Students' Union, UCalgary

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The Students’ Union is Hiring Student Staff (Extended Posting)
The Students’ Union is Hiring Student Staff (Extended Posting) 150 150 HR

The Students’ Union is continuing to hire for several key student roles. If you’re looking to build experience in governance, student support, and program delivery, these positions offer strong, hands-on experience on campus.

How to Apply:
Email your cover letter and resume to resumes@su.ucalgary.ca and indicate the position you are applying for.

New Closing Date: Friday, March 27 at 4:30 PM

Open Positions

Q Centre Coordinator
Support programs and services that promote inclusion and support for 2SLGBTQ+ students.
Gain experience in program coordination, student support, and community engagement.

Refugee Student Program Coordinator (Starts July 6, 2026)
Support programs that assist refugee students transitioning into campus life.
Gain experience in program coordination, student support, and community outreach.

Volunteer Tax Program Coordinator
Coordinate the student tax clinic, including volunteer scheduling and service delivery.
Gain experience in volunteer management, operations, and client service.

Eligibility

  • Must be an undergraduate student at the University of Calgary
  • Relevant experience is an asset but not required
STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that members of equity-deserving groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Black, Indigenous, and/or other racialized communities to apply. Qualified candidates who identify as 2Spirit and/or LGBTQIA+ or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The Students’ Union welcomes applications from people with disabilities and believes strongly in accessibility in the work we do. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process – please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs while respecting your privacy as much as possible.

The Students’ Union is grateful to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikuni, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Moh’kins’tsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The Students’ Union also recognizes that land acknowledgments are not enough. We need to pursue truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in an ongoing effort to make right with all our relations.

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ELECTED OFFICIAL POSITIONS – VARIOUS
ELECTED OFFICIAL POSITIONS – VARIOUS 150 150 admin

The Students’ Union is currently looking for applicants to fill appointed positions for three Faculty Representative positions, and one Senate Student-at-Large position. All positions will require a completed SU Faculty Representative Appointment Application.

Brief descriptions are provided below, followed by downloadable Position Description and application form documents.

Applications are due March 31, 2026 at 4:30 pm and sent to Laura Brooks <laura.brooks@ucalgary.ca>.

Faculty Representatives are the main communication link between the SU and the faculty in which they are registered. They are responsible for representing and promoting the interests of the students in their faculty. Successful candidates will be reliable, flexible and have superior interpersonal, organizational and writing skills.

School of Architecture Planning and Landscape Faculty Representative

  • Preparing for, attending and participating in Students’ Legislative Council meetings (weekly in the fall/winter)
  • Preparing for, attending and participating in General Faculties Council meetings (monthly)
  • Serving on SU Committees
  • Working with the Faculty of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL), student clubs, and students-at-large to promote SU events and initiatives and represent student interests
  • Attending meetings in the SAPL Faculty, including Faculty Council and its committees

Position Description [PDF] |  Application [DOCX]

Schulich School of Engineering Faculty Representative

  • Preparing for, attending and participating in Students’ Legislative Council meetings (weekly in the fall/winter)
  • Preparing for, attending and participating in General Faculties Council meetings (monthly)
  • Serving on SU Committees
  • Working with the Schulich School of Engineering, student clubs, and students-at-large to promote SU events and initiatives and represent student interests
  • Attending meetings in the Schulich School of Engineering, including Faculty Council and its committees

Position Description [PDF] |  Application [DOCX]

Social Work Faculty Representative

  • Preparing for, attending and participating in Students’ Legislative Council meetings (weekly in the fall/winter)
  • Preparing for, attending and participating in General Faculties Council meetings (monthly)
  • Serving on SU Committees
  • Serving on the City Innovation Students’ Association (CISA) Board
  • Working with the Faculty of Social Work, student clubs, and students-at-large to promote SU events and initiatives and represent student interests
  • Attending meetings in the Faculty of Social Work, including Faculty Council and its committees

Position Description [PDF] |  Application [DOCX]

Senate Student-at-Large Representative

The Senate’s main goal is to inquire into any matter that might benefit the university and enhance its position in the community.  The Senate also confers honorary degrees to deserving individuals.

Senate Student-at-Large Representatives represent undergraduate students on the University of Calgary’s Senate. Membership on Senate involves a time commitment of approximately one meeting per month.  Regular attendance at meetings is essential.  Senate members may also be asked to serve on sub-committees which also meet approximately once per month.

