The student-run group will foster interdisciplinary connection and raise awareness of general electives
Liberal Studies is where students from every program at Guelph-Humber meet. To watch Charlie [Stewart] and her peers build a society around that shared ground, organized by the curiosity our electives are designed to spark, is to see the curriculum doing exactly what it is meant to do." - Dr. Bill Molos
A new student society is coming to the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) this fall that will connect students from across all programs: the Liberal Studies Society.
Overseen by Liberal Studies Chair Dr. Bill Molos, Justice Studies student Charlie Stewart will serve as its inaugural president, alongside Psychology student Asmaa Baksh as the vice president of activities, and Business student Hardil Hundal as the vice president of communications and logistics.
“I’m excited to see how this brings the student body together even more,” Stewart said. “It allows networking; it allows connection. It will allow students to reach beyond their main discipline and program to learn more about electives.”
At U of GH, students in each program can expand their learning outside of their program by taking general electives through the Liberal Studies department. Whether they’re learning a language, exploring history or literature, or studying other areas of interest, electives allow students to apply critical thinking skills in various areas, explore new perspectives, and develop the judgment, communication, and adaptability skills that professional work depends on.
The Liberal Studies Society will organize events for its members and the broader student body, highlight elective offerings, share information about curriculum changes, maintain a social media presence, and distribute a monthly newsletter.
“Liberal Studies is where students from every program at Guelph-Humber meet. To watch Charlie and her peers build a society around that shared ground, organized by the curiosity our electives are designed to spark, is to see the curriculum doing exactly what it is meant to do. It is also among the most gratifying things I have experienced as chair,” Dr. Molos said.
Stewart said an example of an event the society is planning is “Taste Testing the Electives,” which will take place in October 2026. This event will inform students about electives they could take during winter 2027. She said the event will include a panel where instructors share highlights and benefits of the courses they teach.
“It allows students to ask questions to know truly what elective they're signing up for, so they can properly get what they want out of the course,” Stewart said.
There will also be an event in September called First Pour of the Semester introducing the society and its upcoming plans. It will also share other opportunities the Liberal Studies department will be providing during the academic year. Moreover, the society will host its Halloween Horror Movie event in October to put a spotlight on the popular Cinema of Horror elective available to U of GH students.
As president, Stewart is most excited for the launch of the Liberal Studies Society to connect people from different programs for interdisciplinary networking.
“Especially for first years, it can be difficult to find connections in university,” she said. “Providing another place for people to make those connections and to learn more deeply about the school would be the biggest reason why students should join.”
Students of all programs are encouraged to join the society, attend an event, and get involved!
Explore the Liberal Studies Society here.