University of Regina
Welcome to the University of Regina! We are located in Wascana Centre, one of the largest urban parks in North America, an ideal setting to study, research, work, and live.
In 2024 we celebrated 50 years as an independent degree-granting institution, but our roots go back more than 100 years to the establishment of the Regina College in 1911. Today’s U of R, along with our federated colleges – Campion College, Luther College, and First Nations University of Canada – offers world-class, post-secondary education to more than 17,200 students and, with more than 92,000+ alumni, our graduates are making a positive difference in Saskatchewan and around the world. Take a virtual tour
to learn more.
We have built a reputation for world-class research and are committed to the health and wellness of our diverse student population and to developing career-ready graduates: Our research enterprise has grown to 18 university- and faculty-based research centres and includes nine Canada Research Chairs, 29 research labs and 800+ active researchers in a variety of disciplines.
The University recognises that student success goes hand-in-hand with mental and physical wellness. We have developed programs addressing the physical,
mental, environmental and spiritual well-being of our students. Our history of providing hands-on learning opportunities has given our institution decades of insight, allowing us to fine-tune our programs and offerings so that students reap the rewards in the real world. Our students enjoy plentiful opportunities to gain experience in both paid and volunteer positions and other opportunities, resulting in career-ready graduates who find work fast.
The U of R Shad program will include academic components in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), entrepreneurship, and team-based projects, as well as social and recreational components featuring on and off-campus activities that enhance wellness and provide exposure to the geography and culture of the region. The
students will also be introduced to local Indigenous communities and traditional knowledge resources.
The University of Regina and the federated colleges are on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories — the homelands of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda peoples and Michif/Métis nation. We recognize that, as an institution founded by settlers, we benefit from being on this land. We are grateful for the privilege to learn, teach, and work here. We demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation by incorporating Indigenous knowledge and world views in our research, teaching, and studies. And we recognize that it is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and build a more inclusive future.
Let’s go far, together.
Shad Program Team
Aziz Douai
(ah-ZEEZ )
Program Director
Aziz (he/him/his) is passionate about graduate education and student success. As Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Regina, Dr. Douai focuses on enabling student success and empowering graduate students through an emphasis on interdisciplinary research, career-focused training, and global engagement. In addition to being a former Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Douai is a Founding Member of the Center on Hate, Bias and Extremism, a Senior Research Affiliate at the Canadian Research Network for Terrorism, Security & Society, and a member of the Digital Life Institute. His research and publications investigate disruptive communication technologies, international communication and political conflict, with a special interest in the MENA media and politics.
Vanessa Wiseman
([Vuh] [Nes] [Uh] [Wyz] [Muhn])
Program Director
Vanessa (she/her/hers) began her journey with Shad in 2007 at McMaster, where she was a Shad herself. In 2015, Vanessa returned to work for Shad at the University of Saskatchewan as a Teacher Fellow, and later a Program Manager. Since then, Vanessa has had the privilege to work at a number of Shad campuses, including Carleton and Thompson Rivers, and is delighted to be returning for round two of Shad URegina. Vanessa completed a Bachelor of Arts at Mount Allison University in 2012. Following, she completed a Bachelor of Education at St Francis Xavier University in 2014, where she was selected as a member of the President’s Circle of Young Alumni. Currently, Vanessa is wrapping up a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Regina. When not doing Shad or being a student, Vanessa is a Classroom Complexity Teacher in Regina. She cannot wait to share the best of Regina and the Prairies with the newest group of Shads this summer!
