Advocacy

Advocacy Blog: Call for an Independent Review, Housing, and More

Advocacy Blog: Call for an Independent Review, Housing, and More 150 150 admin

The past couple of months have been very busy for the SU advocacy team, working to support students on a variety of important issues. Read about our recent accomplishments and what we have been up to these past couple of months:

The SU has called for an independent review into the University administration’s handling of May 9th

The SU is calling for an independent review of the actions and decisions that led to multiple student injuries on May 9th at the University of Calgary, where a police response requested by President Ed McCauley and the University administration turned violent.

There is precedent within recent university history for these kinds of independent reviews, most recently in 2015 when then-president Elizabeth Cannon was alleged to have a conflict of interest that was investigated by former Justice Terrence McMahon.

The Students Legislative Council, which is the official governing body for the SU, called on the university’s board of governors to publicly initiate a review on May 28. Beyond the review, the Student Legislative Council also demands an explanation for why no students were involved with the crisis management team assembled to deal with the protest and a review of the policies and procedures the university was acting under.

Another win for Housing

After delivering more than 250 postcards to Ward 7 City Councillor Terry Wong and speaking at the public hearing about why the issue impacts students, the Rezoning for Housing motion was passed on May 14th by Calgary City Council. The passing of this motion will loosen zoning bylaws to allow more housing to be built and built faster. The zoning change was one of the recommendations in the housing strategy, which the SU advocacy team also advocated strongly for and was successfully passed in the fall.

SU Elected Officials have successfully delayed the university from eliminating a layer of protection in the academic appeal process

The University Appeals Office was looking to collapse its second layer of appeals, which provides an accountability measure and the ability to appeal the original decision due to procedural unfairness. SU elected officials expressed that this will not benefit students because if students choose to or require an appeal for their original appeal, they will need to go to the civil courts instead.

After long consultation, it has been agreed to maintain the two-level structure of appeals and do further consultation with the SU about the matter. The University Appeals Office has also committed to having consistent consultation with the SU in the future regarding the entire appeals system in general.

University of Calgary Students’ Union Response To Violence Against Student Protestors

University of Calgary Students’ Union Response To Violence Against Student Protestors 150 150 Nathan Ross

The University of Calgary Students’ Union (SU) unequivocally condemns the actions taken against students on May 9th, which saw students assaulted with flash-bang grenades, tear gas, and non-lethal munitions in alarmingly rapid escalation. This extreme response was requested by the University of Calgary President Ed McCauley and the University Administration.  These students, many of whom were arrested or injured, were exercising their freedom of peaceful assembly guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

The university’s utilization of Calgary Police Service (CPS) was an invitation for violence against students. It is our belief that without this, the protest would have remained peaceful. Unlike at other Canadian universities, the University of Calgary’s administration made no serious efforts to speak with the protestors before directing CPS to remove them from campus. This is a failure of leadership from President McCauley and the University of Calgary Administration. 

Student protesters sought dialogue with admin, only to be continuously rebuffed. The fact that the university’s president feels more comfortable calling the police than meaningfully engaging with students demonstrates where his priorities lie. 

Furthermore, we vehemently dispute the accuracy of the statement released by the Office of the President that the protest only ‘devolved’ with the arrival of counter-protestors. According to protestors as well as video footage posted from the event, no counter-protesters were present when the CPS escalated its tactics. Calgary Police had secured the area well before 10:00 pm with only a singular point of entry that was being used to escort individuals out, which either means that no one was able to enter or those that entered were permitted to do so.

We have reached out to President McCauley early this morning, but as of publication of this statement, our request to better understand why the protesters were not engaged has gone unanswered. The fact that we have yet to hear back from the administration after students were teargassed on our campus yesterday is deeply unsettling. Yesterday’s actions set back years of progress that was built towards strong relations between the administration and students, leaving students to ask how they are supposed to feel safe exercising their rights on campus if the first response is to call the police. 

An apology will not be sufficient from President McCauley, and we will wait for either the administration to resume dialogue with us or for them to take accountability for what happened. If that does not happen, we will be pushing for more serious action, as determined by student demand. 

The SU is above all else concerned with ensuring student safety and that student rights are upheld. We appreciate the continued response and the unified calls for accountability from the community. The SU continues to invite all students interested in speaking with us or requesting support to contact the SU or visit our offices during the week. 

