who we are

Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research-intensive universities, SFU is a world leader in research, knowledge development and sustainability.

At SFU, we forge lasting partnerships that enhance the social, economic, and cultural well-being of the communities we serve.

We equip our students with the knowledge, skills and experiences that prepare them for life in an ever-changing and challenging world.

With more than 180,000 alumni around the world, our work and impact can be seen in all corners of the globe.

8

faculties

31,900+

undergraduates

5,736

graduates

180,000+

proud alumni

145

countries

#1

CANADIAN COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSITY

(Maclean's University Rankings 2015-2023, 2008-2013)

Our Strategic Priorities

Guided by our shared vision—to be a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future—we are committed to meeting the changing needs of both the world around us and the people and communities we serve.

Together, the SFU community is taking action towards four priorities: 

Uphold Truth and Reconciliation

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Make a Difference for B.C.

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Engage in Global Challenges

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Transform the SFU Experience

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Our Campuses & Community

We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all feel welcome, safe, accepted and appreciated.

With vibrant campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities—Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver—SFU is not just shaping minds, we are also shaping communities.

Established in 1965 on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, our Burnaby campus houses the majority of our world-class academic and research infrastructure.

Our Vancouver campus, known today as the intellectual heart of the city, opened in 1989 on traditional xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories to foster connections with the business community and meet the educational demands of working professionals.

Opened in 2002, our Surrey campus resides on the traditional territories of q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples. It brought our cutting-edge initiatives and programs into BC’s fastest growing city.

BURNABY

8888 University Drive
Burnaby, B.C.
Canada V5A 1S6

vancouver

Harbour Centre
515 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada V6B 5K3

surrey

250-13450 102nd Avenue
Surrey, B.C.
Canada V3T 0A3

Learn more about the engagement opportunities happening across all three campuses.

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Our Leadership & Administration

Dr. Joy Johnson is SFU’s 10th president and vice-chancellor. Previously, SFU’s vice-president, research and international, Joy steps into the role of president after six years of achievement and a long career in academia, research and innovation.

Chancellor, Tamara Vrooman was appointed Simon Fraser University’s 12th Chancellor in June 2020.

 

Administration

SFU operates according to British Columbia's University Act, with two governing bodies. The board of governors is responsible for the business of the university, and the senate presides over academic affairs.

The president, supported by the vice-presidents and deans, oversees the management and administration of the institution. The chancellor is a member of the senate and the board of governors, though not an employee of the university.

Former Presidents

Dr. Patrick McTaggart-Cowan 1964 - 1968
Dr. Kenneth Strand 1968 - 1974
Dr. Pauline Jewett 1974 - 1978
Dr. K. George Pedersen 1979 - 1983
Dr. William G. Saywell 1983 - 1993
Dr. John O. Stubbs 1993 - 1997
Dr. Jack P. Blaney 1997 - 2000
Dr. H. Michael Stevenson 2000 - 2010
Prof. Andrew Petter 2010 - 2020

Faculty and Staff

More than 7,000 faculty and staff provide support to the university’s facilities, classrooms, students and campus experiences. Our faculty and staff ensure we are able to offer our 37,000 students the best educational experience possible during their time at SFU. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Through our dedication to inclusive excellence, SFU strives to create an environment where everyone is valued, respected and empowered to succeed.

Learn more about the diverse career opportunities available and discover what makes SFU a great place to work:

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