Advocacy

Hello UCalgary,

As the semester winds down, we celebrate the winners of our annual Club Awards. These awards honour clubs that have raised the bar in categories like advocacy, sustainability, EDI, and engagement. This year’s winning clubs are:

• Advocacy Award: Mental Health for South Asia
• Future Alumni Network’s SU Club Award for Alumni Engagement: University of Calgary Consulting Association AND Students of the Arts and Science Honours Academy
• Best New Club: Data Science and Machine Learning Club
• Campus Pride Award: Kinesiology Students’ Society
• Club of the Year: RED (Reforming Education on Drugs)
• Collaboration Award: Chinese Students’ Society
• Community Service Award: The Mustard Seed, U of C
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award: American Sign Language Club
• First Year Engagement Award: Nigerian Students’ Association
• Innovation Award: Evren
• Leadership Award: Schulich Ignite
• Longevity, Ongoing Vitality, and Engagement Award: Women in Science and Engineering
• Quality of Education Award: Canadian Organization for Undergraduate Health Research Calgary Chapter
• Student Life Award: Pakistani Students’ Society
• Sustainability Award: Go Baby Go

We also awarded $1,000 each to ten outstanding student leaders, through the Eric Lahoda Scholarship. Check out the full list of winners and honourable mentions on the SU website. You can also follow our SU Clubs account on Instagram @SUUofCClubs
Clean out your fall/winter locker
Make sure you clean out your locker by Friday, April 29 (even if you have a spring locker). 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. – 4 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,
The Students’ Union

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Hello UCalgary students,

First, I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who voted last week in the SU elections. Congratulations to the new executives of the 80th Students’ Legislative Council! Current elected officials continue until April 29, when the new elected officials take their oaths of office. Check out our website for a full list of all the newly elected faculty representatives and other election results.

SU awards deadlines

This year we launched two new scholarships with a focus on EDI.

The first is the SU ABLE Award. This $500 award seeks to address challenges in current awards systems and processes that create barriers for persons with disabilities from accessing scholarships and awards. The award aims to recognize students that have demonstrated resilience and shown that regardless of these barriers, they have been ABLE to excel in their educational field and have proven to be a leader for others in their community.

The second is the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Advocacy (IDEA) Award. Funded through Quality Money and administered by the SU, this award seeks to recognize University of Calgary undergraduate students who are actively dedicated to advocating for and improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives on campus. Two $1,500 awards will be given out at the end of the winter semester.

Find more information about these awards, or start your application on the SU website.

The deadline to apply for either award is March 21 at 4 p.m.

We’re hiring

The SU is recruiting for a long list of positions that start this summer and next fall. Work on campus and work around your class schedule. Maybe you are looking for experience in administration, leading volunteers, or behind-the-scenes work as the Deputy Speaker at SLC. Or, maybe you have always wanted to help plan events, or run multiple social media accounts. Check out our website – the deadline to apply is this Friday, March 18.

Ramadan hampers

The SU Campus Food Bank is proud to introduce a new initiative – Ramadan Hampers. With Ramadan beginning next month, we are offering a special food hamper for those campus community members who may need a little support to celebrate the occasion this year. Requests open March 28, through the SU Campus Food Bank.

The Den: now offering take-out

Finally, one more quick tip for those who are back on campus: the Den has a new take-out ordering section on their website. You can place your order from anywhere on campus, and then pick it up on your way through Mac Hall.

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

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Happy February, UCalgary,

February is a very busy month around the SU – here’s what we have lined up.

Sex Week (Feb. 7 – 11)

UCalgary’s annual Sex Week is happening this week, Feb. 7 – 11. It’s a great opportunity to have all your questions answered about sex, love, relationships and so much more. Check out the schedule of events and other resources on our website. Make sure you join us on Instagram @SUUofC for a virtual carnival of resources, and a cooking demonstration called “Passion for your Palate” (hosted by our very own Executive Chef Hussein Haji!)

Conversations on Black History at the SU (Feb. 17 and 25)

Join SU VP Student Life Assad Ali Bik as he interviews past and present student leaders, highlighting Black history at the SU. On Thursday, Feb. 17, our guests will be current SU Campus Food Bank coordinator Ganiyat Sadiq, and 77th SU Faculty of Arts Representative Tomiwa Oje. On Friday, Feb. 25, our guests will be 78th SU VP Academic Semhar Abraha, and 51st Vice President External Chima Nkemdirim. Both interviews will be streamed live on the SU’s Facebook page.

SU Survey – last call

Have you taken the SU Survey yet? There are two great reasons to do it:

1. We use your feedback to improve our programs, services, and advocacy every year.
2. You could win one of ten $100 Amazon gift cards. The survey closes this Friday, Feb. 11, so take it now and tell a friend.

SU General Election and Referendum

The SU General Election is coming up soon – here are the important things to know:

• This week, Feb. 7 – 9, we are accepting nominations for all positions, and it’s not too late to put your name in! All positions are open for nomination, including 20 part-time faculty rep positions, Senate, and Board of Governors, as well as five full-time positions including the four Vice Presidents and President.
• Up next: meet your candidates. Stay tuned for updates on who’s running for what office, and when you can view live forums.
• Voting Days are Mar. 8 – 10. You’ll be voting not only for your new SU leaders, but also making decisions on the future of the SU’s Health and Dental Plan via three referenda questions. You can preview the questions on the SU website.