 

Housing Advocacy Continues!

Housing Advocacy Continues! 150 150 admin

Housing continues to be a hot topic, and the SU is ensuring that student voices continue to be heard as we approach a pivotal vote at City Council on April 22!

In September, students made their voices heard loud and clear joining hundreds of others rallying for housing affordability in front of City Hall. The energized group heard messages of support from Mayor Gondek, Councillor Walcott, and many inspiring individuals sharing the impact that the housing crisis is having on folks in Calgary. On September 16, our hard work paid off and the city’s proposed housing strategy was successfully passed in full, with additional amendments made to prioritize student housing.

NOW we are calling on the City Council to finish what they started and Vote “yes” to R-CG zoning on April 22.

What does this vote mean?

On April 22, City Council is voting to approve R-CG zoning city-wide. Passing this vote will mean putting an end to exclusionary zoning practices in Calgary. Students in Calgary continue to be pushed to the far corners of the city because of the lack of housing options. This needs to stop now.

Current zoning in Calgary creates a host of unnecessary barriers for folks looking to live near the University of Calgary or in other vibrant neighbourhoods. Approving R-CG zoning will help address this problem.

Find the City’s info sheet here to learn more about RC-G.

Want to make your voice heard?

President’s Message: Pet Therapy, C of Red at the Den, Work with US

President’s Message: Pet Therapy, C of Red at the Den, Work with US 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

With only four weeks left of regular classes, we are on the home stretch! Here are a few ways to help lift some of that end-of-semester stress:

Fun nights coming up at the Den and Mac Hall Concerts:

  • C of Red at the Den: Thursday, Mar. 14. Join us for Calgary Flames giveaways and Den specials. The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. – see you there!
  • Superhero Trivia night: Tuesday, Mar. 26 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Reserve your table by emailing theden@su.ucalgary.ca
  • Letterkenny: A night of stand-up comedy featuring comedians from the Letterkenny family, Saturday, Mar. 30 in MacEwan Hall. Tickets at https://www.showclix.com/event/letterkenny-presents-a-night-of-stand-up-

Pet Therapy in That Empty Space: Mar. 20

Join our fluffy friends from P.A.L.S. on Wednesday, Mar. 20 in That Empty Space.

Work with US as a Volunteer Coordinator: Apply by March 15

The SU is hiring student staff coordinators for our Volunteer Services programs (Q Centre, SU Campus Food Bank, and more!) These positions run mid-August to next April, 2025. The deadline has been extended to Friday, March 15. See the position descriptions and how to apply on our website.

Ramadan hampers

Until April 4, the SU Campus Food Bank is offering a special food hamper for those campus community members who may need a little support to celebrate the occasion this year. Request a Ramadan Hamper through the SU Campus Food Bank by emailing foodbank@ucalgary.ca

Food and Housing Insecurity at the University of Calgary Research Survey

The GSA is conducting an online survey about food and housing insecurity at UCalgary and we are helping to get the word out to more undergrads! Please see this message from the research team about the survey:

Share your experiences with food and housing security with us by participating in an online research study! Given the demands placed on students and the rising costs of living, it can be difficult to meet basic needs. We are conducting a research study to understand food and housing security in the University of Calgary student population. Your voice will help us advocate for supports to ensure all students have access to food and housing. The University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board has approved this research study (REB 23-1211). The Principal Investigator is Dr. Erin Spring (erin.spring@ucalgary.ca). To participate in the research study survey, please click HERE.

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette


Follow us!
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Advocacy Blog: Affordable Housing and Tuition Consultation

Advocacy Blog: Affordable Housing and Tuition Consultation 150 150 admin

Housing Affordability

The SU advocacy team has been advocating to city council about the importance of supporting and implementing the housing affordability recommendations, which were brought to committee on September 14th. The SU advocacy team spoke with city councillors leading up to the vote about the impact that skyrocketing rental prices and extremely low vacancy rates have had on students, urging councillors to pass all the recommendations.

Students made their voices heard loud and clear at City Hall on September 14th, joining hundreds of others rallying for housing affordability. The energized group heard messages of support from Mayor Gondek, Councilor Wallcott, and many inspiring individuals sharing the impact that the housing crisis is having on folks in Calgary during the rally.

