SAMU STUDENT ADVOCACY CENTRE
The SAMU Student Advocacy Centre helps students navigate their academic and non-academic issues at MacEwan by building students’ foundations to self-advocate. Students are offered a confidential and judgement-free space to discuss their situation and receive individualized support.
Who are we and what can we do for you?
YOUR CENTRE REPRESENTATIVES
Melyssa Clark – Student Advocate and Policy Support Specialist
Kate Prus – Advocacy Centre Assistant
A CENTRE REPRESENTATIVE CAN
-
Provide confidential support for any academic or personal concerns.
-
Provide clear information on MacEwan policies and procedures.
-
Attend meetings with you as a silent support person.
-
Help edit letters or emails before you send them.
-
Assist through ongoing check-ins and support when needed.
A REPRESENTATIVE CANNOT
-
Speak for you in meetings or communicate without you present.
-
Make decisions about your academic or personal concerns.
-
Provide legal advice or counselling.
-
Support in taking legal action against other parties.
Our Events
UNIVERSITY 101
Learning how to navigate university can be..overwhelming. To help you navigate this feeling, we’ve created a ‘How-To Guide’ on being a MacEwan University Student.
Is This Cheating?
A free discussion panel on the use of artificial intelligence in university classrooms! Hear from a panel of MacEwan academic experts and passionate students.
Resources
List of resources that are available to students on and off campus!
Still Have Some more Questions Check out our FAQ
Q: Who can access the Advocacy Centre?
A: The Advocacy Centre is a complimentary service available to all current MacEwan students
Q: How do I contact the Advocacy Centre?
A: Submit an initial submission form through the Advocacy Centre’s page on the SAMU website or send an email to sapss@macewan.ca. You will receive a response within 1 – 3 business days
Q: Can you advocate or talk on my behalf?
A: No, at the advocacy centre, we don’t talk on a student’s behalf. Rather, we help students build a foundation of self-advocacy. The help that we can provide support by:
- Understanding your options, rights, and responsibilities to navigate your situation by providing you with information about MacEwan’s policies and procedures
- Prepare for meetings and hearings at MacEwan
- Attend meetings and hearings as a silent support
- Provide suggested edits to email correspondence or forms submitted to MacEwan
Q: Will MacEwan know if I am getting support through the advocacy centre?
A: No. The Advocacy Centre is a confidential service, which means that the information discussed between students and centre representatives will not be shared with anyone outside of the advocacy centre’s team. The only time confidentiality is broken is if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
Q: Do you have any impact on the decision?
A: We can help prepare you to the best of our ability to address your situation, however, we do not have any influence over the decisions made.
Q: Is it too late to get support if I am already in a process?
A: We are more than happy to help you no matter where you are in the process. Please contact the centre ASAP to see what your options are for getting support.
Q: I’m having issues with my student loans. Can you help me?
A: We aren’t able to help when it comes to decisions that have been made about your student loan application. The best person to talk to about student loans are the financial aid advisors, who can let you know which other funding options are available to you.