Governance
Governance
AUArts SA is governed by our membership— students!
To ensure we serve the best interest of our membership we are guided by two student-elected bodies:
The EC and SLC are fully populated by AUArts Students, and their role is to advocate for the AUArts student body and bring relevant issues to the attention of AUArts administration. They also make decisions via vote on AUArts SA policies, programming, and services.
Governing Documents
Your 2025-26 Executive Committee
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President
Tanya Mryglod
They/She • president.sa@auarts.ca
Hi everyone! My name is Tanya and I’m the elected President this year! I’m a 4th year
Jewellery + Metals major. I consider myself a well-rounded student and I’m constantly on campus doing homework, extra research, volunteering, or assisting friends with their projects! I’m always running around but you can probably find me at my desk in the Students Association office.
I grew up in rural central Alberta before I made the move to Calgary in 2021 where I started to pursue my post-secondary education in the Arts. I was always kind of interested in the Arts but never really saw myself pursuing it. I’ve been doing fiber craft from a very young age and even taught beginner knitting classes for a bit before I moved. I started as a gallery attendant and slowly moved into more advanced roles within a local gallery. This was a huge step for me. It gave me a practical look into life as an artist, gallery applications, deadline management, but also gave me an appreciation for all the ‘behind the scenes’ tasks.
If I’m not on campus (a rarity!) I’m probably cooking a new dish, taking care of my sourdough, tending my micro garden, or learning a new instrument. I love cooking and baking from scratch, weaving (or knitting) fabric to sew, making my own patterns for everything, and, if I find time, sitting down to play cozy video games. Don’t hesitate to stop by and say ‘Hi’!
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Vice President of Academic Affairs
Abbey Leach
She/Her • academic.sa@auarts.ca
Hey friends! My name is Abbey Leach and I am fourth year Character Design major and animation minor. When I’m not at AUArts, you can find me playing D&D or exploring new stories in a wide range of media. In my (limited) spare time I am also working with Lean Into Love, a new local production company, as an executive producer. We work to support and produce creative projects that centre neurodiverse, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other diverse stories from local emerging artists. We are dedicated to producing art that has a meaningful connection to love at all times.
I have always been a passionate advocate for student interests, specifically regarding institutional transparency, accessibility, and celebrating diverse identities in our community. My role as interim VP Academic gives me the privilege of acting as a voice for my fellow students and as a champion for student rights at the university and in the surrounding community. I have previously worked with non-profit organizations to collect feedback from community members to generate better educational tools, improve pre-existing programs, and develop new strategies to address community needs.
I am always happy to chat with students about concerns, ideas, or just to make a new friend! If you see me in the office or walking around campus, feel free to stop by and say hi!
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Vice President of External Relations
Murray Wittmeier
They/He/It • external.sa@auarts.ca
Hi! My name is Murray! I am entering my fourth year here at AUArts, and I am majoring in ceramics. I am genderfluid, and my pronouns are they/he. I am always making miniature pots and jars, but I love to make functional work as well. I spend most of my time in my home studio on the first floor.
I am disabled and use mobility aids, so I hope to use my experience to work on and improve the accessibility of the school. My goal is to create a space free of barriers for people with all types of disabilities, and ensure that everyone feels safe, heard, and equal. I am excited to offer my perspective and use my voice, as well as amplify student's opinions and concerns.
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Vice President Student Life
Evan Palmer
They/She/He • studentlife.sa@auarts.ca
Hi everyone, my name is Evan and I’m the Vice President of Student Life for the 2025/2026 academic year! My concentration is drawing and glass, although I enjoy making digital artwork in my free time inspired by different design practices like character design, illustration, and storyboarding.
I’ve previously worked within our school and have familiarized myself with student life and events through this exposure. During my term at the Students Association, my goal is to continue past events that prioritize healthy habits and wellbeing on campus. As someone who’s neurodivergent, I understand that it can be difficult to meet new people and make friends on campus, and aim to create events that prioritize accessibility and inclusion for students. I look forward to gaining valuable feedback and knowledge from the student body and offering opportunities that encourage healthy habits and occasions for connection!
Your 2025-26 Student Leadership Council
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School of Communications Design (SCD)
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Cole Dube
Character Design
Winelson Siarthadinata
Graphic Design
Priya Shukle
Illustration
John Asilo
Photography
Vacant
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School of Craft + Emerging Media (SCEM)
Ceramics
Marissa Boutet
Fibre
Shiloh Beaton
Glass
TaLeesha Mahe
Jewellery + Metals
Émilie Larochelle
Media Arts (MADT)
Jana Go
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School of Visual Arts (SVA)
Drawing
Alastar Carnahan
Painting
Enzo Amogan
Print Media
Vacant
Sculpture
Abby Wagner
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Other
BDes General Studies x2
Rylie Landry & Vacant
BFA General Studies x2
Thea Galang & KC Kaypo
First Year Studies: Undergraduate x2
Eva Ochoa & Jeaya Agustin
First Year Studies: Graduate
Nahanni McKay
Second Year Studies: Graduate
Gurpreet Kaur
International Students
Elizaveta Suldina
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Vacancy?
Contact president.sa@auarts.ca if you are interested sitting on our SLC!
Student Committees
Students-at -large and members of the SLC sit on committees dedicated to various aspects of AUArts. These committees are also open to AUArts students not on SLC.
