Reimagining the Public University in a Time of Polycrisis: A National Dialogue
Event Description
Simon Fraser University’s Community-Engaged Research Initiative (CERi) invites you to participate in a two-day national dialogue exploring the evolving role of the public university in a time of intersecting crises.
Climate disruption. Democratic strain. Widening inequality. Public health challenges. Under-regulated AI. Financial pressures facing post-secondary institutions.
In this moment of polycrisis, what is the responsibility of the public university?
This gathering convenes scholars, community leaders, policymakers, and students to reflect on how higher education can act not only as a site of analysis, but as a civic institution embedded in the communities and futures it helps shape.
The purpose of the symposium is to generate concrete insights, shared principles, and cross-sector strategies that clarify how universities can respond meaningfully to systemic crises and to translate those conversations into a position paper emerging from the dialogue that will articulate key recommendations and pathways for collective action.
Guiding Questions
- How can universities act as pillars of democracy and public well-being during a time of polycrisis?
- What role should they play in advancing climate justice and health equity?
- How can engaged scholarship prepare students with the skills, networks, and strategic capacities needed to navigate a fractured world?
Lunch and light refreshments will be provided each day.
To support depth of conversation and collective momentum, participants are strongly encouraged to attend and fully participate in both days.
Date: April 1st - April 2nd, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (both days)
Location:
Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue
580 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3
Travel Accomodation & Information
This event has a special rate from Delta Suites - the hotel next to the Centre for Dialogue. They are offering $269/night but only up to Feb. 27!
Delta Vancouver Downtown Suites | National Dialogue - ReImagine the Public University
Parking
Public parking is available at many locations near the Centre for Dialogue. Street parking is free after 10 p.m. The closest parking lot is across the courtyard; enter via Seymour Street.
Public Transit
Major public transit lines, the SeaBus, SkyTrain, Canada Line and West Coast Express, terminate at Waterfront Station, located in the historic Canadian Pacific Railway Station on Cordova Street, opposite Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre. Transit schedules can be found at www.translink.ca. The Centre for Dialogue is also within easy walking distance of most buses coming into the downtown core.
Public Driving from Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
From the airport, proceed north along the Arthur Laing Bridge to Granville Street. Head north on Granville Street into downtown Vancouver. After crossing the Granville Street Bridge, take the Seymour Street exit and continue north on Seymour. Turn right into the Centre for Dialogue, just before reaching Hastings Street.
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