Presidents Message

Hello UCalgary,

If you need a quick break from studying, we’ve got a few events to help you recharge before exams.

Undergraduate Research Symposium: Nov. 22 – 23

The SU’s 18th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium is happening this week. On Wednesday and Thursday, wander through the exhibit in Mac Hall North Courtyard and check out the work of all the winners. On Wednesday, Nov. 22, we are hosting research workshops all day long with topics like research data management and representation of minority groups in research leadership.

StressLess Week is next week: Nov. 27 – Dec. 1

StressLess Week returns to Mac Hall just in time. Drop by the North Courtyard on Tuesday for Aromatherapy, Wednesday for tote bag decorating, and Thursday for bracelet-making. We’ve also got two days of Pet Therapy on both Monday and Friday.

Calgary Transit Disruption: Nov. 24 – Dec. 4

Make sure you plan ahead if you usually rely on the train to get to campus. There will be no CTrain service on the Red Line between Chinook and City Hall/Bow Valley College station from Nov. 24 to Dec. 4. Learn more on the Calgary Transit website.

Two more Trivia Nights at the Den: RuPaul on Nov. 23 and Game of Thrones on Dec. 5

Take a real brain break answering some fun questions that don’t impact your GPA. The Den’s Trivia nights start at 6:30 p.m.

The C of Red is coming back to the Den: Nov. 30

The Den is hosting “C of Red” night on Thursday, Nov. 30. Join us for Calgary Flames giveaways and Den specials. You can watch the game at the Den, or if you have tickets to the game, you can hop on a C of Red bus to head down to the Saddledome. The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. – see you there!

Volunteer with the SU Volunteer Tax Program

The Volunteer Tax Program has a few more spots available! We provide volunteers with CRA training, experience in tax preparation, and lots of new friends. Learn more and apply here.

SU Living Room: Disney Edition on Dec. 5

Take a study break with us! Drop by That Empty Space any time Dec. 5 for free movies, snacks, and fun activities. We’re showing Tangled at 10 a.m., Little Mermaid (live action) at 12 p.m., and Elemental at 2:30 p.m.

Textbook Consignment

Are you ready to say goodbye to some old textbooks? Bring your used textbooks to Bound and Copied, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Locker Rentals

Do you need a place to keep your winter boots while you’re in class? We’ve got lockers in convenient locations all over campus, and you can rent one through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre.

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

Shaziah Jinnah Morsette,
Your Students’ Union President

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In September, preliminary proposals for tuition and fee increases for the 2024-2025 academic year 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 non-instructional fees (MNIFs).

This fall, we have been working hard to push UCalgary admin to incorporate student feedback into their proposal for the next round of tuition and fee increases. Thankfully, this year’s new process has allowed more meaningful consultation and more opportunity to voice student needs and concerns.

International students have already endured exorbitant tuition increases over the last four years, some even as high as 40%. And we have concerns about MNIFs – students should have confidence in the transparency of these fees and see value in what they receive in return.

Here are our asks instead:

Tuition

• Align international and domestic tuition increases at 2%
• Provide international students with a 4-year and 5-year tuition guarantee when accepted
• Assemble an Affordability Task Force to be vigilant with this escalating issue

Fees

• Freeze all fee increases until there is more transparent reporting on where fees are going
  • This includes the university providing companion documents to better clarify current Mandatory Non-Instructional Fee reports by Nov. 15
• Commit to improving the value students receive from the Athletics Fee in a meaningful way before it can be increased

 Re-invest in Academics and Mental Health

• Expand academic advising capacity so students can access a quality appointment in a timely manner
• Expand and improve the professional capacity of Student Wellness and Accessibility Services

International Student Supports

• Establish an International Student Advisory Committee to address the urgent needs of international students at UCalgary
• Invest in programs and services that international students need, such as:
  • More transition and program support advisors​
  • More immigration support advisors
  • More funding for programming
  • Hiring someone to be a dedicated wellness service staff member to support international students

Ancillary

• Reduce proposed increases for residences to 1.0-5.0%
• Prioritize student satisfaction with meal plans and increase the quality of food

What’s happening next?