Ellyn Byrns
([El] [Uhn] [Burnz])
Assistant Program Director
Ellyn (she/her/hers) first began working with Shad in her hometown of Saskatoon, SK at the University of Saskatchewan from 2016 through 2019. She returned to Shad to open Thompson Rivers University Shad campus in 2023, and then again to University of Regina’s inaugural Shad program in 2025. She is pleased to return for her seventh year working with Shad to the University of Regina this summer for 2026. Ellyn completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at the University of Saskatchewan in 2019. Ellyn went on to work in emergency first response 9-1-1 communications and dispatch, serving 2.5 years before pursuing her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta. She completed her degree in 2024 and was awarded an Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship. Ellyn is now a pediatric Occupational Therapist across central and northern Saskatchewan in urban clinic and elementary/high school settings, as well as rural Indigenous Cree, Dene, and Michif/Métis community and reserve schools. Ellyn loves to spend her free time at the lake, working on DIY projects, and visiting with her friends and family containing her many nieces and nephews and loved ones.
Arriving at Shad
Shad 2026 runs from Sunday July 5th to Friday, July 31st. We kindly request that you arrive between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm on July 5th. The earlier you arrive on campus, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with the university and meet the team and other Shads!
The easiest way to get to the University of Regina by car is to access the Ring Road. Once on the Ring Road, take the Wascana Parkway exit and continue on Wascana Parkway North. Turn right onto Sagittaire Lane which will bring you onto the U of R campus. Finally, turn left onto Lee Gren Ave. to access the parking lot for Kīšik Tower. Our team will have a tent and signage up to help direct you from there!
Meet us in front of Kīšik Tower (3747 Lee Gren Ave). A tent with a Shad banner will be set up to help you find us.
Our team will meet you at a check-in table and help orient you from there! We will give you your room key, Shad lanyard, and a Shad t-shirt. Please wear your Shad t-shirt and lanyard after arriving to help our community better identify each other.
Campus tours and rec activities will be led by team members to help you get to know the campus and the community.
If you are arriving by plane, please contact your caregivers to let them know you have landed! Members of our team will be waiting to meet you in arrivals to help you make your way to campus.
Please note that once a Shad has checked into the program, we will ask them to remain on campus and with our community. Likewise, we kindly ask that family members do not access the dormitories/apartments when dropping off Shads.
We will have a light lunch for earlier arrivals at noon time. Snacks and other refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon for those arriving after 2:00 pm. We will have our first community meal together at 5:00pm.
Transportation from Airport: If you are flying into Regina, chances are high that you will be travelling with other Shads! Be sure to wear your hoodies so you can identify each other! Upon arrival, Shad team members will be at YQR to meet you and assist with arrivals. The easiest and most cost-efficient way to get to the campus is by cab or rideshare. When you arrive, our staff team will help make calls and arrange cabs that you can share with other arriving participants. You do not need to pre-arrange anything for this- there are lots of cabs available at the airport and our team will pre-communicate with cab companies to ensure they are aware of a higher volume of students heading to the university. Please note, the cost of transportation to the campus is the responsibility of the participant.
Living at Shad
Residence
Shad participants and the program team will be living on campus in air conditioned single rooms with semi-private washrooms at Kīšik Tower residence. Each Shad will have apartment-mates of the same gender. Bedding and linen will be provided (pillow, blanket, and sheets).
While living on campus, there may be other paying guests using the residence accommodations on other floors. Participants will have key access to their rooms. Participants have the responsibility of keeping their property safe and keeping the room door locked.
Food
Most of our meals will be eaten on campus. Keep in mind that it is a University, so the food may not be like your home-cooked meals. There will be a variety of food that accommodates most tastes.
Please include any dietary requirements or allergies in your medical form.
Laundry
There will be washers and dryers available in the residence for use for $2.25. Shads will use an app (Coinamatic) on their phone and scan a QR code to pay for each load. Laundry detergent is provided, but if you have sensitivities to detergents, you may wish to bring your own.
Residence Key
You will be given residence keys for which you will be responsible. More information will be shared by your program director.
Banking
We recommend that you bring some pocket money with you for transportation to and from the airport, laundry, optional Shad wear, and purchasing souvenirs.
We advise against bringing large amounts of money or other valuables (expensive jewelry and watches). There is no need for such items, and we cannot accept responsibility if they go missing.
