Memorial University president Vianne Timmons admits she underestimated just how much the Ode to Newfoundland means to people in this province.

MUN quietly dropped the Ode from recent convocation ceremonies.

It was among several changes made in the spirit of truth and reconciliation, and because it doesn’t mention Labrador.

But its sudden exclusion was met with passionate upset and anger given the Ode’s historic and traditional connection to Memorial. Timmons concedes she wasn’t expecting that.

She says she learned a lot about how people are “emotionally connected” to the Ode, adding they did not think that through.

That said, Timmons noted the matter is in the hands of MUN’s Senate, and will likely be up for discussion at its next meeting on Tuesday, December 13.

She also noted the Ode has only been removed from convocation ceremonies and will still figure prominently at university events that honour the history of the province.