UNews - General Assembly

Food bank a valuable service

trevor.kenney — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:39:28 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU), an organization mandated to aid students and governed by students, offers a long list of excellent services to the student population throughout the year; but few are as valuable as the ULSU Food Bank.

Formally introduced by the ULSU General Assembly in 2004, the ULSU Food Bank has been growing with every new academic year. Last year, the Food Bank provided over 140 food hampers, both single and family, and saw a consistent increase in new students utilizing the services from the previous year.

The food hampers are designed to assist a student or a family for a period of five to seven days and each contains various healthy food choices. Students are eligible to utilize the Food Bank's services twice a month up to a maximum of ten times throughout their entire academic career.

The Food Bank is a donation driven service and the ULSU hosts numerous fundraising events every year to ensure that the shelves remain stocked and the hampers are plentiful. This year's fundraising efforts kicked off in September with a Car Wash and BBQ held at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Drive Alliance Church (UDAC).

"With the help of UDAC, the General Assembly, our friends at CKXU, community members and volunteers, the ULSU raised $350 to stock the Food Bank shelves," says VP Operations & Finance Leyland Bradley.

The last week of October brought on the second fundraiser of the year, the Trick or Eat Food Drive. Trick or Eat pits campus clubs against one another in a friendly competition to see which of them can raise the most donations, both edible and monetary, through an extensive community canvassing campaign.

At a time when rising education costs and living expenses are scrutinized and discussed at every societal level, and students are feeling the financial pinch more than ever before; now is the time to champion services that facilitate the post-secondary experience.

The ULSU Food Bank is an invaluable service to many ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students that is only made possible by the generous donations from the Lethbridge and area community, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community and countless individual donors and volunteers.

If you are a student who requires assistance or you wish to donate to the ULSU Food Bank, do not hesitate to visit www.ulsu.ca, our offices in SU180 or call 403-329-2222 for more information.

This story first appeared in the November issue of the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

SU events; there's an App for that

trevor.kenney — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:34:04 +0000

By KYLE DODGSON

As the halls of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge fill with both new and returning students, a familiar, incessant hum accompanies them – the tunes and tones of mobile devices.

Smartphones and mobile devices have become an integral part of campus life and this month, looking to capitalize on this trend, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) unveils its new mobile application.

The brainchild of SU vice president academic Andrew Williams, the mobile application traces its roots back to December 2010 when Williams was a member of the ULSU General Assembly.

"I noticed that an increasing number of universities were building and releasing iPhone applications that allowed students to access maps, news, events and other informational items on the go. It was something I really wanted to bring to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge," says Williams.

Over the ensuing months, Williams researched numerous application developers and created a detailed document covering all aspects of development and implementation. He then presented his proposal to the Executive Council and General Assembly. Despite initially receiving a lukewarm reception, Williams continued developing the project.

Once he was elected to the VP academic office, Williams received an offer from Canadian developer CollegeMobile, who sought to develop the proposed application for a much lower cost than other competing developers.

"I worked together with the incoming council and the SU staff for about a month on the final details of the application until we had something we were all satisfied and comfortable with," says Williams. "Since then, I've been beta testing each version of the application to make sure there are no errors in the final product."

The mobile app delivers up-to-date information on ULSU events and news, information on every council member, Pronghorns athletic events, an interactive campus map and it integrates both Moodle and Facebook.
"I think that most students will be surprised at how much information it contains and how easy it is to navigate," says Williams.

The ULSU Mobile App is another building block in the Executive Council's strategic initiatives, reinforcing its aspiration to boost the ULSU's on-campus presence, improve communication and promote sustainability on campus.

"The goal of the application is to allow the ULSU to communicate with students through a medium which has become a part of everyday life for most of them," says Williams. "Best of all, the application is free, and I think students will find it to be extremely useful and convenient."

The ULSU Mobile App is available for download from the Apple, Android and Blackberry App stores.

Students' Union recognizes contributors

trevor.kenney — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:03:39 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union held its annual Recognition Dinner on Friday, Apr. 8 to acknowledge the incoming and outgoing councils, as well as honour those dedicated individuals who contribute so much to the ULSU.

The ULSU award winners are as follows:

Employee of the Year -- Cheri Pokarney

This annual award is presented to the Students' Union employee who has made the most outstanding contributions to our organization over the past year and best displays the values of the Students' Union. The winner of this year has only been with the organization for a relatively short time, but she has come into her position with strength and dedication. She is always willing to help the Executive Council with any questions or concerns, and acts as a driving force for the entire office. The winner this year best demonstrates the core of what the Students' Union is; dedication to students.

