News and announcements

Get the latest news and information about AU, from new programs and partnerships to scheduled IT maintenance, emergency bursaries, and leadership announcements.

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athabasca region

AU community celebrates generous art donations from local artists

In spring 2025, local artists Sylvain Voyer and Maureen Harvey generously donated a collection of their artwork to the AU Art Gallery.

students

Updates to AU contact and support

The AU Service Centre is in the process of making some enhancements to better direct student inquiries. Here are a few quick ways to get in touch with us!

organizational updates

Athabasca University to launch virtual architecture studio with $500,000 grant from Embark Student Foundation

Athabasca University's Open Architecture e-Studio is an innovative digital space that increases access to architecture education and tools online and in person.

students

AU art collection inspires poetry contest for World Art Day

Ekphrastic Poetry Contest invites AU community to create poetry inspired by select pieces in the AU art collection.

organizational updates

Athabasca University Press offers publishing program for open educational resources

Remix by Athabasca University is a new publishing program of open access learning materials for AU courses.

organizational updates

AU Chair of Board of Governors renewal

Byron Nelson reappointed to chair AU's Board of Governors for a second three-year term.

students

Finance program now recognized by CFA Institute

Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Major program achieves prestigious CFA Institute affiliation.

graduate

New Master of Science program opens doors to careers in environmental sciences

Athabasca University’s new online Master of Science in Earth System Science will provide students a multidisciplinary education to prepare them for meaningful work in the environmental sector.

convocation

Energy innovator and Indigenous leader to be honoured at Convocation 2025

Honorary degrees for Joy Romero and Cadmus Delorme will recognize accomplishments like no other in energy innovation, Indigenous leadership at Convocation 2025.

organizational updates

Wildfires: Important information for students

If you're an Athabasca University student and you've been affected by wildfire, support with your studies is available.

organizational updates

Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst appointed provost and vice-president academic

Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst will be Athabasca University's provost and vice-president academic, effective April 14, 2025.

organizational updates

Welcome to the new AU News!

Improved site offers seamless integration with athabascau.ca, while continuing to inform, inspire, and entertain users.

athabasca region

Science dean: Vote ‘Athabasca’ for Canadian moon rover name!

The Canadian Space Agency is asking Canadians to vote on what a new lunar rover should be named, and “Athabasca” is the clear choice!

indigenous

Athabasca University cuts tuition by 10% for Indigenous students

Athabasca University has implemented a 10 per cent tuition reduction for Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) students in Canada.

indigenous

Athabasca University will close Sept. 30 to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a time for listening, learning, and seeking understanding about devastating effects of residential schools

organizational updates

Athabasca University strengthens focus on accessibility and opportunity

Dr. Candy Khan appointed Athabasca University's associate vice-president of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

athabasca region

Statement on the Grand Union Hotel fire in Athabasca

A statement from AU President Dr. Alex Clark on the loss of the Grand Union Hotel. The historic building was lost to fire on July 23, 2024.

convocation

Distinguished alum, architect, and educator to be honoured at Convocation 2024

Athabasca University Convocation will include honorary degrees of Esmail Bharwani and Douglas Cardinal, Order of AU for Dr. Mike Gismondi

organizational updates

Dr. Steven Johnson appointed dean of the Faculty of Health Disciplines

Dr. Steven Johnson, respected academic, leader, and health researcher, takes on role of dean of the Faculty of Health Disciplines at AU.

students

Virtual co-op to harness generative AI in teaching students about sustainable business

Athabasca University's artificial intelligence-powered virtual co-op, ADMN 405, is expanding with a new simulation on sustainable business.

students

Statement on expanded opportunities for nurse practitioners in Alberta

Statement from Athabasca University President Dr. Alex Clark on expanded access to nurse practitioners in Alberta.

organizational updates

Minister of Advanced Education tours Athabasca University

Alberta Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney toured Athabasca University campus on Oct. 12, meeting faculty, students, and staff.

organizational updates

Photo gallery: Presidential installation in pictures

Check out photos from the Oct. 12 ceremony to formally install Dr. Alex Clark as president of Athabasca University.

organizational updates

AU president launches bold new vision for Canada’s open university

On Oct. 12, Dr. Alex Clark was officially installed as AU's 11th president at a ceremony and community celebration in Athabasca.

