SAMU STUDENT ADVOCACY CENTRE
SAMU STUDENT ADVOCACY CENTRE
The SAMU Student Advocacy Centre prepares you to self-advocate. We support you through academic and non-academic issues at MacEwan by providing a confidential, judgment-free space with individualized support from a trained Student Advocacy & Policy Support team member.
Who are we and what can we do for you?
MEET OUR TEAM
Mackenzie Sorensen – Student Advocate and Policy Support Specialist
Kate Prus – Advocacy Centre Assistant
What we do
WE CAN:
Our team offers confidential and judgment-free support for any academic and non-academic issues.
We provide clear guidance for complex MacEwan University policies and procedures. We can also attend meetings with you as a silent support person, help write letters or emails to MacEwan faculty and staff, and providing ongoing check-ins and continued support for you when needed.
we CANNOT
WE CANNOT:
Our team cannot speak for you in meetings or communicate on your behalf without you present. Additionally we cannot make decisions about your academic or personal concerns, provide legal advice or counselling, or support you in taking legal action against other parties. Our team is here to provide you with the tools you need to self-advocate.
RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY 101
Navigating university can be overwhelming, that’s why we’ve created a ‘How-To Guide’ on being a MacEwan University Student.
Additional Resources
There are many on and off-campus resources available to you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.