John Brockelesby Students' Union Award of Excellence -- Armin Escher

This award is for the General Assembly member who has made the most outstanding contribution to this ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. As anyone who has met this individual knows, he is extremely passionate and determined. Never one to be shy during General Assembly meetings, he has kept this entire organization accountable. This individual has sat on numerous committees for both the Students' Union and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and is always ready to be the voice of the students. He also organized the second annual Fashion Drive to raise money for student scholarships. The ULSU is pleased to have had him on the General Assembly this year, and knows he will do great things as the incoming Board of Governors Representative.

Bill Chapman Students' Union Certificate of Distinction -- Eva Gorny

This is an annual award presented to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student who has shown the most innovation in the area(s) of student affairs, wellness, or any other notable field over the past year. The winner this year is an extremely active student in many ways, especially with the Rotaract Club. She has volunteered at many events and is always looking for new ways to raise awareness for causes she feels strongly about. This year she organized the first ever 12-hour Relay for Life, which raised money in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. This year she was received the 2010 Leaders of Tomorrow Volunteer Excellence Award, given on behalf of Volunteer Lethbridge. She has gone beyond expectations of the average student, and we are so glad that she is part of our community.

Students' Union Helping Hand Award -- Karol Budny

This is an annual award presented to a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge faculty or staff employee that has made the most significant and lasting contribution to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union and their members over the past academic year. The winner has always been willing to help out the Students' Union in any way he can. Whether it means lending a hand or a ladder, he is eager to serve the SU in any way possible. He is always positive and so polite to everyone he interacts with and is always quick to respond to any requests the SU has. Any task that this individual takes on is completed thoroughly and promptly, and regularly exceeding expectations.

Outstanding Dedication Award -- Bob Cooney

This award honors the faculty or staff member who demonstrates outstanding dedication to the students of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Students are the heart of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and this individual consistently seeks to make sure the heart is strong. Any time a student or a club needs help with promoting an event he has been eager to help out in ways that surpass his job description. He has even dedicated time to help the Executive Council of the SU learn how to properly handle the media.

Continued Support Award -- Calvin Toth

This is presented to a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge faculty or employee in special recognition to outstanding dedication to the students of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. This year's winner continually puts in all of his effort to helping the students. He spends nights, weekends and even lunch hours in assisting students to put on their events. Almost every club has had this individual working behind the scenes for them, and he is always willing to help with any last minute considerations. Never one to give up, he is persistent to delivering quality service.

Students' Union Student Employee of the Year Award -- Dukagjin Berisha

This is an annual award presented to the Students' Union student employee who has demonstrated the most exceptional contribution to our organization over the past year. This individual personifies the values of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union in all his endeavors and is enrolled as a full-time student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. This year's recipient is hard working and always looking for more ways to help out. He goes above and beyond expectations, is extremely reliable and always positive. This person is mindful of the little things and provides great customer service with his polite and conscientious demeanor.

Students' Union Club of the Year Award -- PRIDE Centre

This annual award is to honor the Students' Union ratified club that has demonstrated the most dazzling effort and dedication in its endeavors over the past year. This club should have held numerous successful events and should be in excellent standing with Clubs' Council. This club has attended every Clubs' Council and always coming to up with something new. This club is constantly looking for ways to positively spread their message to the community, and bring a sense of belonging to the students. They are one of the most active clubs on campus, and probably the most persistent.

Students' Union Student of the Year Award -- Thomas Fox

This award recognizes the student who has shown excellent effort and commitment to his or her endeavors over the past year. Our recipient this year has taken on enough activities for an entire committee and still manages to find time for more. He was president of two clubs this year; Amnesty International and the Chess Club, participated in the Student Speaker Challenge, and even had time to serenade the masses at the occasional Open Mic Night. This person has worked closely with the Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group to promote important causes to the student community, such as the Bring your own Bag movement.

Legacy Award -- Taz Kassam, 2010/2011 Students' Union President

The Legacy Award is presented to the President of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union. It symbolizes the hard work put in by the outgoing council, under the guidance of the President. This year has been quite dynamic, seeing a lot of new events and great incentives. This year council came together to support each other, and a lot of it had to do with the drive and optimism of the President. She is a great communicator and always works for the best interests of the students. The ULSU President is unbelievably organized and an exceptional leader.

ULSU by-election nominations open

trevor.kenney — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:19:24 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) will be holding an internal by-election to fill four vacancies in the General Assembly.

Positions to be filled include: Management Representative; First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Representative; Calgary Campus Representative; and Board of Governors Representative.

The nomination period for this by-election runs from Wednesday, Sept. 8 to Monday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. Nomination forms can be picked up at the Students' Union Office (SU180).

Candidates will be required to give a brief presentation to the ULSU General Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the monthly meeting.

Kassam eager for challenge

trevor.kenney — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 21:54:58 +0000

While it may have taken two votes to fill out executive council and general assembly, there was no question who students wanted as their next ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union president.

ULSU president-elect Taz Kassam, a BA and BMgt student, is one of only four women to ever hold the position and she is looking forward to the challenge.

