Frequently Asked Questions

Just can't get enough SGS? If our FAQs don't have the answer, you can also check out the SGS Blog or our Facebook Page for more updates and information!

When do I need to talk to Student Group Services?

You need to talk to SGS when it's registration time; when you want to apply for Clubs Fair, the Leadership Summit, or any Professional Development seminar; when you are holding a big event (especially on campus) for your group; when you need help with Risk Management or alcoholic events; when you need to get in touch with another student group; and when you want a break from the hectic stress of life (our office has mood music, free candy, and espresso). You want to talk to SGS all the time, though, of course!

How do I find a student group to join?

Use our Find a Student Group tool to search for groups by name or description. If you still can't find the group you want, send us an email to make sure we don't have any insider knowledge, and then move to the next FAQ!

How do I start a student group?

First off, SGS is really excited that you want to start a new group! First, we'd like you to make sure that you aren't duplicating another group on campus - see the previous FAQ to learn how to search for a group - and then make sure that you have at least 9 friends or acquaintances who want to be in the group as well. You'll need to submit an online registration form, a constitution, and a liability form - you can find more information on all of these on our Registration page!

Is there a deadline to register a group?

Yes and no. You must have all of your group's information submitted by the end of one month in order to be registered for the next - SGS will be processing registrations only at the beginning of every month this year, to make things much more efficient. If your group needs a rush on registration, please come talk to us and it's very likely we'll be able to help you out, though.

Note: Registration for new groups for the 2011-2012 year will be CLOSED as of April 1, 2012. New groups can register for 2012-2013 starting on May 1.

How do I re-register my group from last year?

If your group was registered for the 2011-2012 year, check your BearsDen account starting on April 1 for the Re-Registration option. Your registration expires on April 30, so you have until then to re-register without losing your status. We'll send you a notification out on April 1 with complete instructions on how to re-register your group and what your timelines look like!

My group isn't showing up on the database, and I'm having problems with registration. What should I do?

Email us! Contact us at clubs@su.ualberta.ca and we'll look into the problem. If you've read the Registration information, and are sure that you've followed up on everything correctly, just let us know.

How can I get a website or email address for my group?

You'll need to talk to AICT (on the 3rd floor of the General Services Building on campus). You can also call them at 780-492-9400. They'll ask you to fill out this form, have it signed by the SGS Manager or Coordinators, and then return it to their office.

I'm trying to reduce waste and make my group's operations more sustainable. Any tips?

Definitely! Our fellow Students' Union Service, Sustain SU is a great resource for your group. Sustain SU can provide you with information on sustainable practices, tips on recycling on campus (check out their recycling station in the SUB food court!), and reusable dishes for your events. Contact the Sustain SU Director for more tips and tricks.

My group wants to have a barbeque or bake sale to raise money. Where do we start?

Check out SGS's Barbeque and Bake Sale Handbook and our "Event Planning" section on the side menu.

My group wants to throw a massive alcoholic event. Do I need to worry about anything?

Yes, yes you do. If you're looking into options for an alcoholic event, or midway through planning it, or even if it's tomorrow night - contact SGS so that we can help you get through the event safely. You will need at least two members of your group who've taken the Alcohol Awareness Seminar, and while you're waiting for us to answer your email or phone call, check out our Events With Alcohol page under Event Planning.

My group needs money!

The Students' Union and the University of Alberta offer Student Group Grants - there are five granting sessions throughout the year, and SGS has a whole variety of resources to help your group through this process on our Granting page. If grants aren't the way to go for your group, just contact our office! We can give you sponsorship and fundraising tips that'll be sure to help you start to amass your very own Scrooge McDuck gold pile.

How do I book rooms on campus?

To book rooms in SUB, you can contact the SGS office - just give us 24 hours notice at the very least, we'll collect some information from you, and you'll be good to go! Also check out our Resources page to see a list of all the classrooms and their capacities on campus!

I have no idea what I'm doing.

That's totally okay. Drop by our office and we can have a chat - if your executive left you with no contact information for your bank, we can look it up. If you have no idea how to access your group's website, we'll help you out. If you've lost your 45-page constitution to some demon-virus on the internet, we'll help you get a new one going. If SGS can't help you, we'll be able to find someone who can - so don't hesitate to send us an email, give us a call, or drop by the office!