University of Alberta
Welcome to your host campus – we are looking forward to having you join us for the inaugural Shad UAlberta 2026!
Located in Treaty 6 territory at asiniskaw sipisis (Stoney Creek), the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus is nestled in the small yet vibrant city of Camrose, Alberta, just one hour southeast of Edmonton. A perfect blend of urban and rural environments, Camrose has a population over 19,000, offers hundreds of arts and culture events each year, and features extensive recreation opportunities (like over 30 km of trails).
The University of Alberta is a Top 4 Canadian University. The U of A’s Augustana Campus is home to 19 degree programs and 950 students from across Canada and around the world – 29 countries this year. In collaboration with community and university partners, we welcome learners from all backgrounds to participate in educational experiences that blend theory with practice while encouraging active engagement with each other and our environments. Our easy-to-navigate campus and small classroom sizes ensure easier connections with staff, classmates and professors. This means finding support, community and degree-enhancing opportunities is that much easier.
The University of Alberta is extremely excited to be hosting the Shad program for the first time this year. The institution’s central Alberta location gives participants the opportunity to discover much that Alberta has to offer, while engaging in a full and exciting schedule of workshops, events and lectures.
The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations. Augustana is located in Treaty 6 territory, at asiniskaw sipisis (Stoney Creek), a travelling route and home to the Maskwacîs Nêhiyawak, Niitsitapi, Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina Nations, the Métis and other Indigenous peoples. Their spiritual and practical relationships to the land create a rich heritage for our learning and our life as a community.
Shad Program Team
Mary-Anne Falk
she/her
Program Director
Mary-Anne (pronunciation) joined Shad as Program Director for the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus in 2025. She was inspired by Shad’s commitment to empower youth to think boldly, collaborate creatively, and engage deeply with real-world challenges. After visiting two Shad campuses, Mary-Anne was energized by the students’ creativity, passion, and friendships. She witnessed firsthand what’s possible when curious minds come together in a collaborative environment.
Her full-time work is at the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus dean’s office, where she contributes to a wide range of initiatives including academic leadership, campus event programming, and community engagement. Her role focuses on ensuring effective processes, managing campus and faculty budgets, supporting governance, and coordinating major events. She works closely with the leadership team, local government, and student organizations to strengthen meaningful connections between the university and the wider community.
Outside of work, Mary-Anne enjoys a busy family life with her four children. She loves photography, kayaking, fitness, cross-stitch, and travelling—and can often be found snuggling her senior dog or volunteering with her children’s schools and sports teams. Family is her top priority, and she strives to be a positive role model both professionally and personally.
Mary-Anne is thrilled to welcome Shad participants to the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus and is eager to create an inspiring and memorable summer experience where every student can explore their creativity and realize their potential.
Alvina Mardhani-Bayne
she/her
Program Director
Alvina (pronunciation) is an educator specializing in community-based learning and literacy. She is from Edmonton and proudly holds three degrees from the University of Alberta. After completing her MSc in Linguistics, Alvina moved to the US to pursue a PhD in Education at Syracuse University. Eventually moving back to Edmonton, she completed her PhD in 2020 and taught at MacEwan University. In 2022, Alvina joined Shad as the Recruitment Manager and is now Shad’s External Relations Manager.
In addition to Shad, Alvina is also a University of Alberta Senator and volunteer with the Edmonton Community Foundation. When at home, Alvina is surrounded by her three loving dogs, two indifferent cats, and one excellent spouse. Her hobbies include daily puzzles and reading (especially time travel and mystery novels!).
Arriving at Shad
Shad2026 runs from July 5 to July 31. We kindly request that you arrive between 1 p.m. and no later than 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.
When you arrive on campus (4901 46 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta), park in visitor parking at the K. Glen Johnson Faith & Life Parking Lot (see map) just east of the main entrance to campus. Program staff will meet you there to help you get to the residences.
Once you arrive at the Ravine Complex residences, check in with the Shad UA Team just inside the doors of the central building. We’ll provide you with your room keys, Shad bag, and other important information. Program staff will help you carry your stuff up and find your room. If you have family members dropping you off, they can check out your room before saying your goodbyes for the month. There will be optional relaxed activities and opportunities to meet your fellow Shads.
The first meal will be provided at 5:30pm.
Transportation from Airport
It also is very important that you let us know your travel plans as soon as you finalize them.
We will have Shad UA Team members at the Edmonton International airport to meet any participants flying in on their own. We’ll help you collect your luggage and organize transportation for groups to take to campus. Note that there will be a cost for the transfer. We will ask for your flight information in order to schedule transportation from the airport to campus. Once the transportation is scheduled, cost information will be shared.
Our campus is 75 km from the Edmonton International airport, so we strongly encourage participants to use the airport transfer that we are arranging.
IMPORTANT: When booking your flight, please ensure that you arrive at the Edmonton International Airport by 2:00 pm as the last transfer will leave the airport at 3:00 pm.
