The SSMU has several ways to ensure the organization remains accountable to its members.
The Accountability Plan
The Accountability Plan establishes procedures and outlines actionable steps to promote transparency, fairness, and responsibility across the organization.
Strengthening the role of General Assemblies for members to share feedback.
Providing clarity on members’ rights within governance structures and improving consultation.
Facilitate accessible financial reporting to members around SSMU’s finances and investments.
What does the Accountability Committee do?
The committee has a variety of mechanisms to hold the organization, its executives, directors, councillors, student senators and staff accountable.
Investigates and reports on complaints
Issues recommendations to the Governing Bodies
Leads and supports accountability-related projects
Is consulted when new governing documents are drafted or amended
The Accountability Commissioner oversees the Accountability Plan and chairs the Accountability Committee. They also lead consultations and initiatives to strengthen transparency for SSMU members.
If you have any questions about accountability at the SSMU, please contact them:
Want to ensure your representatives are serving you effectively?
All Executives, Directors, and Councillors are legally required to act responsibly, and in the best interests of students, as set out in Section 16.1 of the Constitution.
If you have any concerns or suggestions, complete the form so they can be properly reviewed and addressed.
Complaints can be submitted anonymously or with your name attached, as you prefer.
Please note that the Accountability complaint process does not replace or override other SSMU complaint or equity procedures. If your concern falls under an existing HR, equity, or judicial process, it will be directed to the appropriate channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who represents you at SSMU?
You elect the SSMU Executives (with the exception of the Vice-President, Finance).
You elect your faculty’s Councillor(s) and Senator(s).
You ratify the composition of the Board of Directors.
If you are a first-year student, a Club or Service Executive, or a Varsity athlete, you may also elect a Councillor who represents your non-faculty constituency.
How can I stay informed about what my representatives are doing?
Reports: Councillors and Executives are required to submit regular reports to the Legislative Council, which are available to members.
Email and Office Hours: Councillors and Executives hold regular office hours that you’re welcome to attend. They can be contacted through their official SSMU email addresses if you have any questions or concerns.
How can I participate directly in SSMU?
Members are encouraged to attend General Assemblies.
Register to attend the public sessions of our bi-weekly Legislative Council meetings and monthly Board of Directors meetings.
Bring forward the issues that matter to you: If there’s an issue you care about, you can have it discussed by our governing bodies or even brought to a vote through a referendum.
Join a committee: Getting involved is a great way to make an impact, and your participation can be recognized on your Co-Curricular Record.
I’m at a meeting — how do I participate?
Speak up: Members are welcome to participate in public debates and discussions during SSMU governance meetings.
Ask questions: The Legislative Council includes a dedicated period for asking your representatives questions.
Make suggestions: While members do not have voting rights at Legislative Council or Board of Directors meetings, a Councillor or Director can bring forward or move amendments on your behalf if they support your proposal.
What acronyms, abbreviations, or terms might you hear at SSMU governance meetings?
IRs: Internal Regulations; these are SSMU’s bylaws.
Secretariat: Consisting of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Parliamentarian, and Recording Secretary. This team is responsible for organizing and running the Governance meetings.
Steering Committee: Overseen by the Legislative Council, responsible for the logistics and organization of Legislative Council and General Assembly meetings.
It includes the key commitments and priorities outlined in their campaign platform that they aim to achieve during their term.
Responsibilities stated in SSMU’s governing documents.Stay tuned for the release of the 2025-2026 mandate letters!
Does the Accountability Committee have the authority to directly sanction or discipline those it holds accountable?
No. The Committee gathers information and issues recommendations to help the appropriate governing bodies make informed decisions. These recommendations are non-binding and do not have to be adopted.
What is the difference between the different SSMU governing bodies?
Board of Directors: Oversees the Society’s financial, operational, legal, and HR matters. Meets monthly, or more often if needed.
Executive Committee (ExComm): Composed of the SSMU Executives, it meets regularly to oversee ongoing operational and strategic matters.
Legislative Council (LegCo): Composed of faculty councillors. Serves as the Society’s primary political and policy-making body.
General Assembly (GA): The highest governing body, open to all SSMU members. GAs hold significant decision-making power, including special authority in cases such as Strike General Assemblies.
When can I expect governance meeting documents to be available online?
Legislative Council: Agendas are posted at least 48 hours before the meeting. Minutes are typically published within two weeks after the meeting.
Board of Directors: Agendas are posted at least 24 hours in advance. Meeting documents are published within 48 hours after the meeting. Minutes are generally available within two weeks.
General Assembly: Documents are posted at least 48 hours before the meeting. Finalized documents (in English) and unofficial minutes are typically published within two weeks. Minutes are formally approved at the following General Assembly.