Fines for Food (Feb. 14 – 20)

We are beyond 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. 14 – 20, 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.

Teaching Excellence Awards

We know that, just like all of us, profs and TAs have had an incredibly challenging year. But we also know that students have noticed – last year, we received a record number of Teaching Excellence nominations from UCalgary students. So do you have a prof that has been going the extra mile this semester? Or a TA that makes it worth getting up for an 8 a.m. lab? If so, make sure you nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award. Complete a short online form and we’ll make sure they know their extra effort is appreciated.

Not that anyone’s counting, but as of today you’re only 11 days away from Reading Week! Hang in there – you’ve got this.

All the best,

Nicole,
President, The Students’ Union

Stay up to date by following the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

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Hello, UCalgary, and welcome back to the winter semester.

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Nicole Schmidt – your Students’ Union President. I know that it has been an incredibly challenging start to the semester for students, so I have a few updates for you as you ease back into classes as well as updates on ongoing Students’ Union advocacy initiatives for the winter semester.

Take the SU Survey

First up – 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’s programs, services, and businesses – we want to make them even better, but we can’t do it without your help. Past survey data has influenced everything from payment options at the Stör to funding for new study spaces. It only takes 10 minutes – you can take the survey now.

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? You are welcome to check out our tip sheets, make an appointment with our CRO, or attend one of our Pre-Election Workshops from Jan. 26-28.

SU Clubs

Normally this week would have been the second Clubs Week of the year, and unfortunately, with classes online and so few people on campus, we’ve had to cancel this event. However, clubs are still active, and I would encourage you to check out the full clubs list if you are looking for something new to join. 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. And one more quick note for Clubs – we are accepting nominations for Club Awards now until Feb. 22. Help us recognize excellence in team leadership, service, sustainable practices, advocacy, and innovation. Nomination forms can be found here.

Advocacy Notes

Moving into this new semester, we have a number of ongoing advocacy initiatives. We are requesting that the university notify students about the remainder of the winter semester as soon as possible, provide students with additional financial supports in light of the pandemic, and develop a contingency plan for the delivery format of future exams and classes.

Mac Hall

Finally, if you are on campus this month, Mac Hall remains open, including Bound and Copied, the Stör, and all your favourites in the food court.

Stay safe, UCalgary. I’ll be back with another update in the coming weeks.

Nicole,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

Stay up to date by following the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

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Hello, UCalgary – I hope you are enjoying your well-deserved time off. I’ve got a few quick reminders for you as we near the end of the month.

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! I know that there are so many deserving instructors this semester, and you can help us recognize them by filling out a quick online form. The deadline for nominations is this Friday, Feb. 25, so please make some time this week to let us know who they are, and what makes them so excellent.

Health Measures Survey: ends Friday at 12 p.m.

With students returning to in-person learning, the SU has been advocating for health measures like vaccination and masking to remain in place for the remainder of the semester. We want to hear what you think. Please fill out this quick survey on campus health measures.

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. The forums for the presidential and vice presidential candidates will be streamed on Instagram @SUUofC beginning March 1. Voting days are up next: March 8 – 10 in your student centre (my.ucalgary.ca).

More SU General Election: Health and Dental Plan Referendum

The SU’s General Election ballot will have three referenda questions that will determine the future of the Student Health and Dental Plan. In short, the prices students pay for their health and dental coverage has remained the same for almost 30 years, while costs have continued to increase. Students will vote to determine whether or not the cost of the plan should be increased, considering the impact this will have on coverage. There is a lot more to know before you vote, so please check out the Health and Dental Referendum FAQs on our website.

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 Volunteer Tax Program opens next week

Finally, the Volunteer Tax Program clinic is back on campus this year. The clinic will open on Monday, Feb. 28 to prepare your tax return for free. Space is limited – you can book your appointment now through our website.

Good luck on your second round of midterms – I’ll be in touch soon!

All the best,
Nicole Schmidt, President
The Students’ Union

Stay up to date by following the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

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Hello UCalgary,

I hope you are settling in after the first month of classes. It’s been busy semester already – here are some quick updates.

Municipal Election News

Advance polls are here on campus Oct. 4 – 5. Visit the Dining Centre from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and cast your vote for city council and school board members, select senate nominees, and vote on adding fluoride to our water. There will also be referendum questions about equalization payments and Daylight-Saving Time.

Undecided about the race for mayor? Check out the recording of our Mayoral Forum.

