The Macdonald Institute was founded in the early 1900's and is one of several historical buildings on campus. Macdonald Institute houses the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition and Consumer Studies. As you enter the front door of the building a beautiful wooden staircase leads to the stained glass windows. This is a very popular spot for family grad photos!
The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition was founded at the University of Guelph in 1970 with the establishment of the College of Family and Consumer Studies. Prior to 1970, Guelph offered undergraduate programs in Household Sciences through Macdonald Institute (founded in 1903). At its establishment the Department of Family Studies retained some elements of the departments that previously had associated with Macdonald Institute but primarily the Department began to develop in strong new directions by emphasizing areas of study and research in applied human nutrition, child studies and family studies. The Department took on new directions by building foundations that linked the biological and behavioural sciences with a strong emphasis in human development, family relationships and methods of communication.
With 22 faculty, this multidisciplinary faculty represent psychology, sociology, education, social work, family therapy and nutrition. The faculty share a common interest in expanding and applying knowledge about family relations and human development, especially in relation to the social, emotional, psychological, nutritional, and economic well-being of families across the life cycle.
The Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition also has several associated graduate faculty , adjunct faculty and external faculty who contribute to our Department in a variety of ways and by doing so enrich the Department with their diverse backgrounds and expertise.