Updates
- Congratulations to the Top 5 teams and the other 11 entered teams on the successful campus final submission. Review this year's top 5 teams and their topics here.
- Registration will be open in November 2024. Add your name to our Expression of Interest form to be notified when registration opens.
What is Map The System?
This competition is for MRU student changemakers (students in any program, with a passion for social or environmental issues) by taking a system-thinking approach and showcasing research on a national and global stage.
The program runs yearly during Winter semesters (January to April)
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Research any topic of interest Including but not limited to social, environmental, cultural and economic or related to 17 Sustainable Development Goals |
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Learn and apply system thinking skills Receiving support from the institute’s team, alumni, and other faculty with developing system-approach research, writing, and presentation |
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Get a chance to compete nationally |
• From the global level, the competition is hosted by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Oxford.
• From the national and campus level, The institute manages Map The System at MRU and Map The System Canada.
Timeline
| November 1, 2024 | Student Registration Opens |
Students must apply by January 31, 2025. During registration, a topic submission is required, but it can be preliminary, merely reflecting your area of interest. Whether applying individually or as a team, only one member needs to register before the deadline. Team finalization can occur by the report submission deadline. |
| February - March, 2025 | Competition progress |
You and your team will progress through primary and secondary research, creating visual system maps in the process. For additional resources and success tips, visit the Map the System Canada website for resources and tips for success. Many systems thinking workshops with professionals are available both in-person and online for you in addition to the online resources. Finally, you will be able to match with a mentor or receive support directly from educators per request (scroll down to find more details of available support). |
| April TBD, 2025 | Final Submission Deadline |
By 11:59 pm EST, all teams must submit their completed Map the System projects, including a visual systems map(s), research analysis and detailed bibliography. Refer to the Submission Guidelines. |
| April TBD, 2025 | MRU Campus Final |
The top 5 submissions selected by judges will get to compete at the campus final to be the campus finalist, representing MRU to compete with other participating institutions in the Semi-Final. |
| May TDB, 2025 | Canadian Semi-final and Final |
All campus teams will get to compete at a Semi-Final for a chance to be within the top 6 at the Canadian Final. View Canadian Final 2024. |
Eligibility
All MRU students and recent graduates can join the competition:
- You can apply as an individual OR with a team of up to six people.
- If applying in teams, at least one member must be a current MRU student or recent graduate.
- If you are a recent graduate, you must have completed your studies within 12 months of the registration date.
- You register by January 31st, 2024.
Registration
Map the System at MRU 2024/2025 will be open again in November 2024 for your opportunity to take part.
Add your name to our Expression of Interest Form to be notified when registration opens.
Meet The Alumni
Her love and passion for Map the System comes from her own experience participating in the competition twice while studying Social Work as an international student. Her team's submission on Indigenous Children in Canadian Child Welfare was chosen among the top 8 in Canada. The exposure to Systems-Thinking widened Mizuki's perspectives in just about every aspect of her life. Mizuki strongly hopes to reach out to as many MRU students as possible to bring the benefits of Map the System experience for their educational journey. Mizuki recently started her new pursuit as in Computer Information Systems after having worked in homelessness and addictions, for a few years. With her brand new educational aspiration, she now also serves as Projects Assistant at the Centre for Social Impact Technology. In addition to that, she is also an avid ballroom dancer, searching for the betterment of body movement.
Contact: moshi974@mtroyal.ca
Support
Calendar
Subscribe to our Key Dates Google calendar to stay up-to-date with the program's key dates, events, and project progress.
Mentorship
Several professionals such as professors, program mentors, and program leads are happy to answer any questions or join in online consultant meetings with you
- Mentorship Matching: If you are interested in receiving mentorship, please fill out this mentorship form by Friday, March 1st to ensure we can make all the matches
- As-per-request Support:
- Book a 1-on-1 Support Friday with Ashley Dion, Map the System Canada program manager
- Email kmcgowan@mtroyal.ca for a question or other support with Dr. Katherine McGowan, Social innovation and system-thinking professor
- Book a 1-on-1 Support Friday with Ashley Dion, Map the System Canada program manager
Guides and Resources
Student Guide to Mapping a System
The 100-page guide serves as a toolbox which students can select from a range of tools, theories, tips, and matrices organized into 12 steps.
Map The System Canada website is where students can find a collection of videos, webinars, and readings that are valuable resources for understanding system thinking
Map The System Global captures all the participants and winners at the global level along with past research topics and experiences
Introductory video to Global Map The System
Check out the video for a deep dive into the Global Map the System competition
