Advocacy

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Advocacy Blog: Affordable Housing and Tuition Consultation
Advocacy Blog: Affordable Housing and Tuition Consultation 150 150 admin

Housing Affordability

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

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

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

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

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

Tuition and Fee Consultation

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

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

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

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

A Win for Haskayne Student Representatives

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

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Advocacy Blog: Updates From Summer 2023
Advocacy Blog: Updates From Summer 2023 150 150 admin

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

Affordable housing solutions cannot wait

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

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

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

Taking a big STEP forward

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

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

Making progress here on campus

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

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

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

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

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

SU executives extending advocacy efforts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nicole Schmidt
President, The Students’ Union

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

Hello UCalgary,

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

Evening Q&A with Rachel Notley: April 5

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

Disney Trivia Night at the Den: April 4

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

SU Living Room: April 5

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

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

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

Get Out the Vote: now until May 29

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

Good Food Box order deadline: April 11

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

Ramadan hampers: now until April 17

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

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

Consign your used textbooks

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

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

 

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

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

Hello UCalgary,

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

Alberta Student Day of Action: March 27 

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

Evening Q&A with Rachel Notley: April 5 

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

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

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

Trivia Night at the Den: The Office 

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

Pet Therapy in That Empty Space 

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

The SU Volunteer Tax Clinic 

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

Ramadan hampers 

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

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

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

Hello UCalgary,

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

SU Teaching Excellence Awards: nominations are due this Friday

If your professor or TA has helped make this semester great, it might be time to nominate them for an SU Teaching Excellence Award! Show them you appreciate their efforts and help us recognize them by filling out a quick online form. The deadline for nominations is this Friday, Feb. 24, so please make some time this week to let us know who they are, and what makes them so excellent.

SU General Election: get to know your candidates

This is the time of year that you get to select who represents you at the SU. Check out all the candidate platforms to learn about who is running, and watch one or more of the candidate forums next week to see them in action. This year’s General Election ballot will also have a plebiscite question about the mandatory Dinos Athletics fee. You can preview the question here. Voting days to elect SU leaders and participate in the plebiscite will be March 7, 8, and 9 through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre.

The SU is hiring: student staff positions available

We’re hiring! The SU is looking for a variety of part-time positions for the spring/summer and for next fall. Are you looking for real world experience in planning events, administrative or volunteer leadership experience, or social media marketing? See all the opportunities on our website.

The SU Volunteer Tax Clinic opens next week

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

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt, President, Students’ Union

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GENERAL ELECTION 2023: NOTICE OF ELECTION
GENERAL ELECTION 2023: NOTICE OF ELECTION 1920 1080 Gene Baines

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

(Parentheses denotes number of positions to appear on the ballot.)

  • President (1)
  • Vice President Academic (1)
  • Vice President External (1)
  • Vice President Operations and Finance (1)
  • Vice President Student Life (1)
  • Faculty Representatives, Arts (2)
  • Faculty Representative, Cumming School of Medicine (2)
  • Faculty Representatives, Haskayne School of Business (2)
  • Faculty Representative, Kinesiology (1)
  • Faculty Representative, Law (1)
  • Faculty Representatives, Schulich School of Engineering (2)
  • Faculty Representatives, Science (3)
  • Faculty Representative, Werklund School of Education (1)
  • Faculty Representative, Social Work (1)
  • Senate Student at Large Representative (2)
  • Board of Governors Student at Large Representative (1)

Online voting will take place on the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of March, 2023 through the myUofC Student Centre. Polling stations will be available at these locations: MacEwan Student Centre, Science Theatres, and TFDL. Voting opens at 9 a.m. on March 7th and closes at 4 p.m. on March 9th, 2023. All University of Calgary undergraduate students registered in the Winter 2023 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 Representatives, Arts (2)
  • Faculty Representative, Nursing (1)
  • Faculty Representatives, Schulich School of Engineering (1)
  • Faculty Representative, Veterinary Medicine (1)

 

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WinterActive, Sex Week, and SU Election details
WinterActive, Sex Week, and SU Election details 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello UCalgary,

February is just around the corner and it’s going be another busy month around the SU – here’s what we have lined up:

WinterActive: physical fitness, games, and prizes

We’ve partnered with Active Living to help you jumpstart your semester. Drop by Mac Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and participate in some easy physical games and activities designed to energize you. Looking for a bigger challenge? Register your team of five for a dodgeball tournament in the Gold Gym on Thursday, Feb. 2. (Participants on both days will be entered to win lots of prizes, including a Nintendo Switch!)

