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New SU leaders, on-campus employment, and awards deadlines
New SU leaders, on-campus employment, and awards deadlines 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello UCalgary students,

First, I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who voted last week in the SU elections. Congratulations to the new executives of the 80th Students’ Legislative Council! Current elected officials continue until April 29, when the new elected officials take their oaths of office. Check out our website for a full list of all the newly elected faculty representatives and other election results.

 

SU awards deadlines

This year we launched two new scholarships with a focus on EDI.

The first is the SU ABLE Award. This $500 award seeks to address challenges in current awards systems and processes that create barriers for persons with disabilities from accessing scholarships and awards. The award aims to recognize students that have demonstrated resilience and shown that regardless of these barriers, they have been ABLE to excel in their educational field and have proven to be a leader for others in their community.

The second is the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Advocacy (IDEA) Award. Funded through Quality Money and administered by the SU, this award seeks to recognize University of Calgary undergraduate students who are actively dedicated to advocating for and improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives on campus. Two $1,500 awards will be given out at the end of the winter semester.

Find more information about these awards, or start your application on the SU website.

The deadline to apply for either award is March 21 at 4 p.m.

 

We’re hiring

The SU is recruiting for a long list of positions that start this summer and next fall. Work on campus and work around your class schedule. Maybe you are looking for experience in administration, leading volunteers, or behind-the-scenes work as the Deputy Speaker at SLC. Or, maybe you have always wanted to help plan events, or run multiple social media accounts. Check out our website – the deadline to apply is this Friday, March 18.

 

Ramadan hampers

The SU Campus Food Bank is proud to introduce a new initiative – Ramadan Hampers. With Ramadan beginning next month, we are offering a special food hamper for those campus community members who may need a little support to celebrate the occasion this year. Requests open March 28, through the SU Campus Food Bank.

 

The Den: now offering take-out

Finally, one more quick tip for those who are back on campus: the Den has a new take-out ordering section on their website. You can place your order from anywhere on campus, and then pick it up on your way through Mac Hall.

 

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

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Notice of Election – General Election 2022
Notice of Election – General Election 2022 150 150 Gene Baines

Notice is hereby given that an election will be held for the filling of the following offices:

President (1)
Vice President Academic (1)
Vice President External (1)
Vice President Operations and Finance (1)
Vice President Student Life (1)
Faculty Representatives, Arts (5)
Faculty Representative, Cumming School of Medicine (2)
Faculty Representatives, Haskayne School of Business (1)
Faculty Representative, Law (1)
Faculty Representative, Nursing (1)
Faculty Representatives, Science (3)
Faculty Representative, Veterinary Medicine (1)
Faculty Representative, Werklund School of Education (1)
Senate Student at Large Representative (2)

Online voting will take place on the 8th, 9th, and 10th days of March, 2022 through the myUofC Student Centre. Voting opens at 9 a.m. on March 8th and closes at 4 p.m. on March 10th, 2022. All University of Calgary undergraduate students registered in the Winter 2022  session are eligible to vote.

VACANCIES

In accordance with section 48 of the The Union Bylaw, the Chief Returning Officer declares the following positions vacant:

Faculty Representative, Kinesiology (1)
Faculty Representatives, Haskayne School of Business (1)
Faculty Representatives, Schulich School of Engineering (2)
Faculty Representative, Social Work (1)
Board of Governors Student at Large Representative (1)

Please see www.su.ucalgary.ca/elections for up-to-date information.

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Conversations on Black History at the SU, Sex Week, and last call for the SU Survey
Conversations on Black History at the SU, Sex Week, and last call for the SU Survey 150 150 Gene Baines

Happy February, UCalgary,

February is a very busy month around the SU – here’s what we have lined up.

Sex Week (Feb. 7 – 11)

UCalgary’s annual Sex Week is happening this week, Feb. 7 – 11. It’s a great opportunity to have all your questions answered about sex, love, relationships and so much more. Check out the schedule of events and other resources on our website. Make sure you join us on Instagram @SUUofC for a virtual carnival of resources, and a cooking demonstration called “Passion for your Palate” (hosted by our very own Executive Chef Hussein Haji!)

