Students' Society of McGill University McGill is located on unceded, Kanien'kehá:ka traditional territory Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:06:29 +0000 en-EN hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Minicourses Updtate /blog/2026/06/minicourses-updtate/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=minicourses-updtate Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:06:18 +0000 /?p=88065 Dear community,

We are writing to share an important update regarding the MiniCourses initiative. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue offering MiniCourses as of May 31, 2026 due to low student participation.

We recognize that, for many of you, MiniCourses created a unique space for learning beyond the classroom, whether exploring new interests like birdwatching, pole dancing, or podcasting, or engaging in personal development opportunities not typically available through the university. We are truly grateful for the enthusiasm and curiosity that made these experiences meaningful.

At the same time, we understand that academic commitments remain students’ top priority, and taking on additional courses can be challenging. Over time, participation has declined, prompting us to reassess the program’s sustainability.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the instructors who contributed their time, passion, and expertise to deliver such a diverse range of high-quality courses. Their dedication made MiniCourses a special initiative within our community.

If you have any questions about this change or suggestions for improving the sustainability of the Minicourses, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at minicourses@ssmu.ca.

Thank you for being part of this journey,

ɫ MiniCourses Team

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Campus Crops /blog/2026/05/campus-crops/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=campus-crops Mon, 11 May 2026 14:05:59 +0000 /?p=87684 Campus Crops is an urban agriculture initiative located at McGill’s downtown campus, with gardens located behind the McGill School of Environment building, Burnside Hall, and the ɫ Daycare. As a student-led collective, our goal is to grow food on campus and provide students and community members with space and opportunities to learn direct, hands-on farming skills. Through our activities and workshops, we seek to promote discussion around issues of food politics and food security, and empower members with skills through popular education, knowledge sharing and gettin’ dirtyyy.

More information

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Hearing May 12 to 17 /blog/2026/04/hearing-may-12-to-17/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hearing-may-12-to-17 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:51:36 +0000 /?p=87585 This hearing is anticipated to take place during the week of May 12 to May 17.

This matter concerns the referendum question titled “Referendum Regarding the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel to Preserve Academic Freedom”, which was challenged by a student of the Faculty of Law against the Law Students’ Association of McGill. The claimant alleges that the referendum is inconsistent with the guiding principles of the LSA Constitution, contravenes the ɫ Constitution, violates the ɫ Equity Policy and the ɫ Policy Against Antisemitism, breaches the Single-Subject Rule, fails to satisfy applicable clarity requirements and exceeds the permissible scope of constitutional amendments.

The complainants, Rachel Harroche, will be represented by Ori Epstein. The respondent, the LSA, will be represented by its President, Emily Payne, and will not be assisted by an advocate as of now.

 

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Update: Vice-President External Affairs Election /blog/2026/04/update-vice-president-external-affairs-elections/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=update-vice-president-external-affairs-elections Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:25:00 +0000 /?p=87495 Following Candidate Bongiovanni’s disqualification, the Legislative Council convened to determine how the vacant Vice-President External Affairs position should be filled.

Based on a vote at the Legislative Council, it was decided that Elections ɫ re-tabulate the Single Transferable Vote count without the disqualified candidate. Under our ranked-choice system, ballots cast for the withdrawn candidate have been transferred to the voters’ next-ranked preference, ensuring all votes were still counted in this process.

Based on the redistribution, Candidate Harry Wang wins the election and will assume the office of Vice-President External. The full breakdown of the results can be found .

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VP Finance Position is Now Open – Apply before April 15, 2026 /blog/2026/04/vp-finance-position-is-now-open-apply-before-april-15-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vp-finance-position-is-now-open-apply-before-april-15-2026 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:11:49 +0000 /?p=87458 The Students’ Society of McGill University (ɫ) is excited to announce that the Vice-President (Finance) position is now open for applications.

