As a second-year undergraduate student at UNBC, I’ll admit something: when I first heard about the Northern Undergraduate Student Society annual general meeting (AGM), I had no idea what it entailed. Terms like "AGM" and "quorum" felt like distant corporate jargon that seemed unrelated to my daily campus life.
But I’ve come to realize that AGMs are far more than administrative formalities — they’re vital to the governance of organizations like the Northern Undergraduate Student Society (NUGSS). These yearly gatherings are a chance for organizations to report on their activities, finances, and plans for the future while giving members — in this case, undergraduate students — the opportunity to participate in key decision-making processes.
Why should we care? Because the AGM is one of the few times we, as students, have a direct say in how NUGSS operates. It’s our chance to vote on important motions, ask questions about how our fees are being used, and influence the direction of student services on campus.
With this in mind, I attended the NUGSS AGM on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, eager to see our student society in action. Here’s what I learned from the meeting.
NUGSS 2024: Highlights from the AGM
The AGM, held on November 12, was led by the NUGSS board of directors, including President Syeda Emaan Iftikhar, Vice President Armaan Jamwal, Director-at-Large Adrien Zimmerman, General Manager Doug Minaker, and Office Manager Susan Cai. The meeting reflected a year of growth, community collaboration, and a commitment to enhancing campus life.
Bylaw Amendments and Governance Updates
President Syeda Emaan Iftikhar opened the meeting with key governance updates, including proposed bylaw changes. One significant amendment involved reducing the quorum requirement for future NUGSS meetings, ensuring smoother operations. The proposal was met with unanimous approval, alongside several other motions aimed at improving NUGSS’s functionality and efficiency.
2023-24 Financial Performance
Financial matters took center stage as the board presented an overview of NUGSS’s financial performance. The organization reported a significant increase in revenue, totaling $1.3 million—an impressive jump from the previous year. This boost was attributed to higher student enrollment and a remarkable 35% increase in sales at Degrees Café.
While sales at the Thirsty Moose pub dipped by 7%, NUGSS still ended the year with an annual surplus of $95,500, bolstered by strategic investments in Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs). This financial stability underscores NUGSS’s ability to adapt and manage resources effectively.
Strategic Partnerships and Service Development
Collaboration was another key theme of the AGM. A highlight was the partnership between NUGSS and the Northern BC Graduate Students' Society (NBCGSS) to establish a unified UNBC Food Bank, a critical resource for addressing food insecurity on campus.
During the post-meeting Q&A session, President Iftikhar encouraged students to share their needs: “We are here to support you—academically, emotionally, or socially — but we need students to let us know how we can help. Please reach out.”
Looking Ahead: Opportunities with NUGSS
As the academic year progresses, NUGSS is gearing up for upcoming elections and urging students to get involved. The society’s commitment to expanding operations and improving support systems remains a top priority. For students interested in learning more about NUGSS or participating in future events, the organization’s website, www.nugss.ca, offers detailed information.
Why NUGSS Matters
As UNBC continues to thrive as a globally recognized research university, NUGSS plays a crucial role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive campus environment. The AGM served as a reminder of the importance of student involvement in campus governance and the power of collective action to drive meaningful change.
For those who have yet to engage with NUGSS, I encourage you to attend an AGM or explore other ways to get involved. After all, these meetings aren’t just about budgets and bylaws—they’re about shaping the future of our campus community.
This column appeared in the Dec. 5 issue of Over the Edge, distributed monthly on campus and in The Citizen. Learn more at overtheedge.unbc.ca/