  • Attending Senate and assigned committee meetings.
  • Reporting to the Students’ Union on Senate initiatives and activities.
  • Report any recommendations that it considers advisable to the Students’ Union.
  • Supporting the Chancellor by attending at least one convocation exercise and other ceremonial exercises.
  • Participating in campus activities, particularly those related to students.
  • Promoting the university and facilitating opportunities for university personnel to speak to community groups.
  • Enhancing the university’s and Students’ Union’s position in the community by promoting initiatives and activities, fostering student interests, recognizing excellence, and representing public interest.

Position Description [PDF] |  Application [DOCX]

STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that members of equity-deserving groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Black, Indigenous, and/or other racialized communities to apply. Qualified candidates who identify as 2Spirit and/or LGBTQIA+ or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The Students’ Union welcomes applications from people with disabilities and believes strongly in accessibility in the work we do. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process – please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs while respecting your privacy as much as possible.

The Students’ Union is grateful to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikuni, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Moh’kins’tsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The Students’ Union also recognizes that land acknowledgments are not enough. We need to pursue truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in an ongoing effort to make right with all our relations.

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The Students’ Union Announces New Student Government
The Students’ Union Announces New Student Government 150 150 admin

Calgary – The Students’ Union (SU) of the University of Calgary is pleased to announce the results of the SU General Election which will form the 84th Students’ Legislative Council (SLC). Undergraduate students were able to cast their vote in the election from March 3-5 to determine which of their peers will represent them to faculties, the university, and the three orders of government.

There was just a single race within the executive positions this year which was a three-candidate race for SU President. Gabriela Dziegielewska has been elected, defeating Julia Law and Michael Harris to succeed Naomie Bakana as President. They won with 66.1% of the vote.

They will be joined by three uncontested Vice Presidents, who all garnered enough Yes votes to win their races. The three Vice Presidents will be Abdu Negmeldin (Vice President Internal), Mahad Rzain (Vice President External), and Zoe Zeritsch (Vice President Academic).

The position of Board of Governors representative was also uncontested, and Aitazaz Shah received a majority of yes votes to claim the singular Board of Governors’ seat. While the SU had two open seats for the position of Senate Representatives. Ophelia Vecchione will be joining the Senate, and the other open position will be filled in a future by-election.

In the Faculty Representative races, there were three faculties with races – Arts, the Haskayne School of Business, and Kinesiology.

There were six candidates for the Faculty of Arts, in which there were four positions available. The four elected are Davina Elesin, Xander Halsey-Dam, Abbas Hussain, and Fatima Jarid.

In the race for the two seats available to represent the Haskayne School of Business, there were three candidates. Zahra Qazi and Elias Karayiannis were successful in their bids, and will be joining the 84th SLC.

In the final contested race, there were three candidates for the singular Faculty of Kinesiology seat. The successful candidate is Noah Karmali.

Other Faculty Representative races asked students to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for candidates. All candidates running received a majority of ‘yes’ votes in their respective races:

Cumming School of Medicine (two seats available): Laiba Nasir and Nikhil Srivalsan

Faculty of Law: Mickail Hendi

Faculty of Nursing: Natasha Tenor

Schulich School of Engineering (two positions available): Jana Abdelrahman and Khadiza Ahsan

Faculty of Science (four positions available): Warren Hamill, Yansing Huang, Sehaj Kang, and Carrar Saleh

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: Samuel McFetridge

Werklund School of Education: Siena Yee

There was also a Referendum Vote to determine if students supported implementing a fee to finance a Mac Hal Redevelopment Fund beginning in the Fall Term of 2026/27. With 55.2 % of the vote, students have voted to support this fee, meaning the referendum has passed.

3309 students voted in the 2026 General Election, which equates to 11% of the undergraduate population. The results announced today are provisional and become official on March 13. Students elected in this General Election will take office on May 4th, 2026.

The SU will hold a by-election in October 2026 to fill the vacancies for the following positions:

  • Faculty Rep., School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (1)
  • Faculty Representatives, Schulich School of Engineering (1)
  • Faculty Representative, Social Work (1)
  • Senate Student-at-Large Representatives (1)

-30-

Inquiries may be directed to:

Nathan Ross
Manager, Communications & Government Relations
nathan.ross@ucalgary.ca
Cell: 403-835-1836

The new 2026-2027 SU Executive team. From the left, Zoe Zeritsch, VP Academic; Abdu Negmeldin, VP Internal; Gabriela Dziegielewska, President; Mahad Rzain, VP External.

