Redeemer University College is changing its name to Redeemer University.

The name change came after the university successfully completed the Organization Review and Name Change application process under the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB). After receiving PEQAB’s recommendation, Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano granted Ministerial Consent for the name change on January 20, 2020. 

“Successfully meeting the criteria set out by Ontario’s post secondary accreditation body is a reflection of the dedication, hard work, mission focus and generosity that has characterized the Redeemer community and its supporters for 40 years,” said Dr. David Zietsma, Vice President of External Relations and Enrolment. “Changing the institution’s name is an important milestone in Redeemer’s history. There has been a lot of confusion among high school students, parents, employers and others about exactly what kind of post secondary institution Redeemer is. The name change clarifies that we are, as we have been for two decades now, an institution that grants university degrees. We’re thankful to God for strengthening Redeemer’s ability through this change to accomplish the mission of preparing the next generation of Christian leaders to make a difference for God’s kingdom.”

Redeemer received authority to grant Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in 1998. It began granting Bachelor of Education degrees in 2003. In Ontario and elsewhere, there is a popularly understood difference between colleges and universities. A college in Ontario is typically understood to be an institution of applied arts and technology granting apprenticeships, certificates, diplomas and degrees in applied areas of study. As a university in Ontario, Redeemer offers academic and professional programs, granting four-year, undergraduate degrees (B.A. and B.Sc.) and a second degree program, Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).

Removing “college” from the name ultimately improves Redeemer’s position in the higher education landscape. Along with a significant restructuring of tuition and fees undertaken in February 2019, the name change will help the university to remain competitive and better communicate with prospective students and others. Redeemer intends to go through an institutional rebrand in the coming year as a result of the change.