Students' Union, UCalgary

SU @UCalgary

Bermuda Shorts Day 2021

Bermuda Shorts Day 2021 150 150 admin

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major changes to the university experience for all students at the University of Calgary and across Canada. The SU has shifted much of its programming online to continue to engage and support students. However, this is not possible for many events like concerts and conferences. Our top priority is the health and safety of all UCalgary students. That’s why the SU has made the difficult decision to cancel our Bermuda Shorts Day (BSD) programming for 2021.

BSD is a UCalgary tradition celebrating the last day of classes of the winter semester and the SU’s BSD beer garden and concert has always provided a safe space for students to celebrate. With the ongoing pandemic it is clear that an in-person event, and one similar to previous years, cannot occur given the current restrictions.

We know this will be disappointing for many students, especially this year, who may have been looking for an opportunity to unwind after a more stressful academic year than normal. Online classes, increased social isolation, and a disconnection from the physical space of campus have all added to the challenges that university students face.

Rest assured the SU will continue to offer programming to engage and support students, it just may look a bit different than usual for the time being. There will come a time where we can all celebrate again as a campus community and the SU will be there to support that opportunity.

Inquiries can be directed to:

Mike Brown
External Communications Specialist
Students’ Union, University of Calgary
587-590-4465
Michael.brown1@ucalgary.ca

Notice Of Nomination – General Election 2021

Notice Of Nomination – General Election 2021 1080 450 admin

Notice is hereby given that Nomination Days are Monday, February 8 to Wednesday, February 10, 2021 and that nominations for the election of a candidate for the following offices will be received via Zoom video conferencing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • President (1)
  • Vice President Academic (1)
  • Vice President Operations and Finance (1)
  • Vice President External (1)
  • Vice President Student Life (1)
  • Faculty Representatives, Arts (4)
  • Faculty Representative, 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 (3)
  • 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 Representative (2)

GE2021-NON-Post

Nomination Packages are available on the Election Docs page.

[button link=”https://www.su.ucalgary.ca/about/elections/election-docs”]Election Docs[/button]

Updates for the 2021 General Election will be posted to the Elections page.

[button link=”https://www.su.ucalgary.ca/about/elections”]Elections Page[/button]

Welcome Back: Take the SU Survey, Join a Club, Check out our Advocacy! 

Welcome Back: Take the SU Survey, Join a Club, Check out our Advocacy!  150 150 admin

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

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Frank Finley – your Students’ Union President. I’ve got some information that you might find useful as you ease back into these next few weeks.  

Take the SU Survey 

First up – Take the annual SU Survey now and enter to win one of ten $100 Amazon.ca gift cards. I want to hear 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 Stor to funding for new study spaces. It only takes 10 minutes – take the survey now 

Clubs Week Virtual Fair 

Speaking of new friends, there are more than 300 clubs that are part of our SU family! This semester, we are hosting over 100 clubs each day at our virtual January Clubs Week on ClubHub from Jan. 19 – 21. The event will be live from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day. Drop in and say hi – there’s bound to be one (or more!) clubs that’ll be a perfect fit for you.  

Advocacy Notes 

Moving into this new semester, we have a number of ongoing advocacy initiatives. We have been fighting for various academic regulations, including the continued prevention of proctoring, flexible exam windows, and the ability for students see all questions of each exam in D2L during their exam times. Further advocacy at the municipal and provincial levels includes continued efforts to increase student financial support, demands for increased investment in student mental health, and work to hold our government and university to account. 

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 one of our CROs, or attend one of our Pre-Election Workshops from Jan. 19 – 29!  

Bound and Copied Used Textbooks 

Finally, are you still working out which books you are going to pick up, and hoping to save some cash? Bound and Copied is open for consignment and in-person shopping. Drop by from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, lower level of Mac Hall. 

Stay safe, UCalgary. See you in a couple weeks!  

Frank,

President, The Students’ Union
The University of Calgary

Winners of Students’ Union 2020 Research Symposium Announced

Winners of Students’ Union 2020 Research Symposium Announced 150 150 admin

Undergraduates Recognized for Excellence in Research

Nov. 25, 2020

Calgary, AB – The winners of the 15th annual Students’ Union’s (SU) Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) were announced in 17 different categories. A total of $23,000 was awarded to undergraduate researchers.

This year’s event was held online to accommodate physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Student researchers were invited to submit their abstracts in early October, and those selected to participate created five-minute videos to present their findings.