Conversations on Black History at the SU (Feb. 17 and 25)

Join SU VP Student Life Assad Ali Bik as he interviews past and present student leaders, highlighting Black history at the SU. On Thursday, Feb. 17, our guests will be current SU Campus Food Bank coordinator Ganiyat Sadiq, and 77th SU Faculty of Arts Representative Tomiwa Oje. On Friday, Feb. 25, our guests will be 78th SU VP Academic Semhar Abraha, and 51st Vice President External Chima Nkemdirim. Both interviews will be streamed live on the SU’s Facebook page.

SU Survey – last call

Have you taken the SU Survey yet? There are two great reasons to do it:

  1. We use your feedback to improve our programs, services, and advocacy every year.
  2. You could win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. The survey closes this Friday, Feb. 11, so take it now and tell a friend.

SU General Election and Referendum

The SU General Election is coming up soon – here are the important things to know:

Fines for Food (Feb. 14 – 20)

We are beyond excited to continue our partnership with UCalgary’s Parking and Transportation Services – it’s called Fines-for-Food. Have you got outstanding parking fines? Pay them between Feb. 14 – 20, and half of the revenue will be donated to the SU Campus Food Bank!

All tickets paid during this period will be included in the program, regardless of when they were originally issued. Not sure how to pay your tickets? Visit parking.ucalgary.ca.

Teaching Excellence Awards

We know that, just like all of us, profs and TAs have had an incredibly challenging year. But we also know that students have noticed – last year, we received a record number of Teaching Excellence nominations from UCalgary students. So do you have a prof that has been going the extra mile this semester? Or a TA that makes it worth getting up for an 8 a.m. lab? If so, make sure you nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award. Complete a short online form and we’ll make sure they know their extra effort is appreciated.

Not that anyone’s counting, but as of today you’re only 11 days away from Reading Week! Hang in there – you’ve got this.

All the best,

Nicole,
President, The Students’ Union

Stay up to date by following the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

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Notice of Referendum – General Election 2022
Notice of Referendum – General Election 2022 150 150 Gene Baines

Background Information: In the October 2021 By-Election, the SU asked non-binding plebiscite questions to better understand the insurance needs and priorities of students. Through these plebiscite questions, students indicated to the SU that maintaining or increasing current service provision was important to them. A majority of respondents were willing to pay more for the Health and Dental Plans to ensure service provision did not decrease. The SU Health and Dental Plans are not currently financially sustainable.

The Students’ Union Health Plan was established by referendum in 1989, and the last fee increase to this plan was approved by referendum in 1993. The Students’ Union Dental Plan was established by referendum in 1991, and its premiums have never increased. As a result, the sustainability and viability of the Health and Dental plans is now at risk. If fees do not increase, coverage for health and dental services will decrease. The plans cover only full-time students, and students may opt-out of the plans if they have comparable coverage. Changes to these fees will have no effect on students who opt-out of the plans.

Question 1

In this election, an amendment to the SU Constitution is being proposed which would allow for small annual increases to the cost of the Health and Dental plans to occur without the need for future referendum questions. These potential future fee increases would only be initiated if needed to sustain the funding of the plans and would be tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The maximum annual increase would be limited to 4%. This means that students might not experience an increase for several years, or that an increase may occur to only one of the plans. Students would be informed of changes to the price of their plan prior to the payment deadline.

Using the CPI to adjust the cost of the SU Health and Dental Plans from here on will ensure these plans remain sustainable over time. Additionally, the need for large fee increases through referendum questions in future years would be limited.

[download]

  • Question: Do you support allowing annual fee increases, based on inflation and limited to a maximum of 4% per year, to the SU Health and Dental Plans to occur without a referendum question being put to students by creating Article IX.D.1.a of the Students’ Union Constitution as follows:
    1. Fees for the health and dental plans may be increased up to an annual limit of 4 per cent, without a referendum question being put to members, to ensure the maintenance and financial sustainability of the plans.

[half]YES[/half][half]NO[/half]

[/download]

Question 2

The SU is proposing a fee increase of $10 to maintain the current coverage levels offered through the Dental Plan. If approved, this increase would bring the total annual cost of the Dental Plan to $100, paid annually on the date that eligible students are first charged fees and tuition (September for most programs). If the increase is not approved, the plan will remain at a cost of $90 and there will be a decrease in the current coverage of services through the Dental Plan to ensure financial sustainability. Changes to this fee will have no effect on students who opt out of the Dental Plan.

[download]

  • Question: Do you support a $10 increase to the annual fee for the Dental Plan, for a total annual cost of $100?

