Creating a Vibrant Campus Experience at SFU Surrey

The Fall semester has once again brought the energy and buzz of our student community, our world-class faculty, and our exceptional staff at the Surrey campus. 

After 11 years as Executive Director, I remain humbled and proud as to how we continue to put students at the heart of all we do and create an environment where learning, teaching and research can thrive as we grow and develop SFU in the city.  

Throughout September, I witnessed first-hand the tremendous effort of our Student Engagement & Retention (SER) team, who worked hard to plan a successful Month of Welcome for new and returning students, including events such as Welcome Day, an on-campus carnival, and regular games lounges. These activities not only help students connect, but also showcase’s the unique “Surrey vibe” that makes our campus oh-so special.

This fall was packed with events that brought us together as a community. On September 18th, we honored the legacy of Terry Fox with a walk that brought together students, staff, and faculty to raise funds for cancer research. It was inspiring to see us come together for such an important cause. Thank you to those that participated this year, and I look forward to seeing many of you at next year’s event.

Later in the month, we recognized the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day). The School of Sustainable Energy Engineering hosted a panel discussion with Indigenous scholars and industry professionals to share practical insights into indigenizing curriculum, and later in the day, the campus community participated in the drumming walk to Holland Park, supported by the City of Surrey, Skookum Surrey, and the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee. This event was a powerful reminder that Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment. I encourage everyone to seek out ways to support Indigenous peoples and communities not just on designated days, but throughout the entire year.

We also held a “Donuts with Dooley” session with the staff from the School of Medicine. This gathering provides a relaxed space for faculty and staff to connect and explore how we can support one another. We’ve already welcomed a number of departments, including the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering, the Faculty of Education and IT Services. If your department is interested, I encourage you to reach out — we'd love to host a session with you!

Our very first “In the Mezz with the Pres” event took place, providing a casual opportunity for our campus community to chat directly with SFU President Joy Johnson and myself. This event was designed to encourage open dialogue, allowing students, staff, and faculty to share their thoughts and ideas. It was heartening to see so many members of our community come together to discuss the ways we can collectively enhance the SFU experience. 

Beyond events and engagement, we are making significant strides in enhancing the physical environment of our campus. The Fraser Library has undergone expansion, adding approximately 2,100 square feet of collaborative space. The newly upgraded Room 3980, now known as the Digital Commons, features modern flooring and furniture, creating a versatile area for library programs and services. 

Additionally, we are eagerly anticipating the launch of a new makerspace—a collaborative effort between the Fraser Library and the School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT).

To further support our students, I am pleased to see that the Surrey campus now offers an equitable range of student services.  From the Indigenous Student Centre to a fully functional Centre for Accessible Learning exam center, our campus is equipped with comprehensive support services, ensuring that our students have the support they need, right here at our Surrey campus.

As we move forward into the academic year, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we are building a vibrant, inclusive community at SFU Surrey—one where students, staff, and faculty can thrive and contribute to a rich tapestry of learning and growth. I invite all members of our community to engage, collaborate, and support one another as we embark on this journey together. Let’s continue to make SFU Surrey a place where everyone feels they belong and can reach their fullest potential.