Next-Gen learning

Preserving the Stingers’ legacy for future generations

Concordia’s Records Management and Archives has launched a project to digitize and archive historical materials from the university’s Stingers varsity teams dating back to the 1950s. The initiative aims to document key moments in Concordia’s athletic history, ensuring they remain accessible to future generations. 

The historical records provided by the Department of Recreation and Athletics include everything from vintage uniform designs and team photographs to video recordings capturing some of the teams’ earliest games. Much of the existing footage and photography is scattered across various formats, including 16mm film, VHS tapes and audio reels, making preservation and accessibility a challenge.  

Archiving such materials opens up potential for research, exhibitions and educational initiatives. It will also help offer insight into the evolution of varsity and intramural sports, document student engagement over the years and showcase the Stingers’ role in shaping student culture. 

Award-winning artists share songwriting expertise with music students

Platinum-selling artist Ariane Moffatt and Polaris Prize-nominee Ada Lea joined Concordia’s Department of Music to teach a songwriting course. The course was designed to encourage music students to explore and develop their skills through regular songwriting, as well as critical analysis of existing songs. “Songwriting is therapeutic for me, and it remains the best way I know to connect with others,” says Moffatt. “It brings us closer to our true selves.”

New graduate diploma to address Quebec’s licensed teacher shortage

A new Graduate Diploma in Teacher Certification developed by Concordia’s Department of Education is set to address a shortage of licensed teachers in the province of Quebec. The program was created to meet the needs of Quebec’s Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur through a customized program based on each participant’s years of experience and current classroom challenges. While multiple Quebec universities have launched similar programs, Concordia is the only anglophone university to do so.

Alan Shepard Summer Residency tackles real-world challenges

Concordia’s Alan Shepard Summer Residency — a 12-week paid experience — brings together students, faculty and industry partners to tackle real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Hosted by the university’s District 3 Innovation Hub, the residency provides participants with an opportunity to work on projects addressing social, environmental and technological issues, giving them hands-on experience and mentorship.

“It is a journey of professional and personal transformation, where participants are nurtured to develop their ideas and skills in a rich, supportive environment, much like artists in a studio,” says program lead Zaccary Dyck.

Behaviour Interactive Research Chair in Game Design

Jonathan Lessard, associate professor and researcher in the Department of Design and Computation Arts, has been appointed Concordia’s inaugural Behaviour Interactive Research Chair in Game Design. The role is made possible thanks to support from Behaviour Interactive, a key player in the global gaming industry. As chairholder, Lessard will supervise graduate and undergraduate students in their research as coders and game-makers. He will also support students from diverse backgrounds with an interest in game design.

New graduate student ambassador program

The School of Graduate Studies has launched a graduate student ambassador program to connect prospective and new graduate students with experienced peers who can offer guidance and insights into student life. Ambassadors help build a supportive community by sharing their experiences, answering questions and fostering connections. The program enhances student engagement and provides valuable leadership opportunities for ambassadors, while easing the transition for incoming grad students.