[half]YES[/half][half]NO[/half]

[/download]

Question 3:

The SU is proposing a fee increase of $20 to increase the current coverage levels offered through the Health Plan. This proposal would increase coverage for vision services, provide students with access to additional mental health supports, and increase access to paramedical practitioners, such as chiropractors or massage therapists.

If approved, this increase would bring the total annual cost of the Health Plan to $123, paid annually on the date that eligible students are first charged fees and tuition (September for most programs). If the increase is not approved, the plan will remain at a cost of $103 and there will be a decrease in the current coverage of services through the Health Plan to ensure financial sustainability. Changes to this fee will have no effect on students who opt out of the Health Plan.

[download]

  • Question: Do you support a $20 increase to the annual fee for the Health Plan, for a total annual cost of $123?

[half]YES[/half][half]NO[/half]

[/download]

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Notice of Nomination – General Election 2022
Notice of Nomination – General Election 2022 150 150 Gene Baines

Notice is hereby given that Nomination Days are Monday, February 7 to Wednesday, February 9, 2022 and that nominations for the election of a candidate for the following offices will be received via Zoom video conferencing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please visit the Elections page to access the link.

Offices Available (Number of Vacancies)
President (1)
Vice President Academic (1)
Vice President External (1)
Vice President Operations and Finance (1)
Vice President Student Life (1)
Faculty Representatives, Arts (5)
Faculty Representative, Cumming School of Medicine (2)
Faculty Representatives, Haskayne School of Business (2)
Faculty Representative, Kinesiology (1)
Faculty Representative, Law (1)
Faculty Representative, Nursing (1)
Faculty Representatives, Schulich School of Engineering (2)
Faculty Representatives, Science (3)
Faculty Representative, Social Work (1)
Faculty Representative, Veterinary Medicine (1)
Faculty Representative, Werklund School of Education (1)
Board of Governors Student at Large Representative (1)
Senate Student at Large Representative (2)

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The SU Survey, upcoming General Election, and continued advocacy efforts
The SU Survey, upcoming General Election, and continued advocacy efforts 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello, UCalgary, and welcome back to the winter semester.

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Nicole Schmidt – your Students’ Union President. I know that it has been an incredibly challenging start to the semester for students, so I have a few updates for you as you ease back into classes as well as updates on ongoing Students’ Union advocacy initiatives for the winter semester.

Take the SU Survey

First up – Take the annual SU Survey now and enter to win one of ten $100 Amazon.ca gift cards. It’s your chance to voice your thoughts on the SU’s programs, services, and businesses – we want to make them even better, but we can’t do it without your help. Past survey data has influenced everything from payment options at the Stör to funding for new study spaces. It only takes 10 minutes – you can take the survey now.

Run in the SU General Election

Have you ever thought about taking on a leadership role at the SU? The SU General Election is coming soon. Official nomination packages will be available at the end of the month – but in the meantime, we’re regularly updating our election webpages with important information and deadlines. Want the details about what it’s like to campaign? Need insight into the life of an SLC member? You are welcome to check out our tip sheets, make an appointment with our CRO, or attend one of our Pre-Election Workshops from Jan. 26-28.

SU Clubs

Normally this week would have been the second Clubs Week of the year, and unfortunately, with classes online and so few people on campus, we’ve had to cancel this event. However, clubs are still active, and I would encourage you to check out the full clubs list if you are looking for something new to join. If you are a club leader and want some help getting the word out about your events, we are happy to help! Make sure to connect with @SUUofCClubs on Instagram. And one more quick note for Clubs – we are accepting nominations for Club Awards now until Feb. 22. Help us recognize excellence in team leadership, service, sustainable practices, advocacy, and innovation. Nomination forms can be found here.

Advocacy Notes

Moving into this new semester, we have a number of ongoing advocacy initiatives. We are requesting that the university notify students about the remainder of the winter semester as soon as possible, provide students with additional financial supports in light of the pandemic, and develop a contingency plan for the delivery format of future exams and classes.

Mac Hall

Finally, if you are on campus this month, Mac Hall remains open, including Bound and Copied, the Stör, and all your favourites in the food court.

Stay safe, UCalgary. I’ll be back with another update in the coming weeks.