On Tuesday, October 31^st, UCalgary admin will attend a second Students’ Legislative Council (SLC) meeting, where a proposal will be presented for tuition and fee increases for the 2024-2025 academic year, following the student consultation that has occurred. If you’d like to submit a question or comment to be addressed at the SLC meeting, please submit it here.

Our work in addressing these proposed tuition raises all lead up to a vote at the UCalgary Board of Governors’ meeting on December 8. There, we learn if these changes are approved. Student engagement is essential to make sure that the proposal reflects what students want.

I hope that we can count on your support.

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette

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Hello UCalgary,

Thank you so much to all those who voted in the SU By-Election last week. I’ve got just a few more quick reminders for this month.

Teaching Excellence Nominations close on Friday, Oct. 20

This is the last week to nominate your prof or TA for an SU Teaching Excellence Award. Has an instructor or TA gone the extra mile this semester to make your class extraordinary? Nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award. It’s super easy: just complete the short online form.

Fall Food Drive continues until Oct. 31

October is Food Security Awareness Month, and we are holding our annual Fall Food Drive. You can make a donation in person or a monetary donation on our GoFundMe page. Your support helps us provide healthy food options for campus community members in need.

We are also hosting a food-related Wellness Wednesday event called Food for Thought. This will be an interactive presentation Wednesday, Oct. 25 in That Empty Space that will offer tips and tricks for navigating grocery shopping and basic food safety tips that every student should know. RSVP at https://forms.gle/PLX9gFB6LV7pANGTA

The C of Red is coming to the Den: Oct. 26

The Den is hosting our first “C of Red” night on Thursday, Oct. 26. Join us for Calgary Flames giveaways and Den specials. You can watch the game at the Den, or if you have tickets to the game, you can hop on a C of Red bus to head down to the Saddledome. The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. – see you there!

Volunteer with the SU Volunteer Tax Program

The Volunteer Tax Program is build its team, and has a few more spots available! We provide volunteers with CRA training, experience in tax preparation, and lots of new friends. Learn more and apply here.

SU Quality Money and Sustainability Fund Deadlines: Nov. 24

Finally, SU Quality Money is a program that funds projects and programming that improve campus life. In the past, we’ve funded brilliant ideas like scholarships and bursaries, study space renovations, and free period products in Mac Hall. This year, we have combined the deadline with the SU Sustainability Fund. If you’ve got a big idea, apply for a one of these grants and make it a reality. The deadline is November 24. Need some inspiration? Check out the hundreds of projects we’ve funded already.

I’ll be back with another email soon, and in the meantime, the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette

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Hello UCalgary,

Two important events are happening on campus this week: UCalgary’s Student Community Discussion, and the SU By-Election. Both of these events are excellent ways to get involved and be heard. Oct. 11 is also the final day to complete the student housing survey (link below).

UCalgary’s Student Community Discussion: Oct. 11 

UCalgary is hosting a Student Community Discussion on Oct. 11 from 1:30 – 2:30 in MacEwan Ballroom, and they want to hear what students have to say about affordability and all aspects of the student experience. Register to attend in person, or participate online.

This community discussion is part of a larger tuition consultation process leading up to a Board of Governors’ vote in December. UCalgary has released proposed tuition and fee increases for 2024-25, and is seeking student input through this event, a survey, and in several meetings with your SU representatives. We encourage you to review the proposed increases and complete the survey.

SU By-Election Voting Days: Oct. 11 – 13 

Are you, or do you know someone in the Faculty of Arts, Engineering, Nursing, or Veterinary Medicine? If you are in one of these faculties, now is your chance to elect your faculty representatives. The SU By-Election voting days begin Wednesday at 9 a.m. and remain open  until 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. Voting is easy – log in through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre and follow the link.

Have your say in the future of on-campus housing: Oct. 11 

Residence Services wants to understand students needs with UCalgary’s housing options (both on- and off-campus). They are running a survey for all students currently attending UCalgary.

