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Elections FAQ

THE STUDENTS’ LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (SLC)

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. SAITSA is really and truly run by students!

2. How many SLC members are there?

Representatives will be elected for each of the following Schools:

  • Business
  • Construction
  • Information and Communications Technologies
  • Health and Public Safety
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • MacPhail School of Energy
  • Manufacturing and Automation
  • Transportation
  • Centre for Academic Learner Services (CALS)

There will be a minimum of one elected SLC representative for each School, but some of the bigger departments may elect more.

3. How do I contact my School’s 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?

In 2011, the SLC Nomination Period runs from September 19-30. The Campaign Period takes place from October 3 to 17, and the election itself takes place from October 13 to 17.

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! To run for the SLC you’ve got to also be a member of the School you’re running to represent, of course.

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.

4. How do I get nominated?

The first step is to pick up a nomination package, either online here or in rooms MC107 and V204. You’ll then have to fill out the necessary forms and get a minimum 25 signatures from SAIT students who are members of your School and 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 $50 CAD. All the info you need is included in your nomination package.

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.

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 from your School, and gain great experience in the process;
  • You’ll have input on important student issues at SAIT;
  • You get to attend an opening and a closing retreat;
  • You’ll get to know what’s going on at SAIT;
  • 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?

This year the voting days run from October 13th to 17th, but you’ll want to watch for the All Candidates Debate and check out the candidates’ campaign platforms in the days leading up to the elections as well. 

2. How can I vote?

You can vote online or at campus polling stations. Check www.saitsa.com for a schedule of polling stations, or check your SAIT email.

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 Academic, the VP Finance 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 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.

4. What does the VP Finance do?

The VP Finance is the keeper of all things financial. This person is responsible for not only the budget, but also the internal operations of SAITSA and the Student Health and Dental Plan. What’s more, they do fun stuff like liaising with the Stamps, the Flames and the Hitmen in order to get great deals for SAIT students.

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?

Stay tuned for dates – check this website, read the Weal, or add us on Facebook [link] to make sure you don’t miss out on elections info.

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 $200 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 $37,961/year. Other benefits include:

  • Extended health and dental benefits
  • RRSP contributions
  • Campus parking pass or U-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 Student Services 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.

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