About the Senate
The University of Calgary Senate creates a bridge between the university and the wider Calgary community. Its purpose is to represent the public interest, promote the university on local, national and international levels, influence decision makers, foster student interests and promote and recognize excellence. It achieves these objectives through its regular meetings, ongoing standing committee work, special events held throughout the year and by providing a continued and highly visible contact point for all stakeholders to communicate with the University.
The UCalgary Senate is a representation of both the UCalgary student community and the city of Calgary communities. It comprises 62 diverse members as identified in the Post-Secondary Learning Act, including representatives of the public, alumni, students and several groups of educators and academics employed by the University.
These positions are open to members of the public in the metropolitan board catchment area (excluding current UCalgary AUPE/MAPs staff and faculty members). Terms are three-years long, renewable once.
What does it mean to be a UCalgary senator?
Drive community connections
UCalgary senators are connectors and ambassadors who deepen our relationship with our city and elevate our achievements in our community. A great university is at the heart of all great cities, and as a senator you can help tell our story.
Promote research and innovation
As a UCalgary senator, you’ll be an ambassador for one of Canada’s top research institutions. Use your passion for learning and discovery to impact the future of education.
Advocate and Influence
Senators also play a pivotal role in creating thoughtful dialogue on campus and in the community. Working together with UCalgary leadership, senators can use their voice to support and advance UCalgary’s strategic direction.
Start your journey
The application process to become a UCalgary senator is open to to members of the public in the metropolitan board catchment area (excluding current UCalgary AUPE/MAPs staff and faculty members). Terms are three-years long, renewable once.
Apply to become a senator and inspire the next generation of leaders in our community. Applicants are encouraged to read the Frequently Asked Questions, bylaws and the UCalgary Indigenous Strategy.
Applicants are asked to complete the following:
- The application form.
- A one-page expression of interest, including why you are applying to UCalgary Senate, the specific skills you possess that would be of value to Senate, your connection to the University of Calgary, your connection to the local community and experience related to the work of Senate.
- A resume or CV.
Please email senate@ucalgary.ca with any questions.
Applications are now closed
To learn more about the next application cycle, please email senate@ucalgary.ca
Senate Frequently Asked Questions
As a UCalgary senator, you will be an ambassador for the university, helping to deepen our connection with the community and share our story. You will use your passion for learning to make a positive impact on the future of postsecondary education.
One senate term is 3 years, after which time, senators will be eligible for a second term.
No, senators are not required to have any particular educational background or UCalgary affiliation.
Senators should generally expect 5-10 hours of senate work per month, and slightly more if serving as a committee chair.
Senators can expect 2-3 meetings per month. It is expected that senators attend all senate meetings, assigned committee meetings and working group meetings in order to stay involved. These schedules are provided each June.
Senate standing committees include the Honours Committee, Governance Committee, Community Engagement Committee and the Recruitment and Membership Committee. Committee membership is determined by committee availability and senator preference in consultation with the Office of the Chancellor and Senate staff.
Senate hosts 2-3 events per year. However, as a senator there are many different UCalgary campus events that you are invited to and encouraged to attend, which includes Convocation ceremonies where you will sit on the dais as a part of the platform party, Convocation Dinner, Lecture of a Lifetime, sporting events, lecture series, donor events and networking/mentorship events.
No, senate does not have a role in UCalgary governance.
Current UCalgary faculty, staff or students are appointed to senate through the following bodies on campus: Deans’ Council, Board of Governors, General Faculties Council, Alumni Association, AUPE, Undergraduates Students’ Union (SU), and the Graduate Students Association (GSA). Please contact the appropriate group to ascertain your eligibility to be appointed to senate.
Please contact senate@ucalgary.ca to find out if your area is within our catchment area.
For community representative positions, we request you fill out the application form. If your application is successful, you will be contacted to arrange an interview, at which time you will also be asked to provide two references. Interviews will take place virtually and are one hour long.
Current UCalgary faculty, staff or students are appointed to Senate through the following bodies on campus: Deans’ Council, Board of Governors, General Faculties Council, Alumni Association, AUPE, Undergraduates Students’ Union (SU), and the Graduate Students Association (GSA). Please contact the appropriate group to ascertain your eligibility to be appointed to Senate.
We encourage you to keep applying. There are varied numbers of vacancies filled each year and we are happy to consider all applicants.
Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
UCalgary's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) is committed to establishing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is accessible to all and free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. We strive to remove barriers that have been, and continue to be, encountered by equity deserving groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+.