I’m Frank Finley, and I’m your SU President.
I know many of you won’t be coming back in person this semester, but I wanted to make sure you knew that even if things look a lot different, we are still here providing services, advice, events, and working with all levels of government and the university administration to ensure quality and affordability for UCalgary students. Whether you are beginning your first year or returning to class and feeling a little uncertain of what to expect, we are here to help you navigate Fall 2020.
The SU is your advocate and representative on campus. We represent your voice to the university, government, and the wider community. We do this in a lot of different ways, such as sitting on university committees, meeting with government officials, and giving you information about what’s happening on and off campus. We’ve heard your concerns: 1,189 students responded to our advocacy survey this summer. And we’ve been working all summer long on your behalf – asking the provincial government to provide direct financial supports for students and cancel the tuition increases they allowed last year, working with the City of Calgary on an affordable alternative to the U-Pass, and lobbying the federal government to increase Canada Student Grants and get more direct financial support for students. You can read a summary of all of our recent advocacy efforts here.
If you are already familiar with the SU, it’s probably because of our regular events like Pet Therapy and Clubs Week. We can’t bring the puppies back just yet, but we are adapting many of our programs and events to fit a new online format. Here are just a few notes for things that are coming soon:
- You can join us for 50 Days of Clubs. This virtual event begins Monday, Sept. 14 – all you have to do is follow @suuofc and @suuofcclubs on Instagram to see 50 days of featured clubs! (That’s ten times more days than Clubs Week, if you are keeping count.) SU Clubs are one of the best ways to find some new friends and develop a new interest or hobby, so make sure you join at least one.
- You can apply to showcase your research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. This year’s URS will be held online, and applications are due Oct. 5.
- You can work with us! Are you interested to learn more about what the SU does, work with SU Elected Officials on projects, and get some serious experience in student government? Consider joining one of our committees. We have open seats on five different committees, and the deadline to apply is Sept. 10. Looking for a bigger commitment? You can run also in the SU By-Election for one of two vacant positions. Nomination packages are available here and must be submitted between Sept. 28 – 30.
Finally, the SU also administers critical services like health and dental coverage and lockers. New students are automatically enrolled in the SU health and dental plan. Already have health and dental coverage? You may be eligible to opt out. The opt-out deadline is Sept. 25 and you can do so by clicking here. If you’ve already opted out, you’re good – you only have to opt out once during your university career. If you need a locker, you can reserve one through your Student Centre.
A great way to keep up to date is to follow the SU on Facebook and Instagram @suuofc.
Have a great September, UCalgary!
– Frank
President, The Students’ Union