Students' Association of Mount Royal College

Students' Association Membership Fees

SA Membership Fees
Value of Membership in my SA

SA MEMBERSHIP FEES

The Students’ Association levies a fee for all active members. Membership fees are collected from both full- and part-time students on a per semester basis. SAMRC has a fee collection agreement with MRC.

Students’ Association Fees (as of August 2007)

Students’ Association Fees

All students Association Fees are collected by Mount Royal College on behalf of the Students’ Association of Mount Royal College (SAMRC). Any questions on any of these fees should be directed to the SAMRC in the Wyckham House student centre located in Z201.

Students’ Association General Fee ($38.95PT/ $81.45FT) — This fee is levied each semester to provide services and representation to all students at Mount Royal College. Services available to students include subsidized events and entertainment, emergency student loans, Peer Support Centre, Native Students’ Centre, Cultural Mosaic Centre, Accessibility Centre, Safewalk, CopyWrite and many more. Please visit our offices in Z201 or www.samrc.com for a full list of services.

Students' interests are represented on several college committees including the Board of Governors, Academic Council and its subcommittees, Tuition Consultation Committee, Budget Advisory Committee and Appeal and Grievance committees. Students’ Association representatives currently serve on over 50 College committees ensuring that the student voice is heard in decision-making.

Student representation also extends to the provincial and federal level where post-secondary funding originates and is allocated. The Students’ Association is a member of the Alberta College and Technical Institutes Student Executive Council (ACTISEC) and the Canadian Alliance of Students’ Associations (CASA) and meets regularly with key political figures to lobby on behalf of student interests.

Fees are set and managed by Students’ Council.

Students’ Association Scholarship Fee ($3.00) — This fee is levied each semester to provide scholarships and bursaries to Mount Royal College students. An endowment is being established that will ensure that funds for students continue to be available in the future.

Students’ Association Capital Campaign Fee ($17.60PT/ $33.00FT) — Monies from this levy are placed in a separate bank account and are used solely used for building repairs and maintenance, capital purchases, and for expansion of the existing student centre and/or any future buildings, to better accommodate student needs as the college expands.

Reflector Fee ($6.80FT/ $3.40PT) — These fees are collected on behalf of the autonomous Reflector Publications Society Board for the production of the official MRC student newspaper.

Calgary Transit U-Pass Fee ($95.00 FT) — These fees are collected on behalf of Calgary Transit each semester from full-time students only. The Students' Association collects $3.50 per full-time student per semester to administer the program and $91.50 goes to Calgary Transit. This is a mandatory fee, passed by students through a binding referendum in March 2005, March 2006 and March 2007, so all students taking 9 or more MRC credits each semester will be assessed this fee.

The universal bus pass (U-Pass) provides unlimited rides on Calgary Transit buses and C-Trains for a one time per semester fee. Please visit the Copywrite in the basement of Wyckham House for more information or to access your U-Pass sticker.

Health and Dental Fee ($95.00 FT) —This fee is collected on behalf of the Canadian Student Health Network each semester from full-time students only (9 credits or more through MRC). Insurance coverage extends from September 1 to August 31 of each year provided there has been no change in a students full-time status.

This fee is distinct from the fee charged for the Student Accident Insurance Plan.

Opt-out: Students covered by an existing, comparable health plan may choose to opt out of this fee. These funds are used to provide students with a twelve-month comprehensive health and dental insurance plan that supplements provincial health care.

Students must fill out the Personal Information Form at the Student Benefits Plan Office in order to activate their coverage.

If you are an eligible student and have comparable health and/or dental coverage you may apply to waive benefits. Please note that your provincial health care plan does not qualify as an extended health plan. Each student is given one opportunity to waive benefits under the health and/or dental plan(s) each year, usually within the first three weeks of classes. Each student is given the option of choosing their own opt-out status. The first option is the one time opt-out which will continue each year for as long as you remain an eligible student. The second option is the annual opt-out which applies to this year only. You will need to complete another waiver form next year. Please note, in the event that you don't specify an opt-out status on your waiver form, you will receive a one time opt-out by default. All waiver forms must be completed through the SAMRC Student Benefits Plan Office and must be received by the applicable deadline for the semester period of enrollment. Students must provide sufficient proof of existing coverage, such as an original certificate of coverage, statement of claim, verification letter from a current plan administrator/ sponsor, benefit card, SAMRC Care Card or other documentation which is determined to be acceptable proof of alternate coverage. Approval of waiver forms will result in the plan fee being refunded.

There will be no exceptions or extensions for students who fail to submit their completed waiver to the SAMRC Student Benefits Plan Office prior to the applicable deadline. Students who have previously waived their benefits and have lost comparable coverage, must come into the SAMRC Student Benefits Plan Office and opt-in before the applicable deadline.

For full details, please visit the Student Benefits Plan Office in room Z001 in Wyckham House.

TOTAL SA FEES: $59.55 PT/ $124.45 FT per semester
TOTAL OTHER FEES: $3.40 PT /$193.80 FT per semester

Value of Membership in my Students' Association

As the centre of the college community, the Students’ Association of Mount Royal College (SAMRC) complements the academic experience through a wide variety of cultural, educational, social, and support programs, providing the opportunity to balance course work and free time as co-operative factors in higher education.