The deadline to submit your responses is Oct. 11, 2023.

SU Quality Money and Sustainability Fund Deadlines 

Just one more reminder – have you heard of SU Quality Money? This program funds projects and programming that improve campus life. In the past, we’ve funded brilliant ideas like club scholarships, the SU Pride Scholarship, study space renovations, and free period products in Mac Hall. This year, we have combined the deadline with the SU Sustainability Fund. If you’ve got a big idea, apply for a one of these grants and make it a reality. The deadline is November 24. Need some inspiration? Check out the hundreds of projects we’ve funded already.

I’ll be back with another email later this week. In the meantime, the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on TikTok and Instagram at @SUUofC.

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette

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Hello UCalgary,

We have lots going on in October so this will be the first of a few messages this month. For now, here is a quick round-up of upcoming events and important deadlines:

FOOD SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH: FALL FOOD DRIVE AND SU SUPER STACK

October is Food Security Awareness Month at the SU, and there are lots of ways to participate.

• Fall Food Drive: You can make a donation in person or a monetary donation on our GoFundMe page
• SU Super Stack: meet us on Wednesday, Oct. 4 in the Mac Hall North Courtyard with boxed food and hygiene products to stack our shelves for the winter.
• Food for Thought: an interactive presentation Wednesday, Oct. 25 in That Empty Space that will offer tips and tricks for navigating grocery shopping and basic food safety tips that every student should know. RSVP at https://forgle/PLX9gFB6LV7pANGTA

SU Q CENTRE OPEN HOUSE: OCT. 5

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 12 – 3 p.m. for our SU Q Centre Open House. Drop in for a tour, snacks and to learn about our programs!

ADVOCACY UPDATES

September was a really busy month for your elected officials. After successfully lobbying City Council to adopt affordable housing recommendations, we are focused on campus next:

encouraging UCalgary admin to consider student feedback as they prepare their proposal for the next round of tuition and fee increases. We have specific asks with respect to tuition increases, international students’ tuition and value, and mandatory non-instructional fees (MNIFs). You can read about our advocacy efforts on our blog.

HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE FUTURE OF ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

Residence Services wants to understand students needs with UCalgary’s housing options (both on- and off-campus). They are running a survey for all students currently attending UCalgary.

The deadline to submit your responses is Oct. 11, 2023.

SU BY-ELECTION: ARTS, SCHULICH, NURSING, AND VET MED

If you are in one of these four faculties, this is your chance to elect your faculty representatives. Nominations are in, and voting days are next week: Oct. 11 – 13. Get to know your candidates here.

CALLING ALL FUTURE TAX EXPERTS

The Volunteer Tax Program is looking to build its 2023 team. We provide volunteers with CRA training, experience in tax preparation, and lots of new friends. Learn more and apply here.

TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

It’s time to start thinking about your excellent teachers this semester. Do you have a prof or TA that goes above and beyond in your class? You should nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award! It’s super easy: just complete the short online form. All nominations for fall classes need to be in by October 20.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN ENGLISH TUTOR TO HELP WITH YOUR CONVERSATION, READING, AND WRITING SKILLS?

The SU Students for Literacy program is offering free one-on-one tutoring for students and community members who would like to improve their English skills. Applications to be set up with a tutor are open now! To apply, email sfl@ucalgary.ca or visit Volunteer Services (Mac Hall – east end) to pick up an application form.

PET THERAPY

Last but never least, our friends from PALS will be back in That Empty Space on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. (lower level Mac Hall). Come and say hi!

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 TikTok and Instagram at @SUUofC.

Shaziah,
Your Students’ Union President

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Hello UCalgary,

There’s already a lot happening this fall, and we are only in the second week. Here is a quick list of upcoming events and ways you can help make sure student voices are being heard:

Rally for housing affordability this Thursday: see you on the bus!

Everyone knows someone who has struggled to find an affordable place to live this year. City councillors are voting on a Housing and Affordability Taskforce recommendation package that would make it easier to build more affordable housing for students and all Calgarians.

