Hello, everyone. We have been recruiting students for a three-week project management exchange, July 2-21, to be hosted by Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, in conjunc…tion with our Singapore and Australia partners.

This exchange involves 3 weeks instruction in project management (which is in demand in industry and will help make your students more employable) and involves hands-on project work on a service learning Habitat for Humanity project.

We now have two more spots available for this exchange; although students are at the end of their semester and are thinking of their exams, could you forward this information to your students, if at all possible? We would really like to send as many students as possible on this exchange, and we provide a bursary of up to $2,500/student to cover their travel and accommodation costs.

Interested students can contact me directly for more information on the application process, or can go to the GEN website http://gen.sait.ca/ for the application package and for details on how to apply (which is straightforward). Students need to apply for this by next Friday, April 27.

Click link below for more details:

http://gen.sait.ca/

Lastly to all returning students, make sure you keep your Students’ Association accountable.  This means getting involved in student government, starting and supporting clubs, and volunteering to improve the SAIT campus.  The coming year will have many changes and much excitement, I wish you all the best. Steven Hildebrand

VP Finance
I want to congratulate all SAIT students that are graduating this year, and I wish you the best of luck out in the work force. I hope that you have enjoyed you time at SAIT and be proud of being an alumni of one of Canada’s finest Polytechnics. Achievements this year have been; expanding the Free Breakfast Program, Student Night for Flames games,  DJ classes, promoting Open Decks (DJ) at The Gateway, and expanding the Volunteer Income Tax Program.

Thank you all so much for your support and I look forward to serving you as President. Sebastian Rodas

VP Student Life
Hello, goodbye and thank you to all those who have helped me. I have so many fond memories that I will cherish over the years to come. I look forward to stopping in every now and then to see how everyone is doing and what excitement may be happening around the offices. Thank you again for teaching me so much this year, I never really realized how important each and every one of you are to SAITSA and to me. I wish you all the best in the future and good health.

Over the year I have accomplished the goals I laid out for myself. Really working with clubs to come together on events and make more of a club atmosphere known on campus. Also having a system laid out where all those who needed to be notified about an event or financial request were notified. This helped us save a ton on paper and more of a green approach to club paperwork. Caroline Mackenzie

SAITSA Resource Centre
•    The Good Food Box program is still running, order by April 16th and pick up your food April 26th.  Good Food boxes will be available in May and June.
•    We are looking to hire part time Office Assistants for the Fall (work is to begin at the end of August).  If you are interested please email your cover letter and resume to Lisa Lintott at lisa.lintott@edu.sait.ca.  We will interview in May/June.
•    Those students who are having their income taxes completed by our volunteers can come to MC107 starting April 18th and pick up their finished income taxes.  Remember, you must mail in the completed income taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency.
•    Campus Safewalk will be closed for the summer beginning April 23, we will reopen in September.  If you need assistance please call SAIT Security at 403-284-8530.
•     A HUGE thank you to all of the MC107 Volunteers and Staff!

The Gateway & The Odyssey
BBQ Lunch Everyday Starting in May
Monday to Wednesday at the Odyssey – 11:30am to 2pm
Thursday & Friday at The Gateway – 11:30am to 5pm
Beer is always available at the Gateway!

Station Market/Express
The Station Market and Station Express would like to thank everyone for another great year! The big hit this year was definitely a whole lot of hot dogs, with over 19,000 being chomped down by SAIT students and staff…we promise they will still be here in 2012/13!!

Check out our cool summer treats!

• NEW! Mario’s Gelati
• $1 Icee Monday’s
• Hazelnut Frappuccino, Vietnamese Iced Coffee, Peach Matcha Iced Tea!

SAITSA Seconds
•    Everyone with a consigned book that all contracts expire May 31, 2012. Please stop by and see us to renew your contract, otherwise we will donate books left behind to Books For Africa!
•    Please bring your used textbooks and we’ll sell them for you!
•    Also a friendly reminder to check your locker expiration date (come see us if you don’t know). Please remove all of your belongings from your locker and leave the lock on the locker.

The Weal
Pick up a copy of the Weal and look for our contest to win two full passes to Sled Island 2012!

SAITSA Strategic Plan Survey Winner
Yuka Nishikawa, 2nd year Business student
We hope you enjoy your new iPad!

Where:

MC208 & MC209 (East of the Atrium)

When:

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

April 13 – 15 & April 20 – 22

5 to 9pm

Some of the questions posed will be:

A.      What is your platform position on Funding Private vs. Public education?

B.      What is needed to ensure that Alberta remains economically competitive and how does this pertain to our skilled labour shortage?

C.      What is your Platform position to retain graduates and how will you treat their debts incurred from student loans?

“We want to engage the community and specifically young voters, to bring everyone together and start a dialogue on a number of issues that, we think, affect everyone,” says Steven Hildebrand, President of the SAIT Students Association. “We want to hear the big ideas and vision for the future from the people who want to represent us and give people the chance to ask questions of their own.”

