Laurentian University Previews 12th Year of Intercultural Ride-Along Initiative

October 15, 2026— As community partners prepare for the 2026–27 cohort of the Intercultural Ride-Along and Job Shadow program, members of the Laurentian University campus community are advised that they may notice an increased presence of Greater Sudbury Police Service officers and vehicles on campus, on key program dates, specifically on the day of orientation (Thursday, October 22, 2026) and the day of the closing ceremony (Thursday, March 11, 2027). 

First launched in 2014 and now in its 12th year, this impactful community initiative is delivered through a collaborative partnership between Laurentian University, the Greater Sudbury Police Service, Collège Boréal, Cambrian College, and the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario–Employment and Immigrant Services. Students are paired with officers and police professionals for ride-alongs and job shadows, learning about Ontario traffic laws, how and when to call 911, fraud and scam awareness, and career opportunities at the Greater Sudbury Police Service.

"Arriving in a new country is a big step, and we want our international students to feel welcomed, safe, and at home in Greater Sudbury from day one," said Bahaa Habra, International Student Services Coordinator and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor at Laurentian University. "The Intercultural Ride-Along program breaks down barriers between newcomers and police, builds trust and understanding on both sides, and gives students a firsthand look at how policing and community safety work in Canada."

Rooted in the Greater Sudbury Police Service Respect, Inclusivity, Courage, and Honesty (RICH) values. 

Campus members can expect to see participating Greater Sudbury Police Service officers on campus for program events throughout the academic year.

• Orientation Day: Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Northern Water Sports Centre.
• Ride-Alongs and Job Shadows: Conducted throughout the 2026–27 academic year.
• Closing Ceremony: March 11, 2027, at the Student Life Centre (Student Government Association).

All participating candidates from Laurentian University have cleared their final Greater Sudbury Police Service background checks and are fully authorized to participate in this year's programming.

Future Cohort Inquiries

Selection for the 2026–27 cohort is complete, and all current spots are filled. International students interested in joining the 2027–28 cohort can submit expressions of interest in August 2027. For details, contact Bahaa Habra at bhabra@laurentian.ca or through the general inquiries email: interntational@laurentian.ca.