University of Lethbridge Students' Union
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Template:Infobox Canadian Student Association
The University of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) is a not-for-profit organization representing interests of undergraduate students studying at the University of Lethbridge.
With approximately 7000 students on the main Lethbridge campus and 500 students in each of the Calgary and Edmonton campuses,[1] the ULSU administers student affairs, including advocacy, committee representation, student services, and events.
Authority
The ULSU is not a university department; it is an independent organization, established in 1967 by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, of Alberta. It reports to the provincial government rather than university administration.
The ULSU receives authority to conduct business through the Post-Secondary Learning Act of Alberta(PSLA).[2] The Act establishes all student associations in Alberta as a corporation, whose members are the students of the public post-secondary institution.
The PSLA allows student associations to administer student affairs, promote general student welfare, create governing documents, acquire property, and maintain the organization through the levy of mandatory fees.
Governance
A student council manages ULSU business and affairs, and they are elected annually from the university's student body. Any student who is a member in good standing of the ULSU may submit themselves as candidates for office. Elected representatives take office for one year, with terms running from 1 May to 30 April.
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 and judicial branch of the organization. They are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the ULSU is following its mandate.
The General Assembly is composed 14 members from the faculties at the University of Lethbridge, as well as 1 representative from each of the satellite campuses for a total of 16 members.
The members of the General Assembly must perform a minimum of 10 hours ULSU-related work per month, submit monthly reports, as well as attend meetings of the General Assembly. There is a $50/month honorarium for all members of the General Assembly.[3]
The Executive Council of the University of Lethbridge Students' Union
The Executive Council of the ULSU is composed of four 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 honorarium of $1600/month during their terms.[4]
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.