“Normally, posters are presented in person at a showcase in MacEwan Hall. This year’s event showed how students are meeting the unique challenges of 2020,” said Students’ Union VP Academic Semhar Abraha. “Students have had to embrace video as a form of communication this year and participants were challenged to hone their presentation skills to fit a short video format. We have been so impressed with these presentations.”

The URS seeks to make research accessible, and the symposium provided 48 participants with the opportunity to reach a wide audience online. A team of more than 35 judges made up of faculty and staff from the University of Calgary had the difficult task of determining the best submissions. The URS research presentations can be viewed on as a playlist on the SU’s YouTube channel from Nov. 23 – 27.

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See the full list of this year’s URS award winners here (PDF download) or on this page.

Media Contact:

Jason Morgan
Assistant General Manager
403-220-3905
jjamorga@ucalgary.ca

Advocacy updates and URS Research Week

Advocacy updates and URS Research Week 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary students,

I’m Frank Finley, your SU President. I’ve got a few quick updates for you on our advocacy efforts and some upcoming events that are happening around campus.

Advocacy Updates

Earlier this week, UCalgary held a tuition town hall to announce proposed increases to tuition and fees. We have heard your voices on social media and saw the remarkable student attendance at this town hall, and we will represent you at the Board of Governors meeting on Dec. 11 when these increases are put to a vote. It is our belief that there is no worse time to raise tuition than during the largest crisis of our lifetimes, and we continue to fight against increased costs to students.

In other news, the UPass program will continue to be on hold for the Winter 2021 term. Discounted Calgary Transit ticket books are available to current UCalgary students at the Campus Service Centre, Main Campus Bookstore, and Foothills Medical Bookstore with your UCID. You can direct questions about this program to campusservicecentre@ucalgary.ca.

Other ongoing advocacy is focused on CR/F for fall and winter 2021, an extension of the add/drop/swap deadline, an extension of time off in the winter 2021 semester, and quality of online academic instruction.

URS Research Week: Nov. 23 – 27

The 15th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium is happening this week. This year’s event is a virtual showcase of undergraduate student research from all faculties, hosted here on YouTube. Forty-eight undergraduate researchers have submitted short video presentations, and are competing for $23,000 in prizes and scholarships. Judges have been busy adjudicating these presentations, and the awards will be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Stress Less in December

We know this year has been stressful, to say the least, so we have collected a series of quick, easy de-stressing activities that you can do at home. Watch the SU’s Instagram for no-bake holiday recipes, crafts, and even some special guests (hint: if you’ve been missing Fitness in the Space, your instructors have been missing you, too!) Stress Less runs from Dec. 1 – 11 on Instagram stories.

Textbook Consignment

Are you ready to say goodbye to some old textbooks? Bound and Copied can help you turn them into cash. Bring your used textbooks to the consignment window at Bound and Copied, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Are you already thinking about 2021? So are we.

Clubs Week We are excited to announce that January Clubs Week will be held virtually through our ClubHub platform from Jan. 19 – 21. Each club will have their own virtual “table”, and event participants will have a chance to chat with participating club executives over Zoom. Watch our social media channels for more information over the next few weeks.

SU General Election

Have you ever thought about taking on a leadership role at the SU? Official nomination packages will be available Jan. 25 – 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? Stay tuned to social media and our website for dates of pre-election workshops in January.

Holiday Closure

The SU offices and Bound and Copied will be closed after Friday, Dec. 11, and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021.

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

Frank

President, The Students’ Union
The University of Calgary

 

Tenth Anniversary of Students’ Union Q Centre Celebrated

Tenth Anniversary of Students’ Union Q Centre Celebrated 150 150 admin

Intentional community identity building, the importance of LGBTQ+ spaces, and the legacy of students’ investment highlighted 

November 2, 2020

CALGARY, AB – On November 3rd, the Students’ Union (SU) will be proudly celebrating the tenth anniversary of the only space at the University of Calgary devoted to serving our lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) community and their allies.

The SU Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity, known as the Q Centre, first opened its doors on November 3, 2010. The space, administered by the SU and operated by a team of dedicated volunteers, offers a safe and supportive environment for students to hang out in, as well as educational programs and resources.

In 2014, the SU expanded the capacity of the Q Centre to provide diverse programming and services by opening a newly renovated space using an SU Quality Money grant. With over 1,000 ft2 of space, the Q Centre expanded their library, offered a new reconfigurable multipurpose space for events, studying, and networking, and added private office spaces and a reception area.

