Committees

DSU Committees are established in our governing documents, or by motions passed at Council meetings or Executive Committee meetings. Committees have specific goals and are composed of small groups of executives, councillors, and general members working together to plan events; support societies; make improvements to the DSU's operations, services, and policies; or to carry out other important work.

By being on a committee, you learn a lot about the DSU and how it works.

Join A DSU Committee!

Want to get involved with your student union? We invite you to become an integral part of shaping your campus experience! The DSU Committees will start accepting applications for interested general members next month.

This is your chance to take an active role in representing the student body and advocating for positive change. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of the Student Union Committee and make a lasting impact on our campus. Submit an interest form and let your voice be heard!

If you have any questions, email dsu.policy@dal.ca / dsupres@dal.ca. For more information about a committee, you can also email the committee chair using their contact information below.

Impact Awards General Member Interest Form

Help review and assess the nominations for Impact Awards, and play a role in the selection of winners for Imact Awards, being given out by the DSU

Deadline to apply is March 1st, 2024

Standing Committees

Standing committees are established in the Union’s bylaws or policies and meet regularly throughout each year to carry out the ongoing work of the Union.

  • The Board of Operations plays a crucial role in overseeing various aspects of the Union's operations and financial management. Key responsibilities include the annual appointment of a full-time Dalhousie Student as the Vice-President (Finance and Operations). The committee provides vital oversight in the Union's business planning process, reviewing and approving service contracts, and managing building space allocations.

    The Board of Operations takes charge of monitoring the fiscal health of the Union, ensuring sustained financial viability. This involves approving the draft budget, reviewing end-of-term financial statements, and approving capital project proposals. The committee also plays a role in overseeing the Union's investment portfolio, ensuring alignment with long-term objectives and policies.

    In addition, the Board of Operations has the responsibility to propose any necessary fee changes to the Council and review and approve all personnel changes, agreements, and policies. The committee's overarching goal is to ensure effective financial management, strategic planning, and the overall well-being of the Union. Meetings of the BoPs are restricted to members of the committee.

    • Contact: dsuvpf@dal.ca | Vice President Finance and Operations

    • Current Members: Henry Amin - Chair/VPFO | Mariam Knakriah - President | Vacant - Faculty of Management Rep, Eni Oguntona - Faculty of Law Rep | Ali Patton - General Member | General Manager | Financial Controller | 2 Seats - Alumni

    • Seats available: None

    For more information about the BoPs, see Bylaw 6.6.

  • The Bylaw and Policy Review Committee (BPRC) plays a pivotal role in the governance of the DSU. Through this committee, members develop expertise in reviewing and revising the DSU’s bylaws and policies to ensure they align with the evolving needs and values of the student body. It recommends any necessary amendments to council.

    Their work is significant as it helps maintain a fair and transparent framework that governs the DSU's operations and ensures accountability. Meetings of the BPRC are open to all DSU members.

    • Contact: dsupres@dal.ca | President

    • Current members: Mariam Knakriah - Chair/President | Sydney Forbes (Faculty of Medicine Rep) , Nick d’Entremont (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Rep) – Councillors (not executive officers) | Antonia Chircop - General Member

    • Seats available: None

    For more information on the BPRC, see Bylaw 6.6.c.

  • The Elections committee helps to organize the DSU general election, and any by-elections, sets the regulations for elections each year, and navigates complaints and appeals in the elections process. Meetings of the Elections Committee are restricted to members of the committee.

    • Contact: dsucro@dal.ca | Abhiroop Yerramilli - Chief Returning Officer

    • Current members: Gevonna Samuel (Deputy Returning Officer), Liam Bennet, Pratik Wani, Megan Cooper, Sigma Jahan - General Members

    • Seats available: None

    Committee should be in accordance with Bylaw 9, 9.5.g. and Elections and Referenda Policy.

    *Note: Members of the Elections Committee shall not be Executive Officers, Councillors, or a member of any other Standing Committee of the Union.

  • The external committee assists in developing and implementing DSU campaigns, raises awareness of relevant student and external affairs issues, and assists the DSU in forming positions relating to these issues. The committee's significance lies in its ability to strengthen the DSU's external connections, foster collaboration, and advocate for student needs beyond campus boundaries. Meetings of the External Committee shall be open to all interested Members of the Union and any other such people as determined by the Vice-President (Academic and External)

    • Contact: dsuvpae@dal.ca | Vice President Academic and External

    • Current members: Omotayo Bankole- Chair/ VPAE | Ryan Dee (Board of Governors), Kailey Simon (Indigenous Students Rep) , Mustafa Zahid (Faculty of Engineering Rep) – Councillors (not executive officers)

    • Seats available: none

  • The Grants and Sponsorship Committee (GSC) plays a vital role in securing funding and sponsorships for DSU initiatives, programs, and events. Through active involvement in this committee, members gain valuable experience in grant writing, fundraising, and sponsorship negotiation.

    The GSC also sets guidelines for grants and sponsorships and reviews grant-related Union policies. Meetings of the GSC are open to all DSU members to attend.

    • Contact: dsuvpf@dal.ca | Vice President Finance and Operations

    • Current members: Henry Amin - Chair/VPFO | Thomais (Tammy) Maniou - VPI | Eshan Arora (Board of Governors Rep 1) – Councillors (not executive officers) | Lauren Palmer - General Member

    • Seats available: 1 Councilor seat available

    For more information about the GSC, see Bylaw 6.10.c.