organizational updates

Welcome Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst, chief growth officer

Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst joins Athabasca University's senior leadership team as the university's first chief growth officer.

indigenous

Elder in Residence Maria Campbell wins literary award

Athabasca University Elder in Residence Dr. Maria Campbell received the 2023 Cheryl and Henry Kloppenburg Award for Literary Excellence.

research

Athabasca University to collaborate on space and health innovation research

Athabasca University researchers are collaborating on research and commercialization projects in health and space and defence technologies.

students

Making university inclusive and accessible to everyone

A new partnership with Inclusion Alberta creates inclusive education opportunities at Athabasca University.

organizational updates

Please welcome Jennifer Pascoe, vice-president, University Relations

Jennifer Pascoe has been appointed vice-president of University Relations at Athabasca University. Her first day will be Sept. 12, 2023.

organizational updates

Statement from Athabasca University President Alex Clark on the attack at the University of Waterloo

research

Pure portal shines light on research at Athabasca University

Discover research at Athabasca University through the newly launched Pure research information management system.

convocation

AU honours mental health advocate and Indigenous architect with honorary degrees

Athabasca University recognizes accomplishments of mental health advocate Dr. Austin Mardon and Indigenous architect Wanda Dalla Costa.

professional development

Soft skills versus digital skills: New poll finds Canadian workers want to re-skill but are being pulled in 2 directions

Athabasca University study explores Canadians' attitudes and expectations for the future of work in tomorrow’s post-pandemic era.

indigenous

Athabasca University, Red Crow Community College partner on new Indigenous programs

Athabasca University and Red Crow Community College partnership will create opportunities for Indigenous students to pursue post-secondary.

organizational updates

Athabasca University president on the role of open learning in health care

Athabasca University President Dr. Alex Clark joins Real Talk with Ryan Jespersen to discuss the role of open online learning on health care.

organizational updates

Statement from Athabasca University President Dr. Alex Clark

Dr. Alex Clark has been appointed president of Athabasca University by the Board of Governors. The appoint is effective Feb. 1, 2023.

organizational updates

From online to open: Athabasca University launches refreshed brand

Learning should be accessible, flexible, inclusive, and unpretentious. That’s our aim at Athabasca University—Canada's Open University.

indigenous

Nukskahtowin opens Linda Bull Memorial Garden and Bertha Clark-Jones O.C. Art Gallery

Nukskahtowin at Athabasca University opens new gallery and memorial garden as part of its commitment to conciliation.

organizational updates

Myrna Kostash named Athabasca University’s 2022-23 writer in residence 

Myrna Kostash, a journalist and author of 11 literary and creative nonfiction books, has been named as AU’s 2022-23 Writer in Residence.

students

Go the Distance podcast shares transformative impact of open, online learning

Limited podcast series features interviews with Athabasca University (AU) students and alumni who share how flexible online learning allowed them to achieve education and life goals

organizational updates

Athabasca University achieves gold standard for business schools

AU’s Faculty of Business is now among the top six per cent of business schools around the world after achieving AACSB accreditation!

indigenous

AU honours leader who brought Traditional Blackfoot Knowledge into the academy

Athabasca University is awarding an honorary degree to Roy Weasel Fat in recognition of his dedication to Traditional Indigenous Knowledge.

students

Athabasca University joins fight against anti-Black racism

Athabasca University is one of 40 Canadian post-secondary institutions to sign the Scarborough Charter and fight against structural racism.

students

Athabasca University Nurse Practitioner Program is first post-secondary program to be accredited by CASN

On June 29, AU became the first post-secondary institution to have a Nurse Practitioner program accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing

organizational updates

Athabasca University turns 50!

2020 marks an important milestone for Athabasca University (AU), as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.

organizational updates

Announcing an AI-powered virtual cooperative learning experience

Some Athabasca University students could soon have the opportunity to get on-the-job training without ever having to leave their homes and communities.

students

AU is the official education partner of the CFL!

Athabasca University has teamed up with the Canadian Football League (CFL) to help players and fans achieve their educational goals, ‘Beyond the Game.’

students

Athabasca University first Canadian post-secondary institution to officially collaborate with Amazon Web Services

Athabasca University (AU) announced today that it is the first Canadian post- secondary institution to enter into a formal collaboration agreement with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS). Not only will this collaboration modernize AU’s IT infrastructure, the two organizations will also be designing, implementing and managing cloud education programs, artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives, and research-based applications for the education sector.