Aitazaz Shah, incoming Board of Governors representative, General Election 2026

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SU’S GOT TALENT
SU’S GOT TALENT 150 150 admin

The SU will be hosting a talent show event March 18, 2026 in the South Courtyard of MacEwan Student Centre. After an extensive search and gruelling auditions, a lineup of UCalgary’s top student talent has been created.

A variety of performances, including vocal, instrumental, dance, and poetry will be happening. Come offer your support and witness the spectacle.

[ UPDATED: March 17, 2026 ]

  • 11:00 AM | Welcome Remarks
  • 11:05 AM  | Pure Carmine | Vocal/Band Performance: Everlong
  • 11:10 AM  | Athena Caballero | Vocal Performance: Where is my Husband!
  • 11:15 AM  | Christine Yang | Dance Performance: BLACKPINK Medley
  • 11:20 AM  | Ziga Poromon | Spoken Poetry Performance: Midlife Crisis
  • 11:25 AM  | Chah Noh Vel | Self-produced Vocal Performance: Fambase
  • 11:30 AM  | Assad Popal | Piano Performance: Chopin’s Andante Spianato
  • 11:35 AM  | Siena Yee | Vocal Performance: Burn Out
  • 11:40 AM  | The SLC | Stage-play Performance: The Ugly Duckling
  • 11:45 AM  | Isioma Idugun | Vocal Performance: Irreplaceable 
  • 11:50 AM  | Naomi Bakana | Vocal Performance: I Have Nothing
  • 11:55 AM  |  Kya Broderick | Vocal Performance/Impersonation: Show Must Go On
  • 12:00 PM | Forch | Hiphop Dance Choreography
  • 12:05 PM | The Forgetmenot Girls | Vocal Performance: Watch Me
  • 12:10 PM | Sally Muhieddine | Two-Masked Vocal Performance: Phantom of the Opera
  • 12:15 PM | Ariana Nazem | Spoken Poetry Performance: Laments of a University Student
  • 12:20 PM | The SASA Choir | Vocal Performance: A Medley of Botho & Malibongwe
  • 12:25 PM | Intermission
  • 12:35 PM | Awards
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Quality Money is Your Money: Don’t Let the University Decide Where it Should Go
Quality Money is Your Money: Don’t Let the University Decide Where it Should Go 150 150 admin

Quality Money (QM) is a unique tuition rebate program that gives students a say over where their dollars should go. Every year, the student-run QM Committee reads through applications and selects innovative, impactful projects that enhance our campus. With just a fraction of annual tuition revenue, QM has launched over 100 initiatives since 2003. Projects you may be familiar with include:

The $3 Quality Meal at The Den

The SU Wellness Centre

The Science Collaborative Study Space

Expansion of the African Studies program

UCalgary's red arch (without QM, it would still be beige)

The Affordable Market at the Campus Food Hub

The UCalgary Recovery Community

Residence's Outdoor Study Space

(Check out our vid on Instagram for more!)

This year, senior university leadership told the SU that they don't see the value of one of the biggest student-led programs on campus. Instead, they want to absorb QM funds into the university's regular budget, eliminating student choice entirely.

Leadership claims their plan is primarily based on the results of UCalgary's 2025 student survey... but the answers this survey received don't actually support their plan to reallocate QM's funds. The university wants to invest most of QM's budget (60%) into classrooms — even though students placed classrooms fifth out of eight on their list of priorities. The university also plans to address the 96% of students who opposed this year’s tuition increase by adding just 0.3% to its existing financial aid budget.

We heard a different message from you: you’re tired of annual tuition hikes, and you at least want to know where your money goes. We don't think UCalgary will adequately resolve your concerns by clawing back the tiny fraction of tuition that students get to manage for themselves every year. With QM, you know exactly where your money goes: every project ever funded is available on our website for your review.

If QM is taken away, students will lose this direct say over how their money should be spent. We believe students have the best understanding of what students need, but without QM, there'll be no mechanism available to pilot now-established services like the Annual Flu Clinic, or introduce spaces like Spyhill's Accessible Exam Centre (both of which were student ideas). We don’t think the university (or even the SU) should get to unilaterally decide what happens to your tuition rebate without you.

That’s why we want to hear from you before UCalgary takes the decision out of your hands. If you…

  • See value to a program that lets students shape the campus they pay a premium for,
  • Have ever used, enjoyed, or benefited from an initiative funded by QM,
  • Have a great idea for enhancing our campus that won't be possible if QM goes away,
  • Have ever worked on a QM project yourself, or
  • Think QM could be improved, but don’t think the university should get to decide what that looks like for you

…then we want to hear from you. Email your thoughts to your SU President, or send the SU a signed copy of the template letter below. We’ll present your voice to executive leadership and make sure the university’s most senior officials know exactly how you feel.

