who we are
Consistently ranked among Canada’s top research-intensive universities, SFU is a world leader in research, knowledge development and sustainability.
At SFU, we forge lasting partnerships that enhance the social, economic, and cultural well-being of the communities we serve.
We equip our students with the knowledge, skills and experiences that prepare them for life in an ever-changing and challenging world.
With more than 200,000 alumni around the world, our work and impact can be seen in all corners of the globe.
8
faculties
29,190
undergraduates
(fiscal year 2023/24)
5,171
graduates
(fiscal year 2023/24)
200,000+
proud alumni
(June 2024)
145+
countries
#1
CANADIAN COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSITY
(Maclean's University Rankings 2015-2025, 2008-2013)
Our Strategic Priorities
Guided by our shared vision—to be a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future—we are committed to meeting the changing needs of both the world around us and the people and communities we serve.
Together, the SFU community is taking action towards four priorities:
Uphold Truth and Reconciliation
Make a Difference for B.C.
Engage in Global Challenges
Transform the SFU Experience
Our Campuses & Community
We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all feel welcome, safe, accepted and appreciated.
With vibrant campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities—Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver—SFU is not just shaping minds, we are also shaping communities.
Established in 1965 on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, our Burnaby campus houses the majority of our world-class academic and research infrastructure.
Our Vancouver campus, known today as the intellectual heart of the city, opened in 1989 on traditional xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories to foster connections with the business community and meet the educational demands of working professionals.
Opened in 2002, our Surrey campus resides on the traditional territories of q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples. It brought our cutting-edge initiatives and programs into B.C.’s fastest growing city.
BURNABY
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, B.C.
Canada V5A 1S6
vancouver
Harbour Centre
515 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada V6B 5K3
surrey
250-13450 102nd Avenue
Surrey, B.C.
Canada V3T 0A3
Our Leadership & Administration
Dr. Joy Johnson is SFU’s 10th president and vice-chancellor. Previously, SFU’s vice-president, research and international, Joy steps into the role of president after six years of achievement and a long career in academia, research and innovation.
Chancellor, Tamara Vrooman was appointed Simon Fraser University’s 12th Chancellor in June 2020.
Administration
SFU operates according to British Columbia's University Act, with two governing bodies. The board of governors is responsible for the business of the university, and the senate presides over academic affairs.
The president, supported by the vice-presidents and deans, oversees the management and administration of the institution. The chancellor is a member of the senate and the board of governors, though not an employee of the university.
Former Presidents
- Dr. Patrick McTaggart-Cowan (1964 - 1968)
- Dr. Kenneth Strand (1968 - 1974)
- Dr. Pauline Jewett (1974 - 1978)
- Dr. K. George Pedersen (1979 - 1983)
- Dr. William G. Saywell (1983 - 1993)
- Dr. John O. Stubbs (1993 - 1997)
- Dr. Jack P. Blaney (1997 - 2000)
- Dr. H. Michael Stevenson (2000 - 2010)
- Prof. Andrew Petter (2010 - 2020)
Faculty and Staff
More than 7,000 faculty and staff provide support to the university’s facilities, classrooms, students and campus experiences. Our faculty and staff ensure we are able to offer our 37,000 students the best educational experience possible during their time at SFU. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Through our dedication to inclusive excellence, SFU strives to create an environment where everyone is valued, respected and empowered to succeed.
