Students' Union, UCalgary

SU @UCalgary

Review Board Student Member

Review Board Student Member 150 150 admin

We are looking to fill up to six (6) vacancies for SU Review Board and Tribunal positions.

The Review Board and Tribunal are independent, arms-length committees of the Students’ Legislative Council, charged with the judicial functions of the Students’ Union. Students can apply to the Review Board to appeal SU decisions that they believe were unfair or in violation of the SU’s Union Bylaw or Union Policy. The Tribunal has jurisdiction over decisions of the Review Board. A student who is dissatisfied with a decision of the Review Board may be able to appeal to the Tribunal.

Read the full POSITION DESCRIPTION (DOCX) here.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are required to use the Review Board and Tribunal Application Form (DOCX) included here:


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 Wesley 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.

Servers, Bartenders, and Bussers/Food Runners

Servers, Bartenders, and Bussers/Food Runners 150 150 HR

We’re the Den & Black Lounge – a student tradition for over 50 years and the best campus restaurant and bar in Canada. We’re located in Mac Hall, the vibrant heart of the University of Calgary campus. With outstanding food and a great vibe, we’re charting a new path forward for the Den and we want you to be part of it! Join our team!

We’re currently recruiting for servers, bartenders, and bussers/food runners and offer both part and full-time flexible work schedules. Your duties include excellent customer service, accurate order taking, efficient delivery of food and beverages, and maintaining a clean environment.

If you can give us enthusiasm, energy, and dedication, we can provide you with a supportive, exciting and ever-changing work environment.

This position pays $15.00/hour plus tips.

How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and your availability to resumes@su.ucalgary.ca. Please indicate your preferred position or positions in your cover letter/application email. We are accepting applications until 12:00pm (noon) on Friday September 6, 2024.

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 Wesley 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.

VICE PRESIDENT INTERNAL BIOGRAPHY

VICE PRESIDENT INTERNAL BIOGRAPHY 150 150 admin
NAOMIE BAKANA

Naomie Bakana is a fifth-year sociology student and your SU Vice President Internal, which is a newly-created position that merges the portfolios of the previous Vice President Student Life and Vice President Operations and Finance.

After serving as a Faculty of Arts Representative in 2023-24, Naomie ran for a Vice President position to help pave the way for future leaders and leaving a lasting impact on her campus. Naomie aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, champion affordability and accessibility initiatives, and address critical issues such as food security and representation. Through her role at the SU, she hopes to inspire and empower future leaders from underrepresented communities to step forward and take on leadership roles.

Naomie is a member of several SU Clubs, including the Nigerian Students’ Association (NSA), the Ethiopian Eritrean Students’ Association (EESA), and the African Caribbean Students’ Association (ACSA), where she is part of a supportive community that celebrates and promotes African and Caribbean cultures. She is also a member of P2C (Power to Change), another SU Club that serves as a spiritual resource for students.

Naomie also dedicates her time to volunteering: both on-campus with the African Studies Expansion Taskforce and off-campus as a worship leader at her church. She previously volunteered for two years at the Women’s Resource Centre.

Outside of her role at the SU and her volunteer commitments, Naomie enjoys playing, singing, or simply listening to music which serves as both a creative outlet and a source of inspiration for her.

VICE PRESIDENT ACADEMIC BIOGRAPHY

VICE PRESIDENT ACADEMIC BIOGRAPHY 150 150 admin

JESSIE DINH

Jessie Dinh was born and raised in Northeast Calgary, to two immigrants who both fled the Vietnam War as boat people. While this led to many crazy tales and some pretty high expectations, Jessie attributes much of her drive and confidence to her parents’ unwavering support. Over the years, they contributed to her excellence in swimming and gymnastics.

Jessie’s first few jobs included summer camps, receptionist roles, and a stint as a barista. She quickly learned that she loves to work with people, no matter how difficult they may be. After spontaneously applying for and eventually serving two years as the SU Kinesiology Representative, she found a passion for policy and advocacy and developed her leadership skills to support others. Jessie was once a passive and reserved person, particularly in times of conflict; however, this role enabled her to grow into the “assertive, passionate, and sometimes annoying” person she is today. This growth led to her decision to run for Vice President Academic where she aims to advocate for student interests on especially juicy matters. Her biggest goal is to help those who feel small learn how to advocate for themselves as well.

Jessie is currently studying for a BSc in Kinesiology. She loves learning about human health, exercise, and nutrition. She hopes to apply this knowledge in helping those around her live healthy lifestyles, as well as learning how to enhance her own.

