THIS IS YOUR VOICE

The University is planning a 'Course Material Access' automatic textbook billing program that is expected to start in Fall 2026. This UASU plebiscite will find out whether students support or oppose the program.

Conditions:

• Students get access on the first day of class to required digital and printed course materials for classes that submit that information to the Bookstore.
• Students will be charged a flat fee of $259 per term (fall or winter) or $139 per term (spring or summer). This cost is much less than some students pay now for course materials, and much more than other students pay now.
• Students are automatically opted out if none of their digital or printed course materials for that term have a cost reported to the Bookstore.
• Every student who is not opted out will be charged the fee. Students can choose to opt out each term before the add/drop deadline through Canvas. It is then their responsibility to find their own course materials.
• The fee covers required textbooks, literature, online publisher courseware, most lab manuals, and coursepacks.
  • Lab supplies, art and stationary supplies, chemistry lab manuals, uniforms, or other non-text items are not included.
• All digital materials can be used with screen readers and text-to-speech and can be downloaded for offline use.
• As of Winter 2025 and Fall 2025, only around half of all classes report to the Bookstore whether they have required textbooks or no text required, with the other half not providing any information. The University has committed to addressing this data gap.
• Textbook publishing and the bookstore business will not stay the same. Even if this program is cancelled, the student experience of buying course materials will keep changing.

Question:

Do you believe the University should go forward with the Course Material Access program?

Read more about the proposal in this plebiscite:

• The Gateway, SU Elections 2026 Q&A: Course Materials Access Plebiscite

The Education Students’ Association is the Student Representative Association for the Faculty of Education, as well as a member of Student Local No.1 of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. The Education Students’ Association’s mandate is to create a community for all the students within the Faculty of Education, provide leadership and a voice for all education students both academically and professionally, and perform valued services and create opportunities for student involvement.

Purpose:

The purpose of the fee is for the following purposes:

• Alberta Teachers’ Association fees
• Professional development sessions
• Networking and social events
• Graduation celebrations
• Food and snacks for students
• Office supplies

Merchandise fees

Conditions:

If approved, the Education Students' Association Student Representative Association

Membership Fee will be renewed subject to the following conditions:

1. All undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Education will be assessed $8.00 per year to be collected in the Fall Semester.
2. Students will have the ability to opt-out of the fee subject to deadlines.
3. This fee will renew for a five (5) year term on September 1, 2026 and a plebiscite on its renewal to be held no later August 31, 2031.

Question:

Do you support the implementation of the Education Students' Association Student Representative Association Membership Fee subject to the preceding conditions?

Read more about the proposal in this plebiscite:

• The Gateway, SU Elections 2026 Q&A: Education Students’ Association Plebiscite

Funds from the Golden Bears & Pandas Legacy Fund Dedicated Fee Unit shall be distributed to University of Alberta varsity athletic teams and the Athletics Department for the purposes of saving and stabilizing varsity athletic teams and for promotion of varsity athletics.

Approximately 50% of the fund shall be used as a sponsorship of the Department of Athletics;

Approximately 30% of the fund shall be allocated to projects and special events; and

approximately 20% of the fund shall be kept in a reserve fund, not to exceed $200,000 at any time.

The Golden Bear & Panda Legacy Fund Committee consists of seven undergraduate students, which recommends funding allocations to the Students' Union Finance Committee for final decision by March 31 of each year. The criteria for the evaluation of funding applications shall include:

• A requirement for applicants to match the amount of a grant for any given project:
• Disclosure of all other sources of revenue for any given project, including funding from the University of Alberta, the Green & Gold Athletics Society, support groups, and funds raised by teams or student groups applying for funding:
• Serious consideration with regards to the degree in which a project benefits the student population, which may be in the form of an opportunity to participate as a spectator, volunteer, official, or participant;
• Priority given to applications relating to the hosting of varsity athletic events;
• Priority given to applications with a long-range plan or vision for the development of a project

Examples of Projects Previously Funded:

• Purchase of GUBA and Patches costumes to promote campus life
• Hosting costs for events for students to attend
• Purchasing audio and video equipment to improve event experiences
• Purchasing webcast equipment to broadcast events
• Promotional campaigns to encourage student participation (such as free food)
• Honoraria for part-time assistant coaches
• Pre-season travel for varsity teams

Conditions:

1. The fee will be five dollars and eleven cents ($5.11) per semester per student, to be
2. assessed to students enrolled in classes that term,
3. The fee will not be assessed to students enrolled in the spring/summer semester,
4. The fee of five dollars and eleven cents ($5.11) will be applied to both part-time and full-time students,
5. The fee of shall be increased per year according to the Alberta Consumer Price Index,
6. Students may not opt-out of paying the fee,
7. The fee will not apply to Augustana students.

