Advocacy
It’s our job to advocate for you!
At the Students' Association of Bow Valley College (SABVC), we are dedicated to empowering students and ensuring their voices are heard. Our advocacy efforts focus on creating an inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment that enables student to thrive.
What We Do
Representing Your Interests
SABVC serves as a bridge between students and college administration, ensuring concerns and feedback are heard. With its student-elected Board of Directors (BOD), SABVC represents student needs to decision-makers, including Bow Valley College (BVC) and government bodies, while collaborating with stakeholders to address issues affecting post-secondary students.
Who Represents Me
SABVC conducts an annual election where student members elect 9 BOD members to represent their interests. From these elected Directors, 1 President and 1 Vice President are appointed. Together with the SABVC Governance and Advocacy Staff Team, the President and Vice President dedicate all their time working exclusively on advocacy projects and student representation, while the BOD provides its inputs and makes decisions on behalf of our members!
SABVC Advocacy Achievements and Initiatives
Our advocacy efforts are driven by the needs and concerns of our student community. We are committed to making positive changes on campus and beyond. Below are some of the key initiatives and achievements that showcase how we’re advocating for students and making a difference in their academic and personal lives.
Tuition Installment Plan
To alleviate financial pressures, SABVC successfully advocated for BVC to offer tuition installment plans, providing students in financial need with a flexible payment option.
Sit & Sip
Creating meaningful connections, SABVC organized "Sit & Sip" events to facilitate dialogue between students and their leaders, addressing challenges faced by the student community.
Graduation with Distinction
SABVC is actively working with BVC administration to implement a distinction recognition program, ensuring students’ academic achievements are celebrated similarly to those at other institutions.
UPASS Program
Through dedicated advocacy efforts, SABVC is working with BVC to secure a transit UPASS program which will offer BVC students the same affordable transit pass available at other post-secondary institutions across Calgary.
Campus & Community Safety
Advocating for a safer campus and surrounding areas remains a priority for SABVC. A comprehensive report with recommendations was shared with the Downtown Safety Leadership Table to address safety concerns. We continue to lobby for a safer community.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
OER expansion remains a priority for SABVC. Discussions with BVC are underway to enhance access to these valuable resources for students.
Tuition Consultation
SABVC launched a dedicated webpage to promote transparency and keep students informed about tuition consultations and updates.
Affordable Housing
Recognizing the critical need for affordable housing, SABVC continues to push for government action and policy changes to provide relief for students facing the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
International Student Advocacy
SABVC closely monitors federal policy changes affecting international students and actively communicates student concerns to Members of Parliament, ensuring their voices are heard and represented on this specific issue.
How You Can Get Involved
Share Your Voice
Have an issue or suggestion? Let our Board of Directors know! SABVC is here to represent you. You can contact your representees here or join us at the next Sit & Sip event.
Join Our Board of Directors
Passionate about creating change? Join our BOD and collaborate with like-minded peers to drive initiatives that matter. Learn more about each role and how to run.