Calgarians interested in a side-by-side comparison between the major political parties vying for your Provincial vote are welcome to attend this free-to-the-public event and to visit www.cbc.ca/votecompass.  Time will be allocated at the end of the speaking candidates to answer questions from the floor. Clipboards will be available to capture everyone’s questions so that they can be immediately sent to the attending candidates for their reply.

For more information contact Steven Hildebrand at saitsa.president@edu.sait.ca or by calling 403-284-8065

This is a great fundraiser and a lot of fun, so please come ‘buy’ our office on the 2nd.

To find out more information on Daffodil Days please visit the link below.

http://www.cancer.ca/Alberta-NWT/How%20you%20can%20help/AB-Fundraising%20activities/AB-Daffodil%20Days.aspx?sc_lang=en

President:

Khan, Zaheed:                           zaheed.khan@edu.sait.ca, 403-390-9871

Leeson, Chris:                           bigolgutmcgee@gmail.com

Rodas, Sebastian:                     s.rodas191@gmail.com, 403-815-5635

VP External:

Armstrong, Matthew:                 matthew.armstrong@edu.sait.ca, 403-278-8416

VP Academic: 

Crossett, Andrew:                      andrew.crossett@hotmail.com, 403-612-3892

Currie, Jodi:                              Jodi.currie@edu.sait.ca

VP Student Life:

Landaverde, Jose:                     jose.landaverd5@gmail.com, 403-703-2900, 403-248-3698

Students’ Legislative Council:

Cai, Lin:                                    yi.cai@edu.sait.ca, 403-990-4552, 403-245-1218

Cruikshank, Thomas:                  thomas.cruikshank6@gmail.com, 403-629-7572

Hewitt, Allison:                          allison.hewitt@edu.sait.ca

Jimenez, Cesar:                         cesarjimenez21@live.com, 403-990-9886

1. What do SLC members actually do?

The Post Secondary Learning Act of Alberta states that the business and affairs of SAITSA shall be managed by the SLC, the members of which shall be elected by and from the members of SAITSA. Basically, they meet twice a month with the Students’ Executive Council (SEC) to discuss student concerns and issues and the overall operations of SAITSA; SLC is the governing body of the organization. SAITSA is really and truly run by students!

2. How many SLC members are there?

Representatives will be elected by the members of SAITSA and there are 16 seats available.

There is also a need for the following representatives:

• Art Smith Aero Centre Representative: Any SAITSA member attending full time classes at the Art Smith Aero Centre Campus.
• Mayland Heights Representative: Any SAITSA member attending full time classes at the Mayland Heights campus.
• Apprentice Representative: A registered Alberta apprentice that has or will be a SAITSA member in the current academic year, and will serve the full SLC term

3. How do I contact a SLC representative?

Head over to the SAITSA Main Office in room V204 of the Campus Centre to ask for more info, or phone 403-284-8036.

THINKING OF RUNNING FOR THE SLC?

1. When are the SLC Elections?

SLC elections now take place in the Fall (10 seats) and the Winter sessions (6 seats).  The Nomiation period opened on February 27, 2012.

2. Who can run for the SLC?

If you’re a registered student and a member of SAITSA, you’ve got a minimum semester- and cumulative-GPA of 2.0, and you don’t owe any outstanding fees to SAIT, you’re eligible!

3. How long is the term of an elected SLC member?

It runs from the elections in the fall until the end of the school year in April.  SLC members elected in the Winter may be asked to do some work over the summer months (dependant on availability of course).

4. How do I get nominated?

The first step is to pick up a nomination package, in rooms MC107 and V204.  You’ll then have to fill out the necessary forms and get a minimum 50 signatures from SAIT students who pay SAITSA fees.

5. Do I need to pay for my own campaign?

Yes, but if you plan well a little bit of money can go a long way. SLC candidates are limited to a personal campaign expense of $200 CAD. All the info you need is included in your nomination package.  SAITSA will reimburse candidates up to 50% of their proven and approved campaign expenses.

6. I’m really busy with school already. How much time will I need to commit?

All SLC members are enrolled in school, so you definitely won’t be alone in that respect! Technically you’re committed to attending two meetings a month with the rest of the SLC and the SEC, but it’s a good idea to be involved with the students that you’re representing so you know what their issues and concerns are. Sure, it might be challenging at times, but you’ll have a blast and the experience and connections you’ll gain will be invaluable.

7. Do I get paid?

Yep, you’ll make some spare cash during your term; you get paid $30 for every SLC meeting you attend.

8. I’ve never been involved in any kind of student government before. Can I still run for the SLC?

Of course! Obviously, having previous student government experience will never hurt you, but SAITSA is a unique organization. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to learn about how it works and to ask questions as you go. Your role is really to represent the students in your School, so if you’re interested in doing that, give it a shot!

