The Students' Union performs many functions, ranging from event planning to running the campus food bank. If you have an advocacy-related concern—whether you'd like to get involved, share an idea, or have a question about our campaigns—you may be wondering who to contact. Below is a handy guide to who performs which advocacy functions in the SU.
Each Faculty elects a Representative to the Students' Legislative Council, to fulfil duties outlined in the Union Bylaw. These representatives are students like you who live and breathe their faculty, so if your query or concern is related to their portfolio, start the ball rolling and contact them.
Direct media queries to Nathan Ross, Manager of Communications and Government Relations, (email nathan.ross@ucalgary.ca) or phone (403-835-1836). Media queries relating to all of the SU's operations must be addressed this way, such as enquiries pertaining to the Q Centre, Food Bank, SLC initiatives, and others.
More specific administration issues can be raised with SLC's Board of Governors or Senate Representatives (contact info here). Alongside the SLC's executives, these students represent you on two of UCalgary's governing bodies: the Senate which oversees public interests in relation to University governance, and the Board of Governors, which oversees the University's management and operations.
Every Students' Legislative Council meeting is open to the public, and dedicates ten minutes to a period named Statements and Questions from Students-at-Large. Gallery members can make statements or put questions to representatives.
Your SLC meets in Council Chambers in the MacEwan Student Centre at 5.30pm, every Tuesday during the fall/winter session (except during exam weeks), and every second Tuesday in the spring/summer session (except in May, when Executives are being oriented).
When the SLC meeting reaches this part of the agenda, the Speaker will ask the gallery if anyone wants to speak. Raise your hand and wait to be called. If called, introduce yourself with your full name and campus status ("undergraduate" will do) before voicing your statement or question.
You can talk about anything you like, but do so respectfully, or the Speaker will cut you off. Sharing an opinion is fine, but you will be expected to back any claims you make with evidence. Be concise so that everyone gets a chance to speak, and if you receive an answer, please don't make any follow-up remarks unless the Speaker recognises you again.
SLC members are not obligated to answer your questions. For example, they may not know the answer and require time tor research. If time runs out before you're called, you can contact your Faculty Representative after the meeting.
Your Council Executives stand at the ready. Empowered by the Union Bylaw, their full-time gig is advocating for student interests. They set the SLC's annual strategic plan, report monthly to the full SLC on their progress, and between them serve on all three of the University of Calgary's governing bodies: the Board of Governors, the Senate, and the General Faculties Council (plus many more committees). Read their portfolios below to see who you'll need in your corner.
The President represents the SU on the University's Board of Governors and General Faculties Council, and generally act as the SU's spokesperson. They specialise in advancing student interests in the following areas:
- cost of education, student awards and financial aid.
- campus planning, facilities management and facilities development, including matters of cultural and physical accessibility.
- hiring of senior University leaders and their performance reviews.
- negotiating and interpreting agreements pertaining to spaces managed or owned by the SU.
- the reputation of the University and/or the SU.
- coordinating efforts to communicate with students and the public.
- calling Town Hall Meetings to discuss any issue within the SU's scope, if at least 100 'Active Members' submit a written request, detailing the issue up for discussion. (All undergraduates registered in at least one credit course at UCalgary are Active Members of the SU.)
The Vice President External represents the SU on the University's Senate, as well as all municipal, provincial and federal lobbying efforts the SU participates in. They specialise in advancing student interests in the following areas:
- government issues and representation at all layers of governance.
- the cost of education.
- University community initiatives and University alumni relations.
- advocating for SU interests and policies during policy formulation by government and other relevant external organizations, including Indigenization, and topics related to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
- building working relationships with external bodies such as advocacy groups and community associations.
- developing policy positions, in consultation with the SLC.
The Vice President Internal represents the SU on the University's Senate. They specialise in advancing student interests in the following areas:
- student wellbeing, including the SU's health and dental plan, physical/mental health and wellness, including spiritual wellness.
- initiatives related to sustainability, Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
- student life and engagement, including leadership development, volunteering, community service learning, clubs, and the non-academic misconduct appeals process.
- University of Calgary ancillary services, such as Residence.
- Dinos athletics and campus recreation.
- SU governance and financial processes.
- overseeing the negotiation and interpretation of agreements between the SU and third-party vendors, including those jointly handled with the President.
The Vice President Academic represents the SU at the University's General Faculties Council. They specialise in advancing student interests in the following areas:
- teaching and learning, including academic curriculum and program quality.
- academic advising, admissions, enrolment, registration and accommodations, including barriers related to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
- Indigenization in teaching, learning and research.
- experiential learning and career development.
- library and educational resources, copyright, and open educational resources.
- student academic misconduct and related appeals processes.
- undergraduate research.
- student rights.
- University senior leader hiring and performance reviews.
