Quality Money

SAVE THE DATE: The next Quality Money application deadline is Friday November 29th at 4 pm. Forms for the new cycle will be available early in the Fall semester.

At many post-secondary institutions across the country students and faculty have little say in how finances are invested in academic programs and campus life in general. At the University of Calgary (U of C), thanks to your Students’ Union (SU), the campus community has access to a resource that allows them to create and implement projects and initiatives identified as priorities for students. This resource is Quality Money.

Quality Money is a unique partnership between your SU and the U of C. Each year the SU is provided with approximately $1.5 million from the U of C Board of Governors to invest in projects that will enhance the overall student experience.

Each fall semester, the SU invites Quality Money proposals from students, faculty and other members of the campus community. The major stipulation of these proposals is that the project or initiative must contribute to one of the Quality Money Funding Pillars. The definition of each funding stream can be found in the application package. 

History

An original proposal from your SU, Quality Money funding was first secured from the University Board of Governors (BOG) by your SU in 2003 as part of the annual ‘tuition consultation’. The first quality money allocation totaled $800,000. However, the money was not allocated until 2004.

Since 2004, the Quality Money initiative has grown both financially and in scope. In 2005, due to the previous year’s success of the program, funding allocation increased to $1,377,601.56. Since then, annual funding allocation from BOG has been, on average, approximately $1.4 - $1.6 million. Since 2004, approximately $8,434,000 has been awarded to Quality Money initiatives.

Past Quality Money projects have included funding for physical space changes to create needed meeting space, study space and lockers. It has enhanced sustainability by supporting the SU Sustainability Board Fund and bicycle transportation-related projects. It has increased academic opportunities through book loan and bursary programs, enhanced university library resources and new library spaces, and provided much-needed computer and laboratory equipment. Quality Money has funded the Teaching and Learning Centre to assist with teacher preparedness and course redesigns.

More information on past projects can be found in the Quality Money history section.

Working in Partnership

Quality Money is an excellent example of collaboration between your SU, the university and the student body. The Quality Money proposal process allows the SU to determine where students feel money should be invested on campus. Furthermore, thanks to feedback and proposals received through the Quality Money program, the SU is better able to inform the university about the priorities and concerns of students.

Your SU uses feedback from students in determining where to invest Quality Money each year. The Quality Money committee reviews proposals and approves a certain number each year based on the overall benefits proposed for students. Projects that have been approved are usually announced in the spring.