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The Events Committee is a standing committee of the Student Leadership Council established to provide events and initiatives for the AUArts student body.
This committee supports the development of a strong student community on campus.
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The Finance Committee is a standing committee of the Student Leadership Council established to ensure the fiduciary accountability of AUArts SA.
This committee ensures the organization has the ability to fulfill its mission while remaining financially sustainable.
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The IDEA Committee is a standing committee of the SLC established to review new and existing Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility efforts in collaboration with AUArts.
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The Policy Committee is a standing committee of the Student Leadership Council established to review new and existing AUArts SA policies and procedures.
This committee follows best practices in the development of policies, procedures, and bylaws and while reviewing all governing documents with an inclusive perspective in mind.
Your Rights
AUArts SA believes that you as a student have the right to a safe, inclusive, and supportive campus environment.
As your representatives, it is our duty to advocate on your behalf to ensure that your experience at AUArts is a positive one.
If you believe that you have experienced any challenges relating to AUArts policies or procedures:
Contact your department’s Student Leadership Council (SLC) Representative and your degree program’s school chair
If you have additional questions or concerns regarding Student Rights within AUArts:
Contact president.sa@auarts.ca and/or academic.sa@auarts.ca
If you have additional questions or concerns regarding Student Rights within Alberta:
Contact external.sa@auarts.ca
Your rights:
Elections
Representatives for our Executive Committee and Student Leadership Council are elected during:
Annual elections held March-April.
By-elections held September-October.
Get involved by voting, or represent your fellow students by running for one of our many positions! Read on to learn more.
Questions? Contact academic.sa@auarts.ca
RUN FOR ELECTIONS
Interested in Running for Election? There are a few things you’ll need to do to complete your nomination:
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Student Association elections are held annually March-April with by-elections occurring September-October.
Important Dates
Notice Period: February 23rd - 27th
Nomination Period: March 2nd - 15th
Campaigning Period: March 16th - 26th
Candidates’ Forum: March 17th - 18th
Voting period: March 23rd - 26th
Results Announced: March 27th
🍿 Popcorn + Politics Info Sessions 🍿
March 4th, 1–2 pm in the Nest
March 9th, 1–2pm in the Nest
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❗️For available positions please review our Notice of Elections.
⭐️ View our Candidate Starter Package ⭐️
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📝 ROLE DESCRIPTIONS
👉 Executive Committee (EC)
Our EC positions are part-time (20 - 24 hrs per week) salaried jobs, open to students taking 3 classes or less each semester.
*Please note that EC Spring and Summer schedules are currently under review and will be finalized prior to the the start of term. As a result, the annual salary listed in the pay grid below will be adjusted at a later date.
Term Duration: May 1st 2026 - May 15th 2027
*Hours required: 20 hours/week
EC Positions:
President
VP Academic Affairs
VP External Relations
VP Student Life
👉 Student Leadership Committee (SLC) Representative
Our SLC is a time commitment of 1-3 meetings per month. Our SLC members are paid an honorarium of 50$ per meeting.
Term Duration: May 1st 2026 - April 30th 2027
Hours required: Between 10-12 hours/month
SLC Positions
School of Communication Design (SCD)
Advertising
Animation
Character Design
Graphic Design
Illustration
Photography (BDes)
School of Craft and Emerging Media (SCEM)
Ceramics
Fibre
Glass
Jewellery & Metals
Media Arts
Object Design & Digital Fabrication
School of Visual Arts (SVA)
Drawing
Painting
Photography (BFA)
Print Media
Sculpture
Other
Graduate First Year Studies
Graduate Second Year Studies
International Students
General BDes Representative
General BFA Representative
*The term for the Graduate First Year Studies position runs from Fall 2026 to Fall 2027, and is unavailable during the Winter elections
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Our bylaws and policies dictate how our organization, including Governance and Elections, must run.
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The Candidate Application Form, located at the bottom of this section, is where you’ll let us know what position you’re running for, your platform, along with answering some additional eligibility questions.
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To be eligible as a Candidate in the Elections you must receive a minimum of ten nominations by the outlined deadline.
The Nomination Form, located at the bottom of this page, is where you’ll have multiple AUArts students nominate you for your position.
You may not complete the form on your own behalf.
A nomination count will be sent to each nominee before the nomination period is over. If you'd like to know your nomination count sooner, please contact academic.sa@auarts.ca.
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Let people know what you are all about, and what your platform is! Print posters, share on social media, shout it from the mountaintops!
Use our Candidate Templates for print and social media!
Please note that you may not campaign outside of the stated Campaign Period, outlined in section one. Failure to comply to the Campaign Period will result in disqualification.
AUArts SA will repost campaigns on our instagram stories + highlights, tag us! @auarts.sa and use #AUArtsVotes
RUN
Declare your intent to run for election.
NOMINATE
Candidates must receive 10 nominations to be eligible for election.
CAMPAIGN
Share your platform and encourage students to vote.
You may only campaign during the outlined dates. Campaigning outside theses dates will result in disqualification!
VOTE IN OUR ELECTIONS
Get Involved! AUArts students may cast ‘yes’ or ‘no’ votes for each candidate running in our election.
READ
Read through each candidate’s platforms to ensure you can make informed voting decisions.
VOTE
AUArts students may cast ‘yes’ or ‘no’ votes for each candidate running in our election.
Voting occurs via online form on set voting dates, alongside one in-person voting date as outlined in our Calendar.