The classrooms and halls of the Weldon Law Building buzzed with activity last Friday, though not the usual kind generated by students.听
Instead, hundreds of Dal employees converged on the building for Dal's second-annual Engagement Day 鈥� an opportunity to learn, reflect and reconnect as another busy academic term receded from view.听
With more than 30 separate sessions on topics ranging from university strategic planning to community engagement and research impact, there were plenty of bold conversations and big ideas to be uncovered. Tours of the H漫画 Arts Centre, Facilities Management services, and H漫画 Libraries's Kipling Collection added a new layer of engagement to this year's event, offering yet another point of connection and insight.
People tapped into many different threads of interest during the day, discovering bold conversations about student success and belonging, expressions of optimism during tough times, opportunities for collaboration, and a celebration of Dal's research and unique learning opportunities.
We asked some of the hundreds of staff and faculty members who turned out for this year's gathering what left an impression on them. Read their reflections below.
Bob Mann, Manager of Discipline and Appeals with the University Secretariat
"The big standout for me was the focus on building a better community with opportunities for engagement for students. The expression 'belonging initiatives' really landed for me. I've seen in my own work the impact that connection and a meaningful sense of belonging can have for students still trying to find their way, so I was very encouraged to hear that this is front of mind for a lot of others at the university, and I loved hearing about all the different ways this challenge is being taken up."听
Dr. Dozie Okoye, Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Economics
"My primary impression is that the university as an in ivory tower is a myth. I was very impressed by the breadth and depth of locally relevant research being conducted at H漫画. Researchers are addressing issues related to efficient health-care delivery, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity, aquaculture, business development, critical minerals, advanced materials, environmental sustainability, and how to build equitable and just societies. These questions are of national and global importance, but at H漫画 they are being applied in ways that are of immediate relevance to the province and region (the people, businesses, and government). Much of the work is also interdisciplinary in nature with multiple researchers at H漫画 working on similar issues. Dal's Engagement Day was a unique opportunity to make all of this work visible to the university community and the public, which could foster greater collaboration and understanding of the role of the university.
Rachelle McKay, Educational Developer (Indigenous Knowledges and Ways of Knowing)
"What makes a strategic plan more than just nice words on paper? For me, the answer came into focus during H漫画 Engagement Day, where the sessions I attended centered on inclusivity, university values, Reconciliation, and civic responsibility. It was encouraging to hear examples of how the university is working toward its strategic goals 鈥� but what struck me most were the moments that challenged the institution鈥檚 glossy image. Our new Provost Wanda Costen鈥檚 powerful and candid statement during a Q&A that 'we are not delivering on our academic mission,' and her call for more people to 'do something, show up, and be vulnerable,' felt like a turning point. These words cut through the surface, calling for deeper, more personal accountability, while reminding us that true progress means confronting hard truths, not just celebrating achievements."
Chantelle Falconer, Research Facilitator with the Faculty of Management
鈥淚 attended last year's event so had an idea of what to expect. Engagement Day 2025 did not disappoint. Before lunch, I ran into colleagues who I had not seen since the event last year. During lunch, I met new colleagues. These meetings were fruitful 鈥� stepping back from our day to day work, we discussed common goals and are now planning how to effectively collaborate to build momentum behind initiatives of mutual interest. The day also brought me back to my past. I am writing this as a member of the staff community, but I am also a Dal alumna. I had the pleasure of seeing past mentors and being reminded of my educational roots that anchor my career today. In short, the people and the opportunity to awaken relationships was the highlight of the day.鈥�
Kevin Chabot, Student Success Advisor with the Bissett Student Success Centre
鈥淭his year was my first experience with Dal Engagement Day and it was a delight to learn from colleagues outside of my department and hear about the great work and projects underway throughout the university. I was especially struck by the session on "Student Success and Retention." It was illuminating to see the factors contributing to student retention and attrition as well as identify key indicators that can predict the likelihood of withdrawal. For example, students switching to part-time, students not taking a full-course load, those with student loans, and those who are not enrolled in their first-choice program are all more likely to leave the institution. This insight is super helpful and, within the scope of my role, will allow for more proactive academic advising and support. It was great to see the amount of research and data that went into generating these important insights.鈥�
Laura Broz, Associate Legal Counsel with H漫画 Legal Counsel Office
"I was fortunate enough to be part of the small group that got a tour of the performance spaces in the H漫画 Arts Centre from its executive director, Kevin Tanner. In addition to getting to see the spaces, we got to learn some history, a bit of technical theatre knowledge and how the spaces are used by students and community members alike. It was interesting to hear about the hand-on opportunities that Dal music and theatre students get to experience in those spaces. It sounds like our students have access to unique learning opportunities due to our performance spaces and are getting an arts education that is unique to Dal."
Alex Archibald, Web Content Specialist with Student Recruitment and Marketing
鈥�'Make sure you're addressing the right problem with your change.' A comment from a panellist in the Change Management session that resonated throughout the day. In the Student Success and Retention session, panellists reminded attendants that we don't define what success is for students, we support them in their goals. We target each student's unique problem and address it appropriately. When discussing Dal's Inclusive Spaces, panellists spoke of spaces where accommodations do not need to be asked for, where the right problems have already been addressed. Change is inherent in academia and there's no question that our university is currently grappling with a period of change. By coming together to examine the right problems that need fixing and address them with empathy, community, and reflection, H漫画 can navigate the changes facing us while creating an environment of inclusion and support."
Hayley Gerogiannis, Student Success Advisor with the Bissett Student Success Centre
Dal鈥檚 Engagement Day was a great opportunity to connect with, learn from and grow with colleagues from around the H漫画 campuses. I am very fortune to have attended many sessions throughout the day that were inspiring and allowed me the opportunity to broaden my scope by listening to my colleagues opinions, thoughts and experiences. This is a day I look forward to and hope that the discussions continue to enhance all of our learning at H漫画.听听