The Canadian Society for the Study of Religion/Canadienne pour l’Étude de la Religion (CSSR/SCÉR) is delighted to host its annual Student Lunch during the Congress, a cherished tradition that has been a cornerstone of the conference since 2008.This event has consistently provided graduate and undergraduate students with a valuable opportunity to connect with peers and faculty in an informal setting, fostering essential networking relationships, even as the format adapted during the pandemic.
The primary goal of the Student Lunch has always been to create a space for professional development and community building. Past luncheons have featured discussions on various topics, including strategic planning for graduate studies, grant writing, and career pathways.
We are pleased to continue this important tradition. Attending the Student Lunch offers a unique chance to build connections with fellow students from across Canada and beyond, explore the diverse research in the field of religious studies, and gain valuable insights into navigating academic and professional careers. Whether you are a new undergraduate attendee or a seasoned graduate student, the Student Lunch is an excellent opportunity to become more integrated into the CSSR/SCÉR community and benefit from the collective knowledge and support of your fellow scholars.
2026 CSSR Student Luncheon and Guest Speaker
We warmly encourage all student members to participate in our Student Lunch on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
This year, we are honoured to have Dr. Jennifer Selby speak at the luncheon on the topic, Publishing Your First Article or Book Chapter: A Practical Guide for Graduate Students.
Dr. Jennifer Selby is a jointly appointed professor to the Departments of Religion and Culture and Political Science at Memorial University, where she also directs the Nexus Centre for Humanities and Social Scientific Research. Her ethnographic-based research examines secularism, gender politics and race. She is author most recently of Secular Sensibilities (UNC Press, 2025).
2025 CSSR Student Luncheon and Guest Speaker
We warmly encourage all student members to participate in our Student Lunch on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 12:00pm to 1:30pm.
This year we are honoured to have Dr. Cathy Holtmann speak at the luncheon on the topic, Career Strategies: Navigating Academic and Non-Academic Jobs with a Degree in Religion.
Dr. Cathy Holtmann is a Professor and Chair of Sociology at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. Her research focuses on gender, religion, family violence, and social action. She is the academic lead for the Religion and Violence Research Team and co-investigator on the Violence Against Women Migrants and Refugees project. Dr. Holtmann has extensive experience teaching and is a key member of various research initiatives.