Spring on Campus

As we crawl into the depths of winter this December, we can take comfort in envisioning that tiny glimmer of hope at the end of all the slush, wind, snow and cold…Spring! That joyous season of relief when everyone eagerly strips off coats mitts and hats faster than you can say “temperatures above freezing.”

A sign of rebirth, new life and a fresh start, there is a lot to celebrate during Spring. Many Canadian universities have jumped into the spirit of the season by hosting events and festivals that emulate its buoyant, cheerful nature.

Brock University Spring Festival of the Arts (credit: Brock University)

Brock University’s Spring Festival of the Arts is hosted by the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts. The annual event celebrates the multidisciplinary work of students, faculty and university partners. Taking place in venues across the Niagara Region throughout March and April, the Spring Festival encourages audiences to take in musical, dance and theatrical performances and visit a diverse array of visual arts exhibitions.

The University of Saskatchewan partakes in a similarly celebratory festival of arts. The Spring Festival of New Plays is organized by the Saskatchewan Playwrights’ Centre, and the University is an active partner in its development. Active since 1983, the Spring Festival attracts directors from across the country to work with local playwrights and actors (including U of Saskatchewan students) through intensive workshops and culminating performances. Hosted between the City, local residents and U of Saskatchewan, this event is a great model for University-community engagement through its collaborative celebration of local talent.

Spring Festival Gala at McMaster (credit: McMaster University)

President greets attendees (credit: McMaster University)

McMaster University uses the season to celebrate the diversity of its campus population. The Spring Festival Gala is organized by the Confucius Institute at McMaster, in partnership with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association and Mohawk University Chinese Student Union. Traditional dance, martial arts and musical performers celebrate the changing of seasons by entertaining students, faculty, staff and community attendees at the April event.

What kinds of events do you think YorkU could organize to celebrate Spring? 

Celebrate Fall on Campus

Although a bite in the air last week gave us a bit of a scare, not all of the leaves have dropped just yet so we are left with a few more days to celebrate autumn.

The crisp air coupled with the bright reds, yellows and oranges in the trees makes fall the perfect season to enjoy spending time outside. YorkU's Red Zone gets into the spirit of things by hosting Halloween events and giving out candy to those in need of a sweet treat, but there are many other Canadian universities that choose to take advantage of this time of year by organizing annual outdoor events for students, staff and faculty.

Pie-eating at Kwantlan Polytechnic University's Fall Fair (credit: Kwantlan University)

Kwantlan Polytechnic University takes the opportunity to open the campus to the public and engage the local community in its events and services. The annual Fall Fair sees President Atkinson hosting a pie-eating contest, as The School of Horticulture generously gives away all of the produce grown in campus greenhouses by students. Numerous food vendors and informational displays round out the November event.

Fresh produce giveaway at Kwantlan (credit: Kwantlan University)

The University of Lethbridge and University of Windsor both take a more musical approach to the fall celebrations by hosting free concert series put on by performers in the Faculty of Fine Arts and University Wind Ensemble, respectively.

Tractor Tug for Tots at Guelph (credit: At Guelph)

An opportunity to support charity drives the University of Guelph to host multiple giving events. The Tractor Tug for Tots, organized by the Ontario Agricultural College, sees everyone from students, faculty and staff to local police officers and firefighters signing up in teams to race against the clock and raise money for Sunshine Dreams for Kids. The School of Environmental Design and Rural Development hosts a pumpkin auction, which are expertly carved by students before Halloween, and a homemade chili luncheon to raise money for Unicef.

Bike races at CMU Fall Fair (credit: CMU Media)

CMU celebrates for an entire weekend by offering free concerts, public lectures, cycling races and exhibition sports games. Tours for prospective students, alumni reunions and a free BBQ are also offered to encourage the larger community to engage with campus life.

What kinds of fall events do you think would be successful on the York University Keele Campus?