CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga confirmed as member of UArctic education and research network

On June 2, Conestoga was confirmed as a new member of the UArctic network at the UArctic Assembly 2024 in Bodø, Norway. The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a cooperative international network involving more than 200 colleges, universities, research institutes and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North.

In its first two years, the initiative has involved 25 professors and over 900 students across six Conestoga schools working with 37 professors at 32 academic institutions around the globe. Several Conestoga students and faculty are also featured in videos about Sustainable Development Goals as well as the benefits of COIL that outline and promote its use as an effective and efficient tool for UArctic members.  

Dr. Michelle Chrétien, vice president, Research, travelled to Norway to present Conestoga's application to the UArctic Assembly.

"Conestoga's membership in UArctic is an important step forward and reinforces our position as a world-class institution and leader in research and collaboration on pressing issues facing the world and the Arctic, such as climate change, sustainable economic development and Indigenous rights," said Chrétien.

"We look forward to expanding and sharing our research with member institutions while helping to enhance the global profile of Conestoga and contributing to its growing number of global initiatives."

As a UArctic member, Conestoga will enjoy benefits that include participation in thematic networks, access to research catalogues and shared curriculum, potential funding opportunities, visibility and exposure through UArctic media channels, shared student experiences, and mobility opportunities for faculty, students and employees.

"In addition to focusing on research, our membership will also benefit the college's work on promoting Sustainable Development Goals, highlighted by our School of Business' role as a PRME Champion, build on our COIL collaborations, and showcase our Open Learning services while providing exposure that will enrich and inform the learning and working atmosphere at Conestoga," added Mariam Raza, associate director, Global Initiatives and Partnership Development.

UArctic membership is also among the initiatives supported by the college's Global Initiatives office, which focuses on education abroad programming, academic and research partnerships and exchanges, as well as virtual and on-campus activities to help internationalize the Conestoga community and create new global opportunities that support student engagement and demand.

Conestoga's Office of Research Services is the central hub for research partnerships at the college. The office offers comprehensive support to industry and community partners, faculty, and students throughout the entire research project lifecycle. The office is part of Conestoga's Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship team that brings together multidisciplinary expertise, state-of-the-art resources, and collaboration to tackle real-world challenges.