THIS MONTH IN FASS The latest news and events from the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences at Dalhousie University
The FASS Monthly E-Newsletter - January 2026
FASS GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome to the Winter Term
Welcome (back) for the winter term in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at Dalhousie and Happy 2026! For those who are starting your degrees or new to Dal, this is a special time — you are learning to find your way around campus, getting to know the faculty, staff, and fellow students, and exploring the many opportunities available to you as a FASS student. For returning students, I hope you had a restful break. Regardless of where you are on your journey in FASS, please know that we are here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions or concerns—we want to make sure that you experience all that Dalhousie and FASS have to offer!
Thank you to everyone for your patience over the last year during the construction work on the exterior (and some updates to the interior) of the Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building. I am happy to say that the project is nearing completition and we're delighted with the results and the fresh makeover on the building. Thank you to all of you for your patience and understanding during this process.
This time last year, we put a call out to students to share your thoughts and feedback to help us in our development of a new strategic plan for FASS. I'm happy to let you know that that the plan is now finalized and available for viewing. You can read the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences' Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 here. Thank you to everyone that contributed to our process and efforts in developing the plan.
I look forward to meeting you on campus. The Office of the Dean is hosting a Meet and Greet drop-in event on Wednesday, January 14th between 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM in the lounge, formally known as the Fireplace Lounge, on the first floor (around the back) in the Marion McCain Building (you'll notice - the fireplace is no longer there!). We invite you to drop in anytime between 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM to meet members of the Dean's Office team, including myself, as well as some of the executive team members of the Dal Arts and Social Sciences Society (DASSS). This will also be a great opportunity for you to meet fellow FASS students. We'll have some light snacks available for you. I look forward to meeting you!
I wish you the best this term on all levels: academically, personally, socially, and professionally!
Jen Andrews
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences fassdean@dal.ca
FASS Meet & Greet
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - FASS Award for Excellence in Teaching
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is committed to excellence in teaching. It has established a teaching award that honours, each year, a faculty member who has made an outstanding contribution to teaching, mentoring, and serving the students of the Faculty. This award is intended above all to underline the fundamental importance of effective and/or innovative pedagogy. Learn more about this award and the nomination process here. Please note - the deadline for nominations is January 30, 2026.
Click this link to find further details on scholarships and awards, including how to apply for the Mohini Mathur Memorial Bursary in Indian Studies - This bursary will be awarded to a student registered as a Dalhousie University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences student (BA, MA or PhD) with a sincere and demonstrated interest in pursuing the study of Indian thought and ideas, these can include (but are not limited to) Indian philosophical systems, Hinduism or any branch of Hindu Religion, the Sanskrit language, Indian literature, or other traditions of India's intellectual heritage. The amount of this year's bursary is $1000.
Academic Assistance for FASS Students
Advising for FASS Students
FASS students are welcome to visit Dr. Becca Babcock, Assistant Dean of Student Matters, for academic advice or help with university regulations and policies. Come and ask Dr. Babcock about academic dismissals and probation, waiver requests, grade changes, or what to do if your grades aren't what you'd hoped they would be.
In-Person or Online Meetings by Appointment:
Please email asstdeanfass@dal.ca to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with Dr. Babcock.
Wednesday Drop-Ins:
Wednesdays from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM in the Office of the Dean, room 3030 of the Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building.
Beagle at the Bissett
Keep an eye out for the winter term schedule for Luna the Beagle at the Bissett Student Success Centre (4th floor Student Union Building).
Come and talk to Dr. Babcock or an academic advisor from the Bissett Centre, and get to know Luna the therapy dog while you're there!
Once Luna's schedule has been confirmed, an announcement will be shared with all FASS students.
Luna is a St John Ambulance Therapy Dog. She provides comfort and companionship. No medical or psychiatric services are offered during these sessions. For mental health support, please visit the Mental Health Services at Dalhousie's Student Health and Wellness.
Allergy warning: a dog will be present.
The German Department is hosting a Study Abroad Information Session on Thursday, January 22 from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM in the Mona Campbell Building Room 1201.
