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Doctoral Seminar on Community-Engaged Learning

Join other doctoral students from across the University to discuss community-engaged learning (CEL) as a form of community-university engagement while working in interdisciplinary groups on a collaborative project for a community partner. Enrich your teaching, research and professional service skills to prepare for faculty positions, and develop new skills and networks to pursue non-academic positions.

Deadline to apply: July 27, 2026

Seminar Eligibility

Open to all enrolled doctoral students. We recommend this program to doctoral students who have completed the majority of their coursework due to the time commitment required. Students interested in community engagement who have not previously participated in any form of community placement (e.g. a previous program-related practicum or internship) are especially encouraged to apply.

Seminar Overview

Fall Semester Focus

Students will learn about ethical community engagement and the theoretical foundations of CEL, preparing them for collaborative projects with their fellow seminar participants and a community partner (grassroots group, nonprofit organization, public organizations etc).

Winter Semester Focus

Students will focus on their community-engaged projects, learning from their community partners and each other as they work on a community-defined deliverable.

The program will be facilitated by staff at the Centre for Community Partnerships who have extensive experience in community-university engagement and on-the-ground community development, as well as feature faculty and community partner guest speakers.

Seminar Schedule

Thursdays, 2:30 – 4 p.m.

  • Thursday, September 10, 2026 (In person- St. George Campus)
  • Thursday, October 8, 2026 (Online)
  • Thursday, October 29, 2026 (Online)
  • Thursday, November 19, 2026 (Online)
  • Thursday, December 10, 2026 (In person – St. George Campus)
  • Thursday, January 14, 2027 (Online)
  • Thursday, February 4, 2027 (Online)
  • Thursday, April 22, 2027 (In person – St. George Campus)

Seminar Expectations

  • Attend all 8 mandatory seminars, (with 2 additional optional sessions) and complete all required reading
  • Work in teams on a collaborative research project with a community organization or grassroots group (more information in next section; mostly remote work with possible in-person meetings)
  • Complete one written reflection (750 words each) and one draft syllabus (optional)

Research Project

Students will be working in interdisciplinary teams of 4-6 on a research project proposed by a community partner. This project is intended to require 35-40 hours of work in the winter term, and students will be able to rank which project they would like to contribute to once the seminar has begun. Project descriptions will be posted on the CCP website as they are confirmed over the summer term.

Projects from 2025-26

In partnership with the Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society (LAWS), the project team explored how feminist data science approaches could support community-led storytelling and analysis related to missing and murdered Indigenous women. The team evaluated a range of geospatial data visualization and storytelling tools based on LAWS’ organizational needs, including accessibility, cost, transparency, technical requirements, and multimedia capabilities. Through this work, the team identified the strengths and limitations of platforms such as ArcGIS StoryMaps, QGIS, Python, and R, and provided recommendations to support informed decision-making around future development of a data storytelling tool. The project also compiled relevant learning resources and implementation considerations to help strengthen LAWS’ capacity to document, visualize, and communicate patterns of systemic violence and colonial land dispossession through community-centered data practices.

In partnership with Kensington Health, the project team conducted a scoping review examining age-friendly and dementia-friendly programs implemented in long-term care homes for residents with and without dementia. The project mapped and synthesized a wide range of initiatives that support healthy and active aging, with a focus on promoting quality of life, inclusion, engagement, and well-being among older adults in care settings. Through the review, the team identified 72 distinct programs and developed a curated shortlist for Kensington Health to use in comparing and reflecting on its current programming. The project provided the organization with a consolidated evidence-informed resource to support future program development and strategic planning.

In partnership with FoodShare, the project team explored and documented key practices contributing to the success of Flemo Farm, a community-led urban agriculture initiative in Flemingdon Park. The project examined how the farm supports equitable food access, equitable land use, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for residents, and broader goals related to climate action and community food growing in Toronto. Through research, participant feedback, and program documentation, the team developed resources highlighting effective approaches and considerations for replicating similar community food-growing initiatives in other contexts. While the project initially explored multiple forms of documentation and knowledge sharing, the group ultimately focused on developing a practical how-to guide to support future community-based urban agriculture initiatives and knowledge mobilization efforts.

Apply to Doctoral Seminar on Community-Engaged Learning

The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open. Please complete the application form to apply.

Deadline to apply: July 27, 2026. Applicants will hear back by August 12, 2026

CCP provides a letter of completion as proof of participation. This is a co-curricular program.