Advocating FOR YOU

By publicly advocating for and supporting causes, conducting research, developing informed positions, and meeting with officials on matters that affect MHC students, we work hard to make a difference.

-What is Advocacy?

Advocacy is about standing up for what you believe in and striving to make positive changes. It means being a voice for others to ensure fairness and support. At MHC, SAMHC serves as your advocate. We recognize the challenges and needs of students and actively engage with officials to address these issues. Whether it’s support for mental health, assistance with housing, or navigating educational concerns, SAMHC’s advocacy efforts aim to enhance your experience and make your journey at MHC as smooth and fulfilling as possible.

-Why do we Advocate?

Understanding Student Needs

SAMHC recognizes the diverse and critical needs of MHC students and works to address them.

Compliance with Law

Guided by the Post-Secondary Learning Act of Alberta (Sec 93(3)), SAMHC is entrusted with representing and supporting students, advocating as part of its legal responsibility.

Strategic Focus

Advocacy is central to SAMHC’s Strategic Plan, reflecting our commitment to meaningful change and making sure the student voice is heard both within MHC and in the broader community.

How We Advocate

Your SAMHC student representatives advocate to all levels of institution and government to ensure the student voice is represented and so student issues are brought to the forefront.

At MHC

SAMHC advocates institutionally by engaging in structured efforts to influence policies and practices within Medicine Hat College (MHC). Our approach involves collaboration with the college administration, faculty, and staff to ensure that student voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

We participate in committees, councils, and working groups where we present student concerns and perspectives on various issues, from academic policies to campus facilities. Our team conducts research and gathers data to support our positions, ensuring that our advocacy is informed and impactful.

Locally

Post-Secondary students comprise one of Calgary’s biggest constituencies; though PSE is provincially regulated, there are many municipal issues that affect MHC students such as:

  • Transportation & Public Transit
  • Community and Protective Services

Provincially & Federally

Post-Secondary education is provincially regulated, which means there are a lot of areas that affect MHC students:

  • Tuition Regulations
  • Transfer Options
  • Mental Health Supports
  • Standardized Sexual Violence Policy for Campuses

SAMHC is a founding member of ASEC, a provincial student advocacy group. In addition to providing leadership and learning opportunities for Alberta’s student leaders, ASEC brings its members together to establish advocacy priorities so that we can concentrate our efforts and make a difference.

Learn more →

Though PSE is provincially regulated, there are many federal issues that affect students:

  • International Study Permits
  • Work Integrated Learning
  • Financial Aid
  • Apprentice/Trades
  • Voting