VP External, Mateusz Salmassi, and passionate students Isabella Rodriguez Pinedo, Michael Storozhakov, and Siraaj Shah spoke at the public hearing expressing that the strategy is essential for students and Calgarians alike. On September 16th the strategy was successfully passed in full with additional amendments which prioritize student housing and landlord licensing.

What exactly does this mean? Passing the ‘Home is Here’ housing strategy means many positive things for students and increased access to affordable and safe living accommodations. This includes 25 million dollars invested into post-secondary student housing, exploring landlord licensing, 3,000 new non-market homes and an additional 1,000 market homes per year, incentives for secondary suites, zoning changes, and many more positive strategies to address the housing crisis. Passing the strategy is an exciting step towards a more affordable future for all Calgarians. The SU advocacy team will continue to engage with councillors and all levels of government to ensure that these recommendations are effectively implemented.

The SU would like to extend a huge thank you to every person who helped to make the passing of the strategy possible. From students who wrote to their city councillor, helped volunteer, showed up at the rally, or spoke at the public hearing, we couldn’t have done it without you, thank you.

Tuition and Fee Consultation

This month marks the start of the tuition and fee consultation process with the university as they prepare their proposal for the next round of tuition and fee increases. Preliminary proposals for tuition and fee increases were made by the university sharing a 2% proposed increase to domestic tuition, a 10% proposed increase to international tuition, and a 2% increase to all mandatory fees.

As part of the consultation process elected officials and students were provided a chance to respond to the preliminary proposal during SLC on Tuesday, September 26th. The meeting is the first of many meetings which will serve as a chance for both students and SU elected officials to urge admin to take student feedback into consideration. SU president, Shaziah Jinnah Morsette, and VP External, Mateusz Salmassi presented to admin during the September 26th meeting specifically sharing the SU’s expectations and asks regarding the proposal.

So, what are our asks? The SU calls for administration to align international tuition increases with domestic tuition increases. All students are facing significant affordability challenges and disproportionately penalizing international students is something the SU will not stand behind! Additionally, the SU urges administration to increase investment in international student services to better support international students. The SU also calls for a freeze on all fees until there is increased transparency about where money is going and the quality of services that they promise to provide has increased. Students should get good quality services in return for their fees, and this is currently not the case.

Consultations will continue throughout the coming weeks. On October 11th, the university will hold a Student Community Discussion in MacEwan Ballroom. On October 31st, administration will attend a second SLC meeting. Student engagement is essential to make sure that the future proposal reflects what students want.

A Win for Haskayne Student Representatives

The SU is also extremely proud to announce that faculty representatives have secured a voting seat on the Haskayne Faculty Council. Student representatives have not had a vote on the council since 2015 and have worked extremely hard to make sure that students have been afforded a seat at the table.

Advocacy Blog: Updates From Summer 2023

Advocacy Blog: Updates From Summer 2023 150 150 admin

The SU executives have been busy over the summer, transitioning into their roles, working to have student issues heard in the media, and preparing for the fall semester. Cultivating strong relationships at all levels of government has been a key priority for the elected SU executives. Over the summer SU executives have had the opportunity to meet with the UCP Minister of Advanced Education, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, and many elected NDP MLAs. Read all about what we accomplished this summer, as well as what we are still working on!

Affordable housing solutions cannot wait

For the second consecutive year, UCalgary on-campus residences are completely full, leaving many students scrambling for alternatives. Vacancy rates in Calgary are the lowest in nearly a decade, and prices have increased rapidly. Many students are struggling to find affordable housing near the university and are being forced to live far from campus, often in areas poorly served by transit.

The SU is here to help fight back. To provide assistance immediately, we put a call to action out for all Calgarians with a spare room or rental to consider renting to a student and posting it on the SU’s housing partner’s website at www.places4students.com. Calgarians showed up for students and played a key role in helping many students find a safe place to live. Anyone with a place to rent can continue to post listings on the SU’s housing partner’s website at www.places4students.com. The immense support from Calgarians coming together to support students when they need it most has been heartwarming, but the need to support folks being impacted by the housing crisis doesn’t stop there.

