University of Calgary Students' Union
News Release
$1.4 Million in Quality Money initiatives provide diverse improvements for students
March 10, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The creation of the Campus Bike Cooperative, increased peer mentoring opportunities and a new scholarship program are just a few initiatives students can look forward to during the next academic year thanks to Quality Money funding.
Quality Money is an initiative of the Students’ Union (SU) to provide funding to projects at the University of Calgary that will enhance the overall student experience. Funding was first secured from the University Board of Governors (BOG) by the SU in 2003 as part of the annual ‘tuition consultation’ that occurs each year. Approximately $1.4 million is awarded for Quality Money projects and the campus community is annually invited to submit project proposals for Quality Money funding. The SU determines the funding allocation based on these proposals.
This year, approximately $1.4 million will be invested in a total of nine projects. Projects are expected to be implemented during the 2008-09 academic year. These projects were approved by the 65th Student Legislative Council (SLC) and are being implemented by the 66th SLC.
"Funding for Quality Money was secured by students and students determine the projects that will best enhance their student experience," said Julie Bogle, SU President. "These latest projects will assist in improving the overall quality of the university experience in a number of ways and target current student needs by addressing issues such as dedicated affordable student accommodations and increasing the amount of financial assistance available for involved students on campus."
"We’re the only university in Canada putting money directly in the hands of students," says Harvey P. Weingarten, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary. "In just five years, we’ve given more than $6.5 million to students to invest as they wish. Students have invested well, and this year’s slate of projects will undoubtedly engage and benefit even more students."
Projects to be implemented this year include the Campus Bike Initiative which will
promote the use of bicycles as the preferred mode of transportation at the University of Calgary and in the surrounding community. This initiative aims to foster a vibrant campus bicycle club, start a bike cooperative, and create a campus bike library.
Students will also benefit from the expansion of the undergraduate peer mentorship program. Peer mentorship opportunities will be built into more courses. Quality Money will also be used to enable the Teaching and Learning Center to build a network across the university that will support course and program development involving undergraduate peer mentorship.
Students involved with SU Clubs on campus will also have access to a new scholarship program this year. There are over 150 SU sanctioned clubs on campus filled with hardworking, dedicated students who commit themselves to improving the community at the University of Calgary. The new scholarship program will reward students who have made a significant contribution to clubs on campus.
The remaining Quality Money projects scheduled for implementation this year include a new SU Wellness Center, a co-curricular record, summer work experience financial aid program, addition of computer kiosks in the MacEwan Student Centre (MSC), expansion of MSC student space and funding for an Inter-Institutional Residence feasibility study.
"Quality Money is an excellent example of collaboration between the Students’ Union, the University of Calgary and the student body," said Julie Bogle. "The Quality Money proposal process allows the SU to determine where students feel money should be invested on campus. Furthermore, thanks to feedback and proposals received through Quality Money, the SU is better able to inform the university of student priorities and concerns."
To learn more about the Quality Money initiative and how to submit a proposal for funding check out the Students’ Union and University of Calgary partnership video.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The creation of the Campus Bike Cooperative, increased peer mentoring opportunities and a new scholarship program are just a few initiatives students can look forward to during the next academic year thanks to Quality Money funding.
Quality Money is an initiative of the Students’ Union (SU) to provide funding to projects at the University of Calgary that will enhance the overall student experience. Funding was first secured from the University Board of Governors (BOG) by the SU in 2003 as part of the annual ‘tuition consultation’ that occurs each year. Approximately $1.4 million is awarded for Quality Money projects and the campus community is annually invited to submit project proposals for Quality Money funding. The SU determines the funding allocation based on these proposals.
This year, approximately $1.4 million will be invested in a total of nine projects. Projects are expected to be implemented during the 2008-09 academic year. These projects were approved by the 65th Student Legislative Council (SLC) and are being implemented by the 66th SLC.
"Funding for Quality Money was secured by students and students determine the projects that will best enhance their student experience," said Julie Bogle, SU President. "These latest projects will assist in improving the overall quality of the university experience in a number of ways and target current student needs by addressing issues such as dedicated affordable student accommodations and increasing the amount of financial assistance available for involved students on campus."
"We’re the only university in Canada putting money directly in the hands of students," says Harvey P. Weingarten, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary. "In just five years, we’ve given more than $6.5 million to students to invest as they wish. Students have invested well, and this year’s slate of projects will undoubtedly engage and benefit even more students."
Projects to be implemented this year include the Campus Bike Initiative which will
promote the use of bicycles as the preferred mode of transportation at the University of Calgary and in the surrounding community. This initiative aims to foster a vibrant campus bicycle club, start a bike cooperative, and create a campus bike library.
Students will also benefit from the expansion of the undergraduate peer mentorship program. Peer mentorship opportunities will be built into more courses. Quality Money will also be used to enable the Teaching and Learning Center to build a network across the university that will support course and program development involving undergraduate peer mentorship.
Students involved with SU Clubs on campus will also have access to a new scholarship program this year. There are over 150 SU sanctioned clubs on campus filled with hardworking, dedicated students who commit themselves to improving the community at the University of Calgary. The new scholarship program will reward students who have made a significant contribution to clubs on campus.
The remaining Quality Money projects scheduled for implementation this year include a new SU Wellness Center, a co-curricular record, summer work experience financial aid program, addition of computer kiosks in the MacEwan Student Centre (MSC), expansion of MSC student space and funding for an Inter-Institutional Residence feasibility study.
"Quality Money is an excellent example of collaboration between the Students’ Union, the University of Calgary and the student body," said Julie Bogle. "The Quality Money proposal process allows the SU to determine where students feel money should be invested on campus. Furthermore, thanks to feedback and proposals received through Quality Money, the SU is better able to inform the university of student priorities and concerns."
To learn more about the Quality Money initiative and how to submit a proposal for funding check out the Students’ Union and University of Calgary partnership video.