Students' Union approves 17 projects to receive Quality Money funding in 2020-21

The University of Calgary Students’ Union (SU) is proud to approve funding for 17 student-focused on-campus projects to be implemented in the 2020-21 academic year.

The Quality Money program is a unique partnership between the UCalgary Board of Governors, the SU, and the Graduate Students' Association (GSA). Through this program, the SU and the GSA receive a portion of students’ tuition to reinvest in student-directed projects every year. Currently, this amount is $2.113 million annually and is indexed to future tuition increases. Both the SU and GSA have independently established processes for evaluating and approving funding applications received from members of the campus community.

• Photo above: Students' Union VP Academic Kevin Dang in the Kinesiology Study Space, an SU Quality Money project implemented in 2017-18. Photo by Students’ Union Staff

“Since the Quality Money program was initiated by students in 2004, the SU has been proud to support over 250 student-driven projects that enhance our campus in meaningful ways,” says SU President Jessica Revington. “Through this unique program, students have a direct say in how a portion of their tuition is spent. Students are excited to invest in projects that enhance the affordability, accessibility, and quality of their education at the University of Calgary.”

Most importantly this year, students have also successfully secured a renewal of the Board of Governors' commitment to funding the Quality Money program through the 2023-24 academic year. This ensures that Quality Money will continue to be available to support innovative programs and services at UCalgary. The SU believes this is a crucial step forward, given recent cuts to provincial post-secondary funding and the significant challenges associated with COVID-19.

“The board’s commitment to another three years of Quality Money funding is fantastic news for students amidst these challenging times,” says Revington. “We look forward to supporting ideas from our campus community, especially ones that are developed by students."

Past SU Quality Money projects have included mental health supports, scholarships, research symposia, study space renovations, and supports for work-integrated learning opportunities. A full list of past SU Quality Money projects, along with information for future applicants, can be found online.