Who We Are
Council Structure Student Representation
Students' Council
The governing body of the Students’ Association is the Students’ Council. The Council is comprised of every Northern Lakes College student that has paid the Students' Association fee with their tuition each semester. The Students' Council selects individuals from among on-campus and online remote students to represent their interests on the Executive Council.
Academic Council
Academic Council facilitates communication among students, faculty, and administrators regarding academic affairs. They review documents, listen to presentations, and engage in productive discussions with various members of the college community, such as committees, departments, divisions, faculty, students, administrators, and alumni.
Representation of
Northern Lakes College Students
at Multiple Levels
Council Guidelines NLCSA Council Structure
| President | 1 |
| Vice President | 1 |
| Secretary | 1 |
| Treasurer | 1 |
| Wellness Rep – Student Life and Community | 1 |
| Wellness Rep – Student Advocacy | 1 |
| Board of Governors Representative | 2 |
| Councillors | up to 7 |
| Public Members | 1-3 |
| Exective Director (non-voting) | 1 |
General information Students’ Association Overview
Executive Council
The Executive Council is made up of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Wellness Representatives and Board of Governors Representatives. Elected from Students' Council members at our annual Fall Leadership Summit, executives act as a liaison between the Students’ Council and the Northern Lakes College, sharing information and bringing issues forward.
Executive Council members attend monthly NLCSA meetings (via Zoom) and collaborate with fellow Council members, NLC faculty and other academic groups to create a rewarding post-secondary experience for NLC students. The Executive Council is also the official student voice to the Northern Lakes College Board of Governors through our two (2) Board of Governors Representatives.
Community Education Committee
The Community Education Committee (CEC), comprising community members, college representatives, and Student Council members, amplifies student voices and promotes initiatives that enhance our college experience. By sharing information on college resources and supporting student awards and campus events, the CEC fosters a well-informed and connected student community. This partnership with the Student Council ensures students’ needs are heard and addressed effectively.
Representation in the College
Councillors come forward from the student body—both from campuses and online—to advocate on behalf of their campus and its students. They play a crucial role in the Students’ Association, providing valuable insights into daily student life. Their firsthand knowledge allows us to effectively advocate for improvements and enhance the student experience as an organization. Whether you’re in Business Administration, Practical Nursing, or Power Engineering, the Students’ Association wants to hear about your student experience!
Compensation
At NLCSA, we deeply value the time and commitment you dedicate to our organization. When you take on roles such as serving on the Executive Council, acting as a Councillor or contributing to the Academic Council, you are compensated for your efforts and dedication. Your work is essential to our mission, and we believe in recognizing the contributions you make to strengthen our community. For more information on compensation, please contact us!
Purpose
The purpose of the Students’ Association is:
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• Governance & Advocacy: To develop, uphold, and enforce policies and procedures relating to student affairs, in alignment with institutional values and student rights.
• Representation & Accountability: To communicate and advocate effectively with the institution's Board of Governors and senior leadership on matters impacting students, ensuring transparency and responsible stewardship of students' interests.
• Student Wellbeing & Engagement: To promote the academic, social, and personal welfare of students by enhancing campus life through inclusive, equitable, and responsive programs and services.
• Fiduciary Oversight: To manage student resources responsibly by upholding high standards of financial oversight, risk management, and decision-making integrity in all initiatives.
• Development & Enrichment: To provide meaningful recreational, developmental, and leadership opportunities that contribute to a vibrant, supportive, and learner-focused environment.
Student Association Fees & Purpose
The College collects Students’ Association fees from all enrolled students. The current fee is $13.50 per credit, and it serves as the primary source of funding for the Students' Association.
While much of our work happens behind the scence, these fee allow the Students' Assocation to operate year-round in support of students. This includes ensuring strong student representation, enhancing student experience, and responding to emerging student needs. From advocacy and policy input to student initiatives and campus life supports, the Assocation works to ensure student voices are heard aand supported throughout their college journey.
Scholarships & Bursaries
The Students’ Association has joined with the Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC) and the Board of Governors to provide two Role Model Scholarships. We also offer the Shirley Kellington Shining Star Award for our hard-working Academic Upgrading and Trades students.
The Students’ Association sponsors Financial Need Bursaries to help students who are experiencing financial difficulty. We also have a Technology Bursary for students in need. This bursary is provided as a Staples gift card and is awarded four times a year: October, December, March, and April. One bursary is allowed per calendar year.
For more information, see our Services page or contact awards@northernlakescollege.ca
