In last few years, we’ve ramped up scholarships by 300%: University of Windsor VC
In this exclusive conversation, Prof. Robert Gordon, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Windsor, discusses the university's significant growth, international collaborations, and commitment to enhancing student experiences.
Prof. Robert Gordon, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Windsor, Canada
In this exclusive conversation, Prof. Robert Gordon, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Windsor, discusses the university's significant growth, international collaborations, and commitment to enhancing student experiences. Prof. Gordon highlights Windsor's robust academic programs, particularly in STEM and professional fields, and shares insights into the institution's strong ties with Indian students and universities. He also addresses the impact of recent Canadian visa regulations on student mobility, the university’s scholarship offerings, and its vision for fostering global solutions through education.
Q. Could you share some insights about your university?
Prof. Gordon: I’m incredibly proud of the University of Windsor's growth and development. Our global rankings have significantly improved over the past few years, a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff across our nine faculties. We’re a comprehensive university, but what truly distinguishes us is our global outlook and unwavering commitment to student success. Whether it’s the innovative scholarship our researchers produce or the academic programs we offer, everything is designed with a focus on enhancing student experience and building lasting relationships.
For those unfamiliar with the University of Windsor, we are home to over 18,000 students from more than 106 countries, with India being one of our most significant international connections after Canada. We offer more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.
Career readiness is a major focus for us. Last year alone, nearly 4,000 undergraduate students participated in co-op placements, internships, and work partnerships, completing over 650,000 hours of hands-on learning. In education and health-related fields, students completed over 750,000 hours in field placements and clinical practicums. This holistic approach ensures that our students graduate with real-world experience.
Q. What type of collaborations are you seeking with Indian higher education institutions?
Prof. Gordon: Our goal with this visit to India is to strengthen existing partnerships and build new ones. The University of Windsor is undergoing a period of significant transformation, and one of our strategic priorities is to enhance our international collaborations. Partnering with institutions in India enables us to tackle global challenges, create opportunities for student mobility, and foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. These partnerships allow us to develop innovative solutions while offering students unique learning experiences.
Our focus is not just on formal partnerships but also on finding common ground with institutions that share our values and vision. This trip is about expanding our network and forging friendships that will yield future opportunities.
Q. Do you already have collaborations with Indian universities?
Prof. Gordon: Yes, we have several active collaborations with Indian institutions. We’ve signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including 2+2 pathway programs, which allow students to complete two years of study in India before transferring to the University of Windsor for the remainder of their program. Many students from India have studied with us, some returning home and others choosing to stay in Canada.
Building strong institutional relationships is a priority for us. We believe that meaningful collaborations often begin with identifying common touchpoints, and we aim to deepen these partnerships by securing funding from global organizations to support students and researchers.
Q. How many Indian students are currently enrolled at the University of Windsor?
Prof. Gordon: We have around 18,000 students in total, with 2,000 to 3,000 students from India, primarily at the graduate level. Our programs in STEM fields, particularly the Master of Engineering and Master of Applied Computing, are in high demand, given the global need for skills in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. We also have a strong Master of Management program.
We are actively working to grow our research-based graduate programs and attract Indian students interested in honing their research skills. At the same time, we’re creating new 2+2 and 3+2 pathways to facilitate advanced degrees in partnership with Indian institutions.
Q. How many MoUs have you signed with Indian institutions?
Prof. Gordon: Currently, we have six or seven MoUs with Indian universities, primarily focused on student mobility and engagement. However, we aim to expand these partnerships into research collaborations. We recently met with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), and we’re excited about the potential to collaborate on academic programs, student engagement, and impactful research.
Their approach to academic delivery, student engagement, and collaboration with government and industry aligns closely with ours. We’re optimistic about forging deeper ties with IIT and other Indian institutions in the future.
Q. Do you think the new Canadian visa rules will affect student mobility from India?
Prof. Gordon: We’re still working through the recent visa changes introduced by the Canadian government. We were initially surprised by the decision earlier this year, and further restrictions have been imposed recently. While we’re still seeing strong application numbers, some students are deferring their admissions, uncertain if this is the right time to come to Canada.
Our goal, however, is to create more reciprocal opportunities. We believe it’s crucial for Canadian students to spend part of their educational experience in India. By encouraging cross-cultural exchanges, we’re preparing students to be globally aware and adaptable. We are exploring short-term travel programs and other models to enhance global exposure for our students.
Q. Can you tell us about the scholarships you offer?
Prof. Gordon: About three and a half years ago, we introduced an international student tuition guarantee, ensuring that undergraduate, master’s, or PhD students pay the same tuition throughout their program. This policy helps reduce the uncertainty that students often face when tuition increases mid-program.
We also offer various opportunities for students to work on and off-campus through partnerships with local employers. These work experiences not only complement their academic programs but also help students build a professional network within the community. Additionally, we have significantly increased the number of scholarships we offer to international students, many of which are merit-based or need-based.
Q. Are there scholarships currently available for Indian students?
Prof. Gordon: Yes, we offer a variety of scholarships, and in the last few years, we’ve ramped up our support by about 300%. These scholarships can cover up to 100% or 75% of tuition costs, depending on the student’s qualifications. We’re constantly working to find ways to alleviate the financial pressures on our international students, especially in light of global inflation.
Q. What are the most popular undergraduate programs among South Asian students?
Prof. Gordon: We offer over 100 undergraduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and science to business, law, nursing, and education. Programs like the Master of Engineering are particularly popular because they provide a direct pathway to becoming a professional engineer in Ontario and joining the workforce.
Our focus is on offering programs that are career-ready, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the global job market. We’ve also introduced new programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to align with the evolving needs of our region.
Read more:
Follow Shiksha.com for latest education news in detail on Exam Results, Dates, Admit Cards, & Schedules, Colleges & Universities news related to Admissions & Courses, Board exams, Scholarships, Careers, Education Events, New education policies & Regulations.
To get in touch with Shiksha news team, please write to us at news@shiksha.com
Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.