The Summer School in a Nutshell

Geared toward sustainable eco-social change, this course will explore the intersections among leadership, ecology, eco-justice and social equity. Insights from integral ecology, environmental humanities, transformative leadership, eco-literacy and eco-justice will help students develop connections between personal, social, political and ecological concerns.

Teaching Approach

This course provides a unique opportunity to study with a team of professors in the School of Leadership, Ecology, and Equity. It includes 36 hours of engagement, focusing on participatory and experiential pedagogies. Each topic will involve lectures, group discussions, reflections, meetings with guests, and practice-based activities. Three group visits are planned to the Museum of Nature, the Ottawa River Keeper, and Madahoki Farm.

Practical Modalities

This is a credited university course worth three units offered in-person in Ottawa. No prerequisites are required. Auditors and special students are welcome.

The course runs from August 11 to August 16, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The accumulated units can subsequently be transferred to the new Bachelor’s degree in Leadership, Ecology, and Equity. Once the course has been completed, a certificate for employers will be available on request.

Course Goals

• To understand what leadership, ecology and equity mean.
• To develop connections among personal, ecological and social issues.
• To learn about equity, ecojustice efforts and social actions.
• To engage in transformative leadership from a nonviolent social change perspective.
• To appreciate the importance of ecological literacy and the connections from the personal to the biosphere.
• To study positive and constructive examples of eco-social change that bring hope.

Costs

The course costs the standard undergraduate tuition along with an additional $300.00 to cover outings, guest speakers, and the final meal. Please refer to the tuition grid for details on the various statuses (full-time, part-time, auditors, Canadian and international students).

Accommodation

You can reserve a room at the Saint Paul University residences for a special rate of $145 per night. To do this, email jgrimard@residencesaintpaul.ca and specify that you are enrolled in the Summer School in Leadership, Ecology, and Equity.

Registration

To register, please contact your academic advisor (if you are already a student at Saint Paul or the University of Ottawa) or complete this special student form and send it back to registrar@ustpaul.ca. Be sure to register by June 1st, 2025, to secure your spot. Spaces are limited.

More Questions ?

For more information about the course, tuition or accommodation options, please contact the School of Leadership, Ecology and Equity at lee@ustpaul.ca.