Academic Council held its first meeting March 7th, 1972, and its constitution was ratified May 10, 1972. The Academic Governance Council (AGC) was established in December 2008, with its Bylaws approved by AGC at its first meeting in January 2009 (Motion AGC-05-01-20-2009). AGC is responsible for academic standards, integrity, policies, programs, as well as scholarship, research, and creative activities at MacEwan University.
The Office of the President of Grant MacEwan Community College was established with the appointment of its first president, John L. Haar. He accepted the Board of Governors' offer on October 16, 1970, and took office on January 1, 1971. The position was updated in 2020 to President and Vice-Chancellor.
Presidents
MacEwan University's presidents are appointed by its Board of Governors, which has been granted this power by the Post-Secondary Learning Act. As outlined in University Policy B2310 President & CEO Search & Selection Evaluation and Compensation, the President is appointed by the Board as the Chief Executive Officer of the University. As such, the President reports to and is accountable to the Board for the successful operation of the University, development and implementation of a Board-approved strategic plan, advancing and executing policy recommendations and ensuring adherence to the institution’s approved mandate.
Office of Communications and Marketing
The Office of Communications and Marketing is responsible for planning and executing corporate marketing and communications initiatives for internal and external audiences, including publications, advertising campaigns, promotional materials, brand management, and events such as Open House. It is responsible for the production and distribution of major university publications, including: full-time calendar, MacEwan programs, continuing education guide, online/distance learning guide, registration guide, annual report, and the Report to the community. The department has changed its name a number of times since inception: Strategic Communications and Corporate Marketing: 2009-?; Communications and External Relations Department: 2004-2008; Marketing and Communications: 1998-2003; Community Relations Department: 1984-1997; Information Office: [1975?]-1983.
The Human Resources department oversees employment-related functions, including recruitment, payroll, compensation management, onboarding, performance management, and exit.
Part of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications, the department is comprised of two programs: Fine Art, and Design Studies.
The Fine Art and Design programs have evolved substantially over the years, beginning as a combined diploma and eventually separating into distinct programs. The Design program was first offered in the 1974-1975 academic year as Design Arts and included the majors Advertising Artist, Interior Design Technician, and Store Display Designer. In 1976-1977, it also included fine art offerings with the addition of Painting and Sculpture. In the 1982-1984 program brochure, Design Arts offered the following majors: Fine Art, Display and Visual Presentation, Fiber Arts, and Advertising Art (including the options Environmental Design and Graphic Design). 1986-1987 saw Design and Fine Art separated for the first time when both a Visual Arts diploma and a Visual Communication diploma were offered. The Fine Art program was recognized as such in the 1991-1992 academic year, and Design Studies in 2005-2006. The Bachelor of Design was offered in Fall 2019. The Bachelor of Fine Arts was offered Fall 2022 with Arts and Cultural Management, Studio Arts, Music Theatre Performance, and Theatre Production majors.
The department was housed at the Centre for the Arts and Communications campus from 1981 until campus closure in 2017, when it moved to Allard Hall on City Centre Campus.
Instructional Media and Design
Formerly known as Media Production (197?-1983) and Media Services (1983-1994), IMD produced videos, slide-tape productions, photography and graphic design. Video productions included all campus events, instructional videos for programs such as Nursing, and some projects for external clients such as Alberta Children's Services. All events Dr. Grant MacEwan attended were recorded, and the production " J. W. Grant MacEwan Retrospective" was created in 1994, and updated every year until his death in 2000. It then became the "J. W. Grant MacEwan Memorial" which was first shown at his memorial service in June 2000.
Grant MacEwan Community College
Named for the former Lieutenant Governor and mayor of Calgary, Grant MacEwan Community College was established in Edmonton, Alberta in 1971. In 1999 it was renamed Grant MacEwan College, and on September 24, 2009 became Grant MacEwan University.
Arts and Cultural Management program
The Arts Administration program was proposed in 1972 , funded in 1979, and was the first college-level arts administration certificate to be established in Canada. In 2000 it was renamed Arts and Cultural Management, and in 2004 it became possible to complete the program entirely online. In 2010, it became a two year diploma program. In 2022, it transitioned to a major and diploma exit option available in the Bachelor of Fine Arts.
Office of the Associate Vice-President, Students
Associate Vice-President, Students: Dr. Lynn Wells, July 1, 2018-
Formerly known as Student Affairs (2015-2017), Vice-President, Student Services (????-2015), and Director, Student Services (198?-199?).
Centre for Teaching and Learning
The Centre for Teaching and Learning provides programming, services and resources that support the development of pedagogical practices, learning technologies integration, and design and development of eLearning courses and other technology-enhanced learning opportunities.