Discussions with the university on QM's future are still underway. We’ll have more updates for you as they develop.

Click for: a template letter

Below is a template letter you could use to support preserving QM. You can write your own, or simply sign the below if it speaks to you. Send your letter in PDF, Microsoft Word, or email format to supres@ucalgary.ca or reception@su.ucalgary.ca.

---

Subject: Protect Student Choice by Keeping Quality Money (QM) Alive

Dear University of Calgary leadership,

I write to express my support for the Quality Money (QM) program, which gives students a direct say in how our money should be spent on our campus. QM allows us to leverage a portion of our tuition dollars to advance projects that improve our experience. The ability to propose, evaluate and otherwise support these initiatives ourselves embodies genuine student choice. This cannot be replaced by a top-down allocation model that the university unilaterally decides to impose.

We therefore request that University of Calgary leadership:

  • Preserve the Quality Money program as a student‑governed funding mechanism.
  • Revoke any proposal that removes our authority to directly decide where our tuition rebate dollars should be spent.

Thank you for respecting the right of students to shape the resources that affect our daily lives.

Click to learn more about: QM's track record

From a review of projects initiated in five funding years (2015-16/2019-20).

  • 80%+ of projects intended to achieve sustainability (e.g. a wellness service) or create specific deliverables (e.g. equipment) succeed
  • ~10% of QM projects introduce a responsive intervention to a temporary issue (e.g. emergency student supports)
  • Applicants most commonly apply for QM funding because there is no suitable university funding channel available
  • Many applicants also seek QM funding because they need to establish proof of concept before applying for internal and external funding sources
Click to find out: why applicants applied to QM, in their own words

These are quotes taken from Quality Money applicants over the program's many years (edited for brevity).

“While we are pursuing sustainable funding sources, a QM grant will allow us to keep our program running over the coming year. If we can't continue the program for a full year while we work to secure funding, we risk compromising relationships with faculty and returning contributors.” — Staff member, on a program that runs to this day

“The initial phase of this project will act as a 'proof of concept' to quantifiably demonstrate the demand for this service, as well as its effectiveness. It is currently our intention to use the information we collect to strengthen our argument that the university should fund this in the future.” — Student, applying for a program UCalgary now runs annually

“My department is currently preparing a budget for this service going forward, but there are significant immediate needs that QM can address.” — Faculty member, describing the benefits of QM's flexibility

Contact your SU President

Contact your SU Representatives

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NOTICE OF ELECTION: GENERAL ELECTION 2026
NOTICE OF ELECTION: GENERAL ELECTION 2026 150 150 admin

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

POSITION (# of positions available)

  • President (1)
  • Vice President Academic (1)
  • Vice President Internal (1)
  • Vice President External (1)
  • Faculty Representatives, Arts (4)
  • Faculty Representatives, 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 (4)
  • Faculty Rep., Veterinary Medicine (1)
  • Faculty Rep., Werklund School of Education (1)
  • Board of Governors Student-at-Large Representative (1)
  • Senate Student-at-Large Representatives (2)

Online voting will take place on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days of March, 2026 through myUofC Student Centre. Voting opens at 9 a.m. on March 3rd and closes at 4 p.m. on March 5th, 2026. Polling stations are located at the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) building, MacEwan Student Centre, and Science Theatres, and are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on each voting day. All University of Calgary undergraduate students registered in the Winter 2026 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 Rep., School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (1)
  • Faculty Representatives, Schulich School of Engineering (1)
  • Faculty Representative, Social Work (1)
  • Senate Student-at-Large Representatives (1)

Please visit the SU Elections page for updates and information.

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NOTICE OF NOMINATION DAYS – GE 2026
NOTICE OF NOMINATION DAYS – GE 2026 150 150 admin

Notice is hereby given that Nomination Days are Monday, February 2, to Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Nominations for the election of candidates for the following offices will be held virtually from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and received in person at the SU Main Office from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Please the General Election 2026/Election-Documents page to access the link to the virtual room on Nomination Days.

OFFICES AVAILABLE (# of vacancies)

President (1)
Vice President Academic (1)
Vice President External (1)
Vice President Internal (1)
Faculty Representatives, Arts (4)
Faculty Representatives, 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 Rep., School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (1)
Faculty Representatives, Schulich School of Engineering (3)
Faculty Representatives, Science (4)
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 Representatives (2)

Nomination Packages are available online on the Election Documents page.

