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It’s often said time flies both when you’re having a good time and when deadlines are imminent. Kinda sounds like student life, huh? Blink in January and your semester is almost completed! But as we gear up for the final stretch of the Winter Semester and even graduation for some of you (congrats!), we’re still chock full of events for you here at SAMRU. 

Before you head out for a spring of internships, travelling, and walking the stage, here’s everything that’s happening in and around Wyckham House this March.

Account for it all at the SAMRU Free Tax Clinic 💰

Does the mere thought of doing your taxes induce a rare type of fiscal dread only felt in March and April? You’re not the only one. But whether you’re in for another year of crunching numbers or this is your first foray into the fiscal world, we’ve got you covered.

Every year, SAMRU hosts a Free Tax Clinic run exclusively by trained volunteers, who will help you with all the nitty-gritty details in filling out your return. This clinic offers both online and in-person consultations, depending on what’s most convenient for you! And in case you need any more incentive to book an appointment, it’s completely free for students who make under $35,000 a year. Now that’s cash money.

Consultations will be held on weekdays (excluding holidays) from March 4th until April 30th. Heads up, appointments are filling up fast, so be sure to save your spot before they fill up! For the sign-up form and an explanation of the process, get your dollars and cents in order here.

Students are asked to come prepared to their appointments with all their required tax forms and receipts. You can find a list of the required tax forms here.

Catch you on the flipside at Gender Bender

Have you noticed a few more superheroes and sequential panels lately? That must mean the most anticipated sequel of the year is on its way. That’s right, it’s almost time for our annual Gender Bender!

Join us for the evening on March 14th at West Gate Social as we celebrate gender expression through live performance art, dressed as comic book and video game icons. Even if you don’t plan on participating in Gender Bender yourself, everyone is encouraged to join in on the fun and rep your favourite fictional characters. Don’t worry, we won’t reveal your secret identity. 

Unsure of where to start? There’s no need for a sad onomatopoeia, as we’ll be hosting a Drag Performance Workshop and Hair & Make-Up Workshops leading up to the event! 

• Drag Performance Workshop with Valerie Hunt –  March 4th, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm in the Gallery (on the second floor of Wyckham House, past the study areas)
• Drag Hair & Make-Up Workshop with Lola Jett – March 13th, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm in the Gallery

This cosplay shindig will be hosted by the wonderful Ivy Le Fleur and will be an 18+ event, meaning valid government-issued ID of your real identity will be mandatory. Don’t drink and drive.

Support local at the Arts & Crafts Market this March!

You called, and we heard your numerous requests to host another Arts and Crafts Market (ask and you shall receive), so get ready as the second floor of Wyckham House will transform into a kiosk shop of small student, alumni, and locally run artistic side hustles on March 20th and 21st!

Looking to spruce up your room, home office, or workspace or are you eyeing up a way to support local this spring? There’s no better place to find a delightful handmade gift or accessory to raise morale and boost productivity. 

Do you make homemade crafts, jewelry, or art? This is your time to shine. Our previous market drew an unprecedented amount of foot traffic, so there’s no better place to showcase your talents. Did we mention it’s free for current students (and discounted for alumni!) to join 😉

Show your moves at the annual Round Dance

Looking for a space to celebrate and learn more about Indigenous traditions in and around Treaty 7? The Round Dance is the place to be! The Round Dance will take place on March 23 at 6 pm. 

Done in partnership with MRU and the Iniskim Centre, the Round Dance is an Indigenous social gathering that extends a welcoming invitation to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous relatives in a celebration of friendship, diversity, and inclusivity. 

The evening will be filled with song, food, and dance. Everyone is welcome to come learn, connect, and engage with Elders, traditional Knowledge Keepers, and community members.

For more information on this event, reach out to the Cultural Inclusion Centre at inclusion@samru.ca.

Witness the future at the AGM with both REC and Governor elections

Are you interested in how SAMRU is run or simply want to learn about the developments and direction your Students’ Association will be taking over the next year? Whatever your interest may be, we invite you to our Annual General Meeting (AGM). It’s not an exaggeration to say this is the most crucial day of the year in regards to SAMRU’s operations as we determine our next set of auditors and elected student representatives. Plus, you’ll get a $15 Wyckham House food court voucher just for attending and be entered to win one of three $500 cash prizes!

You’ll get to witness the future of student advocacy live, as the next iteration of the Representation Executive Council (REC) will reveal your new President, VP Academic, VP External, and VP Student Affairs before your very eyes. How exciting! 

Additionally, we will be electing a new round of Student Governors, the highest decision-making body of SAMRU, who determine the executive operations of your Students’ Association. 

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But these are only just a few of the fantastic events we have planned for you over the next month! From the regular club events and student centre programming you’ve come to know and love, to the latest trends popping off in West Gate Social, there’s always something for you at SAMRU! For more info on the resources and supports we have for you, check out our previous blog.

To keep up with the newest of new, check out our events calendar and send us a follow on Instagram @SAMRUBuzz!

For general inquiries, you can contact us at info@samru.ca.