student life

Landscape Architecture Student Society

The Landscape Architecture Student Society (LASS) is one of the most active student chapters in North America . The goal of LASS is to enhance all aspects of student life. LASS works with fellow students and the faculty to coordinate both educational and social events and activities. LASS is also involved in the everyday running of the school, and operates "Rick and Willy's" - a store to provide students with supplies, print and copy machines, and special materials. LASS is made up of a council with representatives from each class of both the undergraduate and graduate programs so that all issues are communicated to the entire student body. In addition to class representatives, there is a full executive plus various committee members. Guelph LA students are renowned for their involvement, and this is reflected by the strong organization that LASS continues to be.

the year at a glance

Each year begins with our annual first-year social. Following an afternoon of activities, this is a chance for incoming students to get to know current students prior to the start of a busy semester. It always proves to be fun, and a great means of introduction.

The Halloween party is the next social extravaganza we look forward to, and each year is organized and hosted by the first year class. Every year it's a new experience, as the costumes- and often the people- get more outrageous.

The second year class hosts our Winter Formal near the end of the first semester, in conjunction with the students from Capacity Development and Rural Planning and Development. Not only is this a fantastic opportunity to get out of the studio, it is also a great time to socialize with other students, staff and faculty - all celebrating the end of a successful semester!

In the early part of the winter semester we hold our annual Winterfest, an educational and social event, complete with workshops, lectures, hands on projects, and a ball hockey tournament - get ready, this is one event not to be missed.

The University holds its College Royal in the winter and the LA student body gets involved in making that a success also. In past years we have displayed our work, had building tours and offered one-hour consultations with homeowners who had pre-booked appointments, to assist with their landscaping needs. We enjoy giving something back to the community too!

In that vein, we also assist our community in a variety of other ways also. We fund raise for the United Way, and we offer Outreach Services on a variety of community projects.

Yearly, LA students from all over North America attend a student hosted, student-oriented event called LABash. From North Carolina to North Dakota , Ontario to Florida , this event is educational, social and an all around good time. It includes workshops, seminars, lectures, networking opportunities, and a chance to take a break from studio for a couple of days and see what another school has to offer.

Towards the end of second semester it is time for LASS to wrap up the year and hand responsibility over to a new eager crew of students. To do this, we hold LASS elections, so that all in the program can have a hand in deciding who will represent the student body in the coming year.

Now, before the time comes to say goodbye for the summer and to welcome in the new executive, some recognition is in order. Each year the Landscape Architecture program recognizes members of its student body who have made a significant achievement and who have contributed to university life and school events and activities that are beyond those required in the program by providing a Book Award to a student from each year of the BLA and MLA programs.  Each class will recognize and pay tribute to an individual in their class for their outstanding contribution.

The end of the semester, and for some the end of their time at Guelph, is marked by the fourth-year BLA Design Thesis Open House. This is an opportunity for the graduating students to showcase their year's work, and also for the other years to see what they have been up to, and perhaps get some inspiration for their own work.

The MLA students host a conference each spring to present their thesis work.  This is a great opportunity for the graduate students to share their research findings and to learn about new areas of practice and specialization.

In addition to these events, LASS also hosts regular guest lecture evenings, where we are kept up to the minute on what is happening in our chosen field. Our lecturers are consistently of high quality and are usually followed by a social get together where we can chat informally with the presenter.

Supporting LASS, either by attending events, helping out at social gathering, actively participating in the organization of activities or by sitting on the LASS executive, is a fantastic way to enrich your life in Landscape Architecture.

SEDRD Graduate Student Society

SEDRD GSS is in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph.  The organization is comprised of and represents graduate students from the Master of Landscape Architecture Program, the Rural Planning & Development Program, the Capacity Development Program and the Ph.D. in Rural Studies Program.

The SEDRD GSS website is a place for students to network, connect and find out what's happening on campus and off.  On this site you will find information on topics like careers, student work and events.

Visit the SEDRD GSS website (www.uoguelph.ca/clubs/sedrdgss) for more information.