The University of Quebec system was established in 1968 by the national assembly of Quebec largely in response to widespread student protests that had broken out in the autumn of that year. In an effort to extend education to more Quebecois students, the government had created a system of CEGEPs to create a facilitated pathway into university. However, Quebec did not have enough French-language universities to accommodate the new influx of students applying after completing CEGEP. Only 40% of CEGEP graduates could be accommodated by existing Francophone universities, and job prospects were poor for students who only had a certificate from a CEGEP.[2] As a result, student protests began to spread across the province, with 23 CEGEPs, the Université de Montréal, and Université Laval being occupied by student protesters. Thousands of Francophone students took to the streets in protest, as others barricaded themselves inside their CEGEPs, refusing to leave until their demands were met
Although the students' demands were often not met and individual protests proved largely unsuccessful, they had captured the attention of Quebec's legislators. Partially as a result of this upheaval, Quebec's government decided to pass a resolution which would create a new network of Francophone universities across the province of Quebec. With the province in the midst of the Quiet Revolution, secularism was becoming pertinent to Quebec society and to a new generation of youth who rejected Catholic domination over Quebecois society, and alternatives to the traditional, existing religious institutions were demanded. Five universities were established in 1969 and 1970 to assuage the influx of CEGEP students, and they were placed in cities across the province to allow equal educational opportunities in areas where access to higher education had traditionally been limited, such as Rimouski and Abitibi. In the 1970s, a sixth university would be added to the network, the Université du Québec en Outaouais in Gatineau. This network of universities was modeled on the American university systems that already existed at that time.
The Université du Québec The Université du Québec admits more than 85,000 students each year. It offers more than 500 programs, of which 300 are bachelor of arts, masters and doctoral programs. It is composed of nine establishments spread out over the vast territory of Quebec. The Université du Québec gives you the choice of studying in a metropolitan, urban university, in a semi-urban setting or in one the regions bordering the great wilderness country of Quebec.
It gives you the choice of studying in a research institute, specialized school or a small-, medium- or large-sized university campus?because the Université du Québec is all of the above. more than 86,000 students; more than 5,800 teachers and other instructors; more than 550 study programs at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels; more than 378,000 diplomas granted since its founding; more than $190 million CAD in subsidies and research contracts; several coop programs allowing exchanges with other universities throughout the world.
There's more to university success than classes, labs and lectures. Attending university is your time to explore and grow personally, intellectually and spiritually. Ambrose offes you the opportunity to define yourself and your future path in life. No matter your interests, you'll find a way to get involved at Ambrose. Student clubs and chapel services, leadership opportunities and sport, help you find your place in university life. In addition, our residence and student development services are here to support you along the way. As an Ambrose student, you'll be a part of this community that truly cares about who you are and what you are capable of achieving.
The Université du Québec is the bearer of a particular mission :democratization of and increased accessibility to higher education and the fight against exclusivity; scientific development in Quebec and its participation in research communities worldwide; an active presence in the whole national.