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NOTICE OF REFERENDUM – GE 2026
NOTICE OF REFERENDUM – GE 2026 150 150 admin
Background

The MacEwan Student Centre building (a.k.a. Mac Hall) has been at the heart of student life at the University of Calgary since its beginnings in 1962. As the central social and community hub on campus, Mac Hall was expanded in 1987 through student funding to meet the needs of a growing population of 20,286 students at the time. Today, Mac Hall serves over 38,000 students and houses a wide range of services, businesses, and programs. Businesses operated by the Students’ Union (SU) generates more than $10.2 million in annual revenue; all reinvested into student-focused services, programs, awards, and events.

However, Mac Hall is aging, and it is time for us to reimagine this vital space for future generations of University of Calgary undergraduate students. This proposed redevelopment is aimed at ensuring Mac Hall’s sustainability and value to students, as both a social space and an important revenue source for subsidizing the SU’s provision of undergraduate student services, financial awards, programming and events.

Between August and September 2025, undergraduate students were surveyed over a six-week period to gauge their interest in the potential redevelopment of Mac Hall. Students identified: (a) places to eat and drink, (b) study, hangout and relaxation spaces, (c) physical accessibility features, (d) green spaces or iconic installations, and (e) academic and non-academic advising spaces as their top priorities for a potential redeveloped and expanded Mac Hall. Through the survey, students voted on which fee structure should be used if MacHall is redeveloped. Students opted for a phased fee, in which upper year students will be charged less and the lower year students will be charged more.

In line with students’ interest, the Students’ Union seeks to create a Mac Hall Redevelopment Fund (the “Fund”) to accumulate necessary funding for the improvement and expansion of Mac Hall to house vital services and physical spaces that address identified students’ needs on campus.

The Fund would be financed by a new SU fee subject to the following rules (the “Fund Rules”):

  • The fee will be set in line with the table below;
  • The fee will be applied to all undergraduate students enrolled in Fall and Winter terms;
  • The Students’ Legislative Council may, by two-thirds majority vote, reduce the fee for one year if it determines that the needs of undergraduate students in a specific academic session, faculty, or program, outweigh the financial risks to the SU;
  • The fee may be increased without a referendum after five years from its implementation, provided that any increase is tied to the Alberta Consumer Price Index and does not exceed an annual limit of 4 per cent; and
  • The SU will stop collecting the fee once the Mac Hall redevelopment and expansion have been completed and fully paid for.
Year of study (starting Fall 2026)Applicable fee per Fall and Winter term
1st year$ 30.00
2nd year$ 20.00
3rd year$ 15.00
4th year$ 12.50
5th year and higher$ 11.25

Question

Do you support implementing a fee, as outlined in the table above and subject to the Fund Rules, to finance the Mac Hall Redevelopment Fund starting in the Fall term of the 2026/27 academic year?

  • YES
  • NO

If the majority of students vote “Yes” the proposed SU fee will take effect beginning in Fall 2026 to support the Fund. If the majority vote “No”, the referendum process will conclude, and no new SU fee will be introduced.

Please refer to the Referendum FAQ page for additional information.

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[SU & GSA] Fairness & Safety in Sport Policy: What it Means, What You Need to Know, and Where to Find Help
[SU & GSA] Fairness & Safety in Sport Policy: What it Means, What You Need to Know, and Where to Find Help 150 150 admin

You may have seen headlines lately around the Government of Alberta’s recent introduction of Bill 9 and its use of the notwithstanding clause. This clause protects legislation that may violate Albertans’ Charter rights from being invalidated by Alberta’s courts. Laws that Bill 9 would protect include the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act and its associated Regulation, which came into force September 1, 2025.

These rules compelled certain organizations—including post-secondaries—to introduce eligibility rules on who can compete in women's sporting leagues. In order to compete, athletes must confirm in writing that their sex was recorded as female on their birth registration document (or get their parents to write in if they are aged 12-18). A birth registration document is not the same thing as a birth certificate: registrations are completed at the time of a person's birth and cannot be changed, unlike a certificate. Learn more about these documents here.

On the day the Act came into force, so did the University of Calgary’s Fairness and Safety in Sport Policy (FFSP). The university consulted the Students' Union (SU) and Graduate Students' Association (GSA) for feedback on a draft version, and while we’re pleased to share that the university adopted some of our amendments (incorporating stronger protections for all students), it did not adopt all of them. You’ll find more on which SU amendments were adopted in the FAQ below—though we know this work only continues, and we'll have more updates for you soon.