"I am deeply appreciative of the support, both during and following the election," says Kassam. "I am very excited about the opportunities ahead and am ready to serve as a representative for the ULSU."

Due to a lack of nominations in the general election, the Students' Union was forced to hold a by-election to fill out remaining vacancies on executive council and general assembly.

Kassam will be working with Allan Hall, vice-president administration, who held this position last year; Keith McLaughlin, vice-president academic. The position of vice-president Internal Affairs, will be decided in a by-election, which was held after the public.

"I'm excited to pass the torch to next year's executive team," says Alex Massé, vice-president academic. "They're all solid people with relevant experience. They've also been very perceptive of some of the areas that they can improve upon over the past year."

Kassam is no stranger to the ULSU as she has been an active volunteer for the organization. The 22-year old, who grew up in Calgary but has called Lethbridge home for the last five years, does not lack the skills necessary to be successful in the demanding position of ULSU President. She acquired invaluable experience while serving on the executive council with the Management Students' Society and Jeux de Commerce West Business Competition, where she served as event co-ordinator of the 5th Annual Chillin' for Charity Polar Bear Dip that raised more than $16,000 for the Lethbridge United Way.

Kassam aspires to decrease student apathy through activism and communication. She describes her platform as one that encompasses a grassroots approach, and she has decided to work on matters that will most benefit students. After all, ULSU is an organization for the students, and run by the students.

"I believe the low levels of student engagement stem from a lack of communication from the ULSU and a lack of knowledge about the Students' Union," says Kassam. "It is my hope, along with the executive council, to reverse this increase in student apathy and decline in student empowerment. The longer we travel on this road the less likely the opinion of the student will matter."

Increasing the importance of post-secondary education in the eyes of the government is important to Kassam and she intends to battle this by generating student involvement through lobbying efforts for affordable and quality education.

The ULSU 2010/2011 General Assembly currently includes Andrew Williams, Lisa Rodych, Zack Moline, Tyrell Dasilva, Shane Groarke and Cole Schneider, who are all arts and science representatives; Kyle Hammond as the organization of residence students representative. The remaining General Assembly positions will also be decided in a by-election. Visit www.ulsu.ca for full election results.

The ULSU exists to represent students' interests at the provincial and federal levels of government and to provide value-added services, spaces and programs to enhance the campus community.

Kassam elected ULSU President

trevor.kenney — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:39:49 +0000

Management student Taz Kassam is the President-elect of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) and the fourth woman to hold the position since the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's founding in 1967.

Kassam's executive team includes Allan Hall, a veteran SU contributor who returns to the SU governing body as vice-president administration, and Keith McLaughlin, a former news editor of the Meliorist and recent winner of the SACPA Student Speaker Challenge, as vice-president academic.

More than 21 per cent of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students cast their ballots last week in the ULSU 2010/2011 General Election.

"I'm excited to pass the torch to next year's executive team," says Alex Massé, the current vice-president academic. "They're all solid people with relevant experience. They've also been very perceptive of some of the areas that they can improve upon over the current year."

Kassam, who takes office May 1, 2010, says she was deeply appreciative of the support, both during and following the election.

"I am very excited about the opportunities ahead and am ready to serve as a representative for the ULSU."

The position of vice-president internal affairs remains vacant; the ULSU is currently in the process of running a by-election to fill this position and other general assembly positions that are also vacant for the 2010/2011 year.

"We have a phenomenal and talented group of people who have just been elected and I am just as excited to find out the results of those who are running in the by-election, which will complete the ULSU team," says Kassam.

The ULSU 2010/2011 General Assembly currently includes Andrew Williams, Lisa Rodych, Zack Moline, Tyrell DaSilva, Shane Groarke and Cole Schneider, who are all arts and science representatives; Kyle Hammond is the Organization of Residence Students Representative.

The ULSU exists to represent students' interests at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as well as on the provincial and federal levels of government and to provide value-added services, spaces and programs to enhance the campus community.

ULSU nominations week

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:52:53 +0000

It is nominations week on campus for the upcoming ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) Executive Council and General Assembly elections.

A total of 20 positions are available with four seats on Executive Council and 16 seats in the General Assembly up for grabs. The elections run Mar. 3-5 but nominations are only open this week, Feb. 9-13, closing Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.

Students wishing to be nominated for a ULSU position must stop by SU180 to pick up a nomination package.

Following the close of the nomination period, a candidate orientation session will be held Friday at 5 p.m. Campaigning then begins Feb. 21 at noon and concludes Mar. 2 at 4:30 p.m.

There will be a Town Hall at noon on Feb. 25, in the Atrium, followed by an Executive Debate at noon on Feb. 26, also in the Atrium. Voting will take place online at www.ulsu.ca, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Mar. 3 with the polls closing at 3 p.m. on Mar. 5. Results of the ULSU elections will be announced Mar. 5 at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the ULSU website or call 403-329-2222.

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