Question:

Do you continue to support a five dollars and eleven cents ($5.11) per semester fee, with an increase per year according to the Alberta Consumer Price Index, to be used for the operation of a Golden Bears and Pandas Legacy Fund to be administered by a board consisting of representatives from the Students' Union, the University Athletic Board, and the Student Population at large?

Read more about the proposal in this plebiscite:

• The Gateway, SU Elections 2026 Q&A: Golden Bears and Pandas Legacy Fund Plebiscite
• Statement from the "YES" Campaign
  • "The Legacy Fund is an integral part of setting the University of Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas Varsity teams up for success. This provides our teams with the necessary amenities for us to be able to compete at a high level with other university teams, which includes helping to fund coaching staff, strength and conditioning, preseason travel, as well as mental health and academic supports. It also benefits all students on campus by helping to enrich student life through easy access to sports and entertainment. The Legacy Fund helps to provide free tickets for students at preseason games, food and prizes for students at games throughout the entire year, helps fund mascots and also creates jobs for students by providing the necessary funding for practicums and other placements within athletics. Additionally, the Legacy Fund provides funding for the EDI Women in Coaching program, which aims to increase the number of paid female coaches in our varsity programs. Vote YES to the Legacy Fund renewal and help fuel the success of varsity programs and overall school spirit at the University of Alberta!"

The Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society is the Student Representative Association for the Faculty of Science. The Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society exists to represent and advocate for science students at the University of Alberta and to enhance the undergraduate experience through equitable programming, academic support, and community engagement. As the largest faculty association at the University of Alberta, the Society serves to unite all science students by delivering essential day-to-day services, supporting academic success through mentorship, recognition, and peer-based initiatives, coordinating large-scale events, and fostering a strong, inclusive, and vibrant scientific community through service and advocacy.

Purpose:

The purpose of this fee is for the following purposes:

● Scholarships

● Academic supports

● Community events

● Grants for departmental, program and science interest student groups

● Faculty-wide initiatives

● Professional development

Conditions:

If approved, the Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society Student Representative Association

Membership Fee will be renewed subject to the following conditions:

1. All undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Science will be assessed $7.00 per Fall and Winter Semester.
2. Students will have the ability to opt-out of the fee subject to deadlines.
3. This fee will renew for a five (5) year term on September 1, 2026 and a plebiscite on its renewal to be held no later August 31, 2031.

Plebiscite Question:

Do you support the implementation of the Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society Student Representative Association Membership Fee subject to the preceding conditions?

Read more about the proposal in this plebiscite:

• The Gateway, SU Elections 2026 Q&A: Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society Plebiscite
• Statement from the "YES" Campaign:
  • For the past 14 years, this fee has remained at $5 per term. During that time, the Faculty of Science has grown significantly, and so has ISSS. Today, the fee supports scholarships, COSSA group funding, large-scale events like Science Week, mentorship programs, handbooks, lockers, microwaves, and academic support.
    The proposed increase to $7 per term, the Sci7, would allow us to expand scholarships, significantly increase COSSA funding, introduce a new Academic Travel and Conference Fund, and launch initiatives like a Professional Clothing Bank and a new Faculty of Science Career Fair.
    This is an investment of just $4 more per year to strengthen the student experience in the largest faculty at the University of Alberta.
    Sci7 is about reinvesting directly into science students, academically, professionally, and socially. I encourage you to vote in favour and help us continue building a stronger Faculty of Science community on March 4th and 5th!

The Lister Hall Students’ Association is the residence association representing the students of Lister Hall. We have been around in various iterations since Henday Hall and Kelsey Hall were originally built in the early 1960s. Most recently, we were reinstated in 2017 and have since continued to provide for students in Lister Hall alongside Residence Services. The Lister Hall Students’ Association exists to enhance the experiences of students living in Lister Hall. We run programs, host support services, practice advocacy, and maintain relationships with other organizations in the community - all to the benefit of Lister’s residents.