 

Nicole,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

Stay up to date by following the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

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Holiday Hours and Closures
Holiday Hours and Closures 1200 481 Gene Baines

Hour changes and closure notices for MacEwan Student Centre and MacEwan Hall:

  1. Stör will close at 9:00PM, December 17 and reopen at 8:00AM, January 3.
  2. Bound and Copied will close at 5:00PM, December 10 and reopen at 9:00AM, January 3.
  3. The Students’ Union office, including SU executive offices, Students’ Legislative Council member offices, and Volunteer Services, will be close starting 4:30PM, December 10 and reopen at 8:30AM, January 3.
  4. The Den will be closed starting December 11 and reopening for regular hours on January 10.
  5. MacEwan Conference and Event Centre and MacHall Concerts will be closed starting at 4:30PM, December 10 and reopening 8:30AM, January 3. Previously scheduled events will remain on schedule.

[alert]PLEASE NOTE: Building access to MacEwan Student Centre / MacEwan Hall will be closed to public access starting at 11:00PM, December 23, 2021 and reopen at 6:00AM, January 3, 2022. 

All building doors will be locked, businesses and services will be closed to the public.

[/alert]

During the holiday closure, there will be no responses to emails, social messages, and phone calls, unless you have prior arrangements.

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Undergraduate Research Week (and some news about January Clubs Week!)
Undergraduate Research Week (and some news about January Clubs Week!) 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello UCalgary,

I know it’s crunch time right now, but if you need a quick break I’ve got a few updates for you on some events that are happening around campus before exams, and a few more updates to look forward to in the new year.

URS Research Week: Nov. 23 – 26

The SU’s 16th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium is happening this week. This year’s event is a virtual showcase of undergraduate student research from all faculties, hosted on YouTube. Forty-six undergraduate researchers have submitted short video presentations, and are competing for $23,000 in prizes and scholarships. Judges have been busy adjudicating these presentations, and the awards will be announced on Friday, Nov. 26.

Stress Less Week: Grab and Go Edition is next week (Nov. 29 – Dec. 3)

Stress Less Week returns to Mac Hall next week. Drop by the north courtyard on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon and pick up a surprise activity kit that you can take with you. Or join us for free Yoga in the Space on Tuesday and Thursday (you must RSVP for yoga – see web events for the link).

Textbook Consignment

Are you ready to say goodbye to some old textbooks? Bound and Copied can help you turn them into cash. Bring your used textbooks to Bound and Copied, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. While you’re there, pick up some holiday reading options as well!

Are you already thinking about 2022? So are we.

Clubs Week

We are excited to announce that January Clubs Week will be held in person, Jan. 17 – 21 in the Mac Hall north courtyard. Watch our social media channels for more information over the next few weeks.

SU General Election

Have you ever thought about taking on a leadership role at the SU? Official nomination packages will be available Jan. 24 – but in the meantime, we’re regularly updating our election webpages with important information and deadlines. Want the details about what it’s like to campaign? Need insight into the life of an SLC member? Stay tuned to social media and our website for dates of pre-election workshops in January.

Holiday Closures

The SU offices and Bound and Copied will be closed after Friday, Dec. 10, and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.

Lost and Found: report your lost item

Did you know that the SU manages the Info Centre and Lost and Found in Mac Hall? We recently added a web claim form on our website where you can report a lost item, making it easier for our team to reunite lost items with their owners.

Good luck on your exams! You’re only a few weeks away from a well-deserved break.

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

 

Stay up to date by following the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

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Excellent teachers, SU election candidates, and the Volunteer Tax Program
Excellent teachers, SU election candidates, and the Volunteer Tax Program 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello, UCalgary – I hope you are enjoying your well-deserved time off. I’ve got a few quick reminders for you as we near the end of the month.

Teaching Excellence Awards: nominations are due this Friday

If your professor or TA has helped make this semester great, it might be time to nominate them for an SU Teaching Excellence Award! I know that there are so many deserving instructors this semester, and you can help us recognize them by filling out a quick online form. The deadline for nominations is this Friday, Feb. 25, so please make some time this week to let us know who they are, and what makes them so excellent.

Health Measures Survey: ends Friday at 12 p.m.

With students returning to in-person learning, the SU has been advocating for health measures like vaccination and masking to remain in place for the remainder of the semester. We want to hear what you think. Please fill out this quick survey on campus health measures.

SU General Election: get to know your candidates

This is the time of year that you get to select who represents you at the SU. Check out all the candidate platforms to learn about who is running, and watch one or more of the candidate forums next week to see them in action. The forums for the presidential and vice presidential candidates will be streamed on Instagram @SUUofC beginning March 1. Voting days are up next: March 8 – 10 in your student centre (my.ucalgary.ca).

