[David A]

Quite the contrast between MacEwan's new business building downtown and the U of A's still fairly empty Enterprise Square. Well it is not surprising, the U of A isn't really known about caring much about its impact on the community.

 

[Gronk!]

I wouldn't be surprised if the U of A vacated Enterprise Square and moved to their main campus or their south campus. Alberta Precision Labs can then take over the entirety of the space if nobody else wants it.

 

[TAS]

I wouldn't be surprised if the U of A vacated Enterprise Square and moved to their main campus or their south campus. Alberta Precision Labs can then take over the entirety of the space if nobody else wants it.

It's been a disappointing outcome with that huge space in our downtown.

 

[David A]

Another alternative would be to put a bit more effort into it and prove the critics of the U of A wrong, but perhaps that is too much to expect from the current administration.

 

[constance_chlore]

If leaders in 2005 could have foreseen the 2025 funding environment, the acquisition of Enterprise Square wouldn't have made sense at all. If there were a buyer ready to snap it up, I would be totally in favor of selling Enterprise Square. There's no reason to have a footprint downtown at a time when we're even planning on shrinking our main campus.

 

[David A]

While others expand, maybe it can shrink its way to success, but I doubt it.

 

[constance_chlore]

While others expand, maybe it can shrink its way to success, but I doubt it.

You are welcome to write to your MLA to increase our funding back to where it was in 2019.

But I'm really not sure what the point of all this is. Why is it the responsibility of the university to prop up downtown? We have our own campus with its own needs that's conveniently located a couple LRT stops from downtown, should anyone need to go there.

 

[David A]

You are welcome to write to your MLA to increase our funding back to where it was in 2019.

But I'm really not sure what the point of all this is. Why is it the responsibility of the university to prop up downtown? We have our own campus with its own needs that's conveniently located a couple LRT stops from downtown, should anyone need to go there.

Maybe the guys who run your institution need to stand up for it more effectively. If MacEwan can move ahead, perhaps they can too. This is not the responsibility of the U of A alone, but it is a part of the community and not isolated from it. Unfortunately, it has done many things over the years to the contrary and that is one reason there is not as much support for it as there should be.

 

[constance_chlore]

Maybe the guys who run your institution need to stand up for it more effectively. If MacEwan can move ahead, perhaps they can too. This is not the responsibility of the U of A alone, but it is a part of the community and not isolated from it. Unfortunately, it has done many things over the years to the contrary and that is one reason there is not as much support for it as there should be.

Sorry, but if we're playing this game, let's turn it around and say: if the downtown business community wants action, maybe it needs to learn to stand up for itself more effectively. Some would argue that it's done many things that are not great for the city as a whole!

 

[David A]

Well the business community here is not just downtown, in fact much of it is elsewhere throughout Edmonton. Yes the University's main location is on the south side, Enterprise Square was developed so it could be a bigger part of the city, engage with it more and not be as isolated. Perhaps it is tempting in times of crisis to pull back and retreat, but I really don't feel that is the right way to go.

 

[archited]

The University of Alberta would do well to follow the example of Dr. Bullard at UCLA when it comes to "Extension Learning" and modular certificate programs. He was open to discussing a 3-way partnership with the U of A and Disney Imagineering vis-a-vis continuing education and its importance in the day of high higher-learning costs. I tried to present the idea to UofA and... crickets. If the University of Alberta would wake up to possibilities they could not only provide better learning experiences but they could also dramatically improve their financial bottom line.

"Reappointment of Eric Bullard as Dean of UCLA Extension​

JULY 31, 2025
Dear Colleagues:
Following the completion of a customary five-year administrative review, I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Eric Bullard as dean of the Division of Continuing Education and UCLA Extension (UNEX). The review committee offered strong support for his continued leadership, highlighting his transformational accomplishments; innovative direction; and unwavering commitment to advancing accessible, lifelong learning.
Since his appointment in 2020, Dean Bullard has brought exceptional vision and vitality to UNEX, overseeing a division that now serves 38,000 students through more than 1,700 instructors and staff. Among his most notable achievements, he launched programmatic innovations like UCLAxCareerBridge to support underserved communities; partnered with UCLA Health to develop LGBTQIA+ care training modules; and established UCLAxOnline, enhancing both academic rigor and access.
Through a new leadership team and reporting structure, Dean Bullard streamlined strategic planning and expanded oversight, resulting in better coordination across units. He also appointed an associate dean and chief people officer to lead inclusive workforce practices.
Under Dean Bullard’s tenure, international engagement and development efforts have flourished (my emphasis), and UNEX continues to broaden its global reach. He has also led efforts to align UNEX’s academic oversight with UCLA’s Academic Senate while maintaining a nimble and responsive programming model.
Recognized as a dynamic and data-driven leader, Dean Bullard is commended for his advocacy, resilience through pandemic-era challenges, and continued dedication to building a model of continuing education that reflects the highest standards of excellence and impact.
Please join me in congratulating Dean Bullard on his reappointment and ongoing service to UCLA.
Sincerely,
Darnell Hunt
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost"

Those in power positions at the UofA would do well to read some of his writings vis-a-vis life-long learning and career advancement diploma packets.

 

[Glenco]