Notes from Council: The state of student groups in the new year

At the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) Students’ Council meeting on September 22, Selen Erkut, Students Group Services (SGS) manager, presented on the state of student groups this year. 

Increased in registered groups and group proposals

Since the beginning of this year, the number of proposals to begin student clubs has increased. As well as this, the number of proposals approved but not registered with SGS has lowered. This is a good sign, as it shows that more groups are committing to continue their clubs.

So far, a total of 517 student groups have registered with SGS, Erkut said. This is nearing a record high for the U of A, with the highest number recorded being 530 groups in September 2020.

Through the last school year, 91 groups submitted proposals, and 59 gained approval. A total of 48 new student groups were recognized in this academic year. 

As a result of the overall number of applications increasing, applications that may have received group funding years ago may not today. SGS ‘funding pot’ has increased from $100,000 to $110,000. However, the limits for group access have not changed. As a result, student groups are not able to use their money as freely as they may have years ago.

It was noted that certain groups achieve higher success in securing grants, a result of experienced leadership and prior documentation. Erkut noted that SGS aims to have support and make processes simple for student groups that may face more struggle.

Examples given of groups that may struggle were cultural groups representing areas undergoing conflict, or newer groups that lack experience,

Issues with group numbers and leadership changes

Another issue discussed was fluctuations in group numbers and leadership. Historically, there have been problems with group numbers dropping in the spring and summer terms. This is a potential result of weak transitions in group roles.

New leaders of student groups often lack previous knowledge, leading to issues with continuing the student group. SGS have set up computer orientation modules for transitions, with resources to help this shift.

In response to a question regarding tightening new group intake, Erkut stated that they hesitate to cap new groups or proposals. They have considered cutting back re-registration deadlines.

Another topic discussed was “tiers of recognition” for student groups, allowing different student groups to take on different levels of responsibility.

Open forum: Impacts of the referendum on the U of A

A recently published op-ed written by several campus groups discussed the potential impacts of the referendum on the U of A. The Gateway asked Angel Raina, vice-president (external), whether the UASU was invited to join the op-ed.

She stated that the UASU has been in conversation with numerous associations to discuss approaches to the referendum. They did not make commitments to contribute to the particular op-ed.

“Part of the reason on our end was, we’re not a TV. We’re not a third-party advertiser, and we are running quite a massive get out and vote campaign, which is nonpartisan. So, based on certain conversations about going forwards, it just wasn’t feasible with the timeline,” Raina said.