Professional insight from University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is one of the top teaching and research universities in Canada. We seek out challenges so we can create change. We question and test the status quo, then innovate on it. We will always be seeking, always be challenging and, most of all, always be leading. Leading with purpose.

Students sitting on lawn at University of Alberta Canada campus

Asian student concentrating at a laptop

The imperative for productive struggle

When AI can offer students the illusion of mastery, assessment design that includes ambiguity, choice, context and real-world values can encourage the effort that underpins deep learning

Karsten Mundel, Olivia Murray

University of Alberta

AI accelerates research processes

Beyond search: how AI agents are redefining research

AI-augmented research can speed up processes such as literature review and data synthesis. Here, Ali Shiri looks at functionality of three AI agents

Ali Shiri

University of Alberta

Happy multiracial group of college students

Reimagining the student experience using tips from start-up culture

Start-up principles such as rapid iteration, co-creation and agile teamwork can be used to transform the student experience, enabling faster, more effective responses to evolving student needs

Melissa Padfield, Sarah Wolgemuth

University of Alberta

Man in hard hat shaking hands

How to create a win-win university-industry partnership

To reap the benefits of industry-academia collaborations, researchers and higher education institutions need to be clear about goals from the outset, understand each party’s differences and communicate

Darren Fast

University of Alberta

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Campus Talks: How to achieve research excellence – and protect it

Learn what contributes to quality research across an institution and how that work should be kept secure

Marcus Munafò, Jacqueline Littlewood

The University of Bristol, University of Alberta

Structure of teepee against blue cloudy sky

Principles of Indigenous leadership and self-care in the academy

Indigenous leadership requires resilience, humility and self-awareness. These 10 principles offer a guide to cultivating wellness and fostering a supportive community

Chris Andersen

University of Alberta

Man putting icing on a chocolate cake

‘If you can empower others to build connections, you can help build a thriving collaborative ecosystem’

For university administrators, part of the job is to help researchers do the cool stuff, without getting bogged down or intimidated by the forms, calendars and other paperwork, writes Marvin Washington. Here, he offers tips on how to foster interdisciplinary collaboration

Marvin Washington

University of Alberta

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Campus webinar: How to present research to a wider audience for greater impact

Learn about ways to articulate and present your work to non-academic audiences from experts from Campus+ partner institutions in the UK and North America

Gregory Goldsmith, Patricia Raun, Denise Baden, Krystina Silva

University of Alberta, Virginia Tech, University of Southampton, Chapman University

Women shaking hands

When good enough is not enough

Back your own abilities and let your talents be seen, writes Verna Yiu. Here, she shares lessons from her own career journey on how women can increase opportunities for themselves and each other

Verna Yiu

University of Alberta

Well-being and student support webinar

Campus webinar: Student support and wellness strategies for a new term

Academics from Campus+ partner institutions discuss effective ways to support students’ mental health, well-being and more

Helen Rowland, György Purebl, Kevin Friese

University of Southampton, Semmelweis University , University of Alberta

Darth Vader figurine

The dark side of AI’s promised efficiencies

Artificial intelligence can use data and algorithms in a way that prioritises rationality over values such as fairness and quality of education, writes Vern Glaser

Vern Glaser

University of Alberta

hands making a heart shape in from of a transgender flag

Keeping dead names out of convocation

Trans students shouldn’t have to worry about being dead-named as they accept their parchment. Norma Rodenburg and Carrie Smith share four things to consider when making the switch from legal to affirmed names for graduation ceremonies

Norma Rodenburg, Carrie Smith

University of Alberta

multiracial group of students eating burgers outside

Creating a reusable takeout dish programme on campus

Want to reduce single-use waste at your university? In this guide for students and administrators, Rojine McVea offers tips for how to set up a reusable dish service based on her own experience

Rojine McVea

University of Alberta

Bag of groceries

A ‘grocery store’ model can help your campus food bank reduce waste

A move from pre-packed hampers can make university food banks more efficient and the space more welcoming – and build a stronger community. Erin O’Neil offers tips for switching to a grocery-store model

Erin O’Neil

University of Alberta

Summit of Ha Ling Mountain with Rundle Range and Banff National Park, Alberta, Canadian Rockies in the background

Restructuring a university, part one

When Bill Flanagan took the helm, the University of Alberta was facing a $222 million funding cut – 20 per cent of the university’s operating budget. In this two-part article, he explains how the university undertook a historic overhaul

Bill Flanagan

University of Alberta

illustration of a man climbing a mountain with flag on top

Restructuring a university, part two

When funding pressures made it clear that the University of Alberta had to change, it overhauled its entire way of working. Here, president Bill Flanagan explains how they did it

Bill Flanagan

University of Alberta

THE Campus webinar graphic

Campus webinar: University admissions: a flawed process?

University admissions experts from Campus+ institutions in the UK, US and Canada discuss where the system is falling short, how to make it fairer for all and how AI is impacting admissions

Rick Clark, Juan Espinoza, Norma Rodenburg, Dilshad Sheikh

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities, Virginia Tech, University of Alberta, Arden University