We celebrate together, Nous célébrons ensemble: 20th anniversary of the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs and the French Cohort Program

As an Anglophone institution, Simon Fraser University stands out for its strong commitment to Francophone and Francophile cultures. Despite being a place of higher education that teaches primarily in English, SFU provides an outstanding number of courses and programs in French, as well as a supportive and inclusive environment for French-speaking people, no matter their level of comprehension or interest. This dedication aligns closely with SFU's values and priorities to foster student success and community engagement.

The credit for this rests largely on the fleur-de-lys shoulders of the Bureau des affaires francophones et francophiles (BAFF), known as the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA) to English speakers. Founded in 2004 to “promote French as an official language of Canada and to support post-secondary education in French,” OFFA has fulfilled this mandate and accomplished so much more.

One of OFFA’s earliest accomplishments was the creation of a new multidisciplinary program taught primarily in French; SFU’s French Cohort Program in Public and International Affairs is also celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year.

A small but robust, focused yet far-reaching program of unique impact, the French Cohort Program (FCP) brings the studies of French and Political Science together in a bilingual environment (approximately 65% of courses are taught in French) and a small cohort format (classes of around 25 students). Students have a dedicated academic advisor, go on student exchange to Europe or Quebec in their third year of studies, gaining invaluable global perspectives, and are eligible for up to $14,500 in exclusive French language awards and bursaries (in addition to all other financial aid options administered by SFU). The additional scholarships and prizes offered by OFFA further encourage excellence among students studying French, making SFU’s French offerings accessible to a diverse group of learners.

French Cohort Program alumni lead extraordinary careers

The French Cohort Program not only enriches the academic experience for SFU students but also serves to strengthen the province’s ties to its French-speaking community. The program sets students up for success in a wide range of career opportunities including governmental careers in Canada as well as anywhere in the world where French is an official language. A selection of FCP alumni showcases the exciting and dynamic range of academic and professional careers (OFFA lists all of FCP’s alumni on their website).

FASS Dean, S. Laurel Weldon, says, “The Department of French, the Department of Political Science, the French Cohort Program – as well as other departments and programs that offer classes in French – call SFU’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) their home, but without the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs, these programs would not be as successful as they are. Indeed, OFFA significantly enriches the university.”

Without OFFA there may not be a French Cohort Program, there would most likely not be as many levels of funding available to students studying in French, and there would most definitely not be the hub on Burnaby mountain where informative and friendly staff help anyone and everyone interested in studying, teaching, or supporting French at SFU. The passion for Francophonie here is aflame. You could even say that this is the hub of Francophonie for Western Canada.

That may seem an overexaggeration but is backed by facts.

• SFU is the only Anglophone member of the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne
• OFFA is a treasure chest of opportunities for students pursuing studies in French, offering scholarships and prizes to students studying French
• OFFA ensures that every day on campus is a celebration, managing a student lounge with study tables, a kitchen, and French resources, and organizing activities to promote the French language and culture
• OFFA publishes the “Vie étudiante” newsletter, which we encourage subscribing to so that you will always be connected to what’s happening in SFU’s French community
• OFFA offers French language support to ensure their success – and it’s all free!

Dean Weldon adds, “OFFA’s support for la francophonie and their commitment to students’ success translates into a vibrant culture of teaching, learning, and community. I fully endorse OFFA’s expression, "Here at SFU, French is much more than an academic language, it’s a living language!” Vive la “vie étudiante” at SFU! May it continue to deepen and thrive in the coming years and decades.”