MacEwan University

MacEwan is working towards a Centre for Sustainability Studies with significant participation by MacEwan faculty, staff, and students in its ongoing work.

MacEwan's Facility Department installed 50 new solar panels on the south-west facing roof of the Robbins Health Learning Centre over the summer, and on September 15, 2017 the panels were officially turned on. In order … read more

MacEwan's Facility Department installed 50 new solar panels on the south-west facing roof of the Robbins Health Learning Centre over the summer, and on September 15, 2017 the panels were officially turned on. In order to maximize sun exposure, 30 of the panels face south and 20 face west. They sit on a sloped galvanized steel frame. Each panel is estimated to generate 280 watts of electricity each year. All together, the solar array will generate approximately 16,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy. This is considered a pilot project. - The output of the panels will be monitored, and if they’re successful, the green project will be expanded.

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- Fairtrade Campus designation received in April 2017. Continue to increase our Fairtrade certified product offerings. - Green to Go reusable container program refreshed and users increasing - Tower Gardens & Urban Cultivators continue to … read more

- Fairtrade Campus designation received in April 2017. Continue to increase our Fairtrade certified product offerings.
- Green to Go reusable container program refreshed and users increasing
- Tower Gardens & Urban Cultivators continue to be utilized in food services dishes as well as catering dishes
- Urban Bee Keeping product continues to be used in dishes on campus. Will be producing new MacEwan pesto & helped to develop MacEwan vinaigrette to be sold at retail locations and used in dishes
- Continued use of biodegradable and/or compostable single use containers
- Continued purchasing of local products where possible (produce, meats, etc.)
- Increased vegetarian & vegan options across campus, specifically at new vegetarian & vegan outlet 'SEASON'

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Sustainability criteria are the heaviest weighted criteria when awarding MacEwan's new waste contract.

In 2009, the Office of Sustainability was created to oversee the implementation of the campus sustainability policy. This role was solidified in 2011, with the approval of our first campus sustainability plan, and again in … read more

In 2009, the Office of Sustainability was created to oversee the implementation of the campus sustainability policy. This role was solidified in 2011, with the approval of our first campus sustainability plan, and again in 2016, with the approval of our strategic campus sustainability plan. Our efforts are guided by the Strategic Campus Sustainability Plan, which facilitates sustainability activities and measures our progress across the institution.
MacEwan University's Strategic Sustainability Plan comprises four areas:

- Academic programming, teaching and research
- Engagement, outreach and communications
- Campus operations
- Leadership

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MacEwan University has established an Office of Human Rights, Diversity, and Equity (2018) in order to enhance to role of inclusion and equity at MacEwan, and also build from the work of the Office of … read more

MacEwan University has established an Office of Human Rights, Diversity, and Equity (2018) in order to enhance to role of inclusion and equity at MacEwan, and also build from the work of the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (2017).

Previously, the University had implemented a range of initiatives aimed at ending sexual violence and fostering a culture of consent, support and equity on campus. The University adopted a stand-alone sexual violence policy in September 2015, implements an annual campus-wide awareness campaign (#noplacehere), and created an Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education with a full-time coordinator that provides an annual cycle of events and activites as well as training and education programming.

In November 2017, MacEwan University has established an Indigenous Advisory Council consisting of Indigenous community members and Indigenous and non-indigenous faculty, staff and students.The Council was created to focus on and create guidance on indigenous initiatives and responding to the TRC Calls to Action.

Further, MacEwan has been adressing the needs of the LBGTQ+ community for more than ten years. We have been participants in Edmonton LGBTQ+ community events, in partnership with other queer organizations. MacEwan has put on trainings, workshops, brought speakers into the classrooms, celebrated LGBTQ+ global holidays and days of remembrance, run programming in coordination with SAMU and the student club Inqueeries, as well as bringing a sexual and gender minority voice to other established groups and areas, such as in sexual violence prevention and Wellness and Psychological Services.

Regarding student matters in particular, the Interim Provost and Vice-president Academic has proposed the development of a new university policy, Student Non-academic Conduct policy, as well as a new Code of Student Conduct. This policy and its over-arching Student Code of Conduct will replace outdated policies, clarify terminology that helps to define relationships between policy and university community values and conduct expectations, offer information to support more informed, student decision-making, and will do so for all members of the campus community. The Academic Integrity policy also will look to the Student Code of Conduct. This constitutes a significant shift in this policy toward recognition of voice, equity, diversity, openness and courage.

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