Global Citizenship Cohort

The Faculty of Arts & Science Global Citizenship Cohort (GCC) offers a unique opportunity to connect some of your first-year courses around a common theme while interacting with a group of like-minded students.  We have two themes for 2026/2027 (Fall 2026 start):

Dealing with Disagreement and Polarization explores a basic fact of human life: For anything about which we have an opinion or belief, there are people who disagree with us, sometimes deeply. This theme is about the vast variety of disagreements we can encounter, the ways these disagreements can polarize us and push us apart, and the resources we have for addressing, resolving or living with disagreement. Contact the Coordinator, Dr. Kat Stevens to learn more about this theme.

Environment and Society the world population is approaching eight and a half billion people. The impact of our society on the environment is immense and vice versa.  In the Environment & Society theme, we will explore how the environment and society are dependent on the other. We will explore both the positive and negative impacts on society by the environment and vice versa. Also, we will look at what is needed for a sustainable future.

Please note: The completion of LBED 1150/2150 and LBED 1000 will count as three GLERS. Once you have completed the
GCC in Environment & Culture, you will have completed half of the Environmental Science minor. Contact the Coordinator, Dr. Ken Vos to learn more about this theme.

The GCC will bring together intellectually curious and globally aware students to form a cohort (or a small group of students banded together by a common thread) for a unique first-year academic experience. Participants will take select courses specific to their chosen theme — some of which will only be available to the cohort. Students will work closely with their instructors, build friendships with like-minded students, develop leadership skills and learn how they can have a positive impact on the world around them. Students in any Faculty of Arts & Science program can participate in the cohort. Students in other programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All students are encouraged to apply.

The GCC application deadline for Fall 2026 is June 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Entry into the cohort program is competitive, and space is limited.

We live in a global society with complex problems that need to be addressed by people who can see the big picture and who want to create a better tomorrow. You’ll learn how to approach issues from many different perspectives, link coursework to real-life situations and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions.

For more information, visit Global Citizenship Cohort.