New Academic Year Kicks Off at Carleton University
By
Elizabeth Kane
Photo Credit:
Brenna Mackay
From strengthening partnerships to supporting groundbreaking research to rolling out new programs to prepare students to become the leaders of tomorrow, Carleton University welcomes a promising new academic year with a focus on responding to a rapidly changing world.
On Sept. 9, more than 30,000 students begin the term on Carleton’s scenic campus, bringing energy and excitement.
A Dynamic University in a Changing World
In a rapidly evolving world, Carleton is building on its strengths to respond to dynamic developments.
“This is an exciting time to be at Carleton. As our world changes, so do we,” says Carleton President Wisdom Tettey in his welcome address to the university community.
“We’re enhancing opportunities for and contributions to learning, research and innovation that will make an inclusive impact and are preparing adaptable global leaders who shape the future and make a positive difference.”
The campus community welcomes Christina Tessier as the new Chair of the Board of Governors. Tessier, who will lead the Board until June 30, 2027, brings a wealth of leadership experience as the President and CEO of Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation.
Building a Caring and Inclusive Community
To kick off the new term, 4,000 students moved into residence, supported by fellow Ravens who helped welcome them to their new home. Once settled in, students could take part in the university’s annual Orientation week, making new friends and preparing for the year ahead.
Whether it’s gaining opportunities to build community and foster leadership skills at the student club expo or learning about the resources available to help them succeed in university courses, orientation week offers a supportive, caring transition to university life for new students.
Preparing the Next Generation
Carleton is responding to a changing world by offering new academic programs, experiences and supports, ensuring its students are prepared to lead and drive change both at home and globally.
To support Canada’s critical mineral sector, the university is launching a new Master of Mineral Exploration and Resource Management.
Communication and Media Studies students in the Faculty of Global and Public Affairs can choose from three new concentrations: Government and Professional Communication, Media and Entertainment Industries and Public Engagement and Civic Culture.
The Sprott School of Business has launched a stream in Financial Planning, featuring courses that count towards the Certified Financial Planner designation, as part of the undergraduate business degree.
For Faculty of Science students exploring their options in science, the new B.Sc. Gateway is a flexible first-year pathway that allows students to explore the sciences while taking part in dedicated advising and mentorship, to transition into a degree program. Master of Science students can enrol in the new Physics stream Quantum Science and Technology beginning this year.
In the Faculty of Engineering and Design, first-year engineering students can take part in a new student academic support program designed to help them reach their academic goals through peer tutoring, online, drop-in and group sessions.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is launching a co-op program for Gender Studies students, offering two new Psychology special topics on autism and evolutionary psychology and is launching the experiential, community-based mentorship course Community Connections: Newcomer Youth Settlement, Mentorship, and Peer Learning through the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
Undergraduate students in Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, as well as those in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Information Technology, Linguistics and Physics can now opt to enter a PhD program directly from their bachelor’s degree.
Looking Ahead and a New Vision
From Oct. 1 to 4, Carleton celebrates Throwback, the university’s annual homecoming celebration. The campus will welcome students, alumni and community members for a weekend of reunions, family-friendly and community-building events that culminates in cheering on the Ravens football team as they defend their title at the annual Panda Game.
Changes to campus facilities are planned and underway. Important infrastructure work was completed over the summer and crews are onsite at the former P9 Garage site to construct The Frame design developed in collaboration with fourth-year students Kylie Cozad and Amelie Murphy. Future plans for campus continue to advance, including collaboration with the City of Ottawa on the creation of a joint aquatic center to serve the campus and local community.
Building on the momentum from last spring’s launch, Towards Carleton@100: From Promise to Inclusive Impact and Prominence strategic visioning process will continue to engage with the community to develop and shape a vision for the university’s future as we prepare to celebrate Carleton’s centennial in 2042.
