William Cheaib
Chief of Staff, Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor, and Associate Vice-President, International (Chair)
Voluntary University Review
Concordia’s Voluntary University Review (VUR) explores how we can maximize our impact and engagement related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
New report
The results of the VUR process are shared in a recently released report. It documents Concordia’s current activities related to the SDGs and identifies ways to deepen the university’s contributions to global efforts to promote equity, security, well-being and respect for planetary limits.
Overview
Voluntary University Reviews (VURs) are modeled on the work of countries and cities that have undertaken to self-report on their progress toward the Global Goals as a way of mobilizing action in their jurisdictions.
While universities are not accountable like governments for the kinds of outcomes targeted by the SDGs, they can make significant contributions to their achievement. VURs are key processes for maximizing these contributions.
Launched in 2021, the institutional self-assessment involved extensive community consultation through strategic design sessions, interviews, events, and activities like the 17 Rooms exercise.
Key recommendations
Three key recommendations emerged to enhance Concordia’s overall capacity for sustainable impact.
- Establish an SDGs-aligned impact agenda for Concordia that identifies priority areas for coordinated institutional action based on documented strengths.
- Organize the required infrastructure to deliver on this agenda, including increased support for research impact, cross-department teaching and campus-based projects.
- Develop new ways to ensure progress on and accountability for the agenda, including through robust indicators, progress reporting practices and stakeholder feedback loops.
Gaps and opportunities
The VUR process identified gaps and opportunities we can explore to advance our efforts around the Global Goals.
- Develop concerted strategies to address the impacts of poverty on members of the university community.
- Deepen efforts around access to university education for underrepresented students.
- Organize our work addressing inequalities more effectively.
- Equip students, employers and communities for green and circular economy transitions.
- Intensify collaborations and education linked to climate action.
- Formulate an institutional strategy related to preserving biodiversity.
Projects
Building on insights from the VUR, new projects are underway and additional follow-up efforts are in the works.
Sustainable Transitions Team Research Initiative
The Sustainable Transitions Team Research Initiative provides seed funding, dedicated support and training for interdisciplinary research team projects related to the 17 SDGs.
Pathways to Impact
Pathways to Impact helps researchers across disciplines maximize the societal, environmental and scientific impact of their work through targeted services, tools and guidance.
Leadership
Concordia’s VUR is being led by representatives of the Offices of the President, Provost, VP Research and Graduate Studies, and VP Services and Sustainability.
Jason Ens
Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic
Monica Mulrennan
Associate Vice-President, Research Development and Outreach, Office of the Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies
Sabrina Lavoie
Executive Director, Budget Planning and Business Development, Office of the Vice-President, Services and Sustainability
- Sandra Gabriele
Vice-Provost, Innovation in Teaching and Learning - Nadia Bhuiyan
Vice-Provost, Partnerships and Experiential Learning - Susan Edey
Senior Director, Community Engagement and Social Impact - Patrick Leroux
Associate Dean of Research, Faculty of Arts and Science - Rachel Berger
Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Development, School of Graduate Studies - Damon Matthews
Professor, Concordia University Research Chair, and Scientific Co-Director of Sustainability in the Digital Age - Carmela Cucuzzella
Associate Professor, Concordia University Research Chair, and Co-Director of Next-Generation Cities Institute - Vivek Venkatesh
Associate Professor, UNESCO Chair, and Director of Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance - James Grant
Professor, Principal of Loyola College for Diversity and Sustainability, and Co-Director of Loyola Sustainability Research Centre - Amr Addas
Adjunct Professor, Finance, and Academic Director, Sustainability Ecosystem in the John Molson Executive Centre - Donny Seto
Lecturer, Geography, Planning, and Environment (Part-time faculty representative) - Barbara Henchey
Director, Office of the Dean, John Molson School of Business - Charmian Harvey
Executive Director, University Communications Services - Manon Tremblay
Senior Director, Indigenous Directions - Cassandra Lamontagne
Sustainability Coordinator, Office of Sustainability - Duraichelvan Raju
Graduate School Association representative - Sean Levis
Sustainability Coordinator, Concordia Student Union - Amy Nguyen
Program Coordinator, JMEC Sustainability Ecosystem and Concordia SDG Coordinator, SDSN Canada
Former members
- Faye Sun
Sustainability Coordinator, Concordia Student Union - Amy Nguyen
Program Coordinator, JMEC Sustainability Ecosystem and Concordia SDG Coordinator, SDSN Canada
SDG news