More SU General Election: Health and Dental Plan Referendum

The SU’s General Election ballot will have three referenda questions that will determine the future of the Student Health and Dental Plan. In short, the prices students pay for their health and dental coverage has remained the same for almost 30 years, while costs have continued to increase. Students will vote to determine whether or not the cost of the plan should be increased, considering the impact this will have on coverage. There is a lot more to know before you vote, so please check out the Health and Dental Referendum FAQs on our website.

Student staff positions available

We’re hiring! The SU is looking for a variety of part-time positions for the spring/summer and for next fall. Are you looking for real world experience in planning events, administrative or volunteer leadership experience, or social media marketing? See all the opportunities on our website.

The Volunteer Tax Program opens next week

Finally, the Volunteer Tax Program clinic is back on campus this year. The clinic will open on Monday, Feb. 28 to prepare your tax return for free. Space is limited – you can book your appointment now through our website.

Good luck on your second round of midterms – I’ll be in touch soon!

All the best,
Nicole Schmidt, President
The Students’ Union

Stay up to date by following the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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Health and Dental Plan changes, Elections, and the Fall Harvest Food Drive
Health and Dental Plan changes, Elections, and the Fall Harvest Food Drive 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello UCalgary,

I hope you are settling in after the first month of classes. It’s been busy semester already – here are some quick updates.

Municipal Election News

Advance polls are here on campus Oct. 4 – 5. Visit the Dining Centre from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and cast your vote for city council and school board members, select senate nominees, and vote on adding fluoride to our water. There will also be referendum questions about equalization payments and Daylight-Saving Time.

Undecided about the race for mayor? Check out the recording of our Mayoral Forum.

And there’s still time to pledge to vote – agree to receive text and email updates from us, and you will be entered to win some amazing prizes like $250 at the campus bookstore or $100 at the Den! Updates from us will include fun and informative election events, including reminders of when and where you can vote on-campus. Sign up at www.su.ucalgary.ca/get-out-the-vote-2021

SU By-Election and Health and Dental Plebiscite Voting Days: Oct. 13 – 15

We are running our own By-Election to fill vacancies for Faculty Reps in Medicine, Business, and Social Work, as well as a Senate Student-at-Large seat. We will also be asking three important plebiscite questions on the future of the SU Health and Dental Plan. These are important questions – we need you to let us know what the future plan should look like in terms of student needs, budgets, and priorities. Learn more and preview the plebiscite questions here.

You will be able to vote online through your myUCalgary student centre on Oct. 13, 14, and 15.

Fall Harvest Food Drive

October is here, and so is our Fall Harvest Food Drive, and we’re asking for your help to secure the SU Campus Food Bank for the fall and winter months. We have a wish list of most-needed items on our website, or an easy way to make a monetary donation on our GoFundMe page.

Teaching Excellence Nominations

Do you have a professor that makes your class extraordinary – whether in person or online? Has an instructor or TA gone the extra mile this semester to keep the quality of their courses high? You should nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award! It’s really easy: just complete the short online form. All nominations for your Fall 2020 profs/TAs must be received by October 22. 

Quality Money Proposals

The SU knows that the best ideas for projects or services that enhance the quality of student life on campus come directly from students. In the past, we’ve funded brilliant ideas like club scholarships, sexual violence prevention programming, Indigenous programming, and peer-assisted study sessions. If you’ve got a big idea, apply for an SU Quality Money grant and make it a reality. The deadline is November 26 – start your application today!

Are you an undergraduate researcher?

Have you spent some time in the lab and made a unique discovery? Will your critical analysis lead to positive social change? Share your accomplishments at the Undergraduate Research Symposium for the chance to win a scholarship. Abstracts are due Oct. 8 at 4:00 p.m. For more information or to submit an abstract, visit our website.

COVID-related academic accommodations and C/G option

I know this year is a challenge for all of us, and uniquely challenging for students. So I just wanted to remind you about a few things that might help. First, the U of C has developed a centralized website where students can find information about COVID-related academic accommodations.

I also wanted to remind you that, as a result of SU advocacy, you have the option to choose a C/G (Credit Granted) on a course, rather than a letter grade. There will be restrictions in place for some faculties. The rules are here – it’s something to keep in mind if you have a course that might otherwise negatively impact your GPA.

I’ll be back with another email soon – there is always lots to share. In the meantime, the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

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