College Dean's Message

tân'si, nitôtêmak,

I will begin this month’s newsletter with a question: how many of you have read the University of Alberta’s strategic plan, Shape?

For those who have, you may recall that Shape identifies major institutional directions, including the university’s “north star” of impact and its commitment to education, research and community engagement. It also names three areas of global excellence: energy solutions, artificial intelligence and health and well-being. In addition, it identifies three emerging areas where the university has the potential for significant global impact over the next decade: Indigenous research, agriculture and food and reducing social disparities.

I have previously written about how we plan to lead the creation of a “sensemaking infrastructure”. In the coming months, we will begin a series of facilitated conversations across the college to help us develop a set of narrative lenses for our academic work going forward.

Below, you’ll find more detail on how we plan to approach these conversations, the collaborative tools we’ll use and the shared direction we hope to build.

Pishshapmishko,

Chris Andersen

Office of Access, Community and Belonging & Indigenous Initiatives

CSSH Contributions Featured in Changing the Story: Values in Action Report to Community

The Office of the Vice-Provost (ACB) recently released the Changing the Story: Values in Action Report to Community. 

CSSH contributed a significant portion of the initiatives featured in the report. One example is the Alberta School of Business’ Community Care Fair on March 19, an event to connect staff and faculty with essential campus support services. Initiatives such as this reflect the work of our four faculties to advance and reflect the spirit of Changing the Story, cultivating a greater sense of belonging.

Office of Research

Application Support: Insight Grant Competition 

CSSH and the Research Partner Network offer applicants a set of resources to support applications for the Insight Grant 2026 competition, including internal peer review, a budget justification review and other forms of assistance.

The deadline to apply for these services is July 15, 2026. Head to this page to find out more and register.

Research Administration Education Series

The Research Partner Network strives to support researchers and administrators in managing funds in accordance with all the many rules by providing education and training. Our Research Administration Education Series (RAES) continues with the following sessions:

Series 2, Session 1: Navigating Researcher Home Page & eTRAC (in person)
Date: June 3
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon.
Register

Series 1, Session 6:  Project Close Out  (via Zoom)
Date: June 24
11:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register

Research Administration Pop-Up

Members of the Research Partner Network will be in-person to answer your research administration questions. These could include questions about different research policies, working in the Researcher Home Page, eligibility of expenses, applying for funding, etc. Come by to say hello, even if you don't have a question. Registration is not required.

Monday, June 1, 1-3 p.m. 2-472 Kipnes Health Research Academy (KHRA, formerly ECHA)

Not able to attend this pop-up? We are happy to meet at your convenience in person, via telephone, or virtually. Please email rsoinfo@ualberta.ca 

Office of Education

Teaching Squares

Looking to connect with other instructors from our college to exchange ideas, refine teaching skills and explore pedagogical approaches? Join the next cohort of Teaching Squares in Fall 2026, an initiative aimed at enhancing teaching development, strengthening collegiality and building interdisciplinary connections through structured peer engagement.

For those interested in learning more, reach out using this form by
June 1.

College News