February may be cold, but it’s coming in hot with tons of things to do. The shortest month of the year is full of free events to choose from – no matter what you’re into.
If you’re all about relationships
The week leading up to Valentine’s Day is Healthy Relationships Week. Kick things off on Monday, Feb. 10, by honing your relationship-building skills with a skills fair in the second-floor atrium of the Robbins Health Learning Centre, then sign up to build some additional skills with the Bringing in the Bystander workshop. On Tuesday, learn four simple ways to support people experiencing abuse and how to create a culture of consent (follow that one up on Wednesday with Rejection Rodeo – a quick activity that will push you out of your comfort zone).
Once you’re fully versed in how to hear “no,” say yes to stopping by the Mitchell Art Gallery in the afternoon on Feb. 12 to create a pop-up valentine. (While you’re there, make sure to visit kw7íkwl̓acwmíntsinlhkan | i dream of you, the gallery’s latest exhibition from Sydney Frances Pascal that explores reconnection with family and culture through relationships with land, water and language. It runs until Mar. 29, so if you don’t make it during Healthy Relationships Week, you still have lots of time to go).
And if you have more than one valentine (or you just like making cards), stop by Griffins Landing in Building 6 on Feb. 14 and join the Peer Health Education Team (PHET), Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity volunteers and the MacEwan Anti-Violence Education Network (MAVEN) for another card-making event (they’ll also have swag and resources).
Healthy Relationships Week wraps up with a quick Boundary Setting 101 lunchtime event, but you don’t have to stop learning how to keep your relationships thriving. Plan to set aside the lunch hour on Feb. 28 for a session on Understanding Power Dynamics.
If you want to plan ahead
It’s never too early to start thinking about your summer job and future career. Careers and Experience has you covered with the Summer Career Fair on Feb. 5. Register to connect with a wide range of employers.
Thinking of a different kind of adventure this summer? Check out the Education Abroad Info Sessions happening throughout the month to see how an internship or academic experience abroad can introduce you to new countries, cultures and opportunities (the deadline for applications is Mar. 1, so it’s the perfect time to explore your options!)
If you’re into writing, speaking and storytelling
Join students from across campus on Feb. 5 and every Wednesday morning at the Weekly Writing Community meetup in the Writing Centre. When you’ve wrapped up your writing practice, head to Building 7 for tips, tricks and personal feedback at Speak Up! Mastering the Art of Public Speaking from 12 to 1 p.m.
Need some storytelling inspiration? Join 2024 Gene Zwozdesky Artist-in-Residence Lianna Makuch on Feb. 12 for Inspiring Dynamic Storytelling, which includes a collaborative exercise focused on generating story content and honing structure across creative disciplines.
If your story involves research, see how you can tell that story as part of Student Research Day. On Feb. 26, the Office of Research Services (ORS) is all set to show you how to write an abstract, plan a research paper and organize research findings using academic writing style and structure.
Interested in including research in your university experience but unsure where to start? ORS has you covered with this session on Feb. 11 that will look at everything from what kinds of opportunities are available to how to reach out to profs.
If you don’t already have these on your calendar
The Office of Human Rights is working with a team of volunteers to organize events tied to Black History Month. Watch this space for more information and events to come throughout the month.
Wellness and Psychological Services is offering safeTALK Suicide Alertness Training on Feb. 13 where you can learn practical skills to engage with individuals considering suicide and to connect them with intervention resources.
Most university buildings and food services will be closed on Feb. 17 for Family Day but will remain open from Feb. 18 to 21 during the Winter Reading Break.
Now is the time to get your tickets to the final show of the 2024/25 Theatre Season (the February production of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 sold out, so don’t delay!) The Prom runs from March 26 to 30 in the Triffo Theatre.
If you’re a student in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Communication Studies, Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Science programs, Feb. 19 is the last day to declare a major (and minor, if applicable). Bachelor of Design students can also choose to declare a major. (If you know someone interested in design, make sure they know they can learn more about the program at Design Student for a Day on Feb. 27 and 28.)