Community Engagement
Integrating UCalgary with the community
What is community engagement?
As a foundational commitment in the Eyes High vision and strategy, UCalgary is committed to integrating with the community by fully engaging the communities we both serve and lead.
Being a global intellectual hub means that we develop next-generation leaders with broad world views, share new knowledge and discoveries generously, and address society’s challenges proactively. We are recognized as a university that provides a gateway to the international landscape of ideas, arts and culture, and science for all life-long learners. We are increasing opportunities for our local and extended communities to engage in athletic and recreational activities.
UCalgary attracts creative thinkers from around the world who enrich our lives with their distinct ideas and viewpoints. We are committed to working with our stakeholders to find ways to improve the lives of individuals in all our communities.
We will continue to play a leading role in the evolution of our city and our province by providing exceptional learning opportunities, conducting cutting-edge research, creating an environment of inclusion, and serving our communities selflessly.
We will model leadership behaviour and continue to build meaningful connections through our growing global alumni network. As we do so, we will inspire our friends and supporters to invest in our efforts to spark meaningful change and energize the next generation.
Where UCalgary engages
Our work in the community
UCalgary works in collaboration with a number of organizations in the community. Our students, faculty and researchers are actively involved in community engaged learning and community focused research.
Community engagement around campus
The UCalgary campus is accessible to everyone in the community and there are many ways to engage with UCalgary on campus.
How do I get involved?
Partnerships allow us to contribute to and benefit from a network that enriches the student experience. UCalgary encourages partnerships with community organizations and welcomes the efforts of volunteers to make it all a success.
Facilitating the growth of a just and inclusive society
UCalgary strives to create and maintain a positive, productive learning and working environment where there’s respect for the dignity of all persons and fair and equitable treatment of individuals in our diverse community. We are proud to partner with Calgary Pride to celebrate Calgary’s diversity and build city free of discrimination against gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
Building a resilient, strong, supportive city
1 in 10 Calgarians live in poverty. 1 in 5 Calgary students do not finish high school on time, while more than 50% of kids aren’t developmentally ready for kindergarten. Working with United Way of Calgary and Area allows UCalgary to help build a caring community where everyone thrives. We do this by partnering on research aimed at reducing poverty, supporting kids and building strong communities, and by organizing an annual workplace campaign.
Building a better Calgary through research
Urban Alliance is a strategic partnership between The City of Calgary and University of Calgary to promote the seamless transfer of cutting-edge research between The City and the university, for the benefit of all our communities. It helps achieve the imagineCALGARY vision through collaboration while attracting and engaging top researchers who will seek out and implement solutions to pressing municipal issues.
Skate or paddle at Bowness Park
The Outdoor Centre, part of the Faculty of Kinesiology, has been renting gear and teaching outdoor skills for over 40 years with the goal to provide you the knowledge and equipment you need to make outdoor activity a part of your lifestyle. Partnering with the City of Calgary at the newly restored Bowness Park, the Outdoor Centre operates the boathouse, skate shop and train rides and provides rentals and programs on the lagoon to help more people be active.
UCalgary Community Engagement News
Students and world experts explore affordable housing solutions for Canadian cities
Housing and Inclusive Cities multimedia exhibition open to public until Nov. 24
Dance Montage celebrates 50 years of dance community
School of Creative and Performing Arts and Faculty of Kinesiology present 50th anniversary production of Dance Montage Nov. 28-30
They stand apart – UCalgary researchers whose work makes the most difference for others
Peak Scholars celebrated for working closely with communities to create positive impact
Engineering prof turns to data analytics to help homeless shelter
Geoffrey Messier matches clients to services in latest project for Calgary Drop-In Centre, a United Way partner
Experts on newcomers: Break silos, build meaningful relationships
Mobilizing knowledge symposium brings together academia, practice, and policy
Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40
Of this year’s cohort of 42 honorees, 20 have UCalgary connections.