News and announcements

AU community celebrates generous art donations from local artists

Everything you need to know about Convocation 2026

Updates to AU contact and support

Athabasca University to launch virtual architecture studio with $500,000 grant from Embark Student Foundation

New Bachelor of Environmental Studies prepares graduates to tackle environmental challenges

AU art collection inspires poetry contest for World Art Day

Athabasca University makes accessibility accommodations easier with new system

Access, Opportunity, and Community highlighted at AU in 2025

Athabasca University launches innovative new e-Portfolio platform

Athabasca University 2025 holiday closure

AU helping soldiers, veterans, and families access a university degree like no other

Athabasca University Press offers publishing program for open educational resources

Update: Canada Post labour disruption

Free Athabasca University course helps counter anti-Indigenous racism in health care

AU Chair of Board of Governors renewal

Finance program now recognized by CFA Institute

New Master of Science program opens doors to careers in environmental sciences

New Nukskahtowin site enhances access to Indigenous Knowledge

Energy innovator and Indigenous leader to be honoured at Convocation 2025

Wildfires: Important information for students

Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst appointed provost and vice-president academic

Welcome to the new AU News!

Science dean: Vote ‘Athabasca’ for Canadian moon rover name!

Bertrand Bickersteth named Athabasca University's 2024-25 writer in residence

Athabasca University cuts tuition by 10% for Indigenous students

Athabasca University will close Sept. 30 to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Athabasca University strengthens focus on accessibility and opportunity

Statement on the Grand Union Hotel fire in Athabasca

Convocation returns home to Athabasca for a celebration like no other

Distinguished alum, architect, and educator to be honoured at Convocation 2024

5 AU researchers rank among world’s most-cited academics

Dr. Steven Johnson appointed dean of the Faculty of Health Disciplines

Virtual co-op to harness generative AI in teaching students about sustainable business

Statement on expanded opportunities for nurse practitioners in Alberta

Athabasca University launches improved website

Minister of Advanced Education tours Athabasca University

Photo gallery: Presidential installation in pictures

AU president launches bold new vision for Canada’s open university

Welcome Dr. Catherine Swindlehurst, chief growth officer

Christian Bök named Athabasca University’s 2023-24 writer in residence

Elder in Residence Maria Campbell wins literary award

Athabasca University to collaborate on space and health innovation research

Making university inclusive and accessible to everyone

Please welcome Jennifer Pascoe, vice-president, University Relations

Statement from Athabasca University President Alex Clark on the attack at the University of Waterloo

Convocation 2023 by the numbers

Pure portal shines light on research at Athabasca University

AU honours mental health advocate and Indigenous architect with honorary degrees

Soft skills versus digital skills: New poll finds Canadian workers want to re-skill but are being pulled in 2 directions

Athabasca University, Red Crow Community College partner on new Indigenous programs

Athabasca University president on the role of open learning in health care

Statement from Athabasca University President Dr. Alex Clark

From online to open: Athabasca University launches refreshed brand

Nukskahtowin opens Linda Bull Memorial Garden and Bertha Clark-Jones O.C. Art Gallery

Myrna Kostash named Athabasca University’s 2022-23 writer in residence

Go the Distance podcast shares transformative impact of open, online learning

Athabasca University achieves gold standard for business schools

AU honours leader who brought Traditional Blackfoot Knowledge into the academy

From behind the counter to university: McDonald’s crew eligible to earn Athabasca University credits through new partnership

Athabasca University joins fight against anti-Black racism

Athabasca University Nurse Practitioner Program is first post-secondary program to be accredited by CASN

Athabasca University turns 50!

Announcing an AI-powered virtual cooperative learning experience

AU is the official education partner of the CFL!

Athabasca University first Canadian post-secondary institution to officially collaborate with Amazon Web Services

Explore science labs like no other at Athabasca University

Athabasca University makes accessibility accommodations easier with new system 

Christian Bök  named Athabasca University’s 2023-24 writer in residence

Myrna Kostash named Athabasca University’s 2022-23 writer in residence 