Celebrating our History
Did you know, there has been student government working for you at SAIT since 1922? In 2022 Saitsa turned 100 years old, so all throughout the year we enjoyed a monumental celebration!
Beginning in January, we kicked off and rolled-out all things Saitsa throughout the decades. With fun events, giveaways, and activities throughout the year, we wrapped it all up in September 2022 with a Centennial Celebration month filled with amazing musical performances and events for students and community members.
The History of Saitsa
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PITA is Founded
PITA – The Provincial Institute of Technology and Art is founded and is operated in the temporary location of the Colonel James Walker School. (PITA would be renamed SAIT in 1960.)
First Student Government formed
First Student Government formed in order “to control activities outside of the shop and classroom.” It costs to join, and this initiative “promotes literary, athletic and social activities.”
First Student Banquet
The first Student Banquet was held in the Hudson’s Bay Company Elizabethan room during the school year, and continued to be held there until 1928. It was only attended by males, since the student population was exclusively male.
The Emery Weal is Founded
The Emery Weal was SAIT’s monthly newspaper for students, by students. Covering campus life, city news, entertainment, sports, and everything in between.
First Yearbook
Student Government publishes its first yearbook known as the ‘Tech-Art Record’
First ‘Tech Frosh Week’
This year was the first of the annual Frosh Week activities, and included the issuing of Frosh hats and cards to all freshmen. The freshmen were required to cater refreshments at the request of senior students.
A Star is Born at the Annual Tech Banquet
There was a break with tradition when the Annual Tech Banquet was held in the new East Block cafeteria on the campus instead of the Palliser Hotel. The main entertainment was provided by a student in the Art College, Joni Anderson, who captivated the audience when she played guitar and sang a number of original folk songs in a unique style. She later led a successful international career as a composer and singer under the name of Joni Mitchell. (R.S.)
New Initiatives
Student Executives initiate projects such as ‘Students Co-operative Housing’ & ‘Student Rights’
‘Saitsa’ is Coined
The Student Government officially takes name ‘the SAIT Students’ Association’, aka ‘Saitsa’, in the early 1970’s.
Textbook Exchange
Saitsa opens a consignment book exchange for students, saving students money on textbooks, reusing materials, and receiving 10% of profits from each book sold.
First Ombudsman Trial
An ombudsman was hired on a trial basis for the 1975 to 1976 school year. The role of the ombudsman was to advocate for student issues and liaise with the institution.
Campus Centre Opens
‘Student Activities Building’ is replaced with The Campus Centre. It opens on November 19th, a few months late from its projected August opening. The Campus Centre becomes home to a number of Saitsa offices, including publications, and Spartacus Lounge, home of the Saitsa run Friday night pubs.
Awards Banquet Features Saitsa Awards
The Awards Banquet for 1980-1981 includes the Saitsa awards in conjunction with the Athletics Awards Ceremony. Over 400 students attended the event.
Sparty’s
The SAIT Pub – known as ‘the Spartacus Lounge’ or ‘Sparty’s’, opens – “but only on Friday evenings because SAIT Administration worried students would drink instead of going to class.”
Before His Time
Bryan Adams plays to a crowd of 200 students. (The Students’ Association loses money on the event!)
Accessibility Priority
Saitsa helps fund three new automatic doors on campus to aid people with disabilities in accessing SAIT facilities. Funded by both the Legacy Fund and Saitsa, the doors are installed in the Campus Centre, Thomas Riley building and the A-block of Heritage Hall. Saitsa donates $1,300 to the $6,000 project. Initiated by Saitsa and the institute’s Disabled Access Committee.
Volunteer Centre Opens
“…With a staff of one (Saitsa’s own Trent Phalen), no clear objectives or guidelines and a tiny budget, the Volunteer Centre opened for business in what once was the computer store in the rotunda of the Senator Burns Building.” The centre goes on to expand its mandate to include programs in campus health, student employment, learning skills, and career counselling.
Canadian Rock Royalty
The Tragically Hip plays the Spartacus Lounge for the first time.
Feeding Students
Saitsa takes over the Campus Food Bank operations from the Alumni Association.
Saitsa’s Structure Evolves
Change in Saitsa’s constitution to allow for an expanded Senate (Saitsa’s governing board). It now includes the entire Students’ Executive council (SEC) and the student-at-large sitting on SAIT’s board of Governors. It also includes 6 student academic council members.
7 Decades of SAIT Student Government
SAIT celebrates 75 years as an institution, with the SAIT student government in place since 1922..
Safewalk Takes First Steps
Saitsa approves the offering of Safewalk services on campus. The program launches on Oct. 25, 1993, and four people used the service on the first night. The free service gives anyone on campus an escort after dark. In November, 2004 Saitsa hosts the National Safewalk Conference.
