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 is currently accepting applications for interested general members.

We are currently seeking members for:

  1. Elections Committee (5 seats available)

  2. Judicial Board (3 seats available) - Must be 3rd year or above Law students

  3. International Students Emergency Bursary Committee (1 seat available)

  4. Domestic Students Housing Bursary Committee (1 seat available) - Must be a domestic student

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.

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: William Jones - Chair/VPFO | Mariam Knakriah - President | Thomas Schnare - Faculty of Management Rep, Maggie MacInnis - Faculty of Law Rep | Karen Talesnik - General Member | General Manager | Financial Controller | 2 Seats - Alumni

    Seats available: 2 Alumni seats available

    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 | Agastya Sharma (2IALGBTQ+ Community Rep), Tobi Onibudo (Faculty of Computer Science Rep) – Councillors (not executive officers) | Ali Barnaby - 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 | Vacant- Chief Returning Officer

    • Current members: 5 seats - General Members

    • Seats available: 5 seats available

    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: Nick d'Entremont - Chair/ VPAE | Ryan Dee (BoG Rep 2), Agastya Sharma (2IALGBTQ+ Community Rep) – Councillors (not executive officers)

    Seats available: 1 Council seat available

  • 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: William Jones - Chair/VPFO | Bianca Morelli - VPI | Olivia Ripley (Fac of Arts and Social Science Rep), Rowan Keith Menzes (Fac of Graduate Studies Rep)– Councillors (not executive officers) | Blair Irish - General Member

    Seats available: None

    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: 3 seats- General Members

    • Seats available: 3 Seats available (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: Mozammel Bin Motalab (Agriculture Rep), Nicole Dupere (Medicine Rep) - Faculty Rep | Vinayak Maheshwari (International Students Rep) and Kailey Simon (Indigenous Students Rep) - Community Rep | Benjamin Derible, Kriti Maini and Madhav Divesh Totoo - General Member.

    Seats available: None

    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: Bianca Morelli - Chair/VPI | William Jones - VPFO | Kriti Maini - General Member | Tobi Onibudo (Fac Computer Science Rep), Eshaan Arora (BoG 1) – Councilors (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: Bianca Morelli - Chair/VPI | Eshan Arora (BoG Rep 1), Agastya Sharma (2IALGBTQ+ Community Rep) – Councillors | Irene Sandra, Isadora Barber - General Members

    Seats available: None

    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 | Vinayak Maheshwari (International Students Rep), Olivia Ripley (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Rep) and Nyah Lupick (Faculty of Engineering Rep) - Councillors (not executive officers) | Flavia da Cruz Silveira, Evelyn Burke and Lauren Estabrooks - 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: William Jones - Chair/VPFO | Nick d'Entremont - VPAE | Vinayak Maheshwari - International Student Representative | 1 seat - General Member.

    • Seats Available: 1 seat available