Computers
We recommend that you bring a laptop, tablet or another personal computing device for research, word processing, and other tasks related to the program. Wi-Fi access is available in residence and elsewhere on campus. Shad team members will assist you with Wi-Fi setup upon arrival. The University and Shad Canada do not take any responsibility for lost/damaged/stolen valuables or property.
If you are unable to bring a laptop, please contact us.
What to Bring
Clothing – Accessories
- Jacket/Raincoat with hood
- Baseball-type hat (sun/rain)
- Casual spring and summer clothes
- Hoodie or sweater
- Long pants and shorts (long pants may be required in labs)
- Long and short sleeve t-shirts
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Socks
- Swimwear
- Comfortable clothing for daily recreation activities
- One or two slightly dressy outfits for events such as the design project conference, Open Day and Banquet (some will bring a suit, pantsuit or dress, others will be “business casual”; bring whatever makes you comfortable!)
Footwear
- Business attire/formal shoes
- Athletic shoes (for indoor and outdoor use; closed toe shoes required in athletic facilities and labs)
- Water safe shoes/water shoes
- Hiking shoes/boots
Personal Items
- Towel, face cloth
- Beach Towel for water activities
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste, etc.)
- A supply of face masks (optional)
- Hand or face lotion – the weather is very dry!
- Other personal hygiene items (hand sanitizer, tissues, deodorant, etc.)
- Laundry Bag
Documents and Medication
- Health Card
- Medical insurance card (if available)
- Bank card (if you choose to bring one)
- Medication (if needed)
- Extra pair of glasses/contacts (if you wear them)
- Prescription refill note (if taking medication)
Outdoor Gear
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater)
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm
- Umbrella
- Small backpack (for hiking/day trips)
- Flashlight (NOT your phone)
- Sleeping bag
- Camping mug, bowl, plate and utensils
- Foam mat or yoga mat (for under your sleeping bag)
- Beach Towel
Other
- Pocket money (a small amount for things like laundry, taxi to/from airport, souvenirs)
- Personal notebook or paper
- Writing tools
- Laptop or tablet
- Alarm clock (or phone)
- Watch
- Camera
- Reading material
- Musical instruments (along with sheet music)
- Extra pillow (residence has pillows, but yours might be more comfy)
- Extra Hangers (there are three hangers in each room, but lots of drawer space if you would rather store clothes that way)
Do Not Bring
- TV/gaming PC/game system (e.g., Switch, Steam Deck)
- Pets (service animals exempted; please inform your program director for accommodations)
- Any vehicle, motorized or not, unless required for accessibility
- Any dangerous goods or weapons
- Cigarettes or vapes/e-cigarettes
- Alcohol or illegal or recreational drugs, including cannabis
- Expensive jewelry or other valuables
- Strongly scented products: Shad is a fragrance free environment. Please leave perfume and cologne at home.
Please note that Shad is not liable for any lost, stolen or damaged personal items.
Please contact the program team if you have questions about bringing any of the above.
What to Expect
Shad Values
Our values are what make Shad the incredible program that it is. At our Shad campus, these values are vigorously embraced – just like they are at each of the other campuses across Canada. Our values are as follows:
- We cherish the freedom to explore, create, and innovate.
- We aspire to excellence in all we do.
- We are committed to the respect, cooperation, and shared fun that builds a powerful, supportive community, while remaining mindful of the safety and well-being of that community.
- We value diversity and open discussion.
- Our behaviour is always governed by respect for others and the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Being a Shad means accepting these values fully into everything you do! Adherence to these values determines how successful your Shad experience will be. They are sacred trusts.
Diverse & Inclusive Community
A diverse and inclusive community is an important value of the Shad program. You will meet students from across Canada, with different lived experiences and backgrounds. Some of you have experience with complex, high responsibility activities such as traveling or being away from home, while for others, this may be your first time being apart from family. Respect for all individuals is a requirement for a successful community.
Community must be preserved and protected in the Shad program. There are no exclusive relationships at Shad, whether for the purposes of romance, clique, gender, ethnicity, or any other reason. Relationships that exclude (or attempt to exclude) others will not be accepted. Intentionally excluding others is a form of bullying and could result in dismissal from the program. The month at Shad provides you the opportunity to make connections with a community of other exceptional students. We hope that this tight-knit community that forms at Shad will continue for many years after the program.
Supportive Team
The Shad team is here to support you. Your program team is made up of leaders who are committed to working with students to meet their needs.
Supervised Community
Shad is a supervised community. Every member of the program team is charged with the responsibility of ensuring your safety and protection. We take this responsibility seriously! This means that we will need to know approximately where you are and what you are doing at all times. This level of awareness ensures that in case of an emergency, we can account for your whereabouts quickly.
You are also a partner in ensuring your own safety and the safety of the Shad community. You are expected to ensure that your behaviour is always aligned with the Shad values.
Just because the community is supervised does not mean that you won’t have freedom to engage in a range of activities across the university campus. We take advantage of many of the various programs, departments, recreational facilities and spaces on campus to ensure that you enjoy an exciting university experience.
Schedule
You can expect life at Shad to be busy, but don’t worry, we have downtime and recreational activities built into the program as well. Each day, you can expect a different combination of lectures, workshops, recreational and cultural activities, as well as unscheduled time that you can use to connect with your peers, rest, connect with family, work on your design project, and reflect on what you’ve learned and accomplished so far.
Tech-etiquette: Appropriate usage
The ability to rapidly access relevant information can be key to innovation. There is no question that effective use of technology can be a useful tool. That said, the appropriate use of technology is essential for an effective learning/teaching/cooperative environment. There is etiquette for the use of technology. Rather than provide a long list of rules that will define acceptable use of technology, our technology policy is governed by the same core values as Shad.
All use of technology — including cell phones, notebooks, tablets, translators and the like — must uphold the principles of excellence, responsibility and creativity. While you might be an exceptional multitasker, maintaining devoted attention to a task at hand is a hallmark of responsibility and maturity. When it comes to the use of technology, know what’s right, do what’s right and be respectful!
Recreation at Shad
There will be opportunities for recreation throughout your time at the program including physical and creative activities. Each campus takes advantage of their unique surroundings and plans fun, exciting ways to engage within your Shad community.
Energy Management
Shad is most enriching when we have sufficient energy to be fully engaged in all program activities. After a long and busy day, everyone needs adequate rest. We also need to respect others and allow them to re-energize themselves by getting the rest they need. Please manage your energy levels appropriately and allow others to do the same by going to bed at the appropriate time.
What You'll Need to Do Pre-Program
Slide Deck Introduction
To better get to know each other upon arrival, we are asking everyone to prepare a brief 90-second photo slide deck or digital identity board (Canva or Google Slides) to introduce yourself. Your visual should include images that tell us about you—use photos to highlight your interests, hobbies, talents, passions, or anything else that offers insight into who you are.
Please ensure your visual is ready when you arrive on campus. Once it has been completed, please share the link for it in this form: https://forms.gle/MZkUG2EXzcxxtKn2
To help us get to know everyone, you will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation on a topic of your choosing. Select a topic on which you are comfortable speaking. Don’t overthink the topic… speak about something you are passionate about! We are interested in learning about you and what you are enthusiastic about.
Please choose a topic that is appropriate for an academic setting and be mindful that our community includes people with many different lived experiences—aim for content that is respectful, inclusive, and comfortable for everyone to hear.
It is not mandatory to prepare a slide deck, however if you have visuals you are interested in sharing to accompany your Shad speak, go for it!
Please complete the Shad speak form: https://forms.gle/53mbcnPrQQsBCTTq7
To help us better get to know you, please take a few minutes and fill out the following form by May 1st, 2026. Please note that travel information is required, so please do not complete this form until your travel plans are set!
https://forms.gle/S28hifQakpgmMeAV7
Anything else they need to do pre-program at this stage (late March):
Join us on Instagram to meet the team and stay caught up on updates as anticipation builds for July! @shaduregina
Shad Open Day
What happens when a diverse group of high school students from across Canada come together in the spirit of science, technology and entrepreneurship? Shad Open Day is a day to put your campus and your accomplishments on display for the community.
