Welcome (or welcome back) to campus! While you ease back into classes after a relaxing winter break, there are tons of activities and events to fill your spare time. From concerts to mental health workshops to study skills sessions, there’s lots to see, do and learn.
Important dates
Let’s get the housekeeping out of the way. After attending your first day of classes on January 5, make sure to sort out which of those courses you want to stick with by the add or drop deadline on January 12.
Check your program requirements to see if you need to declare your major and minor by the deadline on January 13.
And make note that the tuition and fees deadline for the Winter term is January 30. Now, onto the fun stuff!
Expand your artistic horizons
Support your fellow students and take in some music while you’re at it. Enjoy everything from soul to rock to country at the Showcase Band and Country/Roots Ensemble Concert on January 10.
If you’d prefer a night of just country music, grab your ticket for Backstage Pass: The Brothers Landreth on January 28 in the Triffo Theatre.
The next exhibition at the Mitchell Art Gallery, from where the grain itself can speak, will run from January 16 through March 28. Mark your calendars for the free opening reception on January 15!
Take a break from textbooks and flip through a picture book instead. Bring your favourite little ones down to the Family Literacy Carnival on January 25. While you’ve got your family on campus, take a walk down the halls and read the new StoryWalk book, Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper.
Build your knowledge
Prep for the coming term with new habits for classwork and studying. Learn time management on January 7, how to avoid procrastination on January 14, reading and note-taking strategies on January 21 and master public speaking on January 28.
Thinking about pursuing some research in your undergrad? Check out Demystifying Student Research Grants on January 7 to find out how to secure funding for your project.
Immerse your senses at Honouring What Feeds Us on January 19. The Interdisciplinary Dialogue Project event invites you to taste, smell, feel, touch and listen your way through activities that inspire reflection on how food shapes your life and future work.
The Business Student Conference on January 23 will feature discussions with industry leaders and a keynote address by award-winning journalist and workplace culture strategist Jennifer Moss.
On January 26, come to kihêw waciston for Daâûmi “Good Living” with Knowledge Keeper Tom Snow for teachings on mindfulness and healing. Expand your knowledge of Indigenous language with a class on Iethka Nakoda Stoney on January 27 and a session on Nakota Wakenme i?abi on January 28 – check kihêw waciston’s social media for registration information.
Know someone who’s thinking about becoming a designer? Let them know about Design Student for a Day on January 28, where they can sit in on a design class and tour Allard Hall’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Mental Health Week
Taking care of yourself isn’t just about physical health. Mental Health Week, which runs January 19 to 23, balances important information about improving and maintaining overall well-being with fun activities.
Kick off the week at the Resource Fair on January 19, where you can connect with community services, learn about campus resources and even win prizes! Then learn about the relationship between medicine, spirituality and reciprocity with Knowledge Keeper Tom Snow on January 20 and attend Crafting and Connections on January 21 to meet new people and create beautiful art. Be sure to stop by all four stations across campus for all available creations.
Mental wellness also involves relaxing and socializing. Join student leaders for a screening of Superman and a free pizza meal in the SAMU Lookout on January 21.
Check out all these events and more on the Mental Health Week opportunities page.
For your information
Each year, hundreds of students present their hard work at Student Research Day. Applications to present at the 2026 event open on January 5.
On January 7, learn about green initiatives on campus and how you can help at MacEwan Sustainability Open Doors.
Every Monday and Tuesday throughout the month, head down to kihêw waciston for smudging with Knowledge Keeper Tom Snow. And on January 20, join Knowledge Keeper George Desjarlais for a lunchtime storytelling session.
University life is expensive, so make sure you’re getting all the free money you can. Attend a drop-in session on scholarships, awards and bursaries on January 9, 13, 19, 22 or 27 for info on how to apply.
International students, make sure you’re up to date on everything you need to know, including permits for working, studying and work-integrated learning requirements. Find details on upcoming info sessions and webinars on the MacEwan International website.
Escape the winter weather
The School of Business hosts study tours each year, where students from any school or faculty can learn about how business works in foreign countries. Attend an information session on January 6 and 13 for the upcoming tour in Portugal.
If you’d rather choose your own destination and spend a little more time immersing yourself in a new culture, attend an Education Abroad info session on January 9, 12, 21 and 27. On January 28, stop by the Education Abroad Winter Fair to get the information you need and meet fellow students heading out on their own international adventures.
Be sure to check MacEwan’s events feed for more events and opportunities.