Advocacy


Advocacy? Don’t you guys just throw concerts?

Led by students to serve students, we promote the interests of the University of Calgary’s undergraduates. Whether we’re engaging with the University or advocating to all three tiers of government, our elected Students’ Legislative Council (SLC) works tirelessly to improve things on campus and throughout Calgary. Read on and you’ll see we’re not just the org that brings events to Mac Hall, or the mysterious gatekeepers of campus lockers (though the rumours are true—that’s us, too).

What are you working on?

Check out our Campaigns page for an outline of what we’re currently fighting for and how it will benefit students. You’ll find a full account of what we want to see from not just the University, but all levels of government.

How do I contact you?

Contact information for your elected officials (e.g. Faculty Representatives and Council Executives) is here. Got an advocacy-related matter? Meet your advocacy team. Contact information for the whole SU can be found here.

I bet you run a blog.

How did you know?! You can find advocacy posts in the SU’s news archives. You can also see archived messages from your elected SU President, containing updates, useful tips and information about campus life.

I need help with something right now.
Contact Us.
Quick Links.

SU Outer

What have you done for students lately?

Our annual Report to the Community contains a summary of our work and achievements (and don’t just take our word for it—we’re often in the news). In the meantime, here’s our 2023/24 highlight reel:

No BS, more housing.
  • We advocated for students in the City of Calgary’s Housing Plan, which passed in September 2023 with a $25 million investment pledged to student housing.
  • We participated in the City’s Rezoning for Housing consultations, speaking for student interests at an April 2024 public hearing and delivering over 250 postcards to Councillor Terry Wong (Ward 7). The City subsequently approved citywide rezoning in May 2024, meaning a wider range of residential housing can be built in Calgary.
  • We partnered with online platform Places4Students in 2023, putting out a call across social and news media for Calgarians to rent spare rooms to students. Calgarians continue to list affordable places for students on this platform.
    • Holding them accountable.
  • We want an independent review into the University administration’s handling of May 9th 2024. In July 2024, your SLC Executives convinced the General Faculties Council to vote YES on recommending such a review to the Board of Governors.
  • We delayed the University’s plans to remove a tier of its academic appeals process in June 2024, retaining a layer of protection for students against unfair decisions.
    • Amplifying student voices.
  • We recently established an SLC Faculty Representative position for the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, and reinstated a voting seat for students on the Haskayne Faculty Council for the first time since 2015.
  • Throughout 2024 so far, your SLC Executives met with University leadership, the Mayor of Calgary, City Councillors, and Members of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly, telling them exactly what matters to students.
    • Sparing your wallets.
  • We pushed back on the University’s tuition fee proposals in 2023 to ensure international student tuition was raised by less than 10% for the first time ever. We will participate in the University’s next Tuition Fee Consultation cycle, scheduled to begin in late 2024, to advocate for student interests.
    • Getting worked up.
  • We met with provincial officials in 2023, continuing to advocate for reinstating the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP). Alongside continuing the charge into 2024, we also stepped up (no pun intended) and persisted with our own SUPERWork initiative, which provides a $1,000 wage subsidy to qualifying students.
    • I want to get involved.
    Take office.

    The SU is run by students, voted in by students, via the Students’ Legislative Council. Want to make a difference? Every January, eligible students start running for election to SLC, where they’ll serve a one-year term (May 1—April 31). See the link for more info on each position and how to run.

    Take a survey.

    We run two annual surveys: a general one in Jan/Feb, and an advocacy one in Aug/Sep. Both are great opportunities to tell us your views directly, and we use the data to inform our advocacy efforts. (We’re sure you’re eager to participate, but taking part enters you into a $100 gift card draw.)

    Take action.

    We organise events such as protests, rallies, town halls and more over the course of our campaigns. You can sign up for our mailing list to ensure you receive the latest updates on the SU’s activities, including calls for students to join us.

    SU Sign
     

    Further reading.


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