Looking at the bigger picture, the SU is advocating to the city council the importance of supporting and implementing the housing affordability recommendations, which will be brought to committee on September 14th. The recommendations are essential for students and Calgarians alike, to address the housing challenges that folks are currently facing. The SU advocacy team will be speaking to city councillors before this meeting to express the need to pass all 33 housing recommendations and the significant impact that the housing crisis is having on students. Join the SU at City Hall on September 14th to stand in support of the housing recommendations!

Taking a big STEP forward

Did you have trouble finding a summer job between the school years? You weren’t alone. This summer, youth unemployment was double the provincial average, pushing many students further into debt and unable to make ends meet. With increased tuition and cost of living, many students need full-time work in the summer to support themselves and afford tuition.

The Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) helped students find meaningful work over the summer, but that program was cancelled in 2019 and has not been replaced since. This summer, we met with multiple government officials expressing the importance of reimplementing a temporary jobs program that supports students and helps connect them to employers. This work will continue throughout the year in hopes of providing students with more options to gain temporary employment opportunities next summer.

Making progress here on campus

A big win that is just in time for the fall semester is that your term breaks will now be actual breaks. The university has recognized that term break is a time for students to prioritize their mental health and well-being, free of academic assessments. Even though the 2018-19 calendar recognized that term breaks were critical aspects of student well-being and mental health, we heard from many of you that it didn’t feel like a break with so many assignments still due in your courses. Our SU President Shaziah Jinnah Morsette started the fight to make sure that student mental health was made a priority during her term as VP Academic last year and has seen that fight through this year. We are overjoyed to have the university commit to respecting students’ need for time to rest and take care of their well-being ahead of this fall semester. Relevant policy changes to ensure that their statement can be enforced will be worked on by the University this governance year. Term breaks this academic year will be held during the fall and winter semesters from November 12-18th and February 18 –24th, respectively. Read the full statement from the University on the Term Break Resources website here for more details.

Tuition prices remain a major issue for students, and it is important to have your voice heard. The SU is working with the university to finalize a tuition and fee consultation guide. This is especially important to ensure that student consultation is consistent and meaningful throughout discussions regarding tuition and fee increases. The SU continues to advocate on behalf of students in these discussions and determining how best to foster ongoing communications between the university, the student body, and the Students’ Union.

In 2020 the university paused the use of Academic Regulation relating to Supporting Documentation and Statutory Declaration (M.1), announcing plans this past June to reinstate this policy. The SU fought heavily for the university to pause the reinstatement of the regulation before having thorough student consultation because this policy does not work for students, but the university moved forward with reinstating the policy anyway. However, because of continued advocacy, the SU has received a commitment from the university to work together on a holistic review of regulations around absences due to illness for assessments.

Demand at the SU Campus Food Bank keeps increasing as student costs skyrocket. The SU Campus Food Bank has been actively supporting the campus community for over 30 years and worked tirelessly over the summer to continue to support folks. To expand the SU Food Bank capacity, the SU hired a third food bank coordinator to help support outreach and awareness efforts, food literacy education, and food hamper preparations. To donate or access resources from the SU Campus Food Bank visit here.

If that wasn’t enough for you, we also have two meaningful wins to benefit students coming back to school! First is that walk-ins at the wellness centre are back for students. The SU has been working with the SU Wellness Centre to bring walk-in appointments back to better support students. Second, club funding has also been streamlined, meaning it’s now easier for clubs to access funds for events and activities. Learn more about Clubs here.

SU executives extending advocacy efforts

Finally, the executives have extended their advocacy efforts at municipal and federal levels through collaboration with other post-secondaries. Vice President External Mateusz Salmassi was elected the Director of Advocacy for the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. Through this role, he elevates the advocacy work the SU does by collaborating with other student associations across Canada to fight for student needs federally. The hot button issues this summer have been housing and student affordability, as mentioned earlier in our blog.

SU President Shaziah Jinnah Morsette was elected as chair of the Calgary Student Alliance (CSA) at the beginning of her term, representing 120,000 postsecondary students on municipal issues in Calgary. This role allows her to amplify the voices of postsecondary students in Calgary, by collaborating towards common goals and bringing attention to the challenges students in Calgary are currently facing. Significant efforts from Shaziah and the CSA have been focused on housing and the upcoming city committee meeting on September 14th. The work that she has undertaken to strengthen the relationships among postsecondary institutions in Calgary has been vital to further the SU’s advocacy reach.

