Timeline of the Development of the University

The year 2003 marked the University of Windsor's 40th anniversary as a public institution but the story of our university actually began with its founding in September of 1857, when the first students arrived to study at its predecessor, Assumption College.

In the 143 years that have since past, the small, liberal arts college has grown into today's non-denominational, comprehensive, teaching and learning university. More than 16,000 students attend the University of Windsor today and its alumni family is 75,000 strong.

Here are some highlights that have marked out century and a half of academic achievement and excellence.

In September of 1857 Assumption College welcomes its first students

By 1919, Assumption becomes one the largest colleges associated with the University of Western Ontario.

In 1950, Assumption College welcomes its first women students.

On July 1, 1953, Assumption College ended its affiliation with the University of Western Ontario and obtained its own university powers through an Act of the Ontario Legislature.

In 1954 it was admitted to full membership in the National Conference of Canadian Universities and Colleges, to the University Articulation Board of Ontario, and to the Association of the British Commonwealth.

In 1956, the College changed its name to Assumption University by an Act of the Ontario Legislature and accepted as an affiliate the non-denominational Essex College, incorporated in 1954, which assumed responsibility for the Faculty of Applied Science, the Schools of Business Administration and Nursing, and the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Geography, Mathematics, and Physics. Holy Redeemer College, the national seminary of the Redemptorist Fathers, located three miles off campus, also affiliated.

In 1957, Canterbury College, offering courses in Philosophy, Religious Knowledge and Mediaeval History, became the first Anglican college in the world to affiliate with a Roman Catholic University.

On December 19, 1962, the University of Windsor was incorporated by the Ontario Legislature, accepting Assumption University in Federation.

During 1963 and 1964, affiliation agreements were made with Holy Redeemer College, Canterbury College and the new Iona College (United Church of Canada).

On July 1, 1963, the University of Windsor assumed control of the campus creating southwestern Ontario's first autonomous degree granting institution. The university became a member of the International Association of Universities in June, 1964.

In 1964 Dr. J. Francis Leddy became President of the University of Windsor, and presided over a period of explosive growth of the university. From 1967-77, Windsor grew from approximately 1,500 to 8,000 full-time students.

The 1980s and early 1990s continued this growth, particularly under the leadership of President Ron Ianni - among new buildings erected were the Odette Business Building and the CAW Student Centre.

Current president Dr. Ross Paul, who joined the university in 1998, introduced his vision for the university, The Best of Both Worlds, in 1999, with plans to capitalize on Windsor’s broad range of programs and its personal touch.

Enrolment reached record heights in fall 2003 with the elimination of OAC, meaning both OAC and Grade 12 students converged on Ontario campuses in a double cohort. In response, the University of Windsor invested more than $50 million in a new student residence, the Anthony P. Toldo Health Education Centre, the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre, and in classroom and lab upgrades.

"To Greater Heights", the University of Windsor's strategic plan for the period 2004-09 was introduced in fall 2004.

Today, the campus covers 51 hectares (125 acres), boasts more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs across nine faculties for 16,000 full- and part-time students. It offers nine cooperative education programs for 1,100 students. M