Students' Union, UCalgary

SU @UCalgary
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President’s Message: Last chance to nominate your teacher, or complete the SU Survey
President’s Message: Last chance to nominate your teacher, or complete the SU Survey 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

Just a quick reminder that Teaching Excellence Award nominations close this week on Friday, Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m. Teachers always tell us how much these awards mean to them, because they are nominated by students in their classrooms. If you have great teacher this semester, nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award. It’s quick and easy: just complete a short online form.

SU Survey: complete the survey by Feb. 16

Have you had a chance to fill out the SU 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. Take the survey now.

SU Club Awards (nominations due Feb. 16)

Nominations for SU Club Awards close Friday, Feb. 16. Help us recognize excellence in team leadership, service, sustainable practices, advocacy, and innovation. Nomination forms can be found here.

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! 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.

And finally, Term Break is Feb. 18-24! This time is intended to be free of compulsory academic events and assessments for students, so take some time to reassess, reach out, and recharge. Check out some resources from the Student Success Centre.

Enjoy your break, UCalgary!

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette

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SLC Speaker
SLC Speaker 150 150 HR

The SU is hiring for a Students’ Legislative Council (SLC) Speaker. Work on campus and gain corporate governance experience presiding over SLC meetings and contributing to student governance at UCalgary.  You’ll be primarily responsible for the conduct of SLC meetings, including:

  • Enforcing Robert’s Rules of Order and parliamentary procedure
  • Facilitating and mediating discussions at SLC
  • Impartially interpreting Union Policy

Applicants must be undergraduate students.  This position runs Summer 2024 to April 2025.  Candidates must be available to work Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM. Pay for this position is $17.00/hour.

For more information, please see the position description.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to resumes@su.ucalgary.ca by 4:00 PM, April 29, 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 Goodstoney 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.

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President’s Message: Nominate your prof (or your club!), and take the SU Survey
President’s Message: Nominate your prof (or your club!), and take the SU Survey 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

Just a few quick reminders and events happening next week. Not that anyone’s counting, but as of today you are only a week away from term break! Hang in there – you’ve got this.

Sex Week (Feb. 12 – 16)

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

SU Survey: complete the survey by Feb. 16

Have you had a chance to fill out the SU 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. 16. Take the survey now.

SU Club Awards and Eric Lahoda Scholarships (nominations due Feb. 16)

We are accepting nominations for SU Club Awards now until Feb. 16. Help us recognize excellence in team leadership, service, sustainable practices, advocacy, and innovation. Nomination forms can be found here.

Teaching Excellence Awards: nominate your prof by Feb. 16

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? Show them you appreciate their efforts and nominate them for a Teaching Excellence Award! The deadline for all TEA nominations is Feb. 16.

 Upcoming SU General Election and Referendum

This year’s General Election will include a referendum question about merging the SU Constitution and SU By-laws into one document. You can read the question and learn more here.

Nomination Days are from Feb. 12 – 14. If you have decided you’re going to run for a position, download the nomination package here, and make sure to drop it off at the designated times. The Elections team will accept nominations virtually from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day (zoom link on SU website, or in person at the SU Main office (MSC 251) from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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.

Shaziah Jinnah Morsette
Your Students’ Union President

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President’s Message: Fines-for-Food, Black History Month movies, and SU Election details
President’s Message: Fines-for-Food, Black History Month movies, and SU Election details 150 150 admin

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 for just the first half of the month:

Support the SU Campus Food Bank: Fines-for-Food runs Feb. 5 – 11

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. 5 – 11, 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.

Black History Month Movies and Short Films: Feb. 8

Join us for a selection of feature-length films and National Film Board short films in celebration of Black History Month. This event runs Feb. 8 in That Empty Space, with Selma at 10 a.m., NFB short films at 12:15 p.m., and Summer of Soul at 1:00 p.m.

SU General Election and Referendum: important dates

  • Do you have questions about running, or what life is like as an SU elected official? Join us for an election orientation session, happening in Council Chambers at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 and online at 2 p.m. on Feb. 1. Zoom link is available on the SU website.
  • Nomination Days are from Feb. 12 – 14. If you have decided you’re going to run for a position, download the nomination package here, and make sure to drop it off at the designated times. The Elections team will accept nominations virtually from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day (zoom link on SU website, or in person at the SU Main office (MSC 251) from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Voting days will be March 5, 6, and 7 through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre.
  • The General Election will include a referendum question about merging the SU Constitution and SU By-laws into one document. You can read the question and learn more here.

Sex Week (Feb. 12 – 16)

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

SU Survey: complete the survey by Feb. 16

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. 16. Take the survey now.

Students for Literacy Book Sale: Feb. 5 – 9

Browse through a tonne of books for just $1 – $3 from February 5 – 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the South Courtyard, Mac Hall. All proceeds will go directly towards supporting literacy in our community.

Student Strike Info Session: Feb. 1

Learn about the student strikes – the history, impact, and how the student strike process works. This info session runs Feb. 1 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. in Cassio (next to Mr. Pretzel in Mac Hall).

Teaching Excellence Awards: nominate your teacher by Feb. 16

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 16.

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.

Shaziah Jinnah Morsette
Your Students’ Union President

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NOTICE OF REFERENDUM: GENERAL ELECTION 2024
NOTICE OF REFERENDUM: GENERAL ELECTION 2024 150 150 admin

Background:

Between 1948 and March 2023, the Students’ Union (SU) experienced significant changes to its governance processes due to changes in provincial legislation and the strategic decisions of past Students’ Legislative Council (SLC) cohorts. These changes have resulted in the SU having two main governance documents: (a) the SU Union Bylaw, which incorporates information from the Post Secondary Learning Act and the SU Constitution, thus making it a significant reference document for guidance and direction over the SU governance processes and operations; and (b) the SU Constitution, which is a residual document due to most of its provisions already being reflected in the SU Union Bylaw.

In line with best practices, the SU aims to modernize its governance processes by improving student accessibility and ease of understanding of its governing documents. To implement this governance modernization, the SU proposes a consolidation of the SU Union Bylaw and the SU Constitution, by incorporating the only provision of the SU Constitution not reflected in the SU Union Bylaw, into the SU Union Bylaw. This will make the SU Union Bylaw a “one-stop-reference” document students can rely on for all information on the SU governance processes and operations. Thereafter, the SU Constitution would be repealed for being redundant.

Other student associations in post-secondary learning institutions within Alberta such as the University of Alberta, Mount Royal University, MacEwan University and Athabasca University have either repealed their constitutions or recognise their union bylaw as their highest governing document in their governance processes. The SU has also consulted the Governance and Oversight Committee which comprises Active Members, the University and Government Relations, and the SLC on its proposed direction and these bodies have indicated their support for the following question to be presented to all Active Members.

Question 1:

Do you support the proposed incorporation of the SU Constitution into the Union Bylaw, and the subsequent rescindment of the SU Constitution effective on April 16, 2024?
• YES
• NO

Full details of the proposed update to the Students’ Union’s governance documents and a Referendum FAQ are available. Complete details and updates on the 2024 General Election can be found on the www.su.ucalgary.ca/elections page.

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NOTICE OF NOMINATION: GENERAL ELECTION 2024
NOTICE OF NOMINATION: GENERAL ELECTION 2024 150 150 admin

Notice is hereby given that Nomination Days are Monday, February 12 to Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Nominations for the election of a candidate for the following offices will be held virtually from 9 to 12 p.m. and received in-person at the SU main office from 12 to 3 p.m. on these days.

OFFICES AVAILABLE (NUMBER OF VACANCIES)

  • President (1)
  • Vice President Academic (1)
  • Vice President External (1)
  • Vice President Internal (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 (3)
  • Faculty Representatives, Science (3)
  • Faculty Representative, Social Work (1)
  • Faculty Representative, Veterinary Medicine (1)
  • Faculty Representative, Werklund School of Education (1)
  • Faculty Rep., School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (1)
  • Board of Governors Student at Large Representative (1)
  • Senate Student at Large Representative (2)

More information and announcements can be found on the www.su.ucalgary.ca/elections page.

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President’s Message: The SU Survey, Pet Therapy, Clubs Week, and Trivia Nights at the Den
President’s Message: The SU Survey, Pet Therapy, Clubs Week, and Trivia Nights at the Den 150 150 admin

Happy New Year, UCalgary!

Welcome back. In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Shaziah Jinnah Morsette, your Students’ Union President. I have a few updates on SU programs and events to kick off the winter semester.

Take the SU Survey

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.

Fun nights coming up at the Den

  • Music Bingo: Tuesday, Jan. 16 from 6 – 9 p.m.
  • Barbie Trivia night: Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
  • C of Red at the Den: Thursday, Jan. 25. Join us for Calgary Flames giveaways and Den specials. The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. – see you there!

Work with US: 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. Save the date for election orientation sessions, happening at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 and 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 1!

SU Clubs Week: Jan. 15 – 17

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.

Pet Therapy in That Empty Space: Jan. 17

The puppies are back! Pet Therapy returns on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 12 p.m.

SU Volunteer Fair: Jan. 24

Are you looking for your volunteering niche? Join us in the Mac Hall North Courtyard on Wednesday, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to connect with volunteer organizations from across Calgary.

Mac Hall Concerts

Have you ever been to a concert in Mac Hall? Follow us at @macewanhall on Instagram, or subscribe to our email list to make sure you never miss a show.

Health and Dental Plan Deadline (Opt-out and Family Add-on): Jan. 26

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. 26.

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

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.

Shaziah Jinnah Morsette,
Your Students’ Union President

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President’s Message: Already thinking about next semester? So are we!
President’s Message: Already thinking about next semester? So are we! 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

We don’t always send an email this late in the semester, but if you have some time on your hands, we have a few opportunities you might want to check out for the new year.

Volunteer on Campus

SU Volunteer Services is recruiting. We are looking for volunteers for the SU Campus Food Bank, Students for Literacy, and the Volunteer Tax Program. Visit our volunteer programs page to learn more.

Join the Teaching Excellence Awards Committee

For nearly 40 years, the SU has invited students to nominate their UCalgary teachers for an SU Teaching Excellence Award. The awards committee works to promote the nominations in fall and winter semesters, and conducts class visits to observe nominated teachers before selecting the winners and planning an awards ceremony in April. The total time commitment for each committee member is around 15 hours. Learn more on the committees page on the SU website.

Work with US

We are hiring Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) to help run the SU General Election and Referendum. DROs must be available to work shifts from Jan. 22 – Mar. 8. Apply by Jan. 3 on the SU website.

Run in the SU General Election

Speaking of the election, have you ever thought about taking on a leadership role at the SU? Official nomination packages will be available Jan. 29, 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. 31 and Feb. 1. Watch our social media channels for updates.

Join a Club

Clubs Week returns Jan. 15 – 17 in the Mac Hall North and South Courtyards.

Apply for an award or scholarship

Club Awards nominations open Jan. 9, with categories like sustainability, innovation, and engagement. Mark your calendar and nominate your amazing club.

We are accepting applications for the SU Pride Scholarship, which is a Quality Money initiative dedicated to recognizing UCalgary students who have contributed to the betterment of the queer community. Apply by Feb. 1.

Enjoy your well-deserved break,

Shaziah Jinnah Morsette
Your Students’ Union President

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Undergraduate Research, Stress Less Events, and C of Red at the Den
Undergraduate Research, Stress Less Events, and C of Red at the Den 150 150 admin

Hello UCalgary,

If you need a quick break from studying, we’ve got a few events to help you recharge before exams.

Undergraduate Research Symposium: Nov. 22 – 23

The SU’s 18th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium is happening this week. On Wednesday and Thursday, wander through the exhibit in Mac Hall North Courtyard and check out the work of all the winners. On Wednesday, Nov. 22, we are hosting research workshops all day long with topics like research data management and representation of minority groups in research leadership.

StressLess Week is next week: Nov. 27 – Dec. 1

StressLess Week returns to Mac Hall just in time. Drop by the North Courtyard on Tuesday for Aromatherapy, Wednesday for tote bag decorating, and Thursday for bracelet-making. We’ve also got two days of Pet Therapy on both Monday and Friday.