We’re bringing you this post to help you understand what the policy means, what it does, and what you can do if you need help navigating the policy. We will also help you identify where you can find appropriate sources of support.

Statement by the SU and GSA: The Policy, Fairness, and Safety

The stated aim of the FSSP is to enhance fairness and safety in women's sports. The SU and GSA, as the representatives of students from every background and demographic, have not seen evidence to suggest that exclusionary policies achieve this aim. Rather, there is evidence to suggest they achieve the opposite.

Trans-exclusionary policies don’t make sports fairer or safer for athletes recorded female at birth. Fewer women and girls participate in sports at all when trans-exclusionary guidelines are introduced, and guidelines that rely upon gender stereotypes discourage women and girls from playing. Trans-exclusionary policies can be abused by sore losers, or expose women who do not conform to stereotypical gender norms to harassment. As one peer-reviewed review identified, the most significant barriers to women and girls' participation in sports include insufficient funding and a lack of institutional support. These policies also introduce an additional barrier to participation for female athletes that male athletes do not face.

Trans-exclusionary policies don’t make sports fairer or safer for gender-diverse students. Trans and gender-diverse Canadians are more likely to experience violence or harassment, while also being likelier to experience poverty, homelessness and increased mental health challenges compared to cisgender individuals. Transphobia and systemic discrimination is the root cause of these barriers and negative impacts. Community-led supports including gender-affirming care and inclusive housing are among those that contribute to improved outcomes, highlighting the need to challenge systemic barriers so gender-diverse people receive adequate support.

The SU and GSA therefore condemn this Policy on the basis that there is ample evidence it will harm students of all backgrounds. To students who may be worried or impacted by the policy: remember that you are a member of our campus community. No policy can change that. There is a space for you, and we're glad you're here. We urge any students who need support to take advantage of the SU, GSA and campus services listed below, or to contact your elected student representatives for further assistance (see your SU Executives if you are an undergraduate, or your GSA executives if you are a graduate student). These services and resources are available for a reason, so please don't hesitate to use them.

We also encourage students with any questions or concerns that this post has not addressed to contact their students' association to set up a meeting. Your student leaders stand ready to help you.

What does the Policy mean in practice?

Students hoping to participate in Dinos Women's Varsity Sports and/or Competitive Club Sports must attest in writing that their birth registration record states they were recorded female at birth. Athletes can later be challenged by certain classes of people who believe they do not satisfy the FSSP's criteria. This is effectively an accusation that the athlete's attestation wasn't true. An athlete who faces a challenge may be asked by the University to provide their birth registration document, in a process outlined by the below map:

The FSSP does not apply to any SU or GSA sporting events or clubs. Students of all demographics can compete in these events.

Fairness & Safety in Sport Policy - Process Map @ UCalgary
An athlete's eligibility can be challenged by another athlete, head coach, or assistant coach from their team. They can also be challenged by participants or head coaches from a competitor team, or by an employee, contractor or volunteer whose duties concern the challenged athlete's league.

This challenge, and the rationale for raising the challenge, must be submitted in writing to the Director of Dinos Athletics or someone to whom the Director has delegated authority.
The Director, Dinos Athletics or their designate will have 10 days to decide whether they want to dismiss the challenge (on the basis there are no "reasonable grounds" to believe it is credible) or uphold it. A dismissal at this point ends the challenge, unless the person making the challenge requests a reconsideration by the Dean of Kinesiology.
Where a challenge is upheld, the athlete will be asked to provide their birth registration record. If their record says they were registered female at birth, they will be permanently eligible to compete in Women's Varsity Sports and Competitive Club Sports.
If a challenged athlete refuses to provide their record when asked, they will be ineligible to play until they comply. If their record says they were not registered female at birth, they will permanently ineligible.
Students and the FSSP: Anticipated Questions

On following the policy

If I'm challenged under the FSSP, how long will it take for a decision to be made?

When a challenge is submitted to the Director of Dinos Athletics, the Director or a delegate will have 10 business days to decide whether the challenge is credible or whether it should be dismissed. If they feel the challenge is credible, you will be asked to provide your birth registration record. It's at this point that you'll become aware a challenge was made.

If you choose to comply with the investigation, you will be asked to retrieve your birth registration record (see below on how the University must help you acquire this document). Once the Director or their delegate receives your record, they will have to issue a decision as soon as possible.

The Government of Alberta initially recommended that these steps should take 30 business days. The SU pushed to make the process as quick as possible, to minimize how distressing the experience might be for students.

