We noticed a couple of errors in our newsletter this morning:

• Below, you will see corrected links to register for the Research Administration Education Series under the Office of Education section.
• It was also brought to our attention that the Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy was referenced incorrectly. 

College Dean's Message

Tan’si, folks!

This is my first newsletter message and, begging your indulgence, it will be slightly longer than what will likely become the norm (I possess “tl;dr” sensibilities as much as the next person).

As I begin my tenure as College Dean and Vice Provost of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, I have spent the first three weeks immersed in conversations, meetings and orientation sessions across — and beyond — the college. As expected, the process of learning a new institutional context has been both demanding and rewarding. Yet nearly every discussion has reinforced for me the depth of expertise, creativity and commitment that defines the CSSH community. I know there are still many of you that I have yet to have the privilege of meeting, but I look forward to doing so in the coming weeks and months.

Early Impressions and First Conversations

The first months in any new academic leadership role are necessarily about listening and observing. I have met colleagues in a wide range of positions within and outside the college to better understand their priorities and the contexts in which they work. These discussions have provided insight into the research strengths, teaching innovations and community connections that distinguish our college. They have also illuminated the challenges we face: adapting to shifting research environments, supporting students in complex social conditions and sustaining our collective commitments to equity and inclusion — all while responding to broader institutional and societal change. I have also been struck by the dedication and professionalism of those who work within the college office itself, whose efforts make much of our collective work possible.

Our college’s position within the University of Alberta brings both opportunities and responsibilities. We are continually called upon to demonstrate how the social sciences and humanities help address the most pressing questions of our time — ethical, cultural, political, and historical (often all at once). The breadth of our disciplines and the collegiality that connects them are significant assets. In the months ahead, the college office will focus on continuing to support those strengths, build connections across faculties and help align our collective efforts with institutional priorities, all in service of a shared purpose: advancing teaching, scholarship and service that deepens our understanding of the social world around us and strengthens our communities.

Key Moments from the First Month

Three notable moments stand out from my first weeks in this position. The first was attending the grand opening of the Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy (which took place in Banff), where I had the opportunity to meet the rest of the advisory board and hear a range of perspectives on leadership, governance and pluralism. The second was the inaugural College of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Celebration, Research in Uncertain Times. The event brought together scholars from across our college to share their work and reflect on the significance of research in periods of uncertainty. The range of topics and quality of discussion were impressive, offering a vivid example of the vitality and relevance of our research community and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Finally, I was inspired by the many students, faculty and staff who volunteered at the U of A's annual Open House. Spending the morning meeting with volunteers reminded me of how much collective pride and generosity sustain our disciplines.

Looking Ahead Together

As I continue to learn the contours of this new role, my priorities remain clear: to listen across a wide range of positions to understand our existing strengths, and to facilitate the connections that will advance CSSH’s shared vision. The college operates within a complex institutional and societal landscape, one that requires both steadiness and adaptability. Through ongoing collaboration, I am confident that we can continue to enhance the visibility and influence of the social sciences and humanities within and beyond the university. That is a commitment I will continue to pursue in the months ahead.

Thank you for the collegiality and insight so many of you have already extended. I look forward to working with you as we shape the next stage in the life of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. And for those interested, feel free to follow along with my leadership reflections and updates on LinkedIn.

Pishshapmishko,

Chris Andersen

Office of Access, Community and Belonging

CSSH Shout Out!

This month, we recognize Chris Lynch and the MBA office team in the Alberta School of Business for reimagining the Fall Internal Case Competition. Involving alumni as both coaches and judges has created a richer learning experience and stronger connections. With the MBA office now organizing, students new to case competitions can focus on learning while gaining real-world guidance. This initiative supports Changing the Story and advances the Student Experience Action Plan commitment that “connections are fostered.”

Learning Through Practice: Reflections and Invitations from the Office of ACB & Indigenous Initiatives

Braiding Past, Present, and Future — Learning in Relationship

The Braiding Past, Present and Future interim reporting process in CSSH focused on reflective dialogue to understand readiness and areas needing further support.

