Why student engagement matters

Year after year, the work of SFU Public Square has shifted as the world changes around us. Pandemics, fluctuating political realities, climate disasters — the list goes on. As a program focused on community engagement and knowledge mobilization, these significant moments in time and ongoing crises have significantly impacted how we do our work and why we do what we do. I often say that one of my favourite things about working at SFU Public Square is the opportunity to both learn from and learn with our incredible partners. The relationships we develop – with students, staff, faculty, alumni, not-for-profits, NGO’s, engaged citizens and beyond – are always grounded in a hope to bring people together to share information, have spirited conversations and discussions, and possibly affect change.

For me, students are at the heart of the work of SFU Public Square. Whether as volunteers, co-ops, work-study students – they dedicate time and energy to our program, to the art of public and community engagement, and to what it means to be an engaged citizen. And they do all of this while keeping up with the responsibilities of being a student! I have been in their shoes, so I know first-hand that it isn’t easy trying to manage a full class schedule, papers, assignments, challenging group work, financial stability, work, a social life, career options, and family, all while trying to find a minute to relax and unplug. Student life is demanding, which is why I am consistently and constantly impressed with the students of SFU that come to us looking to learn more and offer to bring their skills to our team. For the past five years, I have witnessed their unique contributions, and I am grateful for everything I have learned from them.

Through hands-on experience and collaborative work with our team, these students make connections that are directly relevant to their programs and fields of study at SFU. And they often make great friends along the way, such as two volunteers who met on their first shift a couple of years ago and enjoyed working together so much, they requested to be paired together for the next three events! This semester, we have a remarkable group of students working with us in varying capacities and they are a big part of what makes the day-to-day at SFU Public Square so much fun. One shining example of the creativity and energy they bring to the team is our TikTok account and Instagram reels – if you haven’t watched these videos, you’re missing out!

So – if you are reading this and you are an SFU student interested in our program – I hope you will get in touch. You can sign up for our student focused newsletter to learn about our events, jobs, resources, and more. And, if you’re interested in volunteering, you want to talk about event formats, accessibility and inclusion in public engagement, or you want to work together on an event and bring your idea to life, we look forward to hearing from you! My inbox is always open.

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Seth Erais is the Program Manager for SFU Public Square, with a professional background in student engagement, program development and event planning. He is an educator and advocate for accessibility and meaningful inclusion, and he believes in the power of storytelling for social change. Connect with Seth at seth_re@sfu.ca.