David Gray
Provost & Vice-President, Academic,
University of Niagara Falls Canada
Joe Beer
Director of the Centre for Teaching Excellence,
University of Niagara Falls Canada
A new university in Niagara Falls is saying goodbye to droning lectures and outdated exams to usher in a fresh, tech-savvy approach to education.
Ontario’s newest university, the University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF), is redefining post-secondary education. Built from the ground up with a bold reimagining of higher learning, UNF offers innovative, student-focused programs tailored to the demands of a dynamic modern age.
A new option for future-focused learners
“We started with a blank slate,” says David Gray, Provost and Vice-President, Academic. “Our programs and processes are designed entirely around the needs of 21st-century learners balancing family, work, and other commitments.” From flexible scheduling to programs deeply aligned with labour market demands, UNF is rethinking higher education to reflect the realities of modern life.
Unlike some traditional institutions that hesitate to embrace new technologies— or reject them outright — UNF actively integrates emerging tech like AI and VR into its curriculum. “Our graduates are entering a technological world, and we believe that pretending that isn’t the case will do them no favours,” Gray explains. “We make sure they’re equipped with the technical skills, critical thinking, and adaptability needed to thrive, no matter their industry.”
Innovative teaching for real-world success
UNF’s distinctive teaching approach focuses on active engagement and practical application. “Traditional education often emphasizes delivering content,” says Joe Beer, Director of the Centre for Teaching Excellence. “We’ve shifted the emphasis to the process of learning to help students apply knowledge in real-world settings.”
At UNF, students complete interactive learning materials before class, which leaves classroom time to focus on applied, collaborative activities. The flipped classroom model is consistent across all courses. “Since we focus on application rather than delivery, students leave with practical skills they will actually use in the workplace,” Beer says.
Evaluation methods have also been reimagined. Rather than traditional exams, students are assessed through project-based, real-world scenarios that mirror workplace challenges. “Our goal is to prepare students for the environments they’ll work in,” says Beer. “We’re not just teaching them what to learn, but how to learn.”
Cutting-edge programs aligned with industry needs
UNF’s programs are developed in consultation with industry leaders. Among its offerings are an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, complete with rigorous lab work and pathways to medical schools, and a Master of Arts in Digital Media and Global Communications, which trains students to leverage AI, VR, and other technologies.
“Students begin engaging with real-world case studies from day one,” Gray says. “By graduation, they’ve had multiple industry touchpoints, making them ready to hit the ground running.”
Rounding out the initial program offerings at the university, which launched earlier this year, is a Master of Data Analytics, Master of Management, and Honours Bachelor of Business Administration. Each of the programs have been designed to address the ever-evolving needs of the global workforce today and in the future.
Empowering students through feedback-driven innovation
Student feedback plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s programs and policies. Beyond traditional course evaluations, students have multiple meaningful opportunities to share their perspectives.
Regular feedback sessions with faculty, program directors, and even senior leadership let students contribute to the continuous improvement of their education. “Our success as an institution depends on the success of our students,” says Beer.
In other words, this isn’t bog-standard, top-down education—it’s a collaborative partnership. In UNF’s view, that’s the best way to keep their learning experiences relevant, engaging, and impactful.
Ready to shape the future? Learn more at unfc.ca.
