Community engagement at Queen's
In 2023, Queen’s University made a strategic commitment to deepen its integration within the broader community, guided by a vision of building intentional, respectful, and mutually beneficial partnerships. These partnerships extend beyond campus to encompass local organizations, regional collaborators, national institutions, and global networks, all aligned with our shared commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through these connections, Queen’s is broadening its impact by reinforcing existing partnerships and cultivating new ones, fostering solutions that support SDG initiatives and tackle urgent challenges in health, equity, sustainability, and innovation. Community engagement at Queen’s leverages the expertise of our faculty and students to drive research and educational advancements while empowering our partners to create meaningful change.
At its core, community engagement at Queen’s is about addressing the challenges faced by our partners—whether from the public, private, or non-profit sectors—and applying academic knowledge to practical issues. This begins with listening to our partners' needs and aims to build lasting, trusting relationships that advance the SDGs, enrich faculty research, and provide hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Learn more about our social impact
Queen’s builds strategic, respectful, and mutually beneficial partnerships with communities and industries outside the university. Locally, the university has supported more than 700 startup companies and entrepreneurs and raised $1,000,000+ annually in support of local underserved populations. Learn more about Queen’s local community and economic impact.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor
Special Advisor to the Principal on Community Engagement
“Collaboration between universities and community partners opens avenues for innovative projects with real-world applications and benefits, as well as shared learning experiences. All of which will contribute to a vibrant academic atmosphere that enriches communities. By adopting this framework, Queen’s can strengthen relationships and trust between academia and broader communities, nurture existing partnerships, and foster new ones that together enhance impact.”
In the media
Dec 03, 2025
A new look for the largest library on campus
The main floor of the Joseph S. Stauffer Library has been fully renovated to be more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive than ever before.
Dec 02, 2025
Healthy meals at home
A new student-driven initiative provides graduate and professional students nutritious meals and helps them learn strategies for affordable food preparation.
Dec 01, 2025
Queen’s community finds connection during Thrive Week 2025
Employees engaged in diverse wellness sessions and learning opportunities offered throughout this annual campus wide initiative.