The $75 Student Representative Association Membership Fee that we collect from students helps fund an array of things. It covers simple things like operational costs and support services, while also allowing us to connect with students more directly. The funds also go to meaningful experiences like allowing us to place a student leader on every floor to mentor and bond with students, and large scale programming like tower or Lister wide events for students to have fun and connect with one another. These activities are jointly funded by our fundraising, grant, and investment initiatives. However, our Student Representative Association Membership Fee is essential to our organization being able to operate so extensively for students. Without the revenue generated from our membership fee, the Lister Hall Students’ Association would have to drastically overhaul how it operates and the services it offers students. The Lister Hall Students’ Association is a responsible organization dedicated to using our fee to improve the lives of students. We have a number of accountability measures in place in our constitution to ensure the responsible allocation of funds. All 60 officers that serve on our Joint and Executive Councils are elected by students and have checks on their authority. We impose strict term limits and frequently cycle our membership to remain innovative and in touch with student needs.

Purpose:

The purpose of this fee is for the following purposes:

• Advance and enhance the general welfare and quality of lifestyle of its members through peer support in order to ease the transition to University.
• To advocate for and successfully represent the residents of Lister Centre and their diverse needs.
• Organize and promote the social, educational, and leadership development for the interest and benefit of its members.
• Promote positive relations between the Association and the external community to optimize the evolving Lister experience.

Conditions:

If approved, the Lister Hall Students’ Association’s Student Representative Association Membership Fee will be created subject to the following conditions;

1. All undergraduate students residing in Lister Hall will be assessed $75.00; with
   1. The fee shall be a one time payment of $75.00 per year, assessed in full in the semester that the resident moves into Lister Hall.
2. Students assessed the fee shall have the option to opt-out subject to opt-out deadlines.
3. This fee will renew for a five (5) year term on September 1, 2026 and a plebiscite on its renewal to be held no later August 31, 2031.

Question:

Do you support the five (5) year renewal of the Lister Hall Students’ Association’s Student Representative Association Membership Fee subject to the preceding conditions?

Read more about the proposal in this plebiscite:

• The Gateway, SU Elections 2026 Q&A: Lister Hall Students’ Association Plebiscite

The Nursing Undergraduate Association is the Student Representative Association for the Faculty of Nursing. The Nursing Undergraduate Association’s purpose is to provide members an enriched university experience, with educational, vocational, professional, scholarship and service opportunities to help nursing student development for the public good with guidance of founding values.

Purpose:

The purpose of the fee is for the following purposes:

• Provide stable, predictable funding that allows the Nursing Undergraduate Association to operate independently on behalf of all undergraduate nursing students at the University of Alberta.
• Support academic, social, professional, and advocacy initiatives for nursing students.
• Maintain membership in the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association which connects University of Alberta nursing students to the national and international nursing community.

Conditions:

If approved, the Nursing Undergraduate Association Student Representative Association Membership Fee will be renewed subject to the following conditions:

1. All undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Nursing full-time will be assessed $15.00 in the fall semester,
2. All undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Nursing part-time will be assessed $11.00 in the fall semester,
3. The fee of shall be increased per year according to the Alberta Consumer Price Index,
4. Students will have the ability to opt-out of the fee subject to deadlines,
5. This fee will renew for a five (5) year term on September 1, 2026 and a plebiscite on its renewal to be held no later August 31, 2031.

Question:

Do you support the implementation of the Nursing Undergraduate Association Student Representative Association Membership Fee subject to the preceding conditions?

Read more about the proposal in this plebiscite:

• The Gateway, SU Elections 2026 Q&A: Nursing Undergraduate Association Plebiscite

The East Campus Students’ Association is the Student Representative Association for East Campus Village representing 800+ student residents across 8 campus buildings serving both first year and upper year students. The East Campus Students’ Association is centred on building community, advocating for resident needs, and enhancing the living experience in East Campus Village through programming, leadership, and accessible support. Facilitating discourse between Faculty and students

• Planning activities & events for students
• Providing academic and community support

We achieve our goals through various events, services, and resources.

Purpose:

The purpose of this fee is for the following purposes:

• Host community events
• Advocate for residents to multiple committees and organizations
• Improve residence spaces & foster community
• Support residence-wide initiatives
• Bridge communication between residents and Residence Services

Conditions:

If approved, the East Campus Students’ Association Student Representative Association Membership Fee will be implemented subject to the following conditions:

1. All undergraduate students residing in the East Campus Village will be assessed $10.00 per Fall and Winter Semester.
2. Students will have the ability to opt-out of the fee subject to deadlines.
3. The fee of shall be increased per year according to the Alberta Consumer Price Index
4. This fee will be implemented for a five (5) year term on September 1, 2026 and a plebiscite on its renewal to be held no later August 31, 2031.

Question:

Do you support the implementation of the East Campus Students’ Association Student Representative Association Membership Fee subject to the preceding conditions?

Read more about the proposal in this referendum:

• The Gateway, SU Elections 2026 Q&A: East Campus Students’ Association Referendum