University Affairs

Students' Society of McGill University

Category: Blog

  • Work for us next year! Job Opportunities & March 9th Council Report

    SSMU is hiring for 2017-2018! Work under the University Affairs portfolio or in another area at SSMU. Available positions include University Affairs Secretary General, Equity Commissioner, and much more. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2017. Contact SSMU Human Resources with your questions or visit recruitment drop-in hours between 11am-4pm every Monday and Wednesday in March.

    Wondering what University Affairs staff do? Check out this week’s Report of the VP University Affairs to Legislative Council for some ideas. Recent UA highlights include:

    Winter goals completed to-date (italics = since last report):

     

  • Fostering Post-Secondary Success: Support Programming for Students from Foster Care

    SSMU University Affairs has released a new research report, entitled Fostering Post-Secondary Success: Support Programming for Students from Foster Care. This document examines current issues faced by students from the welfare system and their transition to post-secondary education, as well as targeted recruitment, retention, and support strategies in place at other institutions. A survey of student experiences and existing programming indicates that McGill University provides no dedicated support resources for this population, nor do they currently collect relevant demographic data beyond some financial aid applications.

    The report makes clear that much more can be done to promote educational access and success for students from foster care entering McGill. Proposed recommendations include developing dedicated financial aid opportunities; conducting targeted outreach and recruitment campaigns; creating specific student mentorship and psychological support programs; and collecting comprehensive data on student admissions and experiences. Any questions regarding the report can be directed to the VP University Affairs.

     

  • Senate Caucus Biweekly Report for Feb 6-20, 2017

    report

    Reading week is only a week away, and with this we’re halfway through the Winter term! The Senators have a lot going on as you can see here in their latest biweekly report! You can also find our previous biweekly reports here, or in the Senators’ blog.

    A few highlights:

    • In the February 15 Senate Meeting, a Senate Motion submitted by a SSMU Senator, to recognize and promote Black History Month at McGill, was passed.
    • The Senators discussed the University’s Strategic Academic Plan (2017-2022), which was up for open discussion at the February 15 Senate Meeting.
    • The implementation of preferred names at McGill has seen progress in recent weeks, allowing students to use their preferred names in McGill-related contexts if they choose. Find out more about it here.

    Minutes of each Senate Caucus meeting is available upon request via email.

    If you’re interested in attending a Senate Caucus meeting to learn more about what the Senators do, feel free to email me (the UA Secretary) to get more information. Senate Caucus meetings are held every Monday at 6:30 PM in the SSMU Office.

  • Fleeting February: Policies, Policies & more Policies

    Despite being the shortest month, February sure has been hectic! Reading Week is close, so let’s push through this last week until the break. In the meantime, check out my February 23rd Report to the Legislative Council for all of the updates.

    Recent UA highlights:

    • McGill Senate approved a motion to formally recognize & celebrate Black History Month every year
    • Proposed Policy Against Ancillary Fee Increases will be presented to the Winter General Assembly
    • Bringing SSMU Policy against Unpaid Internships, revised Equity Policy and revised Indigenous Solidarity Policy to Legislative Council this week for approval
    • Releasing research report on students coming from foster care in the coming days
    • Currently reviewing new draft Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) from the administration

    Winter goals completed to-date (italics = since last report):

  • Senate Caucus Biweekly Report for Jan 23-Feb 6, 2017

    report

    Can’t believe we’re just now hitting February! The Senators have been busy at work and here is their second biweekly report of the term! You can also find our previous biweekly reports here.

    A few highlights:

    • Dean of Students Christopher Buddle came over to Senate Caucus and discussed many things. Some highlights include the definition of the “McGill Context” as it applies to the Code of Student Conduct at off-campus events, as well as mental health training for faculty members.
    • Laura Winer, the Director of Teaching and Learning Services, also came by for a chat. Among other things, we discussed course evaluations and solutions to noise disturbances in Leacock due to the construction.
    • The Wellness Hub Student Stakeholder Group is now looking for student representatives. Apply here.

    Minutes of each Senate Caucus meeting is available upon request via email.

    If you’re interested in attending a Senate Caucus meeting to learn more about what the Senators do, feel free to email me (the UA Secretary) to get more information. Senate Caucus meetings are held every Monday at 6:30 PM in the SSMU Office.

  • Board of Governors, Unpaid Internships & Student Support: February 9th Council Report

    SSMU Executive nominations are now open! Find more information on requirements and the nominations process here. Check out our February 9th Report to the Legislative Council to learn more about the busy upcoming month of advocacy projects.

    Recent UA highlights:

    • Submitted motions to February 15th Senate meeting regarding formal recognition of Black History Month & review of Board of Governors practices
    • Circulated joint letter from McGill Communities Council (MCC) regarding concerns with Board of Governors (related to recommendations from SSMU research report)
    • Bringing Policy against Unpaid Internship, revised Equity Policy and revised Indigenous Solidarity Policy to SSMU Legislative Council this week (first readings)
    • Currently determining best means to address ongoing issues with implementation & communication of new “stepped care” model in Student Services
    • Working with Social Equity & Diversity Education (SEDE) Office, Campus Life & Engagement (CL&E), Scholarships & Student Aid Office (SSAO), Enrolment Services & other units to develop more targeted student support programs (first generation students, students from foster care, etc)
    • Open Educational Resources Researcher is presenting at Legislative Council meeting this week!

    Winter goals completed to-date (italics = since last report):