen major economic cycles come and go in the past. By adapting to change and staying clearly focused on the future, Canada’s universities will emerge stronger both in teaching and applied research.

The focus on this year’s GRO Conference in Vancouver is on identifying the new strategies and trends that are emerging from the global economic meltdown, exchanging best practices and preparing our institutions for better days ahead.

Please make plans to join your colleagues for spring in Vancouver, which is one of the world’s truly remarkable Pacific Rim cities. While the Government of British Columbia has an ad campaign that labels BC the “Best Place on Earth”, we promise to save the hyperbole... at least until you arrive. We welcome you to register now for GRO '09.