The role of the university in the professionalization of the translator has been controversial, especially in the United States. If university-based translator education programmes are controversial, it is because the necessity and effectiveness of such programmes in the professionalization of translators and their legitimacy as a university discipline are being contrasted. Therefore, the author focuses on these two issues which are intimately related to the question of what constitutes a profession. In addition, while arguing her ideas on professionalization, the author suggests, though indirectly, ways of how university translator education programmes may be implemented. Therefore, the author furthermore points to the university as a resource centre for the translating community. Finally, the author addresses what, in her view, needs to be done about the university’s role in the professionalization of the translator.