Upcoming Events
Week Without Driving
This year, Paths for People is hosting the Week Without Driving in Edmonton, and we’d love to help you and your colleagues participate!
Week Without Driving is not about forcing yourself not to not drive, it's about taking the time to understand what it's like for those who cannot drive in our community. Whether you go all-in for the week or try one drive-free trip, it’s a worthwhile experience.
From October 1 - 8, 2026, we invite you to join us and reflect on our transportation system and how we can make it more accessible for everyone. Learn more and pledge to participate here!
Already a nondriver? We welcome you to sign up and participate too, sharing your daily reflections with our easy engagement tool and showing your support for this special awareness campaign.
Building Infill: A Modular Housing Future
As part of Edmonton Design Week: Building Infill: A Modular Housing Future, taking place on October 14 from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Muttart Theatre.
The event will bring together professionals and community members to explore modular housing, infill development, and the opportunities and challenges of building more housing in our communities.
We’d love to have you join us for the evening. If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP through the link below (it's free, yipee!). Feel free to also share the event with anyone in your network who may be interested.
APPI and CPAA Networking Event
Every year the department hosts a networking event with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) and the Community Planning Association of Alberta (CPAA). It’s a wonderful and popular event where there will be a group of experienced professional planners chatting with students about the job market and their experiences. Typically they rotate practicing planners through tables of students so there are lots of opportunities for conversation.
October 15. 5-7 pm. In the Planning Studio (Tory 3-57). Food (pizza) and refreshment provided by APPI and CPAA. Save the date!
careerWORKS
Don’t miss the early bird deadline to register for the careerWORKS Career Development Conference! Registration before October 9 includes a full day of career development sessions, lunch, LinkedIn Profile Headshots, swag and more! The careerWORKS Conference is open to undergraduate students in Arts and Business. We hope to see you on Saturday, October 24, 2026 for this fully in-person event that is only offered every 2 years - don't miss out!
COST: Early Bird (until October 9): $20. If you have financial concerns, please contact: artsbizcareerconf@ualberta.ca
WHEN: Saturday, October 24 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Kipnes Health Research Academy (KHRA)
What Happens Next? Referendum Panel
Join us for our upcoming What Happens Next? panel discussion exploring different perspectives on the Alberta Referendum questions from Keith Wilson, Jason Kenney, and Marie L. Gordon, AOE KC. The goal of the evening is not to tell students how to vote, but to give you an opportunity to hear different perspectives, understand the arguments being made, and critically analyze the referendum questions for yourselves before you cast your vote on October 19.
Tickets are $10 (plus fees) for U of A Staff and Alumni, and free for current students on UASU Perks!
Please note that this is a CLOSED CAMPUS SHOW, and is not available to the general public. This event is only open to students, staff, and alumni of the University of Alberta with proof of a valid ONEcard. No refunds will be issued for failure to produce a ONEcard.
NOW // The Evolution of Edmonton Infill
MADE (Media Architecture Design Edmonton) and IDEA (Infill Development in Edmonton Association) are hosting an event on infill design. It’s free but you have to register. This event is on infill from the 80s to now. There will be a follow-up event on ’next’ during Edmonton Design week.
GAPSS Fall Annual General Meeting
To kick off the 2026-2027 year, GAPSS will be hosting its Fall Annual General Meeting on September 24th from 6-8 pm at Tory 3-57, aka the Planning Studio. This event is a great way to learn about GAPSS, our events for the year, our Exec Team, and how to get involved through our subcommittees. You can also expect to meet fellow GAPSS'ers and even members of the Planning and Human Geography Faculties at the U of A!
Oh, and did we mention free food and (non-alc) drinks?
We hope to see you there!!
EAS Welcome Back Event
On September 18th there will be a Welcome Event for all staff, postdocs, grad and undergrad students (2nd year and above) in Tory 3-36 at 5pm. The event is catered and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, come meet some new faces and reconnect with old friends.
Inaugural APPI Planning History Webinar: Postwar Architect Planners in Alberta
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Join us for a special webinar celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Alberta Professional Planners Institute!
You may be a fan of mid-century modern design, but how much do you know about mid-century modern planning? Learn more in this first annual APPI Planning History Webinar. Presenters David Gordon (Queen’s University), Erik Backstrom (APPI president), Wayne Jackson (former APPI president), and Sasha Tsenkova (University of Calgary) will set the historical context and highlight the role of architect planners in establishing the planning profession in Alberta after the Second World War.
The session will be held online over Zoom. Register here: https://members.albertaplanners.com/mpower/event/landing.action?id=64
Housing Forward: 2026 Prairies Affordable Housing Summit
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Housing Forward: 2026 Prairies Affordable Housing Summit is the first City of Edmonton-hosted, prairie-wide gathering focused specifically on practical delivery of affordable and non-market housing solutions. Convened by the City of Edmonton, the Summit brings together municipalities, developers, housing providers, planners, Indigenous housing leaders, and funders from across Western Canada.
Learn more about the event with the above link!
