Applications Now Open!
Missed the session? Add your name to the RSVP to receive the recording and check out the Question and Answer session write up below:
Open House Questions and Answers
How many people are in the cohort?
Up to 28 students will be in the Student Changemaker Certificate cohort.
Cost for participating?
There is no cost in participating in the Student Changemaker Certificate.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment is approx 5-10 hours per week including cohort gatherings. We recommend no more than 4 classes in the same semester.
Besides the time commitment, are there any other requirements to be in the Certificate?
To be eligible for the Student Changemaker Certificate, you are:
- in Good Standing academically (note: there is no minimum GPA)
- a student at MRU with a minimum of 60 credits completed towards your degree or 30 credits towards your diploma
- able to attend in-person cohort gatherings from 10:00am - 1:00pm on Fridays in the Fall Semester
The cohort is a mix of students across academic disciplines from a range of backgrounds. If you are not sure if you are a good fit for the program, reach out to chat to explore this and other learning pathways.
What if I'm not available during Fridays?
Friday availability is mandatory.
If we are not available on Fridays, are there any other ways to get involved with similar programs/initiatives?
Map the System does not have the same cohort structure, and is an excellent fit for students interested in learning about systems thinking. Some of our other programs, like the Art for Social Change Network, host content that is open to students. Sign up for our Institute newsletter to stay informed about offers and opportunities with our partners in community.
Can I complete the Certificate this year and then Catamount next year? What about Map the System?
Yes! You can customize when you apply for programs. You could take the Certificate in Fall 2025 and then Catamount in 2026 or 2027, and Map the System is open every year with no prerequisites. You can also participate in Map the System in multiple years. Chat with us if you would like to explore options that would work best for you.
What would the meeting usually look like?
Each session may be slightly different, but generally there will be a Welcome and check-in circle, discussion or activities, and then closing comments and reflections. The Trico Changemakers Studio (EB 3013) is our main gathering space, but there may be other locations for guest speakers or longer activities. Meetings might take place in a classroom, outdoors, in tipi, or virtually, and we will aim to provide as much notice as possible for these changes.
If we have accommodations through MRU for courses, can those apply here?
Yes - though you do not need to provide a contract to sign. The application form includes a question about barriers or we welcome a conversation about your accommodation if you are comfortable. Note that you are not required to disclose why you need the accommodation, and we will work with you to create an accessible learning environment.
Are there specific projects or papers that we do as part of the program?
There will be reflection prompts and a toolkit to support your learning, but there are no formal projects or papers as part of the Student Changemaker Certificate. This is in contrast to Catamount or Map the System, where there are significant scholarly pieces and other public-facing works to complete.
The website mentions course credit. Can you say more about that?
Course credit depends on your program and which courses you still need to complete. To best determine options to leverage learnings in the Certificate, please reach out for an individual conversation.
The Student Changemaker Certificate is a cohort-based learning experience for Mount Royal University for students to learn to navigate systemic issues impacting people and the planet and deepening your ability to make meaningful change.
Student participants build foundational skills in ways of being, knowing, and doing, and apply systems thinking and research tools to enhance their capacity as changemakers.
The certificate will provide opportunities to engage systems thinking tools, self reflection practices, and practical community engagement skills. As part of the certificate, students will create their own learning goals working towards core changemaker competencies.
You would be a good fit for Student Changemaker Certificate if:
- You’re passionate about the future well being of people and planet
- You have a willingness to wrestle with challenges and complex issues facing the 21st century
- You’re a thinker with ideas that have the potential to create change
- You’re in Good Standing academically (note: there is no minimum GPA)
- You’re a student at MRU with a minimum of 60 credits completed towards your degree or 30 credits towards your diploma
- You’re able to commit between 5-10 hours per week to the fellowship
- You're able to attend in-person cohort gatherings from 10:00am - 1:00pm on Fridays in the Fall Semester
Timeline
August 1 - Recruitment launch
August 7 - Student Changemaker Open House
August 18 - Applications Close
August 28 - Orientation Session
September 5 - Participants Selected
September 12 - Opening Retreat
November 28 - Student Changemaker Celebration
How to Apply
Applications for the certificate are open until August 18th.
Current Mount Royal University students who are interested in our Fall 2025 offering of the Student Changemaker Certificate are invited to complete our 2025/2026 Expression of Interest Form, and subscribe to our Institute Newsletter to stay up to date about our program offerings
Need course credits?
Catamount may be eligible for course credit in some degree or diploma programs. Contact us to discuss how.
What's Next
Once you’ve completed the Student Changemaker Certificate, you can apply this learning in practice through Catamount and/or Map the System.
When is Catamount offered? Applications open November 14th. Visit the Catamount page for more information.
When is Map the System offered? Student registration at Mount Royal launches November 1st. Visit the Map the System MRU page for more information.
Curious to see learn more about the Student Changemaker Certificate? Contact our co-lead, Cordelia Snowdon-Lawley at csnowdon@mtroyal.ca.
The Student Changemaker Certificate is made possible thanks to the Suncor Energy Foundation