Living at Shad
Residence
Shads and the program team will be living in double rooms with shared connected washrooms in the Ravine Complex on campus. Bedding and linen will be provided (pillow, blanket, sheets, towels), along with soap, shampoo, and a fan.
If you prefer to bring your own soap, shampoo, and other toiletries you are welcome to do so. You will be living in residence on the university campus. You have the responsibility of keeping your property safe and keeping your room door locked. Shads will be held financially responsible for replacing any lost keys to the residence.
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 pay-per-use washers and dryers available. The cost is $3.75 per complete load (wash & dry). Laundry detergent is provided.
Residence Key
You will be given residence keys for which you will be responsible. More information will be shared by your program director when you arrive.
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. An ATM is available within walking distance of campus.
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 before the program begins.
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)
- Hiking shoes/boots
Personal Items
- Beach Towel for water activities
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste, etc.)
- A supply of face masks (to be used in the event of illness or wildfire smoke)
- Other personal hygiene items (hand sanitizer, tissues, deodorant, etc.)
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
- Small backpack (for hiking/day trips)
- Flashlight (NOT your phone)
- Sleeping bag
- Air mattress/foam (for under your sleeping bag – optional)
Other
- Personal notebook or paper
- Writing tools
- Laptop, tablet, or smartphone
- Alarm clock
- Camera (optional)
- Reading material
- Sheet music (optional)
- Pocket Money (a small amount for things like laundry and souvenirs)
- Extra pillow (for more of an “at home” feeling)
- Extra hangers
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
ShadTile
A Shad tile is a physical, visual representation of you and your story! When you come to Shad, please bring your Shad tile that you have created, and be prepared to talk about it with your fellow Shads. It should be square, no larger than 20 cm x 20 cm, and should include only pictures (no words). You can be as creative as you would like and share information about yourself that will help us get to know you.
ShadSpeaks
ShadSpeaks is a mini-presentation that each Shad makes about a topic they are interested in or passionate about. Choose something that you already know a lot about and not something you have done as an assignment in school. ShadSpeaks talks are about 5 minutes long, and no longer than 6 minutes. At Shad UAlberta, our ShadSpeaks will not involve any visual aids or notes, meaning you could give your presentation at any time, anywhere. There will be an opportunity for people to ask questions about your topic once you have finished your talk.
We would like you to choose your topic and practice your talk before you arrive at Shad. Most of you will be able to practice during Shad as well. However, we would like to screen your topic ahead of time, so please include it in the form below.
Pre-Program Online Forms
Please fill out this Student Information Form: https://forms.gle/LPWgGiEb54SL7sBT7
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.
Virtual Booth Visits
Date: Thursday, July 30
Time: 2:30pm MDT
Platform: TBD (link will be sent closer to the date)
In-Person Open Day
Date: Thursday, July 30
Time: 2:30pm – 4:30pm MDT
Booth Visits
Leaving Shad
The Shad program concludes at 10:00 am on July 31, and Shad will ensure that all participants are transferred to parents, or are on their way home by 10:00 am.
Please note that the cost of transportation to and from your campus is the responsibility of the participant. We will ask for your flight information in order to schedule transportation from campus to the Edmonton International airport. Once the transportation is scheduled, cost information will be shared.
Our campus is 75 km from the Edmonton International airport, so we strongly encourage participants to use the airport transfer that we are arranging. More information about the airport transfer will be provided closer to the program date.
It takes approximately one hour to drive from our campus to the airport, so please factor that additional time in when scheduling flights out of the Edmonton International airport. We recommend scheduling a flight home that departs after 11am.
If your parents/guardians are picking you up by car, they should plan to do this between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31.
Contact us
Have any questions?
Feel free to reach out to your program team:
shadprogram@ualberta.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.
The Shad UAlberta campus will not accept physical mail for participants, only email. Please ensure that all items participants need are included in the supplies they bring with them to campus.
Free Time
Q: How much free time will I have?
A: Shad is an immersive program with a full schedule of activities. Most of your time will be spent engaging in the plethora of activities we have planned for you! There is often a time before meals when you can take time for yourself, to rest, or to call home as needed. Most evening activities will wrap up around 10:00 p.m. Mountain, which provides you with an hour to wind down in the evenings. Given the immersive nature of Shad, participants will not have the time to engage in other commitments during the month of July (i.e., summer school, online courses, or additional projects, studying, practice, or training). Full-time commitment to Shad is expected.
Outside Food
Q: Can I order food?
A: No, participants will not be able to order outside food during the program.
Instruments
Q: Will I have access to a piano to practice regularly?
A: Shad is a wonderfully musical place with many spontaneous jam sessions. Participants can share their instrument preferences in the Student Information form (linked in the What to Do Pre-program section) and we will do our best to accommodate requests. We encourage Shads to bring their sheet music with them.
Gym Access
Q: Will I have access to athletics facilities such as a gym or pool?
A: There are many recreation activities planned within the program schedule to ensure you are kept active during the month, and there may be opportunities for early morning recreation in addition to these scheduled times.