In all its processes, SAMRC encourages self-directed activity, growth in individual social and critical competencies and group effectiveness. Taken together, the variety of programs, activities, services, representation and facilities offered by the SA illustrate a well-considered plan to enhance and support a student’s educational experience. The SA serves as a unifying force that honours each individual, values diversity, and fosters a sense of community that cultivates enduring loyalty to the college.1

Academic Support and Advocacy
The Students’ Association provides assistance and guidance to MRC students with academic appeals, grievances, non-academic misconduct and issues related to harassment or discrimination. Students benefit from SAMRC’s experience with college policies and procedures, knowledge of the processes, and contact with key college personnel.

Through Academic Council and a variety of other college and government committees, your SA representatives advocate to represent the interests of students. Most curriculum, program or course changes and academic policies are considered through processes that require student input.

Awards and Bursaries
Each year, the SA hosts the E-Awards, recognizing students who demonstrate contribution to student life on campus. Instructors and staff are also acknowledged with Teaching Excellence and Guardian Angel Awards. The E-Awards stand for Excellence, Enrichment and Endeavour. A variety of awards are given to students at this ceremony. The SA also provides four bursaries: a Student Parent Bursary, a Students’ Association First-Year Bursary, and one Robert Wyckham Scholarship each for a credit and a non-credit student, as well as another $3,500 from an endowment fund to MRC students. All together, the SA gives away close to $40,000 in awards, scholarships, bursaries and funds. See our awards, scholarships and loans page for more details.

Information
We have information for MRC students on awards and bursaries, student loans, clubs and societies, housing, jobs, volunteer opportunities, grade appeals, free support services, cheap photocopies, cheap insurance and cell phone rates for SAMRC members, and almost anything else you need to know.

For the latest news and events, check the SA newsletter Association Matters or browse around the web site. You can also provide your comments or feedback to us through the web site.

Skills Development
SAMRC is a student-run organization that values participatory decision-making. Through volunteerism, its boards, committees, and student employment, the Association offers first-hand experience in citizenship and educates students in leadership, social responsibility, and values.

Volunteers have an opportunity to share their experiences with other students, to become professionally trained in a relaxed and approachable environment, to gain important work skills and experience, and to meet new friends with similar interests or backgrounds. All volunteers are MRC students who are carefully screened before going through an intensive training program.

Student Representation
The most basic function of any student government is to represent its students to those involved with decisions related to higher education. Your SA Executive and Students’ Council are elected to be a voice for all MRC students regarding tuition fees, post-secondary funding, accessibility, student financial assistance, academic and curriculum changes and student rights. SAMRC retains professional staff and relies on a number of student volunteers to assist and support the student Executive Committee in its endeavours.

Executive Committee members are paid an honorarium to take part-time studies while working full-time to represent students in addition to many other administrative duties. Student representatives meet regularly with the college Administration, the Board of Governors, government and Opposition MLAs, the Alberta Learning Minister, the Premier, other student leaders, faculty leaders and the Chamber of Commerce, among other groups, in an effort to influence decisions and to ensure that student concerns are being considered.

Support Services
SAMRC offers a variety of services to assist and support its members while they are at Mount Royal. The SA’s Cultural Mosaic Centre (CMC) provides academic support, socializing, networking opportunities and cultural experiences in order to create a supportive educational environment in which cultural diversity is valued. International students can receive assistance with academic appeals and grievances, harassment and discrimination complaints, referrals and information about community and college resources, assistance with job searches, awareness weeks and social events.

The Native Student Centre (NSC) provides educational support and resources for Native students at MRC. The Centre provides culturally sensitive and confidential peer support, assistance with band funding issues and scholarships, employability enhancement programs, meeting facilities for student groups, small group presentations and guest speakers. For more information contact the NSC Coordinator or visit the Centre in Wyckham House in Room Z305.

Located in Room Z004 in the basement of Wyckham House, the Peer Support Centre (PSC) provides confidential support and a variety of services to all students. The PSC provides information on various services, social issues and events that affect students’ lives. A Food Bank Depot is available in the Centre to help eligible MRC students. Each Christmas, the PSC helps over 100 students and families by providing donated gifts and food hampers. MRC students who have experienced unforeseen financial difficulty and students exempt from bursaries can receive Emergency Student Loans (ESLs) through the PSC (some eligibility criteria apply). Finally, the Centre also offers a legal advice clinic which is free to students. All PSC services are handled discreetly and in the strictest confidence.

Wyckham House Student Centre
Traditionally considered the “social centre” of the campus, SAMRC provides services and conveniences to members of the college community, and creates an environment for getting to know and understand others through formal and informal associations.

The Wyckham House Student Centre also offers a number of facilities to MRC students, including a variety of food kiosks, meeting rooms, study lounges and a bar. This is also where the Peer Support Centre (PSC), the Native Student Centre (NSC), the Cultural Mosaic Centre (CMC), AccessAbility Centre (AAC) and Safewalk are located, the Health Plan office, and the Copywrite & Wycked Used Books — which has the lowest prices on campus for printing and copies.

Students with similar academic, social or representational interests can become part of a student club. These groups hold regular meetings, social events and activities, graduation celebrations and awareness events. Talk to the for more information.