Initial planning for the University began in 1962 and was approved by the Legislature of British Columbia in 1963. It was named after the fur trader and explorer, Mr. Simon Fraser.

Gordon M. Shrum was appointed as the first chancellor of Simon Fraser University. Shrum recommended that Burnaby Mountain be used as the location for the Burnaby campus. It should be noted that the Burnaby Mountain is approximately 1200 foot high or 365 meters above sea level.

Vancouver based Architecture firm Erickson/Massey won the rights to design the overall campus. All 4 runner-up architects were allowed to each design at least one building. 18 months of construction took place beginning in the spring of 1964. The campus finally opened to 2500 students on September 9th, 1965.