“We are so proud of the work that the Q Centre has done to build a strong and thriving LGBTQ+ community on our campus,” said Frank Finley, Students’ Union President. “Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the investments students have made through SU Quality Money, the Q Centre serves to promote awareness and acceptance while offering community to students and other members of our university.”

In honor of the anniversary the SU Q Centre is hosting speaker and activist James Demers for a discussion on building community identity and queer space and how the evolution of these spaces is vital for connecting the future of the Pride movement to current social movements.

“Students have always been a key part of creating social change,” Finley added. “We are grateful for the opportunity to discuss the importance of this work with James, as we know that there is still more work to do and barriers to break down both on our campus and within our society.”

The SU is looking forward to continuing the work that the Q Centre has started throughout its ten-year history, including working to promote awareness and acceptance of different sexual identities through educational programs, partnerships with the university, and advocacy. Q Centre coordinators and volunteers pushed for the university’s first multi-stall gender-inclusive washroom, hosted awareness events during Sex Week, and led the SU’s involvement with Calgary Pride, and new events and initiatives, including remote peer support, are always being developed.

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Media Contact:

Marcus Plottel, External Communications Specialist
403-829-9208 / marcus.plottel@ucalgary.ca

Images (credit for all to Gene Baines/SU Staff):

Excellent teachers, city councillors, and Halloween pets

Excellent teachers, city councillors, and Halloween pets 150 150 admin

PrintHello UCalgary,

I’m Frank Finley, your SU President. I’ve got a few quick updates for you on some important things that are happening around campus.

Teaching Excellence Nominations: Deadline this Friday

Do you have an instructor or TA who has gone the extra mile adapting to remote delivery 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 23.

Meet Your City Councillors: Join Marley on Facebook Live

Join VP External Marley Gillies next week on Facebook Live as she discusses issues that affect students with a panel of city councillors. Marley will be chatting with Councillors George Chahal (Ward 5), Jyoti Gondek (Ward 3), and Jeff Davidson (Ward 6) at 3 p.m. on Oct. 28, and Councillors Evan Woolley (Ward 8), Druh Farrell (Ward 7), and Jeromy Farkas (Ward 11) at 2 p.m. on Oct. 29. Send us your questions ahead of time through the SU’s social media channels, or submit them live during the event.

Alberta 2030 Survey Closes Oct. 25

We believe in affordable, accessible, high-quality education. Do you agree? The Government of Alberta is conducting a review of Alberta post-secondary education, and it’s important that student voices are heard. Surveys are open until Oct. 25, and you can find them here.

Halloween Pet Therapy

Check out our Instagram stories on Friday, Oct. 30, and get ready to share photos of your pets working their best Halloween looks.

Fall Harvest Food Drive Final Days

We are into the final days of our Fall Harvest Food Drive, and we’re so grateful to everyone who has already donated this month. You can participate on your own or as part of a team; if you make a donation, let us know by sharing a photo on social media and tagging us at @suuofc, and you or your team will be entered to win prizes. See our website for all of the details.

Q Centre Pride Scholarship

Did you know that the Q Centre is open again with virtual drop-in hours three days a week? We have also opened nominations for the Q Centre Pride Scholarship. This SU Quality Money initiative recognizes individuals that are passionate advocates in the queer community. Check out our website for more information. Scholarship applications are due on Nov. 20.

Quality Money Proposals

If you’ve got a big idea that will enhance the quality of student life on campus, apply for an SU Quality Money grant and make it a reality. The deadline is November 27 – start your application today!

Find a Tutor

Do you need some help with your course work or preparing for an exam? Want to help someone else? Your SU has a searchable database of independent tutors that can help you in a wide range of subjects.

Locker Clean-Outs

If you are still missing items from last year, the last day to retrieve them is Friday, October 30th., you can fill out the content retrieval form and we will contact you when your items are ready to go.
You’re over the halfway mark in the semester – keep going!

Frank Finley, President
The Students’ Union

Fall Food Drive, SU By-Election, and an Alberta 2030 survey is underway

Fall Food Drive, SU By-Election, and an Alberta 2030 survey is underway 150 150 admin

PrintIt’s already October – I hope you’ve managed to get outside and enjoyed the first few days of fall. I’m Frank Finley, your SU President, and I have another set of updates for you to keep you up to speed on what’s happening around the SU.