About the Role

The Vice-President (Finance) acts as the Society’s Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for the long-term financial stability of the Society and will:

  • Provide financial reports to the Executive Committee, Legislative Council and Board of Directors.
  • Develop the annual budget (approx. $11M) in alignment with ɫ’s priorities.
  • Supervise the disbursement of ɫ funds and ensure compliance with governance policies.
  • Manage Society group insurance plans.
  • Authorize agreements that bind the Society.
  • Oversee the Finances of the Society’s Clubs and Services and ensure Independent Student-Group adherence to ɫ Policy.
Term
  • The term runs from June 1st 2026 to May 31st, 2027
  • Training period from May 1st, 2026, to May 31st, 2026.
  • Minimum of 40 hours per week
  • Paid position
Application

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply via our website, ssmu.ca/jobs, before April 15, 2026.

For inquiries, please contact the ɫ President at president@ssmu.ca

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Important message about the ɫ March elections /blog/2026/04/important-message-about-the-ssmu-march-elections/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=important-message-about-the-ssmu-march-elections Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:55:54 +0000 /?p=87439 Important message about the ɫ March elections

Elections ɫ is an independent, non-partisan body. All decisions are made in accordance with the Internal Regulations and are guided by the principles of fairness, consistency, and the integrity of the electoral process.

As part of this mandate, Elections ɫ has completed an investigation into reported incidents involving Candidate Justice Bongiovanni having violated Section 7.8 of the Internal Regulations of Elections and Referenda, which states:

“No Campaign member may observe, interfere with, or be actively involved in the process of a Member casting their vote.”

After a thorough review of the evidence, Elections ɫ has determined that Candidate Bongiovanni interfered with Members’ votes, actions which included taking Members’ phones and voting on their behalf, standing over Members’ while they voted, and other forms of intimidation, contrary to the Internal Regulations.

Given the seriousness of this violation, Elections ɫ has issued 10 demerit points to the campaign.

As previously communicated, the same campaign has also accumulated 9 demerit points for violations of the following provisions of the Internal Regulations:

  • Section 6.4: No External Body may be directly or indirectly involved in the activities of, or in the implicit or explicit support of, Campaigns
  • Section 6.11: No Campaign may abuse positions they hold with any group to provide greater resources, exposure, or support to their campaign
  • Section 6.13: No member of a Club, Service, Independent Student Group, or media organization may use their position to aid a Campaign from which they directly benefit
  • Section 6.15: All campaign materials must be approved by Elections ɫ prior to distribution
  • Section 6.21: External bodies are restricted from any form of campaigning or support on any social media, mobile, or online platform

In light of the cumulative number and seriousness of these violations, Elections ɫ has determined, consistent with the Internal Regulations, that Candidate Bongiovanni is retroactively disqualified from the election, as he has accumulated over 15 demerit points during this election.

What this means:

Justice Bongiovanni’s win in the election is of no force and effect.

Further information about next steps regarding this position will be available in the coming days.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact .

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Notice of Special Referendum /blog/2026/03/notice-of-special-referendum/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=notice-of-special-referendum Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:01:14 +0000 /?p=87388 Good afternoon,

I am writing to let you know that a Special Referendum is now underway and will remain open until April 13th. It includes two important questions that will help shape the future of the ɫ and student life at our University.

The first question concerns the future of the ɫ and its governance, as proposed by amendments to the Constitution. The second concerns strikes and whether the ɫ should be required to meet a minimum threshold of voters before going on strike, and if so, what that minimum threshold should be.

The ɫ has existed since 1907, and over the past 119 years, it has played an important role in shaping student life at McGill. Its legacy can be seen in achievements such as the creation of Athletics and Recreation, advocacy that helped lead to the establishment of Student Services, the implementation of Health and Dental insurance, the institution of the Fall Reading Break, and the support it continues to provide to hundreds of clubs, services, and student groups across our campus, not to mention cherished spaces such as Gerts Bar and Gerts Café.

However, in recent years, the ɫ has been struggling. It has rested on its laurels, and periods of internal controversy and instability from various Executive teams have at times undermined student confidence and made it harder for the Society to live up to its full potential.

The ɫ could certainly be better; however, it can only improve with your help. Irrespective of where you stand on these two questions, I truly & strongly wish to encourage you to take a few moments to review them and cast your vote.

Good luck with finals, and I hope to see some of you at graduation.

Cheers,

Dymetri Taylor,
President

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Statement on Proposed Quebec Legislation Restricting Prayer and Faith-Based Spaces in Postsecondary Institutions /blog/2026/03/statement-on-proposed-quebec-legislation-restricting-prayer-and-faith-based-spaces-in-postsecondary-institutions/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=statement-on-proposed-quebec-legislation-restricting-prayer-and-faith-based-spaces-in-postsecondary-institutions Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:42:40 +0000 /?p=87352 The Students’ Society of McGill University (ɫ) expresses its deep concern and firm opposition to the Quebec government’s proposed legislation seeking to prohibit prayer and faith-based spaces in postsecondary educational institutions.

Prayer and reflection spaces serve an important role on campuses across Quebec. For many students, these spaces provide a quiet, respectful environment to practice their beliefs, reflect, and maintain balance amid academic life. They respond to a real need within our diverse student community and have long existed on campuses without disrupting university activities. Restricting or eliminating these spaces would not solve any demonstrated problem. Instead, it risks limiting students’ ability to practice their beliefs in an organized and respectful way and undermines their right to exercise them.

Existing restrictions on religious attire for certain public servants already affect some students preparing for careers in the public sector. Increasing limitations on religious expression in postsecondary institutions compound our current serious concerns about access, fairness, and inclusion. This measure creates an exclusionary environment and unjustly stigmatizes many individuals within college and university communities, particularly members of religious and ethnic minorities and people of colour. Legislation like this overlooks the integral roles they play on our campuses and in Canadian society. We deeply value the diverse contributions they make to our school and to the communities in which they study, work, and live. Freedom of conscience and religion is a fundamental right protected under both the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Universities must remain places where diversity of thought, identity, and belief is respected.

The ɫ stands in solidarity with religious student groups and all students who rely on prayer and reflection spaces. We will continue to advocate for our community and defend our students’ rights, dignity, and ability to practice their beliefs safely on campus.

Signed

Legislative Council of the Students’ Society of McGill University.

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ɫ End of The Year Party /blog/2026/03/ssmu-end-of-the-year-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ssmu-end-of-the-year-party Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:32:43 +0000 /?p=87154 Ring in the end of the year in style! Join us for ɫ’s Grad Party at the stunning Centre Mont-Royal for a night under the stars ✨

Enjoy an hour of open bar (beer & wine), dance the night away with a live DJ, and celebrate with the people who made this year unforgettable: all dressed in your best semi-formal! 🥳

🗓Thursday, April 2nd

🕐10 PM – 1:00 AM

📍Mount Royal Center (2200 Rue Mansfield)

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ɫ Awards of Distinction 2025-2026 /blog/2026/03/ssmu-awards-of-distinction-2025-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ssmu-awards-of-distinction-2025-2026 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:46:30 +0000 /?p=86841 The ɫ Funding Committee is looking for standout students to award up to 4 prizes of $2,000 each!
The application closes on May 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Who’s eligible?

  • ɫ members (no officers or Funding Committee members)
  • Completed at least 12 McGill credits by the end of this year

What you need:

  • Letter from an instructor about your academic achievements
  • Letter about your impact on student life at McGill
  • Official McGill transcript (plus any other uni transcripts)
  • Any other documents the Funding Committee requests

How applications are judged:

  • Academic excellence
  • Contributions to campus life
  • Financial need
  • Any other criteria the committee announces

  • Show us why you shine both in the classroom and on campus!

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