CSAHS News

If glass ceilings are a metaphor for a barrier that prevents a marginalized group from advancing, then Dr. Mary Anne Chambers is a diamond – a material that cuts through glass with alacrity.

In 1988, Dr. Chambers shattered many of the glass ceilings that had long been in place in Canadian business by becoming a vice-president for Scotiabank. She was young – only 38 years old – she was a mother of two, she was Black and she was an immigrant, but none of that held her back.

With the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday still fresh in people’s minds ­– a time when people traditionally set something aside to give to the less fortunate – a study from the University of Guelph reports that Canada’s foreign aid sector has seen a significant decrease in personal charitable donations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The College of Social and Applied Human Sciences owes its existence to many pioneering women who tirelessly pursued research and education in the social sciences.  We are very sad to learn of the passing of Dr. Lila Engberg, one of the pioneers instrumental in the evolution of the College.

University can be tough. But for those in the political science undergraduate program things are a little easier owing to the Political Science Peer Contact program ⁠— a program that enlists student volunteers to provide mentorship and social connections for their fellow students, helping them navigate university life and achieve success in the political science program.

This program has helped hundreds of students since its founding in 2006, and for that students have its founder, Professor Carol Dauda, to thank.

The University of Guelph is proud to have passionate students who take the University motto "Improve Life" to heart. Each year, students who have made a difference, those who are true leaders on and off campus, are recognized through the Student Experience Awards. This year, two students from the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences were among the recipients. We offer a wholehearted congratulations and job well done to these two wonderful students.

A group of researchers from the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics are sharing stories about the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on North American fisheries through a new podcast series.

In 2019, professor Philip Loring and postdoctoral scholar Hannah L. Harrison launched Coastal Routes, a platform and research network that shares stories of "coastal resilience and innovation from around the world," with the mission of "supporting verdant, sustainable, and just coastal livelihoods and places."

The University of Guelph DRiVE laboratory is seeking to collaborate with researchers at the University of Guelph interested in driving-related areas of research such as driver safety, driver performance, development of in-vehicle technologies and other medical and commercial applications.

Philosopher Eric Hoffer once said, “In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future.” There is no doubt that our world has seen monumental change in recent years. The faculty and staff at CSAHS see the need to provide the best teaching possible. 

The Hub for Teaching and Learning Excellence (TLE) was created to act as both a champion for the continual enhancement of teaching and teaching methods and as a support for those who are striving for such excellence.

CSAHS has always sought to be a leader in teaching and learning – providing students with resources that can help them respond to the challenges facing our modern world. With this in mind, new and exciting course offerings are coming to our College.