Draft of Queen’s University Bicentennial Vision released

Toward 2041

Draft of Queen’s University Bicentennial Vision released

Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners are encouraged to review the document and share their perspectives.

September 17, 2025

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Principal Deane will present the draft Bicentennial Vision to the Board of Trustees for final review and approval in December.

Following consultations over the past several months, Queen’s has released a draft Bicentennial Vision that will guide the university as it approaches its 200th anniversary in 2041, and it is inviting feedback from the community.  

The document reflects the insight and imagination of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners, shaped through extensive engagement over the past several months following Principal Deane’s initial discussion paper.

“We find ourselves in a period of profound change and responsibility as higher education faces shifting expectations, global uncertainty, and rapid digital transformation all within challenging financial parameters,” says Principal Patrick Deane. “In this context, the Bicentennial Vision affirms the values that have guided Queen’s for nearly two centuries while setting forth bold aspirations for the future as we adapt with intention and remain true to our academic mission.”

Since its founding in 1841, Queen’s has drawn strength from a commitment to serve the public good. That orientation has shaped its reputation, traditions of student leadership, close-knit community, and engaged alumni network, and it remains a firm foundation through periods of disruption and change. Today, Queen’s continues to excel, attracting strong student demand, producing globally recognized research, and advancing in international rankings, particularly in sustainability.

The draft Bicentennial Vision, written by an advisory group based on themes and feedback collected since January 2025, sets out Queen’s ambitions to be Canada’s defining research university, uniting academic excellence, world-class research and Queen’s renowned close community, with a shared sense of purpose to help solve the world’s greatest challenges. It also provides a framework that is complementary to ongoing efforts to achieve structurally balanced budgets, and to guide short and longer-term planning across teaching, research, and operations.

“At its heart, the Bicentennial Vision underscores a commitment to intellectual inquiry, ethical leadership, and service to society,” says Principal Deane. “It challenges Queen’s to identify where it can contribute most meaningfully and how its strengths can best be directed for impact.”

Following the assessment and incorporation of feedback collected this fall, the draft Bicentennial Vision will be presented to the Board of Trustees by Principal Deane for final review and approval in December. The document, supporting materials, and options for submitting feedback are available on the Office of the Principal’s website. Your perspectives will play an essential role in shaping the university’s path toward 2041. 

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