If I'm asked to provide my birth registration record, do I have to stop competing?

No. You can continue to compete in the division of an affected sport while you are

  • a) waiting for your record, and/or
  • b) waiting for a decision by the University.
If I'm asked to provide my Alberta birth registration record, where do I order it and will I be expected to pay for it?

You can order your document from the Government of Alberta's registry services portal. You don't have to pay for it. At most institutions, you'd be expected to pay for it upfront and receive reimbursement from the Government of Alberta at a later date. The SU secured the right for students to request that the University covers their expenses in advance (paragraph 4.11 of the FSSP), but you can still choose to be reimbursed later if you prefer.

How do I acquire birth records if I wasn't born in Alberta, but elsewhere in Canada?

Ask the University to identify the most appropriate equivalent records kept by your province and territory of birth. If there is a charge for retrieving the record, the SU secured the right for students in this position to request that the University covers their expenses in advance (see how at paragraph 4.11 of the FSSP). You can still choose to be reimbursed later if you prefer.

How do I acquire birth records if I wasn't born in Alberta or Canada?

The SU ensured that you can ask the University to cover "reasonable fees" incurred by retrieving documents required "from jurisdictions outside of Canada" (FSSP paragraph 4.11). The University reserves the right to do so "at its sole discretion," but your GSA and SU both stand ready to assist you if the University declines. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need our help in arguing that the University should cover your expenses.

On what grounds can my eligibility be challenged?

The FSSP doesn't say. Although the SU suggested that challenges based only on subjective characteristics (such as personal appearance or behaviour deemed to be gender-nonconforming) should be dismissed outright, the University did not adopt these recommendations. The Policy provides that anyone raising a formal challenge can only do so on "reasonable grounds," but it will be up to the University to decide what grounds are reasonable and what evidence justifies a formal challenge. If you find yourself facing a challenge you believe to be unfair or in bad faith, don't hesitate to contact the SU or GSA, and see the question below as well.

If a challenge against me is dismissed, on what grounds can it be reconsidered?

If a challenge is dismissed by the Director of Dinos Athletics, the person who made the challenge can submit a written request to the Dean of Kinesiology, asking for the dismissal to be reconsidered. They would need to have new information that they believe justifies the challenge being looked at again. The Dean, or a delegate of the Dean, will have ten business days to decide if the challenge should indeed be reconsidered. If the Dean agrees, the process lain out by the policy (see the process map above) will be followed.

On accessing support related to the policy

What if someone submits a challenge against me for bad-faith reasons?

The FSSP provides that a challenge (or reconsideration request where a challenge is dismissed) made in bad faith can attract disciplinary measures under the University's policies and procedures. You can also enlist the help of the Director of Dinos Athletics or the Dean of Kinesiology and their offices (see "If a challenge is made in bad faith, do I have to seek a remedy by myself?").

Athletes who are challenged in bad faith can also directly utilize the following University policies for remedies:

Although the SU asked the University to enshrine specific sanctions and criteria on what makes a challenge 'bad faith' in the FSSP itself, the University declined to do so, stating that its existing policies should be good enough. We sincerely hope this is the case.

If you find yourself affected by a bad-faith challenge and feel you need more support that you're not receiving, or you just want someone in your corner, your SU or GSA are here for you. Do not hesitate to contact your SU Executives if you are an undergraduate, or your GSA executives if you are a graduate student.

If a challenge is made in bad faith, do I have to seek a remedy by myself?

The FSSP provides that the Director of Dinos Athletics and the Dean of Kinesiology, as well as their delegates, should be vigilant for challenges submitted in bad faith (paragraphs 4.24-4.26). In the event that happens, they should make a complaint against the person who submitted the challenge and seek for action to be taken against them "under the appropriate University policies, procedures, collective agreements or law." Additionally, if a challenge is made in bad faith by a participant or a head coach of an Alberta team that competes against the affected athlete, the Director or Dean should also forward a complaint on your behalf to the coach.

If you need help finding a solution, you can therefore contact these offices to request that they act under the FSSP on your behalf. Find out how to contact the Dean of Kinesiology here, or the Dinos Director here.

Where else can I turn to for help?

If you are affected by the FSSP and you're not sure where to start, your SU and GSA will provide support, or point you to resources you may need. Please don't feel like you need to go through this alone. You can also find more resources later in this post.

