University of Ottawa (Canada)

Located at the heart of Canada’s capital, the University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world. It is among Canada’s top 10 research universities and it offers 200 undergraduate programs and over 185 graduate programs.  Above all, the University of Ottawa, as shown in its Destination 2020 strategic plan, places a great commitment to developing global citizenship in its students.  The vision is clear: that every uOttawa student can graduate with not only the education, but also the inspiration and the experience to turn ideals into action, to truly change the world around them.

In October 2011, the University of Ottawa officially launched the Michaëlle Jean Centre for Global and Community Engagement. The Centre is an on-campus service for information on volunteer opportunities in Ottawa and around the world. It matches students with volunteer positions in the National Capital Region, in Canada and overseas.  Volunteer opportunities are directly related to their courses or field of study, and/or to their talents and interests, while contributing to stronger communities locally, nationally and internationally. In addition, the Michaëlle Jean Centre for Global and Community Engagement proposes a range of group projects.

Community Service Learning

Community service learning (CSL) is a program that provides an innovative method to integrate community service with student’s academic experience. Instead of completing a task from the syllabus, students can replace it by a community engagement placement of 30 hours and reflection during the semester in a field related to their course. Currently, over 500 community partners offer CSL placements and over 123 courses in 8 faculties offer the CSL option each year.  The University of Ottawa is committed to offering at least one experiential learning opportunity to every undergraduate student. Learn more>>

Days of Service

Days of Service is a new initiative undertaken by the Centre to encourage students to help out in their local community without having to make a long term commitment.  Days of Service projects are typically day-long projects that respond to a community’s need and that have tangible outcomes. In addition, the first community engagement residence initiative was launched to promote volunteering to first year students. Learn more>>

 Alternative Student Break Program

The Alternative Student Break Program is designed to give students the opportunity to participate in a unique volunteer service learning placement during February Study Week and summer breaks. The objective of this program is to achieve lasting, positive outcome for the community and to allow students to build skills, to network and to learn about local and global development challenges. Learn more>>

TD Environmental Leaders Program

With the financial support of TD Financial Group, the Michaëlle Jean Centre has created a new and innovative way for students to get involved; the TD Environmental Leaders Program. It offers uOttawa students the opportunity to take an active role in carrying out positive, lasting change in the environment sector.  The three main pillars of this program are environmental education and sustainability, restoration and reforestation, and community gardens. Learn more>>