Acting as a bridge between faculties and the Office of the Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming), the college ensured that faculty realities informed expectations. Identifying work in progress in capacity building revealed shared momentum and collaboration opportunities across the four faculties, while mapping input to the Braiding goals clarified progress made from July 2022 to December 2024, with a full report due in 2027.

Explore the Interim Report Card here. For questions or reflections, connect with Monisha Vinod.

Changing the Story — Naming What’s Already in Motion (Fall 2025 Call for Contributions)

Call for contributions: Changing the Story: An Integrated Action Plan for Transforming Our Vibrant and Interconnected University Community

From Sept. 29 to Nov. 28, units, committees and networks are invited to show how their work aligns with the plan’s trajectories. These mapped insights will guide how collective work is understood and connected moving forward.

To participate, complete the Google Form (primary alignment: Trajectory 1 Supporting Uncomfortable Encounters and Trajectory 3 Ensuring Access; contributions to Trajectories 2 and 4 are also welcome). Many areas are already in conversation about potential submissions, and support is available to help clarify alignment or develop ideas at any stage.

Submissions open: Sept. 29 to Nov. 28

Themes reviewed and shared back: Winter 2026; Annual progress report published: April 2026.

For contribution support or alignment conversations, please reach out to Monisha Vinod.

Office of Research

Celebrating the 2025 IG Cycle

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in the college who helped us submit a strong set of SSHRC IG applications.

In total, 62 prospective applicants reached out, resulting in 159 requests for various types of support, including: internal peer review, budget justification review, CV editing, data management plan guidance, research security support, graphic design support and external editing support.

Your contributions made this success possible. Thank you!

Sign up for Supports for the Insight Development Grant Competition

Working with the OVPRI’s Research Partner Network to support applicants for the Insight Development Grant (IDG) competition, the College Office of Research is coordinating both pre-submission peer review and the new budget justification review service to streamline the registration process. Sign up here to register for either service or both services no later than Nov. 15.

A reminder that the Office of Research website offers short videos on preparing grant budgets, avoiding common mistakes, and understanding SSHRC’s knowledge mobilization requirements. You can find them here. For IDG competition support, your key contact is Sylvia Ijeoma Madueke.

Research Administration Education Series

Finding funds to carry out research is already difficult, but managing those funds in accordance with ALL the rules is its own challenge.  One of the ways the Research Partner Network is striving to support researchers and administrators is by providing education and training.  Our Research Administration Education Series continues with the following webinar:

Series 1, Session 3: Project Types (via Zoom)
Friday, Nov. 7, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.    Register

Series 1, Session 4: Amendments (via Zoom)
Monday, Nov. 24, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.    Register

Research Administration Pop-Up

Members of the Research Partner Network will be live and 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. Please join us on:   

Thursday, Nov. 20, 1 – 3 p.m., Chem West 4-44

Would you like us to attend one of your department, faculty or research/finance administrators’ meetings?  Let us know where you would like us to pop up next by emailing rsoinfo@ualberta.ca.

Office of Education

Teaching Squares Winter Cohort

Looking to connect with other instructors from our college to exchange ideas, refine teaching skills and explore pedagogical approaches? After a successful inaugural cohort, the Office of Education invites you to join the Winter term cohort of Teaching Squares, 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 to us using this form by December 1.

Performance Corner

Department of Drama: The Time is Now

A Climate Change Theatre Action event featuring staged readings of three short plays and a talkback panel.

Date: Nov. 6
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Timms Centre for the Arts
Learn more

Department of Art & Design: Monstrous & Tender and The Forest - Where We Belong

Exhibitions running in the FAB Gallery until Nov. 8.
Learn more

Department of Music: In Fields of Honour

Featuring the U of A Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, in recognition of the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day.

Date: Nov. 3
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Winspear Centre
Learn more

College News