News and announcements

Distinguished conservationist, women’s health advocate, to be honoured at Convocation 2026

Conservationist William Snow and women's health advocate and AU alum Sharlene Rutherford will receive honorary degrees at Convocation 2026.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

AU Chair of Board of Governors renewal

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Making university inclusive and accessible to everyone

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

Athabasca University turns 50!

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

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.

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.’