McGill Campus Life & Engagement

McGill University’s Campus Life & Engagement offers students meaningful opportunities to engage with community

Every fall, as part of new student orientation, McGill University holds the Discover McGill Services Fair, an event that introduces 3500 new students to the wide range of services offered across the university; it features participation from stakeholders, student associations, and campus partners. But it’s not just new students who benefit from and participate in the popular program. The fall event is a highlight for returning students eager to be involved with those new to campus, with more than one hundred volunteers contributing to the welcoming and positive experience. 

For the university’s Campus Life & Engagement Office (CL&E), organizers of the event, the fair also serves as a stepping stone to further engagement opportunities throughout the year with students, academic connections, and community partners.

Victor Sanchez-Lopez, Associate Director of Student Involvement in the CL&E office, says CL&E’s philosophy of creating meaningful student involvement is key to enhancing academic success, fostering community building, and creating an environment that helps to build a community-engaged student body.

McGill’s Campus Life & Engagement is dedicated to helping students feel a sense of belonging and connection to both McGill University and the broader Montreal community. “From their first steps on campus,” says Victor, “students can rely on CL&E for guidance, support, and meaningful opportunities to get involved.”

CL&E is part of McGill’s Student Services, reporting to the Deputy Provost, Student Life & Learning. The team, comprised of nine staff members, eight student program assistants, and 15 AskMcGill navigators, offers programs and activities that help students develop skills, build meaningful connections, and engage with the community. From social events and webinars to workshops and hands-on initiatives, CL&E provides opportunities for learning and growth beyond the classroom. 

“Our team also includes the AskMcGill Navigators, who guide students through university life,” Victor says. “We also offer large-scale initiatives like the Discover McGill Services Fair, Community Engagement Day (which connects students with local organizations across the Greater Montreal Area, offering a wide range of involvement opportunities in sectors such as health services, education, sustainability, and support for vulnerable populations), and programs such as the New Student Buddy Program, a peer mentorship opportunity open to all new students.” 

Throughout the year, CL&E collaborates with a wide range of partners, including nonprofits, cultural institutions, grassroots initiatives, and colleagues across the university. “These collaborations often take the form of volunteer placements, on-campus events, cross-unit projects, and hands-on opportunities that connect students directly with both the McGill and Montreal communities,” says Victor.

As is the case with many community engagement offices across Canada, there are challenges to getting the important work done. “Some of the biggest challenges we face include balancing the diverse needs and interests of students, ensuring equitable access to engagement opportunities for international, underrepresented, and marginalized students, and navigating the complexity of building and maintaining sustainable partnerships in a rapidly evolving community and university landscape.”

“These challenges require careful planning, adaptability, and ongoing collaboration both within the university and with external partners.”

Victor, who moved into the area of community engagement through his passion for youth public policy, is himself a proud McGill alum. And he says watching the students grow and learn is a large part of why he enjoys his work. “It is incredibly rewarding to see students developing leadership skills, empathy, and a sense of purpose through their involvement.”

“What keeps me motivated is witnessing the ripple effect of their contributions. Our work is grounded in collaboration, inclusion, and the belief that meaningful student involvement not only enhances academic success but also fosters community building and offers students pathways to connect, contribute, and grow both on campus and in the wider Montreal community.

“When students engage with their communities, they not only make a difference for others, but they also discover their own potential and place in the world. For me, this work is important because it bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping shape socially responsible graduates while building stronger, more connected communities.”