Even though we’re only a few weeks into the new semester, your UASU’s election season has already started! Coming up in March, there will be two elections where you can have your say in the students you want representing your interests on campus and beyond. These elections are:
- March 4 and 5, 2026: UASU General Election of your Executives and Board of Governors Representative
- March 18 and 19, 2026: UASU Students’ Council and General Faculties Council Election
Nomination packages are available now (until February 12, 2026) for students hoping to be one of the new Execs or BoG Rep. If you’re thinking of running in this election (and you should!) but want more information about what these roles look like, then this blog post is for you.
What are the UASU Exec roles?
There are 5 members of the Executive Committee elected by Students’ Union members (ie. YOU), each overseeing a different portfolio but working together to make sure you have access to the services and initiatives that support you, advocate for more, and try to keep more money in your pocket. Your UASU Execs report to Students’ Council, ensuring that the UASU remains student-led and accountable to the undergraduate student body.
The Executive Committee members are:
President
Your UASU President is the primary spokesperson for the Students’ Union, and oversees all the other executives, as well as the organization's strategy, operations, employees, advocacy and more! This wide-ranging position is responsible for an enormous range of tasks, including heading major initiatives, working with the University’s Board of Governors and the General Faculties Council, and advocating on behalf of students to the University administration and all levels of government.
Vice President Academic
The Vice President Academic (VPA) is responsible for all advocacy related to academic issues at the University of Alberta. The VPA sits on many boards and committees, including the Students' Union Policy Committee, the General Faculties Council, multiple GFC standing committees and subcommittees, the Council of Faculty Associations and its working groups, and more. The VPA also works closely with all of the student faculty and department associations to ensure that students receive the best possible education at the University of Alberta.
Vice President External
The Vice President External (VPX) focuses primarily on external advocacy, working with the municipal, provincial and federal governments on issues that impact students such as tuition, financial aid, and student debt. The VPX frequently meets with MLAs and MPs to advocate on behalf of students, and works closely with post-secondary lobby groups including the Edmonton Student Alliance, and the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations.
Vice President Operations & Finance
The Vice President Operations & Finance (VPOF) oversees the UASU's $11 million annual budget, and is responsible for policy and strategy at the UASU's many businesses including Dewey's, Room At The Top, Daily Grind, SUBprint and more. The VPOF also helps oversee the operation of the Students' Union Building, including tenancy agreements, and sits on a variety of committees and boards related to the dispersal of Dedicated Fee Units.
Vice President Student Life
The wide-ranging portfolio of the Vice President Student Life (VPSL) includes non-academic advocacy on issues that impact students, which can include everything from mental health to residence. The VPSL is also the executive responsible for much of the programming and events put on by the Students' Union, as well as services that support you like the Peer Support Centre.
Want to know even more about what your UASU Execs do? Exec Shadow Days let you attend a meeting with an Exec of your choice, chat one-on-one about the position, and ask any questions you may have!
What does the Board of Governors Representative do?
The University of Alberta Board of Governors is the ultimate decision-making authority of the University, making decisions on tuition fees, managing University assets and finances, and setting the strategic direction for the institution. Your elected Board of Governors Representative (BoG Rep) acts as a voice for the undergraduate student body on the Board, and holds a voting seat alongside the UASU President. The BoG Rep is also a voting member of both Students’ Council and the General Faculties Council (learn more about these councils here).
You can reach your BoG Rep at bog@uasu.ca to learn more.
Still have questions about your UASU elections? You might find the answers here: