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Look at that, we’re already halfway through March! The snow is melting, and warm temperatures are finally beginning to return as we approach the end of winter (and the end of the Winter semester)! As the school year begins to wind down, we’ve got some important business to take care of at SAMRU. That’s right, folks! It’s time for SAMRU’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)!

Okay, cool! But what is the AGM?

Are you interested in how SAMRU is run or simply want to learn about the developments and direction your Students’ Association will take over the next year? No matter how involved you are with SAMRU (DW, we appreciate you all equally 🫶), you will be impacted by what happens at the AGM. It’s not an exaggeration to say this is the most significant day of the year regarding SAMRU’s operations — we will vote on a list of new bylaws and announce the results of our Student Governing Board (SGB) and Representation Executive Council (REC) elections! 

This virtual Annual General Meeting will be held over Zoom on March 26 at 7:30 pm. While it may seem like a lot is happening, we’ve condensed the entire AGM down to approximately an hour of compact, rapid-fire announcements.

So stick with us as we highlight what you can expect at this year’s AGM.

A new set of bylaws

Our bylaws are like the rulebook for how the Students’ Association operates. They outline things like who can be a member, how decisions are made, and what responsibilities different groups (like student leaders and staff) have. Every so often, we review these rules to make sure they still work well for students.

At the AGM, students—who are all members of the Association—get a chance to vote on changes to the bylaws. This is an important opportunity to help shape how SAMRU operates and ensure it continues to serve students in the best way possible. Think of it like updating the ‘terms and conditions’ for how your student association runs, but you actually get a say in what changes!”

If you want to see how SAMRU’s operational backend will change heading into the 2025/26 school year, check out our latest revision of bylaw protocols on our governance page.

If you have questions about SAMRU’s bylaws, please reach out to governance@samru.ca.

The future of student representation is now!

Following the bylaw changes, 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 REC President, REC VP Academic, REC VP External, and REC VP Student Affairs. Polls will close 15 minutes into the AGM, so you’ll have to cast your ballot in advance of the night’s festivities.

Remember, these are positions voted on by the student body, so be sure to get out and review their platforms and make your voice heard when polls open on March 26. You can also meet with your representation hopefuls (and score some free food) at the REC Candidate Meet and Greet on March 25 from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm in Wyckham House.

REC members are elected to serve as full-time student representatives, which means their days are full of advocacy and representation happening behind the scenes, and their work is dedicated to improving your student experience at MRU.

A new set of Student Governors

This AGM, we won’t only be unveiling our new year of elected student representatives. SAMRU will also be announcing a new round of Student Governors! Members of the Student Governing Board (SGB) are the highest decision-making body of SAMRU, and determine the strategic direction and oversee the operations of your Students’ Association. 

Similar to REC members, your SGB is elected to their positions during the three-day campaign period prior to the AGM. Ensure you look over their platforms and let your Students’ Association know who you believe should be calling the shots for SAMRU!

Learn more about the Student Governing Board and read about their past meetings and rulings here.

Did someone say fabulous prizes?

While the AGM might be all about how your Students’ Association plans to govern, operate and advocate for you and your peers, we still think you deserve a little something for showing up to the most significant day of the year for SAMRU. 😉

Of course, we wouldn’t leave you hanging! For attending this year’s AGM, every attendee who stays will receive a $20 food court voucher, valid for any establishment in Wyckham House (other than INS Market or West Gate Social). It’s actually that easy.

But wait, is that the sound of a huge cash prize raffle? After you attend an hour of elections and bylaws, you’ll be entered to win one of three $500 cash prizes. All you have to do is show up! Three winners will be randomly selected throughout the night and announced at the end of the meeting, so be sure to stay for the full AGM to ensure you get that bag.💰

And we haven’t forgotten about clubs! Clubs who register to bring their members will be awarded handsomely! The group bringing the most members will win a fabulous prize of $500. Second place and third place will each receive a nifty $250 and $100, respectively.

You’ve intrigued me. Where do I register?

Now that you’re up to speed on what’s going down at the AGM, all you have to do is witness the magic live. The AGM will be held over Zoom, so be sure to register in advance. You should attend using the Zoom app which has full voting functionality. To save your seat at SAMRU’s most important night of the year, register here.

Just be sure to sign up with your @mtroyal.ca email address to ensure you’ll be permitted entry.

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Whether this is your first year at MRU or you’re a seasoned student on campus, we hope you take some time to review and have your voice heard on this year’s operations.

Should any questions arise regarding the AGM or the election process, don’t hesitate to email us at governance@samru.ca. For general inquiries, you can reach out to us at info@samru.ca.