Whenever she is not in the office, you can find her on the tennis court, hitting the slopes, or wandering the mountains with her friends. While she is not the most athletic person, she tries her best to stay active where she can, and also because it is just embarrassing for a Kinesiology student to be sedentary. Jessie also loves a quick little 1000-piece puzzle.

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. 

 

2024 Students’ Union Teaching Excellence Awards Winners

2024 Students’ Union Teaching Excellence Awards Winners 1024 1024 Nathan Ross

The Students’ Union (SU) announced yesterday the professors, instructors, and teaching assistants being honoured through the SU’s annual Teaching Excellence Awards (TEA). Awards and honourable mentions were given to 34 exceptional members of the university community to highlight their commitment to student success over the past academic year.

The annual TEA is the SU’s campus-wide recognition program giving undergraduate students the chance to honour and thank those instructors, professors, and teaching assistants who have supported and made a lasting and positive impression on their students. Students solely determine all nominees and winners.

Not only did the educators being honoured navigate the challenges of the year with grace, but they also committed to going above and beyond to support and prioritize students. The impact that this year’s winners have made in student lives does not go unnoticed and it is a privilege to be able to recognize their hard work with this year’s teaching excellence awards.

Dr. Fabiola Aparicio-Ting was one of two recipients of the Cumming School of Medicine Award

Jayar Espejo was one of five Teaching Assistant Award recipients

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The SU received at total of 1,022 nominations and shortlisted 75 educators. Award winners received an Apple Award and a framed certificate. The SU will also donate $5,000 to the Taylor Centre for Teaching & Learning in recognition of the contributions made by the award winners.

The SU has been honouring teaching excellence at UCalgary since 1975, with the current format of TEA beginning in 1984. These funds are used to offer further training and workshops to UCalgary instructors and facilitate an environment where high quality of teaching becomes a standard for all students. From the start, the awards were intended to give undergraduate students the opportunity to provide feedback on the quality of the university instruction they receive.

For more information about the SU TEA program, please visit www.su.ucalgary.ca/TEA.

The SU wishes its sincerest congratulations to all of the winners and honourable mentions. The complete list of award winners and honourable mentions is available below.

Inquiries may be directed to:

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

Photo Credit: Gene Baines

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: Changes to SU Clubs and SU Living Room Movie Times

President’s Message: Changes to SU Clubs and SU Living Room Movie Times 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

April is almost here, and we have a few more notes on events and programs to wrap up this winter term. We’ve also made a pretty big change that affects both existing SU Clubs and new club applications.

SU CLUBS MANDATORY RE-REGISTRATION: MARCH 20 – MAY 15, 2024

Attention SU Clubs: important, time-sensitive changes are coming to SU Clubs Mandatory Requirements. These changes impact both existing SU Clubs and new club applications.

All clubs wishing to maintain active status for the 2024-25 academic year must complete the Re-Registration Form through ClubHub by May 15. All applications to form new clubs for the 2024-25 academic year must be received through the Register an Organization process through ClubHub by May 15. There will be no exceptions for clubs who do not re-register within this time period. Details on the SU Clubs Page.

SU COMMITTEE POSITIONS AVAILABLE

We are looking for students-at-large for two different SU Committees. The Program and Services Committee helps to adjudicate awards and supports SU programs, and the Refugee Student Program Committee helps sponsored students integrate into university life. You can learn more and apply on the SU website. 

SU VACANCIES: FACULTY REPRESENTATIVES POSITIONS

Three faculty rep positions remain vacant after the SU General Election: Veterinary Medicine, Werklund School of Education, and Nursing. These positions will be filled by appointment for a term from May until October. Learn more and apply by March 27. 

SUPER HERO TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE DEN: TUESDAY, MARCH 26

Join us for Super Hero Trivia night at the Den: Tuesday, March 26, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Reserve your table by emailing theden@su.ucalgary.ca.

LETTERKENNY STAND-UP COMEDY AT MAC HALL: MARCH 30

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-

SU LIVING ROOM: APRIL 3

Take a study break with us! Drop by That Empty Space any time April 3 for complimentary movies and snacks. We’re showing Wonka at 9:30 a.m., Barbie at 11:45 a.m., and The Creator at 2:00 p.m. Plus the first 200 students to drop by can grab a special SU goodie bag to help get you through the exam period.

LOCKERS

Make sure you clean out your locker by April 23. 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 will be available to rent starting April 1.

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.

You’ll hear from me again soon, but in the meantime the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on Instagram or TikTok at @SUUofC.

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette


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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


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