Elections and Appointments

Campus Representatives are the primary line of communication with students and represent the student body. Campus Representatives bring student issues to the attention of the General Council. Campus Representatives must adhere to the SPSA Bylaws, Policies, and endorsed guidelines. Campus Representatives hold the Executive Council accountable and through the General Council, guide the SPSA in enhancing student life.

Individuals seeking the position of Campus Representative should understand that success in this position requires compassion, sensitivity, understanding and confidence in standing up for others. This position demands a “student first” perspective, and the ability to argue policy and accepted procedures.

The SPSA Bylaws and Policies govern Campus Representatives; the responsibilities of a Campus Representative include, but are not limited to:

1. Shall serve as a fiduciary to the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students’ Association Inc.;
2. Advocate for students and ensure that student concerns are properly voiced, heard, and addressed;
3. Promote and contribute to an exciting Campus community by encouraging active participation in SPSA events either as a participant, volunteer or spectator;
4. Review and approve Governance Series Policies received from Executive Council and the Governance & Policy Committee;
5. Participate in at least one SPSA Standing Committee as per the Bylaws;
6. Attend all mandatory scheduled meetings on time;
   a. General Council Meetings
   b. Campus Council Meetings
   c. Student Open Forum Assembly Meetings (Council Connect)
   d. SPSA Standing Committee Meetings
   e. Annual General Meeting
7. Actively participate in meetings by:
   a. Reading the Agenda package prior to any Council meetings and proposing any changes/addition if required;
   b. Ensuring that cameras are on during online meetings
8. Assist other Council members (as required);
9. Check, review and respond to email(s) daily;
10. Attend all SPSA-sanctioned training session(s);

Campus Representatives must:

1. Submit a monthly Honorarium Report to their respective VP Campus to receive remuneration;
2. Submit a Year-End Summary of accomplishments and activities to assist future Council members;
3. Report all absences to their respective VP Campus and/or President, prior to any meeting; and
4. Meet the demands of this role. Failure to meet the demands of this role will result in the discontinuation of duties as a member of the Council as outlined in the Bylaws.

Campus Representative Appointment Timeline

Application Period – September 18-22, 2023
Interview Sessions – September 25-29, 2023

General Council Meetings

October 14-15, 2023 – In person (Locations TBD)
November 11, 2023 – Virtual
December 9, 2023 – Virtual
January 20-21, 2024 – In person (Locations TBD)
February 10, 2024 – Virtual
March 23-24, 2024 – In person (Locations TBD)
April 13, 2024 – Virtual

Benefits

1. Gain leadership experience by proactively participating on SPSA Standing Committees and representing the student voice;
2. Receive an Honorarium based on participation as outlined in GOV 5 – Campus Representative Honorarium;
3. Receive a Wellness Credit as per ADMIN 4 – General Council & Employee Wellness Account;
4. Campus Representatives commuting to another city campus for in-person General Council Meetings are compensated for their mileage as per ADMIN 1 – Travel and Per Diem; and
5. A reference letter is also available for Campus Representatives at the end of their term.

SPSA Bylaws

It is the responsibility of all applicants to read through the SPSA Bylaws. This is a vital step in the application process. Please take some time to read through all the bylaws and if you have questions, make notes and forward your questions to spsa@spsa.ca.

SPSA Standing Committees

Each member of the SPSA General Council will serve on at least one SPSA Standing Committee during their term. Each Committee is composed of at least one Executive Council member as well as one Campus Representative from each campus. Campus Representative positions on the Standing Committees are determined at the first General Council Meeting of the academic year. Take some time to read through the purpose of each Committee below.

Academic Affairs Committee
The purpose of the Academic Affairs Committee is to develop, for the review of General Council the research, with proposed position statements and policies concerning academic issues at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The Academic Affairs Committee’s responsibilities include but is not limited to:

• Reviewing all Saskatchewan Polytechnic academic policies annually and suggest changes and improvements to General Council when deemed appropriate.
• Reviewing Student Advocate Reports regarding systemic student concerns in the area of academics and developing position statements as needed.
• Reviewing the admissions process and student access to Saskatchewan Polytechnic programming and report to General Council with regard to these affairs when appropriate.

Finance Committee
The purpose of the Finance Committee is to facilitate the oversight and effective financial operations of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students’ Association (SPSA). The Finance Committee’s responsibilities include but is not limited to:

• Reviewing the monthly and quarterly Financial Statements of the SPSA.
• Ensuring the transparency of, and facilitate access to, all the financial documents of the student association with respect to the members.
• Review the annual operating budget of the SPSA within a reasonable time prior to its presentation and adoption by General Council.

Governance & Policy Committee
The Governance & Policy Committee will provide research and advise the General Council on External and Internal Policies. The Governance & Policy Committee’s responsibilities include but is not limited to:

• Forecasting significant issues, any lobbying strategies and possible resolutions to those issues.
• Discussing issues and government policy or initiatives relating to post-secondary education at a local, provincial, or federal level and assign responsibility for policy action or research initiatives to the members of the SPSA General Council or General Manager.
• Formulating responses to any external issues, policies or initiatives relating to post-secondary education and provide information to the President and Executive Council as required.
• Reviewing the Bylaws annually and prepare any changes necessary for approval at the next Annual General Meeting.
• Developing, participating in and recommending to the General Council any provincial or national election awareness campaigns for the SPSA and, when necessary, assist Campus Councils in preparing for such campaigns.
• Investigating and reporting to General Council of partnership opportunities, strategic organizational opportunities, and directions.
• Reviewing the Internal Operation Policies & Procedures annually and preparing any recommendations for approval by Executive Council.
• Reviewing the Governance Policy annually and preparing any recommendations for approval by General Council.

Student Affairs Committee
The purpose of the Student Affairs Committee is to develop, for the review of General Council the research, with proposed position statements and policies concerning student life issues at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The Student Affairs Committee’s responsibilities include but is not limited to:

• Examining of non-academic, non-governmental issues at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and providing recommendations to the General Council with regards to these affairs when deemed appropriate.
• Surveying students about their advocacy needs and use the results to develop the SPSA’s yearly advocacy priorities and policies.
• Reviewing the SPSA’s sustainability practices and working with Saskatchewan Polytechnic on joint sustainability

Campus Representative Selection

In accordance with Bylaw 7.2.b.iv, the President, along with the respective VP Campus will be responsible for appointing three (3) Campus Representatives per Campus, through an interview process.

Onboarding training for newly appointed Campus Representatives will be scheduled prior to their first General Council Meeting; attendance is mandatory.

Campus Representative Application

Congrats! You’ve made it through the Campus Rep Application Guide and can now complete the Campus Representative Application.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those meeting the required qualifications will be contacted for an interview.