University of Lethbridge Students' Union
Template:Infobox Canadian Student Association
The University of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of undergraduate students studying at the University of Lethbridge.
With 7000 students on the main Lethbridge Campus, as well as 500 students in each of the Calgary and Edmonton campuses, the ULSU is tasked with providing for the administration of student affairs; including, but not limited to: advocacy, committee representation, student services, and events.
Authority
The University of Lethbridge Students' Union is not a department of the University of Lethbridge. It is an independent organization, established in 1967 by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, of Alberta. As such, it does not report the administration of the University of Lethbridge, but to the provincial government of Alberta.
The University of Lethbridge Students' Union is given authority to conduct business through the Post-Secondary Learning Act of Alberta(PSLA)[1]. The Act establishes all student associations in Alberta as a corporation, whose members consist of the students of the public post-secondary institution.
In addition to administering student affairs and promoting general student welfare, the PSLA allows student associations to create governing documents, acquire property, and maintain the organization through the levy of mandatory fees.
Governance
The business and affairs of the ULSU are managed by a council of students who are annually elected from the student body at the University of Lethbridge. Any student who is a member in good standing of the ULSU may submit themselves as candidates for office.
The elected representatives take office for one (1) year; terms beginning on May 1st, and expiring on April 30th.
The General Assembly of the University of Lethbridge Students' Union
The General Assembly (GA) of the ULSU is the organization's highest governing body, parallel to a Board of Governors. It is composed of student members, specially elected by faculty, on an annual basis. The General Assembly serves as the primary decision making body, judicial branch, and are charged with ensuring the ULSU is following its mandate.
The General Assembly is currently composed of fourteen (14) members from the faculties at the University of Lethbridge, as well as one (1) representative from each of the satellite campuses for a total of sixteen (16) members.
The members of the General Assembly must perform a minimum of ten (10) hours ULSU-related work per month, submit monthly reports, as well as attend meetings of the General Assembly. There is a $50.00/ month honoraria for all members of the General Assembly.
The Executive Council of the University of Lethbridge Students' Union
The Executive Council of the ULSU is composed of four (4) students, elected by all undergraduate students at the University of Lethbridge. The four positions, President, Vice President Academic, Vice President Internal Affairs, and Vice President Administration, serve as the management board of the ULSU, ensuring the smooth operation of the organization.
The Executive positions are full-time occupations. During this time, members must take a reduced course load, effectively taking a year off from their studies. They may not hold outside jobs, and are expected to prioritize the objectives of the ULSU for the duration of their terms. The members of the Executive Council receive an honoraria of $1600.00/month during their terms.
Representation
Federally, the University of Lethbridge Students' Union participates in the Canadian Alliance of Students Associations and provincially, they are a member of the Council of Alberta University Students.