Live Virtual Open Day Details: DE Project Presentations
Time: Tuesday, July 28th from 9:00am – 12:00pm CST
Please join us to watch a live-stream of the Shad Design Entrepreneurship presentations. A Zoom link and presentation agenda will be sent to families nearer to the presentation date.
Live Virtual Open Day Details: DE Feedback and Awards
Time: Tuesday, July 28th from 1:30pm CST to 2:30 pm CST
Following project debriefs, we will have an informal awards ceremony to recognize and celebrate what the Shads have developed during their time on campus. Project awards include: Most Innovative Solution, Excellence In Problem Solving, Best Pitch Presentation, Top Business Potential, and Pioneers of Innovation. A Zoom link and more information will be forthcoming.
Live Virtual Open Day Details: Closing Ceremony & Certificates
Time: Thursday, July 30th from 4:30- 6:00 CST
Please join us to celebrate the finish of Shad Regina 2026. Shads and staff will share some memories, we will watch a re-cap video celebrating the month, and Shads will be presented with the program completion certificates. An agenda and Zoom link will be shared closer to the event.
Leaving Shad
The Shad program concludes on the morning of Friday, July 31 and Shad will ensure that all participants are transferred to parents, or are on their way home by 11am.
Please note that transportation to and from your campus is the responsibility of the participant. If you have a bus / train / plane to catch, you will need to make arrangements to get from the campus with plenty of time before your scheduled departure time. If your parents / guardians are picking you up by car, they should plan to do this between 8am and 11am.
Please note that transportation to and from the campus is the responsibility of the participant. Participants leaving Regina via airline will leave the U of R campus via taxi. Once Shads have completed their pre-program form and we know arrival and departure information, we will be able to pre-book taxis or shuttles for Shads to share to get to the airport in time to check-in for flights.
For students departing by car, please meet your child at Kisik Towers to check out of the program.
Contact us
Have any questions?
Feel free to reach out to your program team:
shadprogram@regina.shad.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Special accommodation requests
Q: I have a special accommodation request. How do I submit my request and will you be able to help me?
A: You will need to inform us of the special accommodations that you require ahead of time. We will let you know what we can do to support you as best as possible. We want to help make sure your experience here is exceptional.
Visitors
Q: Can I have visitors (family, friends) during Shad? Can I leave campus for a non-emergency reason?
A: No, for the safety of participants, we cannot accommodate visitors or participants leaving campus during the program.
Contact During the Program
Q: How can my parents contact me during Shad?
A: Your parents can contact you on your cell phone (although you may not be able to answer due to program activities) or via email. Emergency contact information will be provided closer to the program.
Mail can be sent to:
Kīšik Towers at the University of Regina
3747 Lee Gren Ave
Regina, SK S4S 0A2
Free Time
Q: How much free time will I have?
A: Shads will have pockets of downtime daily, following academic programming from approximately 4:00- 6:30 pm. This is a great time to do laundry, call home, and catch up on personal life in the midst of daily programming. Shads will also have flexible time on Sunday mornings (when possible) to sleep-in, catch-up on personal affairs, do laundry, call home, etc. Free time does not necessarily mean that students are able to leave campus – think of this more as semi-structured time, dedicated to prioritizing your personal life and wellness in the program.
Outside Food
Q: Can I order food?
A: There are on-campus options for food throughout the summer, as well as convenience stores and grocery stores nearby. We kindly ask that Shads do not use food delivery services (Skip the Dishes, UberEats) throughout their time on campus.
Instruments
Q: Will I have access to a piano to practice?
A:Yes! We will have space with a piano, some guitars, and an electric drum set. We strongly encourage you to use this in your free time!
Gym Access
Q: Will I have access to athletics facilities such as a gym or pool?
A: Yes, Shads will have access to the fitness center at the U of R, and there will be designated times in the schedule for them to access this facility.