On-campus resources include...
Off-campus resources include...
  • If you are unsafe and need help immediately, call 911 to reach Calgary Police Service.
  • If you are being harassed due to a protected characteristic (including without being limited to your sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression), find out how to contact the Hate Crime Prevention Team of Calgary Police Service through this link.
  • Find 2SLGBTQIA+ resources recommended by Alberta Health.
  • Find 2SLGBTQIA+ resources recommended by the Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta.
Resources
Full List: Resources On- and Off-Campus

Unless explicitly stated, the SU and GSA have no control over resources and services available outside of the SU and GSA, nor any control over third-party websites. We provide them below for the purposes of aggregation and convenience. Make sure to contact organizations to ensure information is up-to-date.

On-campus resources

Find your advocates
  • Undergraduate students can contact their SU Executives and graduate students can contact their GSA executives for help, resources, and guidance.
  • Graduate students can also contact the GSA's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (EDIA) Committee and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Subcommittee (GSA²).
  • If you are being harassed or experiencing discrimination in the campus community, the University's Student Conduct Office can help.
  • Find the contact information for the University's Sexual and Gender Based Violence Prevention and Support Office here.
  • Low-income Calgarians can access low-cost legal advice through Student Legal Assistance.
Get help with the Policy
Find a safe space
Safety
Wellbeing resources
  • Need help with mental health or peer support services? The SU Wellness Centre is here for you, no matter whether you're a graduate or undergraduate.
  • Discover more of the mental health services that are on campus or accessible to students.
  • Reach out to the the Faith & Spirituality Centre for cultural and religious support.
  • The Writing Symbols Lodge supports the rich diversity of Indigenous learners, their communities, and cultural traditions.

Off-campus resources

Safety
  • If you are unsafe and need help immediately, call 911 to reach Calgary Police Service.
  • If you are being harassed due to a protected characteristic (including without being limited to your sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression), find out how to contact the Hate Crime Prevention Team of Calgary Police Service through this link.
Wellbeing, advocacy, and resources
Community supports
  • Get involved with 2SLGBTQIA+ support groups through the End of the Rainbow Foundation in Calgary.
  • SORCe Calgary is multi-agency hub that connects people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to relevant services, including 2SLGBTQIA+-focused housing supports.
  • Find resources and services offered through The Alex.
  • Calgary Outlink is a community-based charity that provides providing support, education, outreach, and referrals for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Calgary.
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Calgary Student Alliance: The Student View of the City of Calgary’s 2026 Budget
Calgary Student Alliance: The Student View of the City of Calgary’s 2026 Budget 150 150 admin

The Calgary Student Alliance (CSA) is hopeful following the approval of the City’s Budget 2026. The council has committed to continued funding to programs that support students; however, some changes may represent cause for concern.

Among the attendees of Budget 2026’s public hearing on November 24 was CSA Chair, Julia Law, as well as CSA Secretary, Mariana Mejia Salazar, and a delegate from the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University, Tala Abu-Hayyenah. All three provided suggestions for stimulating student housing developments, in recognition of students’ continued struggles during the housing crisis. After the public hearings, City Council entered deliberations, and the budget passed after a series of amendments on December 3.

The approved budget includes the reallocation of $10m from the downtown office-to-residential conversion program to non-market conversions. Our Municipal Priorities Document, issued to candidates ahead of Calgary’s October election, highlighted the need for expressly affordable housing in Downtown, and we are pleased to see this reflected in the final figures. More affordable housing means more student-friendly units, which is all the more important as post-secondaries continue to expand their presence Downtown. The CSA continues to recommend that developments funded by this program should allocate some units for students.

The CSA also welcomes the increase in funding for transit base services and the primary transit network. As our priorities document highlighted, post-secondary students frequently use Calgary Transit due to the widely available UPass. Many students will appreciate this boost in funding, as it will help improve the timeliness of their commute.

However, we are concerned by the budget’s reversal of the transit fare freeze. This amendment will raise the UPass rate for Winter and Fall terms by $5 more than originally proposed, amounting to a $10 increase per year. The UPass, which currently provides affordable transit access for students city-wide, is a crucial support at a time when tuition at many of our institutions increases annually, and the cost of living for all Calgarians climbs. The CSA cautions that this budget’s UPass fare changes cannot be a green light for increases each year, as further hikes will eventually erode its affordability.

While the budget cannot provide solutions to all issues students face—including high unemployment rates, rental safety, and food insecurity—the CSA encourages City Council to give consideration to these areas going forward. We remain committed to promoting solutions that will help students across the city.

Going into 2026, the CSA looks forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of students, and we welcome conversations with officials to ensure the student voice is heard.

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