SU General Election: important dates

Nomination Days are from Feb. 6 – 8. If you have decided you’re going to run for a position, download the nomination package here, and make sure to drop it off in person at Council Chambers 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Voting days will be March 7, 8, and 9 through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre.

Sex Week (Feb. 13 – 17)

Join us in the Mac Hall North Courtyard on Monday for a resource fair/carnival, and all week long for trivia, speakers, and other events throughout Mac Hall. Check out the full week of events here.

Sex Week Speaker Event: a Conversation with Martin Boyce

Join us on Thursday, Feb. 16 for a conversation with Martin Boyce, LGBTQ2SIA+ activist and participant in the Stonewall riots. This event is presented by SU Q Centre, RBC, and your SU. RSVP at this link.

Fines for Food (Feb. 13 – 19)

We are excited to continue our partnership with UCalgary’s Parking and Transportation Services – it’s called Fines-for-Food. Have you got outstanding parking fines? Pay them between Feb. 13 – 17, and half of the revenue will be donated to the SU Campus Food Bank!

All tickets paid during this period will be included in the program, regardless of when they were originally issued. Not sure how to pay your tickets? Visit parking.ucalgary.ca.

SU Survey

Got a few minutes to fill out a survey? You could win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards just for letting us know what you think of the SU’s programs, services, and advocacy. The survey is open until Feb. 13. Take the survey now.

Students for Literacy Book Sale

Browse through a tonne of books for just $2 – $3 from February 6 – 10 in the North Courtyard, Mac Hall. All proceeds will go directly towards supporting literacy in our community.

Trivia Night is back at the Den

Join us for a Valentine-themed trivia night at the Den: Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Teaching Excellence Awards

Last (but not least) – do you have an exceptional prof or a TA this semester? Show them you appreciate their efforts and nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award! The deadline for all TEA nominations is February 24.

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt,
President, Students’ Union

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SU Survey, Run in the Election, and Trivia Night at the Den
SU Survey, Run in the Election, and Trivia Night at the Den 150 150 Gene Baines

Happy New Year, UCalgary!

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Nicole Schmidt – your Students’ Union President. I have a few updates for you as you ease back into classes as well as updates on events for the winter semester.

Take the SU Survey: Open now until Feb. 13

Take the annual SU Survey now and enter to win one of ten $100 Amazon.ca gift cards. It’s your chance to voice your thoughts on the SU and your student experience – we want to make them even better, but we can’t do it without your help. It only takes 10 minutes: take the survey now.

SEED Conference: RSVP by Jan. 13

Explore what leadership means to you, and discover resources that you can use to support yourself and your peers right here on campus. The SEED Conference will be held in MacEwan Conference and Event Centre on Friday, Jan. 27 beginning at 10 a.m. Sessions will include Mental Health and Wellbeing, Conflict Management, and other leadership topics, with an insightful keynote talk from our VP Academic, Shaziah Jinnah Morsette.

RSVP by Jan. 13: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/students-union-seed-conference-tickets-473425015967

Trivia Nights at the Den!

Who is the manager of Central Perk? Who gets meat sweats? Join us for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Trivia night at the Den: Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Run in the SU General Election 

Have you ever thought about taking on a leadership role at the SU? The SU General Election is coming soon. Official nomination packages will be available at the end of the month – but in the meantime, we’re regularly updating our election webpages with important information and deadlines.

Want the details about what it’s like to campaign? Need insight into the life of an SLC member? Attend one of our Pre-Election Workshops (Jan. 24 online, and Jan. 25 in person).

