Igniting Purpose
The Student Experience Action Plan Report to Community

Highlights

• Libraries led a Zero Textbook Cost “World Tour,” working directly with instructors to expand open and library-based course materials. Through the Zero Textbook Cost initiative, students in approximately 32% of University of Alberta classes did not incur any costs for accessing course materials in 2024-25, increasing the accessibility of learning materials.

In the faculties

• All Native Studies online classes use free materials or materials available from the library.
• Less than 35% of the core sources used by School of Public Health students require a textbook.
• The Alberta School of Business curated a list of Open Educational Resources (OER) for instructors specifically relevant to Business courses.

Highlights

• Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology (WISEST) engaged over 750 U of A students as volunteers in STEM experiential learning opportunities.
• The Undergraduate Research Initiative introduced “Roadmap for Research” as a microcredential program that prepares undergraduate students to seek out and be successful in research during their programs.
• Athletics provided significant experiential learning opportunities, hiring 206 students as part-time staff and summer camp coaches. An additional 70 student volunteers served in health and performance roles, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
• FreshService, a service management tool that allows students to submit an inquiry or search for answers to commonly asked questions, was implemented at Campus Saint-Jean. Students can now fill out the online form in French, in addition to English, increasing accessibility for francophone students.
• University students and staff can now access a list of standardized definitions for instruction modes and course components online, enabling students to make choices that will work for their learning style and needs when registering for courses.
• The affirmed name functionality was launched, supporting the university in establishing an environment in which all university staff and students can independently identify their primary (affirmed) first, middle and last name by which they wish to be recognized as a member of the U of A community. 
• A new March convocation period was added beginning in March 2026 for students who finish their degree requirements by the end of the Fall term (December). This convocation period is not only beneficial for students, but also aims to meet the university’s growing enrolment.

In the faculties

• The faculties of Business and Education are using the Advisor functionality within the “My Schedule Builder” tool to help students create class schedules that align with their program requirements while effectively balancing co-curricular and extra-curricular commitments.
• Rehabilitation Medicine approved new online and hybrid courses to expand learning options, allowing for more flexible learning pathways for current and future students. 
• In 2025, The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies published their Action + Partnership Plan, a student-focused plan aimed to position graduate and postdoctoral studies as a compelling choice for learning, teaching and personal development.

Highlights

• To kick off Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October 2025, IST hosted a tradeshow in the newly opened University Commons featuring several cybersecurity-focused tables. One of the tables showcased the Cybersecurity, Hacking and Digital Security (CHADS) student club. CHADS includes members from across the university, many from Computing Science, and they played a key role in the event’s success.
• The Augustana Course Registration Fair took place in March 2025 which allowed students to participate in in-person degree planning with advisors and academic staff.
• Augustana phased out the 3/11 schedule for the 2026-27 academic year, simplifying the academic calendar and aligning with the rest of the university. 
• A new advanced search feature was launched in the University of Alberta directory, making it easier for students to find and connect with faculty members seeking undergraduate researchers.
• Student Success and Experience hosted a Student-Facing Academic Leaders' Symposium (SFALS) in November 2024 and convened deans, vice-deans, associate deans and chairs for a full day of connection and dialogue, exploring key topics related to the student experience and learning environment.

In the faculties

• The Faculty of Medicine + Dentistry’s Indigenous and Black student associations were integrated into program leadership, strengthening student representation in decision-making.

Highlights

• Elder Myrna Yellowbird, a member of Samson Cree Nation, regularly visits Augustana two to three times a week as part of a meaningful commitment to supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students and fostering a more inclusive campus environment. Through her presence, she offers opportunities for cultural connection, guidance and the sharing of stories.
• Construction for a reimaged First Peoples’ House (FPH) began. The new home for First Peoples’ House at the University of Alberta is dreamed and designed to go beyond just a physical building. This expanded, love-built space calls in U of A First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students in unprecedented ways. At its heart, it will continue to provide a place of care, belonging and sâkihitowin (love) for students. The ceremonial opening is scheduled for summer 2026.
• First People’s House expanded its meal program during times that can feel isolating, especially when students are unable to return to their remote communities for holidays. These gatherings help students stay connected to the university community and engage in their studies.
• Athletics hosted 163 events on campus in 2024-25, with 23,573 students attending ticketed events, bringing the university community together and building campus spirit.
• International Student and Visitor Services orientation activities and international events were redesigned to intentionally bring students from North Campus and Campus Saint-Jean into shared spaces so that students can experience the university as one community.

In the faculties

• The Faculty of Science created a new Engagement Officer position. This has allowed for increased student engagement, invigoration of the science mentorship program and subsequent enhanced peer support.
• The Faculty of Engineering launched the Engineering Student Leaders program to formally train, recognize and show appreciation for student volunteers. These volunteers support events such as orientation, first-year nights and recruitment initiatives, and may be featured in university publications, faculty social media and other internal and external communication channels.

Highlights

• The Library Prize for Undergraduate Research and Sounds of Research competitions were established, increasing visibility and recognition of student research. Applying for these prizes gives students a chance to think critically about their research journey, showcase their work to a broader audience and celebrate undergraduate academic excellence.
• Through “Dose of Support,” students can access a 20-minute drop-in consultation with a team of registered social workers, psychologists, and occupational therapists. These sessions focus on addressing each student’s most immediate concern—whether that’s managing anxiety, building coping strategies, overcoming procrastination, or navigating campus resources.
• The University Health Centre (UHC) moved from drop-in appointments to online booking, reducing wait times and improving access to healthcare for patients. Now patients choose a time that works with their schedule, arriving just ten minutes before their appointment with no need to hold their place in a queue.
• The University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre (UASAC) focused on improving access to specialized care and strengthening sexual violence prevention across campus. The launch of a new drop-in service that provides immediate access to professional support has made a significant impact, nearly doubling contact points, from 349 to 593 interactions.

In the faculties

• The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation added wellness “touch-base” events for undergraduate students at the start and end of each semester as well as student-led wellness events with advisor-shared information. Students now receive reminders about mental health supports at key points in the term, not only during orientation. 
• The Faculty of Science shortened wait times for academic advising by holding regular drop-in one-on-one advising sessions.