Student Advocacy Advisory Committee (SAAC)

SUMMARY

We are building the Student Advocacy Advisory Committee (SAAC): to help ensure your ideas, needs, and concerns are shaping the future of student life at Ontario Tech. SAAC is a standing committee of the OTSU Board, dedicated to identifying advocacy concerns and advising the executive team on priorities, initiatives, and policies that impact you and your peers.

WHY JOIN? 

• Make a real difference in student life
• Represent your faculty and peers
• Build leadership experience and grow your voice
• Work directly with OTSU executives and student leaders
• Gain insights into how student advocacy and governance work
• Meet like-minded peers and build your network

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the SAAC, you will:

• Represent student concerns from your faculty
• Provide feedback on advocacy priorities set by OTSU
• Advise executives on student-relevant issues and help shape student-focused policies
• Review and recommend changes to the OTSU’s advocacy policy library
• Consult on new programs, services, and campaigns under development
• Promote open communication between students and the OTSU
• Attend monthly meetings and additional sessions as needed

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

We’re seeking 5 Students-at-Large, ideally one from each faculty, who:

• Are passionate about student voice, equity, and institutional change
• Can communicate respectfully and represent peer concerns effectively
• Want to collaborate, listen, and contribute to collective decision-making
• Are committed to showing up and making a difference

TIME COMMITMENT 

• Term: One academic year (volunteer basis)
• Meetings: At least twice per term (1–2 hours), with potential for more based on priorities or need

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

You’ll work alongside:

• OTSU President or their designate
• VP Student Affairs (chair of the committee)
• 2 OTSU Board Members
• 4 other Students-at-Large
• A Vice-Chair (elected from within the committee)

EXPECTATIONS 

• Engage constructively in meetings and discussions
• Follow all OTSU and university policies
• Commit to representing your faculty in a respectful and responsible manner
• Collaborate in a way that respects the confidentiality and integrity of the committee’s work

READY TO GET INVOLVED? 

If you're passionate about advocacy and want to help shape the student experience at Ontario Tech, apply to join the SAAC today!

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Applications are only accepted via this online portal, emailed resumes will not be accepted.

The Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU) thanks all those who apply but only those whose background closely matches the requirements of the position will be contacted for an interview. Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon a background check. OTSU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.  We respect people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify the hiring lead. 

The student union acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Vacancy Status Disclosure

This job posting relates to an existing and approved vacancy within our organization. The position reflects a current hiring need and is not a speculative, general interest, or talent-pooling posting.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

We use an applicant tracking system to manage applications. Automated tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), may be used to screen and assess applications based on job-related criteria. All hiring decisions are made by the department manager and hiring panel.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.