FSS Challenge: Welcome Minister

All participants will receive a micro-credit (1.5 credits). The registration deadline is September 22, 2025. There is limited capacity. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

What to expect

Wonder what it’s like to advise a federal minister on day one of their new role?

Over three high-energy days, participants will engage in a fast-paced simulation where collaboration, strategy, and insight are essential. Tasked with supporting a newly appointed federal minister, teams will step into the shoes of a non-partisan public service unit to create a polished, professional briefing note and deliver a persuasive oral briefing, ensuring their minister is informed, confident, and ready to lead from day one.

However, there's more: as the Challenge unfolds, teams will tap into the real-world expertise of professionals from both the public and private sectors. With their guidance, participants will tackle a timely and complex issue, revealed only at the start of the competition, using a detailed evaluation grid to shape and sharpen their solutions. It’s a test of knowledge, creativity, and collaboration under pressure.

Dates and schedule

• Friday, October 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.  
• Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Attendance at all three days is mandatory.

Awards

• First place: $500 per team member
• Finalists: $250 per team member

Additional details

• The challenge will be held in French and English.
• Snacks and lunch are included.
• The course outline will be available on Brightspace to registered participants.

Location: Faculty of Social Sciences Building

Cost: Free!

Languages: The Challenge will take place in both French and English.

Eligibility

To participate, you must:

• Be enrolled full-time in a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences (part-time students may enroll for a microcredit fee).  
• Have completed at least 24 credits by September 22, 2025.  
• Be in good standing with your tuition fees.

Registration

Deadline: September 22, 2025, 5 p.m.. Places are limited, so register early!  

Participants will be paired in teams of 4 to 6, depending on their language of use. The teams will be created among all registered students after the registration deadline.

All participants will receive 1.5 credits via microcredit FSS 3302: Specialized Workshop in Social Sciences II, provided they meet the following requirements:  

• Complete pre-event readings.  
• Participate in all three days of activities.  
• Submit one written paper (briefing note) per team.  
• Present the final project with their team.  
• Submit a self-reflection after the Challenge.  

Important note: Grading for the course will be based on S (satisfactory) or NS (unsatisfactory). Students must be present for the entire duration of the competition to receive the microcredit.

Need more information?

Please read through the FAQ below, or reach out to [email protected].