Fall Harvest Food Drive

October 1 marks the beginning of 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. Participation is easy – we’ll post new ideas each day to our social media channels. You can choose one, or many, and participate on your own or as part of a team. If you make a donation, let us know by sharing a photo on social media and tagging us at @suuofc, and you or your team will be entered to win prizes. Or make an anonymous donation – it’s up to you! See our website for all of the details.

Alberta 2030 Survey

We believe in affordable, accessible, high-quality education. Do you agree? The Government of Alberta is conducting a review of Alberta post-secondary education, and it’s important that student voices are heard. Surveys are open until Oct. 25, and you can find them here.

Fall By-Election

Our SLC By-Election Nomination Days are over, and we’ve got some updates for you. Our faculty representative vacancy in Social Work has been filled by acclamation – your rep is Jovanna Rodney. We are running a By-Election to fill a seat on the Board of Governors. Voting days for the By-Election are October 14, 15, and 16, and you can vote online in your student centre. Info on all the candidates and their platforms will be available on our website on Friday.

Undergraduate Research Symposium Applications

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 2020 SU Undergraduate Research Symposium for the chance to win a scholarship and get presentation experience. Abstracts are due October 5 at 4:00 p.m. This year’s URS will be held online in late November, and the presentations will be in video format. For more information or to submit an abstract, visit our website.

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 adapting to remote delivery 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 23.

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 27 – start your application today!

Locker Clean-Outs

Did you leave anything behind in your locker last spring? The last day to retrieve any items that you are missing is Friday, October 30th. Please fill out the content retrieval form and we will contact you when your items are ready to go.

Textbook Consignment

Do you have some old textbooks lying around that you would rather turn into some extra cash? Bound and Copied is open Monday through Friday to consign your old books. Our vendors in the Mac Hall food court are open, too, so make sure to drop by one of your old favourites (or try out the new Freshco Poke) while you are on campus.

Best of luck as you head into midterm season – you’ve got this!

Frank Finley
President, The Students’ Union

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STUDENTS’ UNION 2020 BY-ELECTION RESULTS ANNOUNCED

STUDENTS’ UNION 2020 BY-ELECTION RESULTS ANNOUNCED 150 150 admin

New Board of Governors student-at-large and Faculty of Social Work Representative elected

October 16, 2020, CALGARY, AB – Results of the Students’ Union (SU) By-Election were announced at the end of the day on Friday. Two positions were open going into this week’s vote, and campaigning was primarily online due to COVID-19.

 

Students elected ­­­­Mickail Hendi as their new student-at-large representative to the UCalgary Board of Governors. Hendi captured 45% percent of the vote.

 

Additionally, Chief Returning Officers declared Jovanna Rodney acclaimed to the position of Representative for the Faculty of Social Work having run unopposed. Rodney had served as the appointed representative to the same position since May 1, 2020.

 

“I would like to congratulate Jovanna and Mickail for their commitment to stepping up to represent their fellow students, and I look forward to working with both of them” said Frank Finley, SU President. “Additionally, I would like to acknowledge and thank Alisha Gordon for holding the interim position of Board of Governors student-at-large representative and bringing students’ views and opinions to the Board with passion, tact, and chutzpah. Governor Gordon has been an exceptional board representative, and students have been lucky to have her.”

 

Having been appointed when the position was left vacant in the 2020 SU General Election, Gordon served as the Board of Governors student-at-large representative since May 1, 2020. She had previously served two terms as the Senate student-at-large representative and one term as the SU Vice President Student Life in 2019-20.

 

This year’s By-Election saw 372 students vote. This represents 1.1% of eligible student voters. By-Election results become official on October 26, 2020.

 

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Media Contact: Marcus Plottel, External Communications Specialist

(403) 829-9208 // marcus.plottel@ucalgary.ca

 

For Further Election Information: Amanda Cha, Chief Returning Officer

elections@su.ucalgary.ca

Proposed Amendments to the U of C Sexual Violence and Gender Based Violence Policy

Proposed Amendments to the U of C Sexual Violence and Gender Based Violence Policy 150 150 admin

Earlier this year, the University of Calgary proposed revisions to the existing Sexual Violence Policy.
We want to ensure that these revisions are considered after consultation with the undergraduate student body. Please take a moment to participate in our anonymous survey. We will collect your feedback and present it to the university on behalf of undergraduate students.

Take the survey here:
[button link=”https://survey.ucalgary.ca/jfe/form/SV_3gzmf5hCfGuXpBj”]Sexual Violence Policy Survey[/button]

Responses must be completed by Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020.