Goal 1: Thriving People
Sustaining and enhancing a positive learning and work environment for all
The School of Public Health recognizes that thriving learners, faculty, staff and alumni are core strengths of the School and central to achieving organizational excellence.
Through this goal, SPH is investing in the learning, growth, development and well-being of its community by strengthening connection and belonging, advancing learner supports, recognizing contributions and creating opportunities for professional growth and career readiness.
Progress Updates
Year 1 (2025-26) Highlights
In 2025-26, SPH continued to invest in the people who make up its community. Progress focused on strengthening connection and belonging, advancing practical learner supports and creating opportunities for recognition, professional growth and career readiness.
These Year 1 efforts helped reinforce the foundations of a positive learning and work environment where members of the SPH community feel welcomed, supported and equipped to contribute.
Connection and belonging strengthened
SPH continued to create opportunities for people across the School community to connect, celebrate and build relationships. Events such as convocation, seasonal gatherings, student activities and networking opportunities brought together learners, staff, faculty, alumni and partners in ways that supported belonging and strengthened the sense of community across the School.
Learner financial support advanced
SPH advanced work to strengthen learner financial support, including the incorporation of the institution-wide PhD Guaranteed Minimum Funding stipend policy. The School also continued to explore ways to expand paid experiential learning placements for course-based learners, including through the donor-supported Doug and Jane Wilson Fund to Support Experiential Learning in Public Health. Together, these efforts help reduce barriers to participation while creating meaningful applied learning opportunities.
Learner well-being and academic supports expanded
SPH expanded practical supports to help learners navigate their academic programs and address barriers to success. This included food security supports, access to professional clothing, engagement with student representatives and continued efforts to connect learners with the resources and supports they need throughout their academic journey. SPH is also in the process of creating a student emergency fund, supported by a $15,000 seed donation commitment, to provide additional assistance to learners facing unexpected financial hardship.
Career readiness and professional connection supported
SPH created additional opportunities for learners to explore public health career pathways and build professional connections. Career pathway sessions, networking opportunities with public health practitioners and learner-facing events helped students connect their academic experience to future practice, leadership and employment opportunities. This included the SPH Student Association’s Celebration of Experiential Learning and networking event in April, which brought learners together with public health practitioners.