Advocacy wrap-up and a farewell message from Nicole

Advocacy wrap-up and a farewell message from Nicole 150 150 Gene Baines

As my term as Students’ Union President comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to say goodbye and reflect on the past year. Looking back, I am incredibly proud of what the 80th SU Elected Officials have accomplished together: from fighting against term break assignments and ensuring students’ academic rights are upheld, to lobbying on behalf of students to all three levels of government. Some of the most notable advocacy wins from the year include:

  • Student Mental Health: We are excited to announce a new SU Mental Health Bursary, funded to $700,000. Beginning in fall 2023, SU Quality Money will fund $1,000 bursaries for mental health therapy and services for UCalgary undergraduate students.
  • Price Tags: Over the years, students have wondered when price tags are coming to Stör. We are pleased to announce that by fall semester, Stör will have a new system of price tags in place.
  • UPass: SU leaders continue to meet with city councillors to work to provide a better transport option for students that is more equitable for all student needs. Summer UPass eligibility has also been expended to more undergraduate programs starting Summer 2023.
  • Preferred Names: The SU has been advocating to the university to make preferred name changes across university systems accessible and available for students. Students seeking name changes are now able to do so with one request to change their name on a variety of systems. All information regarding this process can be found here.
  • Get Out the Vote: The SU GOTV Campaign continues asking students to pledge to vote in the provincial election. Students can sign up here to pledge to vote and get reminders regarding voting information, the election, and voting locations. Students who pledge to vote will also be entered into a draw to win one of two $250 bookstore gift cards or one of five $100 Den gift cards.
  • Provincial Election Advocacy: The SU hosted Opposition Leader Rachel Notley who took questions from students about post-secondary issues. During her address, she committed to rolling back tuition to 22-23 levels, if elected. This means students will not have to pay the latest UCalgary tuition hike of 5.5%. Other announcements included additional mental health supports, no tuition increases above inflation, and to bring in a summer employment program for students. Many of these commitments are thanks to ongoing SU advocacy with political leaders of all stripes.
  • Board of Governors protest: The SU led a student protest against a fourth consecutive tuition increase in January. About 250 students joined and made their voices heard outside the boardroom, as students were not allowed in. This protest and our calls for inflation supports for students led to Premier Smith committing to financial supports for students the following day. The protest showed how strong students can be when we speak with one voice. Should the university again fail to consult with students on matters, like tuition, that affect them, they know that students will make their displeasure known.

To conclude, I would just like to say thank you to all of the students who voted in the SU General Election for once again putting your trust in me to represent you and lead you this year. I am incredibly honoured to be the first two-term female president in the 80-year history of the Students’ Union. It has been an honour working with you all and I am so proud of what we have accomplished together.
Congratulations on making it to the end of the term – we did it.

Nicole Schmidt
President, The Students’ Union

Q&A with Rachel Notley, Disney Trivia at the Den, and BSD

Q&A with Rachel Notley, Disney Trivia at the Den, and BSD 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello UCalgary,

April is finally here, and we have a few more notes on events and programs for this winter term. The big event this week is a Q&A with Opposition Leader Rachel Notley – there are still a few seats left, and you can RSVP below.

Evening Q&A with Rachel Notley: April 5

The SU is hosting Opposition Leader Rachel Notley for an evening Q&A on post-secondary and Calgary issues. Join us Wednesday, April 5 at 5 p.m. in MacEwan Ballroom for this free event. RSVP at this link.

Disney Trivia Night at the Den: April 4

Who is the villain in Sleeping Beauty? Who is Pinocchio’s conscience? Join us for Disney Trivia night at the Den: Tuesday, April 4, from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

SU Living Room: April 5

Take a study break with us! Drop by That Empty Space any time April 5 for complimentary movies, snacks, and fun activities. We’re showing Top Gun Maverick at 10:30 a.m., and Everything Everywhere All at Once at 1:00 p.m.

Bermuda Shorts Day (BSD) in the Den: April 12

Celebrate the last day of classes in the Den: April 12, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be drink specials and special drinks (with alcohol and alcohol-free), free food and snacks, games and prizes, DJs, karaoke, and more.

Get Out the Vote: now until May 29

Alberta’s provincial election is coming up at the end of May. Are you new to voting, or wondering how to vote on campus? Sign up for text and email updates from the SU and you will be entered to win great prizes like $250 at the campus bookstore or $100 to spend at the Den! Sign up here to get out the vote.