Join natIgnite 2026 – Interdisciplinary Competition
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
When: May 8–10, 2026
Where: 8th Floor, Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering (DICE), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Who: Open to participants from all disciplines: tech, science, business, arts, health, engineering, and more!
Theme: Accessibility
This year’s event explores how products, systems, and organizations can be designed to be more usable, inclusive, and equitable. From physical and digital systems to internal processes and business operations, teams will build solutions that expand access rather than limit it.
Register here: nat.ltd/natignite
Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
Planners as Consultants: The Business Side of Planning
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Planners are trained to analyze policy, land use and community needs, but few receive guidance on the practical realities of running a consulting practice. In this workshop, the facilitator will draw on her experience as owner of a successful 30-person consulting firm to address the business skills you need to thrive as a consultant or firm owner. Real-world case studies, candid insights and hands-on exercises will illustrate the learning and equip you with tools you can use.
Wed April 15 – 11 am to 1pm Pacific Time (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm MST)
Online Synchronous
Student Fee: $45 – Add to Cart at online registration link and use promo code: PLANURP
GAPSS Year End Student Showcase
The Year-End Student Showcase is a low-stakes way to showcase your best work to industry professionals, professors, and fellow students. Last year, 74 students presented projects!
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026; from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Venue: University Commons Atrium (UCOMM), University of Alberta
Planning and Human Geography grad and undergrad students are eligible to participate as presenters.
Projects do not need to be completed at the time of registration.
fill out this form if you'd like to present something!
Projects can be from any class/term, or year and should be in a presentable format. Printing costs for posters will be reimbursed/subsidized!
Students are welcome to attend as guests if they don’t bring a project, as the Showcase will also function as an informal networking event.
Email gapss@ualberta.ca if you have any questions at all.
SEE YOU THERE!
GAPSS Winter AGM
Join us for our semi-annual general meeting, where we will propose constitutional changes, as well as announce the new exec team winners!
Dinner will be provided!
Location: Tory 3-57 (Planning Studio)
GAPSS Voting Period
Cast your votes to elect the executive committee for the 2026-2027 academic school year!
To learn more about our nominees, head to our Student Life tab > Elections.
The voting period runs from March 30 - April 2 at 4:00 pm. Winners will be announced at our Winter AGM on Thursday, April 2 @ 5:00pm in Tory 3-57. All are welcome and food will be provided!
Please note that you must be a GAPSS member to vote. Membership sign-ups are paused during the voting period.
Follow the voting link here!: https://campus.hellorubric.com/election?electionId=775
EAS Grad Banquet
Everyone within the EAS department is invited to celebrate this phenomenal group of undergrads!
The banquet will be taking place on Saturday, March 28th, starting at 5:30 pm in Dinwoodie Lounge (SUB).
Tickets to the banquet will be $35 and can be paid with an e-transfer or cash. Instructions for each can be found below.
To pay via e-transfer, please fill out the 2026 EAS Graduation Banquet Ticket form. Instructions are included in the form. Once your e-transfer is received, you must pick up your ticket in either the P.S. Warren (CCIS 2-034) or GAPSS (Tory 3-87) clubroom. However, please note that ticket pick up will begin on Wednesday, March 11th!
If you'd prefer to pay cash, you will have to do so in person at the P.S. Warren (CCIS 2-034) when a Grad Committee member is present. Once again, ticket pick up will only start on Wednesday, March 11th.
Even if you are not graduating, a professor, or a friend, you are still welcome (and encouraged) to attend! Ticket sales will close Friday, March 20th at 11:59 pm. Make sure you buy them now before you forget!
GAPSS Election Forum
Learn about all the potential candidate platforms and why you should vote for them! Come with questions, open to all students, but only GAPSS members can vote (become one here)
Location: Tory 3-57 (Planning Studio)
ATLAS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lunch-Hour
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Instead of having lunch alone (or no lunch at all), this is a chance to take a break from work, socialize, and engage in discussions with other students from the department in a relaxed and welcoming environment!
When: Every two weeks, on Thursdays
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Where: ESB 3-01 (EAS lunchroom)
What’s provided: Sweet treats, coffee, and tea
Junior Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5 pm till whenever. Join the 1st and 2nd years in the GAPSS Room, do some studying or not. Located in the GAPSS Room (Tory 3 - 87).
GAPSS Bowling Night!
Join us for the third annual GAPSS Bowling social at Plaza Bowling Co. for some classic Canadian five-pin fun!
For $15, enjoy 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza, and priceless camaraderie with your Geography and Planning classmates (total bargain). Additionally, Plaza offers an assortment of snacks, local craft beer, ciders, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase, and a unique and wonderful bowling atmosphere. All are welcome, so please feel free to invite friends, family, and partners along!
Event Timing: March 20th, 2026 - 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Location: Plaza Bowling Co. - 10418 118 Ave NW
Tickets are $15! Get yours here!
Did you know: Geographers and Planners are 50% more likely to hit a strike when they take public or active transit to the alley.
Did you know: People who fact-check fun facts throw gutter balls 100% of the time.