Partnerships Supporting Mental Health
Saitsa hosts a Christmas party for people who suffer from chronic mental health issues. This event included a sponsored dinner for the Creative Community Living Activities (CCLA) program, which teaches people with mental illnesses valuable skills in the community.
Health Benefits Introduced
Saitsa introduces first ‘Student Health Plan’ that would serve as an extended health benefits plan to supplement Alberta Health coverage.
Dental Benefits Implemented
Saitsa votes in and implements first ‘Dental Plan’. In a December referendum, over 90% of voters said “yes” to the plan. Known as a ‘managed dental plan’ it offers a premium while limiting students’ choice of dentists. These dentists charge less than the average rate for cleanings, fillings, x-rays and other basic services.
Microwaves for Students
Saitsa introduces microwaves on campus for student use . These microwaves are cleaned once a day by the volunteer coordinator.
Sex & Alcohol Awareness
Saitsa holds a Sex and Alcohol Awareness Week. The week starts off with a talk from Sue Johanson from the Sunday Night Sex Show, and ends with a Toga Party at the Spartacus Lounge.
Affordable Meals
A community kitchen program begins in April of this year. Students have the opportunity to make 2 weeks worth of meals in 5 hours, at a cost of $1 per meal.
Lockers for Rent
SAIT passes the management of the school lockers over to Saitsa. A $25 yearly locker fee is introduced.
The Gateway is Born
The Spartacus Lounge changes its name to ‘the Gateway Restaurant and Bar’ for the beginning of the 2001/02 school year. The bar is renovated and holds its ‘Grand Opening’ bash on August 27th, 2001. The show features ‘ Morning Maker’ opens for Canadian rockers, ‘Default’.
Student Resource Centre Takes Shape
In fall of this year, Saitsa launches the ‘Student Resource Centre’, located at MB216 in the Heart Building. The Student Resource Centre is a hub that addresses a variety of student needs from job hunting to help with filing income tax returns.
Home for the Odyssey
Saitsa is handed keys to the space for the Odyssey Coffeehouse on October 31st, 2007. In order to secure the space from SAIT, Saitsa donates 1 million dollars to the school.
First, Coffee.
the Odyssey cafe is officially opened.
Patio Season
The Odyssey holds the official grand opening event of its outdoor patio, entertaining the crowd with live music by (now 2 time CCMA award winning) Calgarian, Country music star, Lindsay Ell.
Peer Support Centre Opens
In November of this year, Saitsa launches the first-ever Student Support Centre on campus. The goal of the centre is to provide mental health resources and support to all SAIT students. Today this is known as the Peer Support Centre.
Pride on Campus
For the first time in SAIT history, Saitsa hosts a ‘Pride Awareness Day’ in support of the LGBTQ community throughout the campus. The Pride Flag to flies at SAIT on Feb.12, for the first time.
Invest in the Future
Saitsa makes a historic $10 million gift to SAIT, the largest gift in Western Canada from a students’ association to an institute of technology.
Race for Saitsa
The first ‘Amazing Race’ is held on campus, presented by ATB Financial. Mirroring the popular reality television show format, students participate in activities around campus to compete for a $1000 prize.
Snakes for Startups
Saitsa holds first annual ‘Saitsa Snake Pit’ – an initiative that hears startup pitches from SAIT students and awards funding for entrepreneurial ventures and innovative projects.
Return of the Ombuds
Saitsa successfully advocates to SAIT to establish an Ombuds Office; and opens in 2021/22. The Ombuds Office provides impartial, accessible and independent support to students facing academic or non-academic issues. (Pictured: Ombudsperson, Kamini Bernard, 2021)
Sources
Content and photos for this timeline was gathered from a variety of sources including:
- Digitized Collections by SAIT
- The Press – SAIT Journalism
- Sait.ca – News & Events
- Archived Wiki Saitsa Page
- The Emery Weal
A Snapshot in Time
New Student Executives, 1998
The Gateway, 2002
Saitsa Executives, 1995
Emery Weal Logo, 1975
Campus Centre, 1989
Saitsa Mission Statement, 1992
Saitsa’s annual Shinerama, fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis, 1981
Saitsa Spring Fling, 1992
Student Executive Counsel, 1992
Shinerama, 1980
Sparty’s Waitress – 1995
Students move into Residence, 1998
Student Executive President, Dick Angus, 1966
Student Executive Candids, 1966
Farhana Dhalla, Saitsa President, 1992
Student Executives, 1966
Safewalk Volunteers, 1995
Saitsa Awards Banquet, 1992
Media
If These Walls Could Talk is a SAIT produced podcast celebrating the 100th birthday of the iconic Heritage Hall building. Episode 6 of the podcast A Place and a Platform for Students: Saitsa Turns 100, discusses the history of the SAIT Students’ Association and features former Saitsa Presidents who share some notable experiences.
Feeling Nostalgic?
Have a great memory of Saitsa? Drop us a line!