And there’s still time to pledge to vote – agree to receive text and email updates from us, and you will be entered to win some amazing prizes like $250 at the campus bookstore or $100 at the Den! Updates from us will include fun and informative election events, including reminders of when and where you can vote on-campus. Sign up at www.su.ucalgary.ca/get-out-the-vote-2021

SU By-Election and Health and Dental Plebiscite Voting Days: Oct. 13 – 15

We are running our own By-Election to fill vacancies for Faculty Reps in Medicine, Business, and Social Work, as well as a Senate Student-at-Large seat. We will also be asking three important plebiscite questions on the future of the SU Health and Dental Plan. These are important questions – we need you to let us know what the future plan should look like in terms of student needs, budgets, and priorities. Learn more and preview the plebiscite questions here.

You will be able to vote online through your myUCalgary student centre on Oct. 13, 14, and 15.

Fall Harvest Food Drive

October is here, and so is our Fall Harvest Food Drive, and we’re asking for your help to secure the SU Campus Food Bank for the fall and winter months. We have a wish list of most-needed items on our website, or an easy way to make a monetary donation on our GoFundMe page.

Teaching Excellence Nominations

Do you have a professor that makes your class extraordinary – whether in person or online? Has an instructor or TA gone the extra mile this semester to keep the quality of their courses high? You should nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award! It’s really easy: just complete the short online form. All nominations for your Fall 2020 profs/TAs must be received by October 22. 

Quality Money Proposals

The SU knows that the best ideas for projects or services that enhance the quality of student life on campus come directly from students. In the past, we’ve funded brilliant ideas like club scholarships, sexual violence prevention programming, Indigenous programming, and peer-assisted study sessions. If you’ve got a big idea, apply for an SU Quality Money grant and make it a reality. The deadline is November 26 – start your application today!

Are you an undergraduate researcher?

Have you spent some time in the lab and made a unique discovery? Will your critical analysis lead to positive social change? Share your accomplishments at the Undergraduate Research Symposium for the chance to win a scholarship. Abstracts are due Oct. 8 at 4:00 p.m. For more information or to submit an abstract, visit our website.

COVID-related academic accommodations and C/G option

I know this year is a challenge for all of us, and uniquely challenging for students. So I just wanted to remind you about a few things that might help. First, the U of C has developed a centralized website where students can find information about COVID-related academic accommodations.

I also wanted to remind you that, as a result of SU advocacy, you have the option to choose a C/G (Credit Granted) on a course, rather than a letter grade. There will be restrictions in place for some faculties. The rules are here – it’s something to keep in mind if you have a course that might otherwise negatively impact your GPA.

I’ll be back with another email soon – there is always lots to share. In the meantime, the best way to stay up to date is to follow the SU on social media, @SUUofC.

All the best,

Nicole Schmidt
President, Students’ Union

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The SU has been inundated with student complaints over the last several days from students who have had their courses moved online at the last-minute, just two weeks prior to classes starting. The SU was not consulted by the university ahead of this decision.

The number of complaints we have received is unprecedented and I want to let you know what the SU is doing and what you can do to let the university know your concerns.

First, we want to hear from you. Thank you to all those who emailed the SU or sent us messages on social media. If your courses have changed please reach out to us and let us know. Please email feedback@su.ucalgary.ca with your concerns. Please include details like which and how many courses have changed for you.

If you have spent money to travel to Calgary, put a damage deposit down on a place, paid rent, or even just bought a parking spot on campus, we want to hear from you. We also want to hear from you about how you feel generally about this last-minute change by the university.

Also, we recognize that not all students feel the same way about this issue. As such, if you are happy with having your courses moved online we want to hear from you too. Please tell why this works better for you.

Finally, the SU is calling on the university to reverse the decision to allow instructors to change how classes are delivered. Our expectation is that the university honour what students signed-up for. Failing that, we believe that the university should reimburse students for all expenses incurred while preparing to return to in-person learning. You, as students, paid these expenses in good faith expecting that your choice to learn online or in-person would be honoured and respected.

The university has let you down and we are stepping up to fight for you.

Nicole Schmidt, President
The Students’ Union

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Hello UCalgary,

President Frank here, asking for your input on the issue of campus bookstore privatization.

The University of Calgary is currently considering the privatization of operations for the campus bookstore. Currently, the campus bookstore is run by the University and is not a for-profit enterprise. However, the University has now approached Follett, an American company that runs many campus bookstores across North America under a for-profit model. No contract has been signed at this time. Regardless of whether this company is brought onto campus or not, changing the business model of the campus bookstore will impact students.

To date, the University of Calgary has made several verbal assurances: that students will not be forced to purchase from the bookstore, textbook markups will not increase, and that students will still be able to purchase second-hand books from Bound & Copied, for example. We will be fighting to have these assurances written in enforceable contracts, and although we have many concerns, these are nonetheless positive steps that have resulted directly from the advocacy of your SU. However, we the SU still have many other concerns related to the privatization of bookstore operations, such as the fate of student employees, a decrease in the quality of service, or other increases in costs.

As the SU continues to advocate for the best interests of undergraduate students, we wanted to better understand student perspectives on the bookstore issue. Please take five minutes to fill out this survey to help the SU better represent student perspectives through advocacy efforts on campus. The survey will be open until 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 7.

Thank you,

Frank Finley

[button link=”https://survey.ucalgary.ca/jfe/form/SV_0q8O06wbdozFOn4″]Begin Survey[/button]

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