Let’s show city councillors that voting in favour of affordable housing is the right thing to do.

We have a bus to take rally attendees to City Hall. To join us on the bus, please meet us no later than 11:15 a.m. at the education bus loop located just off the intersection of University Drive and 24 Avenue NW (Google Maps link for visualization). Please note that space on the busses will be limited, so if you would like to come down and cannot meet us at that time, the C-Train runs directly from University Station directly to City Hall, and we will be joining the rally there at noon!

Join us at City Hall on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 12 p.m  – sign up now.

Give your feedback on course feedback (deadline Sept. 12)

The way in which students give feedback on their courses is changing – now is your chance to help design a better survey. Your VP Academic, Sandra Amin, is part of a committee to create surveys that are more intentional and inclusive. Give us your feedback at this link by Sept. 12.

Advocacy Survey

We are running an advocacy survey right now to learn how students feel about tuition and fees, employment, food insecurity, housing, and more. Your responses will guide our efforts on these issues. Please take a few minutes to fill out the SU Summer Advocacy Survey by Friday, Sept. 22.

SU By-Election nominations

Are you a leader in the campus community? Would you like to be? Consider running in the upcoming SU By-Election. We have five vacant Faculty Rep positions: Arts (2), Schulich School of Engineering (1), Nursing (1), and Veterinary Medicine (1). Nomination days are coming up Sept. 25 – 27. All the info you need is here on our website.

Apply to join an SU Committee (deadline Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m.)

Looking for other ways to get involved on campus? We have student-at-large positions available on many different committees. See the whole list here.

Clubs Week is Sept. 18 – 22

Clubs Week is back in Mac Hall! Check out hundreds of different clubs, explore your interests, and make some new friends. You can preview the whole Clubs list here, or just drop by Mac Hall North and South Courtyards all next week.

Pet Therapy

The puppies are back, too. Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. in That Empty Space (lower level Mac Hall), and enjoy a visit with our friends from PALS.

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 Sept. 29 at 4:00 p.m. For more information or to submit an abstract, visit our website.

81^st Executive Annual Plan 23-34

Last but not least, SLC voted last week to approve our Executive Annual Plan for 2023-24. You can find the annual plan and last year’s Report to the Community on our website.

Shaziah,
Your Students’ Union President

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Hello UCalgary,

I hope you had a chance to check out Monday’s email that featured a list of welcome back events (the first event is Friday: Dinos Kickoff Tailgate at McMahon Stadium). This email is going to focus on what your SU has been up to, as well as some of the other things you should know for September.

Advocacy update

We’ve been busy all summer working on issues that impact students:

• speaking to media and raising awareness about the student housing crisis;
• working with the SU Wellness Centre to get students access to walk-ins this fall; and
• working with university admin to make sure students would have real term breaks without assignments due.

There is so much more, and if you want a full recap of our summer, check out our advocacy blog.

Speaking of advocacy, we are running a survey right now to learn as much as we can about your priorities and make sure we are putting our efforts in the right places. Please take a few minutes to fill out the SU Summer Advocacy Survey by Friday, Sept. 22.

Run in the SU By-Election

Maybe you want to join us! Have you ever thought about being a faculty rep? We are having a By-Election to fill vacancies in Arts (2), Schulich School of Engineering (1), Nursing (1), and Veterinary Medicine (1). All the details are available here.

Choose your locker

Need a locker? My first year locker was in Professional Faculties on the way to the bus loop, and it turned out to be the perfect place to keep my winter boots. Reserve locker through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre.

Health and Dental Plan – make your changes by Sept. 22.

Finally, if you don’t have alternate health and dental coverage, the SU’s got you covered. The deadline to opt-out, add family, or re-enroll is Sept. 22 and you can do so by clicking here. (Note that family must be added yearly). If you’ve already opted out, you’re set – you only have to opt out once during your university career.

I’ll be back with another update soon. In the meantime, the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on Instagram or TikTok at @SUUofC.

Shaziah,
Your Students’ Union President

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