Come to hear about courses, scholarships and financial support, and the application process. All are welcome!
History Department
The History department invites you to save the date for the2025-2026 MacKay History Lecture: Terra Nova: Food, Water, and Work in an Early Atlantic World featuring Dr. Jack Bouchard, Rutgers University.
Friday, March 20, 2026
7:00 PM
Join us as we welcome Dr. Jack Bouchard, who will give a talk on the subject of his new book, Terra Nova, described as “a bottom-up story of the fishworkers, whalers, First Nations, merchantwomen, oceans, and animals who together made a new colonial world in the early Atlantic.” This lecture is free and open to all.
MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance
The MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance and the Dalhousie Women in Politics Society are co-hosting a Women in Public Policy Panel Discussion, followed by a networking reception. Speakers from across policy sectors will give Dalhousie students a richer idea of what they can do with their FASS education.
Date: Thursday, January 29th
Location: To be announced! Follow us on Instagram at @dal_wip and @dalmipp for more information to come.
Political Science Department
The Political Science department has been relocated from the Henry Hicks Building to the Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building. Students, staff, and faculty colleagues are welcome to come by and visit us in McCain 3050.
Spanish and Latin American Studies Department
The Spanish and Latin American Studies department would like to announce the new Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture. This certificate is available to be taken as a concurrent certificate for degree-seeking students, or as a stand-alone credential. It is open to all currently registered Dalhousie and King’s students across faculties, as well as to members of the broader community. Learn more here.
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Thinking about what might come after your degree — even just a little? Dalhousie’s Graduate & Professional Program Fair is back for its second year, and it’s designed for students who want to explore options without pressure.
At the fair, you can:
Explore professional, course-based, and thesis-based master’s programs
Chat one-on-one with faculty, staff, and current graduate students
Learn about admissions, funding, and career pathways
When: January 23, 2026, 12:00–3:00 PM
Where: McInnes Room, Dalhousie Student Union Building
Students who register will receive a Grad Fair Student Guide ahead of the event to help you plan your conversations and ask the right questions.
Other external opportunities that may be of interest to FASS students
HerStart International Fellowships
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is accepting applications for the HerStart: Innovate the Future Fellowship. Open to post-secondary students and recent graduates interested in international development, gender equality, climate action, or social entrepreneurship. Fellows complete 3-month international placements in Ghana, Tanzania, or Uganda, gaining practical experience, networks, and in-demand skills. Each fellowship includes round-trip airfare, visas, health insurance, a monthly stipend, and more. Reaching a fundraising goal is required before participating in the program.
Application deadlines: May cohort: February 2, 2026; September cohort: June 8, 2026; Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) is Canada’s largest student employment program, offering full-time and part-time opportunities with the federal government.
Through FSWEP, Social Sciences students can gain hands-on experience in areas like policy, communications, research, administration, and more – all while contributing to public service.
FSWEP roles are available year-round and across the country, with many positions offered remotely. You’ll apply through a centralized portal managed by the Public Service Commission of Canada, and once registered, you may be matched with opportunities based on your skills, interests, and availability.
These roles are ideal for students looking to:
Build professional experience in government settings
Explore career paths in public service
Develop transferable skills in real-world environments
Strengthen future applications for graduate studies or full-time roles
FSWEP is open to full-time high school, college, and university students who meet the eligibility criteria. You can apply as early as first year and continue participating throughout your degree.
Be sure to stay informed of the important dates during the academic year. Refer to this webpage for details on various application dates and details, course add/drop deadlines, registration dates and more.
FASS in Dal News
Mi’kmaw language courses bring culture and connection to Dal students
Discover how Curtis Michael’s passion for Mi’kmaw language transforms classrooms into spaces of cultural exchange and inspires learners from diverse backgrounds to engage with Indigenous knowledge.
"We're not just learning words, we're building bridges": Dalhousie offers new Certificate in Spanish Language and Culture
A new stand-alone certificate focused on Spanish language and culture is now available not only to currently registered Dal and King’s students across faculties, but to members of the broader community.
2025: The year as told through some of Dal's biggest stories
Our 2025 Year in Review brings together 45 stories of innovation, achievement, and community, offering a vivid snapshot of the moments and milestones that helped shape a transformative year.
Need help choosing or changing classes? Have questions about a potential major or career? Want to make a plan but not sure where to start?
The Bissett Student Success Centre(BSSC) provides academic advising to 1st and 2nd-year Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Faculty of Science students, as well as career services for all Dalhousie students. At the beginning of the winter term until the last day to add a course for the term (January 22), academic advisors will have short, same-day appointments in order to support as many students as possible. You can sign up for a short, same-day appointment by visiting the office or calling 902-494-3077.
Graduating this year and wondering what you are going to do with your degree?
Feeling anxious about life after university or unprepared for an uncertain job market?
Attend this career development support group facilitated by a career counsellor to build a peer support network and confidence as you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your life!
The group is open to students from any program who will graduate in 2026 and are available to meet in person on the Studley campus in the Marion McCain Arts & Social Sciences building on Mondays from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM for 5 sessions from Feb. 2 - Mar. 9 (excluding Reading week).
Bonus: Participants who complete the group may be eligible to add as an activity on their Co-Curricular Record!
The group will improve your confidence and skills in:
Self-awareness, career planning and setting career goals
Building hope and dealing with uncertainty in a changing job market
Overcoming networking and interviewing anxiety
Register on MyCareer Events Calendar (mycareer.dal.ca)
Registration Deadline: Jan. 23, 2026 (go to that date to find event)
All registrants will be contacted by the facilitator for pre-screening and to confirm other details in advance.
Dalhousie Job & Career Fair
Join us on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM in the McInnes Room (2nd floor, Student Union Building) to connect with top employers, discover exciting job and internship opportunities, and expand your professional network. Learn more and register for the event here.
Dal Libraries
Dal Libraries Free Webinars:
Introduction to Citation Management with Zotero - Tuesday, January 13: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Register
Introduction to Archival Research - Monday, January 19: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Register
Researching for the Literature Review - Tuesday, January 27, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Register
Copyright Questions Online Drop-In - EveryWednesday @ 10:00 AM | Link to join
Copyright Quickchat: Public Domain - Monday, January 26, 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM | Register
Amid an ever-changing academic landscape, the library remains at the heart of Dalhousie University, providing essential resources, innovative services, and spaces that foster learning and research.
Apuknajit Mid-Winter Feast Celebration
Join us in the Ko'jua Okuom at the Killam Library for a mid-winter feast to celebrate Apuknajit! In Mi'kmaw culture, the beginning of February marks Apuknajit, when people gather to share food to get through the hardest month of the year. Register to attend.
Dal Innovates
Dal Innovates Launch Accelerator
Last chance to apply to Dal Innovates' Launch Accelerator and take your startup to new heights! This full-time summer accelerator provides eligible students, recent grads and postdoctoral fellows $10,000 in funding. Apply by January 18th.
Study Abroad and Exchange applications are now open!
University-wide Study Abroad and Exchange applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open! Visit the Study Abroad web portal to view the full list of available opportunities to decide where you want to apply. Applications close January 15, 2026 at 9:00 AM (Atlantic Time).
Dalhousie's International Centre provides the following supports and services for international students:
Immigration advising
Our licensed Immigration Advisors provide immigration guidance and support to international students and student researchers. Immigration Advisors are available for in-person, virtual, and drop-in appointments.
Study abroad and exchange
We offer a variety of study abroad and exchange opportunities through Dalhousie's many partners around the world. Find out more.
Community and cultural events
The International Centre serves as a community hub for international students and cross-cultural exchange. We host a variety of activities and events, and encourage all students to get involved. Follow us on Instagram @dalinternational to find out more.
Dalhousie offers various academic supports for students, including help with registering for courses, academic advising, study support & tutoring, writing support, academic accommodations and more? Learn more here!