Good Food Box order deadline: April 11

The SU Campus Food Bank is your local Good Food Box depot. The next order deadline is April 11. Order a small, medium, or large box of affordable fruits and vegetables by emailing foodbank@ucalgary.ca

Ramadan hampers: now until April 17

From March 13 – April 17, the SU Campus Food Bank is offering a special food hamper for those campus community members who may need a little support to celebrate the occasion this year. Request a Ramadan Hamper through the SU Campus Food Bank by emailing foodbank@ucalgary.ca

Lockers
Make sure you clean out your locker by April 26. If you leave anything behind, you’ll be able to retrieve it at a cost of $10/bag at Bound and Copied. Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities. Please visit the locker page on our website for more information. If you need a locker for the spring or summer semesters, they’re available on your Student Centre now!

Consign your used textbooks

If you need to get rid of some of those textbooks from your locker, consign them and make some money. Bring your used textbooks to Bound and Copied, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Check out Bound and Copied’s website for more information.

Good luck with your final projects and exams – you’ve got this.

 

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union


Follow us!
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Q&A with Rachel Notley, Alberta Student Day of Action, and BSD

Q&A with Rachel Notley, Alberta Student Day of Action, and BSD 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello UCalgary,

We are less than four weeks away from the last day of classes. And there is still a lot going on and a lot to look forward to – including a Student Day of Action, a Q&A with Opposition Leader Rachel Notley, and of course, Bermuda Shorts Day (BSD).

Alberta Student Day of Action: March 27 

Join us in the TFDL Quad on March 27 at noon for the Alberta Student Day of Action. We’re standing up against tuition increases, the cancelled student jobs program, and lack of mental health support on campus. Let’s show politicians that these issues matter. Will you be there? Let us know.

Evening Q&A with Rachel Notley: April 5 

The SU is hosting Opposition Leader Rachel Notley for an evening Q&A on post-secondary and Calgary issues. Join us Wednesday, Apr. 5 at 5 p.m. in MacEwan Ballroom for this free event. RSVP at this link.

Bermuda Shorts Day (BSD) in the Den: April 12 

Celebrate the last day of classes in the Den: April 12, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. There will be drink specials and special drinks (with alcohol and alcohol-free), free food and snacks, games and prizes, DJs, karaoke, and more.

Trivia Night at the Den: The Office 

Who is Big Tuna? What is the name of Angela’s favourite cat? Join us for The Office Trivia night at the Den: Tuesday, Mar. 21, from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Pet Therapy in That Empty Space 

Join our fluffy friends from P.A.L.S. on Wednesday, Mar. 22 in That Empty Space. (This is the last Pet Therapy of the year, so make sure you come by for a visit!)

The SU Volunteer Tax Clinic 

The tax clinic is open and accepting new clients until April 6. Tax filing services are provided by CRA-trained volunteers for qualifying clients at no charge. Eligibility and booking on our website.

Ramadan hampers 

From March 13 – April 17, the SU Campus Food Bank is offering a special food hamper for those campus community members who may need a little support to celebrate the occasion this year. Request a Ramadan Hamper through the SU Campus Food Bank by emailing foodbank@ucalgary.ca

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union


Follow us!Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Teaching excellence, SU election candidates, and jobs at the SU

Teaching excellence, SU election candidates, and jobs at the SU 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello UCalgary,

I hope you are enjoying a well-deserved rest on your term break. (And if you have a few extra minutes, consider nominating your most deserving prof for an SU Teaching Excellence Award!)

SU 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! Show them you appreciate their efforts and help us recognize them by filling out a quick online form. The deadline for nominations is this Friday, Feb. 24, so please make some time this week to let us know who they are, and what makes them so excellent.

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. This year’s General Election ballot will also have a plebiscite question about the mandatory Dinos Athletics fee. You can preview the question here. Voting days to elect SU leaders and participate in the plebiscite will be March 7, 8, and 9 through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre.

The SU is hiring: 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 SU Volunteer Tax Clinic opens next week

The tax clinic will open on Monday, Feb. 28. Tax filing services are provided by CRA-trained volunteers for qualifying clients at no charge. Eligibility and booking on our website.

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt, President, Students’ Union


Follow us!
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram