The Students’ Union (SU) is the University of Calgary’s official student government, representing and advocating for undergraduate students. The Students’ Legislative Council (SLC) is the SU’s highest governing body. Under Section 95 of the Post-Secondary Learning Act, the SLC holds authority in making bylaws and policies concerning matters affecting students, including student fees, governance, elections and committee appointments.
The 84th SLC is made up of 26 members: 22 faculty representatives elected by undergraduates in their respective faculties and four executives elected by all undergraduates. The SLC is responsible for representing the interests and concerns of students. During their tenure, executives produce trimester reports while faculty representatives provide monthly reports with updates on their initiatives.
SLC members are elected annually at the SU general election in March. A bi-election is held in the following October for positions that remain vacant.
President
This year’s SU President is Gabriela Dziegielewska. The President is responsible for overseeing all SU operations, leading the executive team and representing students to university administration. The President also holds a seat on the Board of Governors, one of the university’s highest governing bodies, where they advocate for students and help shape decisions on matters such as the university’s policies and long-term strategic direction.
Vice President Academic
Zoe Zeritsch is serving as this year’s VP Academic. The role primarily involves advocating for students on academic matters, including teaching, learning, research and scholarship. The VP Academic handles student concerns related to academics, works to improve the academic experience and promote student research. Additionally, the VP Academic represents students in a number of committees and coordinates the Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Teaching Excellence Awards.
Vice President External
The VP External this year is Mahad Rzain. The VP External is responsible for managing relations with external organizations and bodies of government to advocate for policies beneficial to students. They are the SU’s primary representative in the umbrella of lobbying groups that the SU is involved in.
Vice President Internal
This year’s VP Internal is Abdu Negmeldin. The VP Internal oversees internal SU operations and communication. They also work to improve student services and wellbeing, and manage the SU budget.
The SLC has committees that help the SU develop policies and direct programs. These committees focus on various topics, including operations, services, governance, relations and finance. Committee members can include SU executives, elected representatives, U of C professionals and student-at-large undergraduates.
SLC meetings are open to the public and take place every Tuesday in the fall and winter semester at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers. More information on the SU can be found on their website.