9. What are the biggest advantages of being on the SLC?

There are lots of them, but here are some of the best ones:

• You’ll get to represent and liaise with students, and gain great experience in the process;
• You’ll have input on important student issues at SAIT and SAITSA;
• You get to attend a retreat;
• You’ll get to know what’s going on at SAIT and SAITSA;
• You’ll bulk up your résumé;
• You’ll meet lots of new people; and
• You’ll develop lifelong friendships.

VOTING IN THE SLC ELECTIONS

1. When are the SLC Elections?

As mentioned above the SLC Elections now run on the Fall and Winter sessions.  

2. How can I vote?

You can vote online or at campus polling stations. Check www.saitsa.com for a schedule of polling stations and check your SAIT email (you voting information will be sent to you just before the polls opens).

3. Who are the candidates, and where can I find out more about their platforms?

Pick up The Weal during the campaign period to read about all of the candidates, check www.saitsa.com, or seek them out and ask them questions!

4. Does it even matter if I vote or not?

Absolutely!  Both the SLC and the SEC are there to represent you as a student. Every student has at least a few concerns that they want to see addressed, and the only way to make sure these are heard is to take part in the process. It doesn’t take much time to read through the candidates’ platforms and make a decision. The SEC and SLC members are there to hear your concerns and work on your behalf. You’re paying good money to get an education at SAIT, and you’re also paying fees to SAITSA – so have a say in how that money is used and what kind of experience you want to have while you’re here. Don’t leave the decision to everyone else!

THE STUDENTS’ EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (SEC)

1. How many SEC members are there?

Four – the President, the VP External, the VP Academic and the VP Student Life.

2. What does the SAITSA President do?

They’re the head cheese, the big kahuna! This person is the propelling force behind all things SAITSA. They act as the point-of-contact on behalf of SAITSA to external parties like the media, and they play a role in almost everything SAITSA does. It’s a huge job, but the experience you’ll gain is incredible.

3. What does the VP External do?

This position is charged with developing relationships with the municipal and provincial governments and participates on several provincial and federal lobby groups.  While on campus, he/she gets to work with SAITSA staff in securing external support for events, ticket sales and coordinates the selection and placement of artwork for display.

4. What does the VP Academic do?

Charged with all areas of student concerns, student advocacy and the general well being of all SAITSA members, this person is looking out for the underdog!  The VP Academic acts as an advisor to students. It’s a very important position on campus.

5. What does the VP Student Life do?

Involvement in events, student clubs and campus activities make this individual the life of the party. This person is in charge bringing the FUN to campus! Life at SAIT isn’t all about studying and work, we’ve gotta strike a balance with a dose of fun and excitement!

6. How do I contact the SEC?

The SEC members are all over campus all the time, so feel free to stop one and talk to them! Otherwise, you can head over to the SAITSA Main Office in room V204 of the Campus Centre to ask for more info, or phone 403-284-8036.

THINKING OF RUNNING FOR THE SEC?

1. When are the SEC Elections?

Nominations opened on February 27^th 2012.

2. Who can run for the SEC?

If you’re a registered student and a member of SAITSA, you’ve got a minimum semester- and cumulative-GPA of 2.0, and you don’t owe any outstanding fees to SAIT, you’re eligible!

3. How long are the terms of SEC members?

One calendar year.

4. How do I get nominated?

Pick up a nomination package during the nomination period on www.saitsa.com, in room MC107 or in room V204. We’ll have more info here closer to the nomination period.

5. Do I need to pay for my own campaign?

Yes, but if you plan well a little bit of money can go a long way. SEC candidates are limited to a personal campaign expense of $400 CAD. All the info you need is included in your nomination package.

6. How much time will I need to commit?

It’s a full-time job, but you can still take a couple of classes while you’re doing it. Talk to one of the current SEC members for more info on their personal experiences, or ask at the SAITSA Main Office.

7. Do I get paid?

Yep. The salary of an SEC member is $38,416.56 annually. Other benefits include:

• Extended health and dental benefits
• RRSP contributions
• Campus parking pass
• Conferences all across Canada
• Professional development reimbursement
• 3 weeks paid vacation time, paid Xmas break (approx. 2 weeks)

8. How much experience will I gain?

A ton. Being on the SEC is an amazing leadership opportunity, and you’ll gain a vast amount of experience across a broad range of areas. Every day is different. Drop by the SAITSA Main Office or the SAITSA Resource Centre to ask a few questions!

9. I’ve never been involved in any kind of student government before. Can I still run for the SEC?

Of course! Obviously, having previous student government experience will never hurt you, but SAITSA is a unique organization. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to learn about how it works and to ask questions as you go. If you feel like you want to gain some more experience before running for the SEC, however, think about running for the SLC first.

10. What are the biggest advantages of being on the SEC?

Aside from the incredible experience you’ll gain and all of the benefits listed above, you’ll also meet new people, create valuable corporate contacts, bulk up your résumé, represent your fellow students, and have the experience of a lifetime. Not to mention, a recent a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com found that former student government members were more likely to report making a six-figure salary later on. Past SEC members have gone on to have really successful careers. So, as you can see, the advantages of being on the SEC are truly ongoing.