The Fall term is in full swing, the campus is buzzing, and just like the leaves, the events are piling up! Make sure to take advantage of the many opportunities to learn, celebrate and come together during October.

Queer History Month is the perfect time to officially open a new home for MacEwan’s Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity. Visit the new centre in Room 11-190 throughout the week of October 3 to 7 as they celebrate with daily morning drop-in sessions, a crafting and creating session, Rainbow Market (with entertainment from the Live Music Club), Sexual Health Chat, Pets of Pride Parade with PAWSS (follow the dogs from the cafeteria in Building 6 to the new centre in Building 11), Rainbow Storytime, Movie Screening and Pizza Party, Staff and Faculty Friday and, to wrap it all up, an Edmonton Queer History Project Bus Tour. Dates, times and details are all at MacEwan.ca/CSGD.

For the entirety of Islamic Heritage Month, The Canadian Prayer Rug – a project highlighting the intersectionality of Alberta history and Muslim heritage on Treaty 6, will be on display at MacEwan (on the second floor of the Library in Room 6-210 from October 1 to 15 and then in Allard Hall’s Elder Jerry Wood Atrium for the remainder of the month). Join City of Edmonton co-historian laureates Cheryl Whiskeyjack (who received MacEwan’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018) and Omar Yaqub on October 13 for a discussion of the tapestry that celebrates the bonds shared amongst Canada’s diverse communities. Dig into The Quest History of Islam in the Americas with Omar Mouallem on October 11, and don’t miss a screening of The Final Exam on October 21.

During Sexual Violence Awareness Week (October 3 to 7), you can take in an entire week of activities, workshops and presentations that are part of MacEwan’s annual event to promote awareness and discussion about sexual violence. Stop by Room 9-115 to participate in the Moose Hide Campaign, explore Resilience Through Art and celebrate survivors’ healing journeys at the ‘Peace Together’ Art Gallery.  

Mark October 4, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, with a memorial walk and tipi teaching with Knowledge Keeper Cynthia Jim.  

See the complete list of Sexual Violence Awareness Week events.

In mid-October, we’ll be celebrating Canadian authors. The inaugural Monica Miller Memorial Lecture, which will highlight a different female writer each year, features Jane Urquhart on October 13. A few days later, the Canadian Author Series will feature Jim Johnstone and Daniel Scott Tysdal.

The Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre is marking 35 years on October 14 with an event designed to support Ukrainian courage – a fundraising concert featuring pianist John Stetch. The centre will also continue to offer weekly Ukraine Support Forums every Thursday for anyone looking to connect and come together in conversation, support and healing. See all events at MacEwan.ca/URDC.

It’s never too early to start thinking about what comes next. If you’re considering taking your education on the road, stop by MacEwan.ca/EducationAbroad for information on one of their weekly information sessions. If convocation is around the corner, you’ll want to visit MacEwan.ca/MyCareer for details on their in-person Graduate School Fair on October 6 and mark your calendar for Fall Career Week – a mix of online and in-person events. (Careers and Experience also has some great tips on how to make a great impression when you attend). 

Speaking of being prepared, do you have your tickets for Company? The first production in the Department of Theatre’s 2022/23 season opens in late November, but tickets are on sale now.