Calgary Transit Disruption: Nov. 24 – Dec. 4

Make sure you plan ahead if you usually rely on the train to get to campus. There will be no CTrain service on the Red Line between Chinook and City Hall/Bow Valley College station from Nov. 24 to Dec. 4. Learn more on the Calgary Transit website.

Two more Trivia Nights at the Den: RuPaul on Nov. 23 and Game of Thrones on Dec. 5

Take a real brain break answering some fun questions that don’t impact your GPA. The Den’s Trivia nights start at 6:30 p.m.

The C of Red is coming back to the Den: Nov. 30

The Den is hosting “C of Red” night on Thursday, Nov. 30. Join us for Calgary Flames giveaways and Den specials. You can watch the game at the Den, or if you have tickets to the game, you can hop on a C of Red bus to head down to the Saddledome. The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. – see you there!

Volunteer with the SU Volunteer Tax Program

The Volunteer Tax Program has a few more spots available! We provide volunteers with CRA training, experience in tax preparation, and lots of new friends. Learn more and apply here.

SU Living Room: Disney Edition on Dec. 5

Take a study break with us! Drop by That Empty Space any time Dec. 5 for free movies, snacks, and fun activities. We’re showing Tangled at 10 a.m., Little Mermaid (live action) at 12 p.m., and Elemental at 2:30 p.m.

Textbook Consignment

Are you ready to say goodbye to some old textbooks? Bring your used textbooks to Bound and Copied, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Locker Rentals

Do you need a place to keep your winter boots while you’re in class? We’ve got lockers in convenient locations all over campus, and you can rent one through your my.ucalgary.ca student centre.

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

Shaziah Jinnah Morsette,
Your Students’ Union President

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President’s Message: A quick update for all students on our Tuition and Fee Consultation
President’s Message: A quick update for all students on our Tuition and Fee Consultation 150 150 admin

In September, preliminary proposals for tuition and fee increases for the 2024-2025 academic year 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 non-instructional fees (MNIFs).

This fall, we have been working hard to push UCalgary admin to incorporate student feedback into their proposal for the next round of tuition and fee increases. Thankfully, this year’s new process has allowed more meaningful consultation and more opportunity to voice student needs and concerns.

International students have already endured exorbitant tuition increases over the last four years, some even as high as 40%. And we have concerns about MNIFs – students should have confidence in the transparency of these fees and see value in what they receive in return.

Here are our asks instead:

Tuition

  • Align international and domestic tuition increases at 2%
  • Provide international students with a 4-year and 5-year tuition guarantee when accepted
  • Assemble an Affordability Task Force to be vigilant with this escalating issue

Fees

  • Freeze all fee increases until there is more transparent reporting on where fees are going
    • This includes the university providing companion documents to better clarify current Mandatory Non-Instructional Fee reports by Nov. 15
  • Commit to improving the value students receive from the Athletics Fee in a meaningful way before it can be increased

 Re-invest in Academics and Mental Health

  • Expand academic advising capacity so students can access a quality appointment in a timely manner
  • Expand and improve the professional capacity of Student Wellness and Accessibility Services

International Student Supports

  • Establish an International Student Advisory Committee to address the urgent needs of international students at UCalgary
  • Invest in programs and services that international students need, such as:
    • More transition and program support advisors​
    • More immigration support advisors
    • More funding for programming
    • Hiring someone to be a dedicated wellness service staff member to support international students

Ancillary

  • Reduce proposed increases for residences to 1.0-5.0%
  • Prioritize student satisfaction with meal plans and increase the quality of food
What’s happening next?

On Tuesday, October 31st, UCalgary admin will attend a second Students’ Legislative Council (SLC) meeting, where a proposal will be presented for tuition and fee increases for the 2024-2025 academic year, following the student consultation that has occurred. If you’d like to submit a question or comment to be addressed at the SLC meeting, please submit it here.

Our work in addressing these proposed tuition raises all lead up to a vote at the UCalgary Board of Governors’ meeting on December 8. There, we learn if these changes are approved. Student engagement is essential to make sure that the proposal reflects what students want.

I hope that we can count on your support.

Your Students’ Union President,
Shaziah Jinnah Morsette

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