Shape your future with SAGE, a society dedicated to student academic success
SAGE is a dynamic academic society offering geography, environment, and GIS students the chance to connect and develop valuable skills through a variety of social events and programs.
Are you a geography, environment, and geographical information systems (GIS) student eager to get involved on campus? Are you looking to make new connections and gain valuable skills for your future? Look no further because the Student Association for Geography and Environment (SAGE) has you covered.
SAGE, an academic society committed to building community, providing support, and advancing sustainability, offers diverse opportunities for students passionate about the environment and sustainable practices.
Established in 2017, SAGE started as a small group of students interested in creating a space where geography, environment, and GIS students can come together. Almost eight years later, SAGE is now a well-known academic society on campus, offering many different programs, resources, and events.
The society is open to all University of Toronto Mississauga students, specifically those in geography, environment, and GIS. In an interview with The Medium, the society emphasized its commitment to integrating sustainability into every aspect of its work, making it an ideal match for students passionate about environmental issues.
The society recognizes the stress and hardships of student life and strongly believes that taking time to relax and connect with others is crucial for mental health. It hosts a wide range of social and wellness events throughout the year, giving students a chance to unwind and have fun while building a sense of community. Some of the society’s fall events included a forest relaxation and nature craft at the start of the year, a hike and s’mores event, a clothing swap, and many other exciting activities.
Beyond social events, SAGE provides learning opportunities and workshops designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for academic and professional success. One event featured a hybrid GIS workshop designed for students to learn more about geospatial space. Another hit was their alumni panel and networking night, which provided students the opportunity to get a glimpse at post-graduation life and to hear from alumni who went on to have successful careers.
In addition to events, SAGE offers multiple programs aimed at helping students gain valuable experiences and develop new skills. One notable program is the Unite Behind The Science Journal Club, which helps students develop skills for research. This program gives students the ability to develop critical thinking skills, stay informed on current research, and build a strong academic foundation for their future.
SAGE also offers its Outreach Associate Program, where students of any field can have hands-on experience in event planning, community outreach, collaboration, and more. The program is a great stepping stone for anyone interested in taking on future leadership roles in other clubs or even interested in starting a club of their own.
The society also offers a mentorship program designed to aid students in navigating university life, especially those in the first or second year. The program pairs students with upper-year students to help provide guidance, advice and support.
All these programs are eligible for students’ co-curricular records (CCR), providing an excellent way to highlight one’s involvement and the skills developed outside the classroom. Participating in these programs can also be used on one’s resume and help students stand out to potential on-campus employers or even graduate programs.
SAGE is more than just an academic society—it’s a community where students can grow, learn, and make lasting relationships. Students can join any time all year round and can look forward to more events for the winter semester, such as the Meet the Profs seminar, ROP night, a sustainability activism panel and much more.
For more information and to stay updated on events and activities, SAGE invites you to follow its Instagram page at @sage.utm.
