Updates
Monthly drop-ins are now open. Click for details
What is Map The System?
This competition is for MRU student changemakers (students in any program, with a passion for social or environmental issues) by taking a system-thinking approach and showcasing research on a national and global stage.
The program runs yearly during Winter semesters (January to April)
1
Research any topic of interest
Including but not limited to social, environmental, cultural and economic or related to 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
2
Learn and apply system thinking skills
Receiving support from the institute’s team, alumni, and other faculty with developing system-approach research, writing, and presentation.
3
Get a chance to showcase your research nationally and globally.
Timeline
| November 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025 | Student Registration |
Students must apply by January 31, 2025. |
| February - March, 2025 | Competition progress |
You and your team will progress through primary and secondary research, creating visual system maps in the process. You can access supports: (1) Systems thinking workshops, (2) Mentor matching, and (3) Per-request support from educators (click for more details of available support below). |
| March 31, 2025 | Final Submission Deadline |
By 11:59 pm MST, all teams must submit their completed Map the System projects, including a visual systems map(s), research analysis and detailed bibliography. Refer to the Submission Guidelines. |
|
April 4, 2025 (from 12 to 4 pm) |
MRU Campus Final |
The top 5 submissions selected by judges will get to compete at the campus final to be the Campus Finalist representing MRU in the Canadian Final. This year Campus Final 2025 will be held on April 4, 2025 (from 12 to 4 pm) at EL1270 - Ideas Lounge at Mount Royal University Library. |
| May 19-22, 2025 | Map The System Canadian Final featured in Banff Systems Summit 2025 |
The campus finalist will compete against other school teams at the Canadian Final for the top 3 to receive grant awards to then continue competing at the global level. View Canadian Final 2024. This year Canadian Final is featured in Banff Systems Summit 2025. |
| June TBD, 2025 | Global Finals |
If the MRU campus finalist qualifies as one of the top 3 Canadian teams, they will travel to Oxford to compete with students from around the world. View the Global Map The System. |
How to Join
1. Check the eligibility:
All MRU students and recent graduates from any discipline can join with the conditions as follows:
- You can apply as an individual OR with a team of up to six people.
- If applying in teams, at least one member must be a current MRU student or recent graduate.
- If you are a recent graduate, you must have completed your studies within 12 months of the registration date.
- You register by January 31st, 2024.
2. Consider these key aspects:
During registration, a topic submission is required. However, it can be preliminary, merely reflecting your area of interest. You can change the topic later as you progress through the competition.
Learn more about the Systems Reset Themes to develop your projects as well as past competitions at mapthesystem.ca/take-part
On average a good Map the System submission takes 80 hours to complete, so approximately 6-7 hours per week.
You and/or your team will progress through
- Secondary research about factors influencing your issues of interests
- Primary research (mainly interviewing professionals or practitioners)
- Creating visual system maps in the process
- Secondary research about existing solutions and gaps
- Identifying leverage points
- Reflecting on the lessons you learned from the process. E.g. Your personal growth, your experiences, etc. Refer to the submission guidelines
For additional resources and success tips, visit the Map the System Canada website for resources and tips for success.
Note: The registration is closed for Map The System Canada 2025.
3. Engage in the Campus Final:
Campus Final 2025 will be held on April 4, 2025 (from 12 to 4 pm) at EL1270 - Ideas Lounge at Mount Royal University Library. Stay tuned for more details!
Upcoming Events
Drop In
February 24, 2025 | 01:00 - 03:00 PM | Trico Changemaker Studio
One of my goals for Map the System this year is to create a sense of community within Map the System. After the reading break, you will also be able to visit the Trico Changemaker Studio to work on your submissions and have me there as guidance. Katharine may also pop by from time to time and will be available to provide feedback.
*Note: The days of drop ins each week will either be on Mondays or Tuesdays. Keep an eye out for my emails for drop-in days.
Team Match up & Networking
February 11, 2025 | 12:00 - 01:00 PM | Trico Changemaker Studio
This event will be a time for individuals who are looking for other participants to form a group. However, everyone is welcome to come in and talk to others who you may or may not already know—a time to network and get to know each other. Snacks will also be provided:).
Come, meet your fellow Map the System-ers! Come, meet each other, and find possible partners!!
Mentorship Matching
The mentorship program will last for 6 weeks. This will consist of approximately six 1-hour sessions between registered students and mentors. Sign up here Mentorship Matching Signup
Possible topics Students may need Mentors’ Guidance:
-
Defining scope
-
Synthesis
-
Imposter Syndrome
-
Scope > drawing boundaries
- Research design
-
Others
For more info, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Campus Lead Nicole.
As-per-request Support
- Book a 1-on-1 Support Friday with Ashley Dion, Map the System Canada program lead.
- Email kmcgowan@mtroyal.ca for a question or other support with Dr. Katherine McGowan, Social innovation and system-thinking professor.
Online Resources
Upcoming live workshops by Map The System Canada
- AI in Systems Thinking: Ethical Considerations for Students and Educators - Friday, February 07 | 01:00 - 02:00 PM MST.
- Navigating Lived Experience in Your Systems Thinking Research - Friday, February 21 | 01:00 - 02:00 PM MST.
- Crafting Compelling Systems Stories - Friday, March 28 | 01:00 - 02:00 PM MST.
Guides and Resources
Student Guide to Mapping a System
The 100-page guide serves as a toolbox which students can select from a range of tools, theories, tips, and matrices organized into 12 steps.
Map The System Canada website is where students can find a collection of videos, webinars, and readings that are valuable resources for understanding system thinking
Map The System Global captures all the participants and winners at the global level along with past research topics and experiences
Introductory video to Global Map The System
Check out the video for a deep dive into the Global Map the System competition
Campus lead: Nicole Darnayla
Nicole aims to facilitate a vibrant campus environment that encourages students from diverse disciplines to engage with complex societal issues through systems thinking. She also hopes to cultivate a community of system thinkers and problem-solvers who are equipped to address the complex challenges facing our world today.
As a previous participant who loved the opportunity that Map the System has provided her, she hopes to spark the same passion in other students. Along with her group, Nicole honed a top 5 spot for the campus final where her group discussed Mental Health Perceptions in Southeast Asia. As a psychology student, Nicole has really appreciated systems thinking as it provides her with a new perspective both in her studies and in her everyday life.
Contact: idarn171@mtroyal.ca
Meet The Alumni