  • The Judicial Board (JB) serves as an independent body within the DSU responsible for resolving disputes and upholding the organization's constitution and bylaws. Members of this board gain valuable experience in conflict resolution, mediation, and fair decision-making.

    The Judicial Board delivers judgements on the interpretation of the DSU's governing documents and advises Council on violations of DSU policies and the appropriate corrective action. The Judicial Board also serves as an Elections Appeals Committee when needed.

    The Judicial Board is composed of three general Union members, at least one of which must either hold a law degree or be in at least their third year of law school. In appointing committee members, Council may prioritize Indigenous students, Black students, students of colour, students with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ students, women students, and students belonging to other equity-seeking groups. Meetings of the Judicial Board are restricted to members of the committee.

    • Contact: dsujudbd@dal.ca

    • Current Members: Samuel Eisner (Chair), Danielle Mourad and Noah Archibald - General Members

    • Seats available: None (must be a third-year law student or higher).

    For more information about JB, see Judicial Board Policy

  • The Oversight Committee (OC) makes recommendations regarding appointments in DSU Committees, assists in recruiting committee candidates, evaluates the annual performance of the DSU executives, and makes recommendations regarding roles, responsibilities, and renumeration. Meetings of the Oversight Committee are restricted to members of the committee.

    • Contact: dsuovrst@dal.ca

    • Current members: Victoria Slipp (Faculty of science Rep), Eni Oguntona (Faculty of Law Rep) - Faculty Rep | 2 seats - Community Rep | Kriti Maini, Om Pandya - General Member.

    • Seats available: 2 Community Representative seats and 1 General member available.

    For more information about the OC, see Oversight policy section 2.1

  • Members of Society Review Committee (SRC) learn about society constitutions and governance and get to know the ins and outs of the ratification process. The SRC meets at least once per semester to review ratification applications and ratify societies, and to assist, evaluate, or discipline societies when needed. Meetings of the SRC are open to all DSU members.

    • Contact: dsuvpi@dal.ca | Vice President Internal

    • Current members: Thomais (Tammy) Maniou - Chair/VPI | Henry Amin - VPFO | Kriti Maini - General Member | Eshan Arora (BoG 1) and Rowan Keith Menezes (Faculty of Graduate Studies Rep) – Councillors (not executive officers)

    • Seats available: None

    For more information on the SRC, see Bylaw 6.11.c.

  • The Student Accessibility Fund Committee (SAFC) meets at least once per semester to review applications for Student Accessibility Bursaries and award funds where appropriate, and to discuss and disperse funds to accessibility initiatives. In making appointments to the SRC, Council will prioritize disabled students. Meetings of the SAFC are restricted to members of the committee.

    • Contact: dsuvpi@dal.ca | Vice President Internal

    • Current members: Thomais (Tammy) Maniou - Chair/VPI | Katarzyna Farrell, Mara Baxendale - General Members | Vacant – Councillors.

    • Seats available: 2 Councillor seats available.

    Application deadlines:

    • Sunday, September 4th

    • Sunday, September 18th

    • Sunday, October 2nd

    • Sunday, October 16th

    • Sunday, October 30th

    • Sunday, November 13th

    • Sunday, November 27th

    Meeting dates:

    • Thursday, September 8th

    • Tuesday, September 20th

    • Thursday, October 6th

    • Tuesday, October 18th

    • Thursday, November 3rd

    • Tuesday, November 15th

    • Thursday, December 1st

  • The Student Life Committee (SLC) at DSU plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall student experience and fostering a vibrant campus community. this committee organizes and coordinates various events, activities, and initiatives that contribute to the social, cultural, and recreational aspects of student life.

    Students have the opportunity to make a significant difference in enhancing campus life, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating lifelong memories for the entire student body. Meetings are open to all. To attend please contact dsuvpsl@dal.ca.

    • Contact: dsuvpsl@dal.ca | Vice President Student Life

    • Current members: Ana Patton - Chair/VPSL | 1 E&A staff member | Anand Lo (International Students Rep), Carmen Minnis (Women Students Rep) - Councillors (not executive officers) | Aditya Patel, Jiah Bhutani, Kaushal Sapara - General Members

    • Seats available: 1 E & A Staff seat

    For more information about the Student Life Committee, see Bylaw 6.12.d.

  • The International Student Emergency Bursary Committee (ISEBC) addresses the unique financial challenges faced by international students during unforeseen emergencies. Members of this committee develop a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of international students and play a crucial role in distributing emergency financial aid.

    The committee's significance lies in its ability to provide timely support and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for international students within the DSU. Meetings of the ISEBC are restricted to members of the committee.

    • Contact: dsuvpf@dal.ca | Vice President, Finance & Operations

    • Current members: Henry Amin - Chair/VPFO | Omotayo Bankole - VPAE | Anand Lo- International Student Representative | Harshit Chopra - General Member.

    • Seats Available: None

  • The DSU Psychoeducational Assessment Bursary aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by students seeking diagnostic assessments, which typically cost around $2,500. Many students are unable to afford these services, impacting their access to vital support from Dalhousie University and government resources. By joining the committee, you will contribute significantly to students' mental and financial well-being and help ensure equitable access to education. Meetings of this Ad-Hoc Committee are restricted to members of the committee.

    • Contact: dsuvpi@dal.ca | Vice President Internal

    • Current members: Thomais (Tammy) Maniou - Chair/VPI | Vacant - DSU Students with Disabilities Representative | Aurthy Iman, Anisley Stapleton - General Members | Eshan Arora – Councillor | DSU Staff - Bianca Morelli (VP I Commissioner - dsuinternal@dal.ca)

    • Seats available: None