By Fabian Mayer
The Students’ Union de-sanctioned 43 campus clubs this summer for failing to meet requirements set by the Students’ Union.
The roughly 300 clubs at the University of Calgary fall under the portfolio of SU vice-president student life Jonah Ardiel. Clubs must submit an annual report to the SU every academic year.
“If they fail to submit that annual report it is perceived by the clubs committee that they no longer desire to be an SU sanctioned club,” Ardiel said.
The annual report must include the names and contact information of incoming executives, financial statements and a club constitution.
While the 43 clubs have officially been de-sanctioned, they are able to appeal the decision at Clubs Committee meetings.
“If they provide the information that should have been in their report — as well as why they were unable to do so by April 30 — then the Clubs Committee will re-instate them based on what they say,” Ardiel said.
Ardiel stressed that de-sanctioning clubs is a normal part of SU procedures.
“It’s worth noting that this happens every year. It’s just the nature of the clubs system that some clubs will become inactive after a year and they will get de-sanctioned as a result,” Ardiel said.
Last year, 52 clubs were de-sanctioned. According to the SU, an average of 33 clubs have been de-sanctioned every year since 2008.
The number of clubs operating at the U of C has increased over the past few years. Over 300 clubs were active last year compared to 173 — down from 194 after clubs were de-sanctioned — in 2009–2010.
The SU offers start-up funding to clubs in their first year, while established clubs are eligible to receive up to $1,000 for special events if they provide a benefit to students.