Junior Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5 pm till whenever. Join the 1st and 2nd years in the GAPSS Room, do some studying or not. Located in the GAPSS Room (Tory 3 - 87).
Exec Info Session
Interested in running for an Exec Position in 2026/27?
We have organized a presentation detailing all the positions and commitments each exec holds. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about which role interests you.
Interested? Join the meeting here!
ATLAS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lunch-Hour
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Instead of having lunch alone (or no lunch at all), this is a chance to take a break from work, socialize, and engage in discussions with other students from the department in a relaxed and welcoming environment!
When: Every two weeks, on Thursdays
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Where: ESB 3-01 (EAS lunchroom)
What’s provided: Sweet treats, coffee, and tea
Junior Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5 pm till whenever. Join the 1st and 2nd years in the GAPSS Room, do some studying or not. Located in the GAPSS Room (Tory 3 - 87).
Sustainability Lecture
This event is located in UCOMM 1-330.
Agritourism provides many benefits, including cultural heritage and environmental conservation, visitor education, and farm revenue diversification. Drawing on findings arising from a longitudinal study of visitors to Alberta's Open Farm Days, the impact of this annual farm visitation event will be presented. Effects on visitors' appreciation of agricultural production, development of rural destination loyalty, and consumer food purchase decisions will be discussed, and strategies for increasing the sustainability of agritourism activities will be proposed
Festival of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Curious about undergraduate research and how to get started? The annual Festival of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (FURCA) is a great place to see examples of projects that students have been involved in, make connections with other students interested in research, and discover potential opportunities for you to participate in research yourself!
FURCA is hosted by the Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) and it is a campus-wide celebration showcasing the research and creative achievements of undergraduate students across all disciplines. All students are invited to come check out poster sessions and oral presentations from students sharing the results of their exciting research. The Involvement fair will also be held on the last day of FURCA to give students an opportunity to connect with professionals involved in research.
This year, FURCA will be held on March 10-12, 2026, at the University Commons. Poster presentations and the involvement fair will be held in the atrium, and oral presentations will be held in room 2-350. Learn more at uab.ca/furca!
YEAR-END SHOWCASE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
The Year-End Student Showcase is a low-stakes way to showcase your best work to industry professionals, professors, and fellow students. See GAPSS Year-End Student Showcase Event for more info!
Planning and Human Geography grad and undergrad students are eligible to participate as presenters.
Projects do not need to be completed at the time of registration.
fill out this form if you'd like to present something! Please see the form for specific deadline requirements regarding poster printing subsidies.
Projects can be from any class/term, or year and should be in a presentable format. Printing costs for posters will be reimbursed/subsidized!
Students are welcome to attend as guests if they don’t bring a project, as the Showcase will also function as an informal networking event.
Email gapss@ualberta.ca if you have any questions at all.
Showcase Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026; from 4:00 to 6:00 PM
Showcase Venue: University Commons Atrium (UCOMM), University of Alberta
SEE YOU THERE!
GAPSS Winter Sem Bar Night
It’s time for GAPSS Bar Night!
Join us at The Pint on Whyte Ave (8032 104 St NW) for the second time this academic year!
Bar Night tickets are $7. This gets you (1) prepaid 1oz highball + priority entrance before 11:00 pm. All students welcome, including undergrads and grads. Proceeds from bar night tickers help fundraise for our graduation banquet!
COME JOIN US! TICKETS HERE. We hope to see you there!
Please drink responsibly.
Junior Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5 pm till whenever. Join the 1st and 2nd years in the GAPSS Room, do some studying or not. Located in the GAPSS Room (Tory 3 - 87).
ATLAS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lunch-Hour
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Instead of having lunch alone (or no lunch at all), this is a chance to take a break from work, socialize, and engage in discussions with other students from the department in a relaxed and welcoming environment!
When: Every two weeks, on Thursdays
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Where: ESB 3-01 (EAS lunchroom)
What’s provided: Sweet treats, coffee, and tea
Junior Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5 pm till whenever. Join the 1st and 2nd years in the GAPSS Room, do some studying or not. Located in the GAPSS Room (Tory 3 - 87).
ATLAS Talk
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Governing urban marginality through necrospatial containment and slow violence: From informal settlements in Harare to Homeless encampments in Edmonton
The talk will be this Friday, February 13th, from 12-1 pm in Tory 3-36. Please come in person and grab some coffee, tea and snacks!
ATLAS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Lunch-Hour
*This is promoted event. Event is NOT hosted by GAPSS!*
Instead of having lunch alone (or no lunch at all), this is a chance to take a break from work, socialize, and engage in discussions with other students from the department in a relaxed and welcoming environment!
When: Every two weeks, on Thursdays
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Where: ESB 3-01 (EAS lunchroom)
What’s provided: Sweet treats, coffee, and tea
Junior Study Room
Every Wednesday at 5 pm till whenever. Join the 1st and 2nd years in the GAPSS Room, do some studying or not. Located in the GAPSS Room (Tory 3 - 87).