SU Clubs Week: Jan. 16 – 20

Clubs Week is back! Stop by the North and South Courtyards in Mac Hall – there’s bound to be one or more clubs that’s a perfect fit for you. If you are a club leader and want some help getting the word out about your events, we are happy to help. Make sure to connect with @SUUofCClubs on Instagram.

Wayback Wednesday: movies in That Empty Space Jan. 25

Put a movie break in your calendar this month. Drop by That Empty Space any time Jan.25 for free movies, snacks, and fun activities. We’re showing The Devil Wears Prada at 11 a.m., and School of Rock at 1:30 p.m.

More events in That Empty Space…

The puppies are back! Pet Therapy returns on Jan. 18 at 12 p.m.

Mind and Body in the Space: join us for free guided meditation sessions at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and free yoga classes at 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

Last call to join our Election Staff Team! Part time work in February and March.

Join our elections team to help run the SU’s General Election this semester. The deadline has been extended to Tuesday, Jan. 10. Apply on the SU website.

Health and Dental Plan Deadline (Opt-out and Family Add-on): Jan. 27

If you are a new student this semester, you should know that you are automatically enrolled in the SU’s health and dental plan. If you have alternate coverage, you may opt out by Jan. 27.

If January is your enrolment anniversary (you are not a new student but you started at UCalgary in a previous January), then this is also your annual deadline for adding family members. Details and forms are all here at: https://www.mystudentplan.ca/uofcalgary

 

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt,
President, Students’ Union

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Undergraduate Research, Stress Less Events, and World Cup at the Den
Undergraduate Research, Stress Less Events, and World Cup at the Den 150 150 Gene Baines

Hello UCalgary,

I know it’s crunch time right now, but if you need a quick break we’ve got a few events to help you recharge before exams, and a few more updates to look forward to in the new year.

Undergraduate Research Symposium (Nov. 23 – 24 in MacEwan Conference and Event Centre/MacEwan Hall)

The SU’s 17th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium is happening this week. On Wednesday, we are hosting six different research workshops with topics like how to find research opportunities and even presentation techniques. On Thursday, we celebrate the undergraduate research award winners with an all-day drop-in event in MacEwan Hall. Drop by any time beginning at 10:00 a.m. to see short presentations from across all faculties! See the full schedule of presentations on our website.

StressLess Week is next week (Nov. 28 – Dec. 2)

StressLess Week returns to Mac Hall just in time. Drop by the North Courtyard every day for fun activities like aromatherapy, painting, and origami. Or join us in That Empty Space for a free meditation session on Tuesday, and yoga on Thursday. And last, but never least, we’ve got Pet Therapy on both Monday and Friday.

SU Living Room (Dec. 7)

Take a study break with us! Drop by That Empty Space any time Dec. 7 for free movies, snacks, and fun activities. We’re showing Lightyear at 10 a.m., Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings at 12 p.m., and The Incredibles at 2:30 p.m.

Q Centre presents Intro to Dungeons and Dragons (Nov. 30)

Q Centre is hosting an intro to Dungeons and Dragons on Nov. 30 from 4 – 6 p.m. Beginners are welcome – come and learn the basics of character creation and gameplay!

Catch World Cup Games at The Den

The Black Lounge will be showing World Cup games at noon weekdays beginning Nov. 21.

Textbook Consignment

Are you ready to say goodbye to some old textbooks? Consignment will be happening in the North Courtyard from 11AM – 2PM the week of Dec 12-16 BUT consignment can be brought directly to Bound & Copied during regular operating hours; 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

Locker Rentals

It feels like winter is going to stick around – are you tired of lugging a heavy jacket around campus? We’ve got lockers in convenient locations all over campus, and you can rent one through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre.

Are you already thinking about 2023? So are we.

Clubs Week

Clubs Week returns Jan. 16 – 19 in the Mac Hall North and South Courtyards.

SU General Election

Have you ever thought about taking on a leadership role at the SU? Official nomination packages will be available Jan. 23, but in the meantime, we’re regularly updating our election webpages with important information and deadlines. If you have questions about life as an SU elected official or campaigning, we are also hosting pre-election workshops Jan. 24 and 25.

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

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

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