Undergraduate Student Handbook

The Undergraduate Nursing Student at the time of graduation will demonstrate:

1. Safe, competent, compassionate, respectful, and ethical nursing practice.
    
2. Exemplary personal and interpersonal professional behaviours in accordance with the College  of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) Nursing Practice Standards and the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2017).
    
3. Understanding of the impact of contextual factors (political, economic, social, cultural, ecological and global) and diversity on health and health transitions.
    
4. Relational, collaboration, and advocacy skills to facilitate positive health transitions for individuals, families, groups, communities and/or populations.
    
5. Integration of core principles of assessment, psychomotor and technical skills, and effective teaching/learning strategies guided by theoretical and philosophical assumptions about humans in the practice of client care.
    
6. Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of prevention and health promotion for individuals, families, groups and/or populations and incorporate them into nursing care delivery plans.
    
7. Competence in the nursing care of individuals, families, groups, communities and populations in the context of the broad determinants of health across the lifespan and based on disciplinary nursing knowledge.
    
8. Utilization and integration of current research findings as appropriate to enact and improve practice.
    
9. Documentation and articulation of clinical reasoning and clinical decision-making in varied contexts.
    
10. Inter-professional and inter-sectoral practice competence.
     
11. Skills of leadership to sustain and promote healthy environments and promote health for clients and health care professionals and workers.
     
12. Knowledge of regional, national, and global healthcare systems, processes and ecological changes that affect healthcare practices.
     
13. Self-directed life-long learning skills, utilizing effective teaching/learning strategies and principles.
     
14. Preparation to meet the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta Entry to Practice Competencies, and to write the national licensure examination upon completion of the program.

There are four standards identified by the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) that registered nurses and nursing students are held to at all times. These standards are:

• Standard 1: Professional Responsibility and Accountability
• Standard 2: Knowledge-based Practice 
• Standard 3: Ethical Practice
• Standard 4: Service to the Public

These standards are the minimum practice expectations of RNs and students, and inform the public and members of the health care team of what they can expect from nursing professionals. 

Nursing students are held to these four standards at all time, and failure to meet these standards may result in a student being removed from the practice setting. 

The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) has set out nine competencies that graduates are expected to meet when entering the practice of registered nursing. These entry level competencies (ELCs) are defined by CRNA as "an observable ability of a registered nurse at entry-level that integrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment required to practice nursing safely and ethically”. 

Throughout the nursing program, meeting these competencies is critical in order to progress as a student nurse and develop the skills needed to enter into nursing practice. 

The competencies are:

1. Clinician 

2. Professional 

3. Communicator 

4. Collaborator 

5. Coordinator 

6. Leader 

7. Advocate 

8. Educator 

9. Scholar

The purpose of academic accommodation is to provide students with documented disabilities equal opportunity to master the essentials of a post-secondary education.  Students with disabilities at the University of Calgary have met all admission requirements but may have done so with the use of accommodations.  Similarly, they are expected to meet all academic and non-academic requirements.  Adaptive technology and other academic accommodations do not relieve students of their responsibility to develop the essential skills and abilities expected of all students.

The nature and type of academic accommodations vary from student to student and are dependent upon the student's disability and the academic requirements.

It is the student’s responsibility to request academic accommodations. If you are a student with a documented disability who may require academic accommodation, you must officially register with Student Accessibility Services. Students who have not registered with the Student Accessibility Services are not eligible for formal academic accommodation. You are also required to discuss your needs with your instructor within the first week of classes.

It is important for students with documented disabilities, who have met the admission criteria, to note that the University of Calgary will provide academic accommodations to all students who have provided documentation of disability to the satisfaction of Student Accessibility Services, to the extent that the accommodation does not cause undue hardship to the University of Calgary or lower the performance standards of any given academic program.  The provision of academic accommodations is based on a balance of rights and shared responsibilities, and, as such, reflects the responsibilities and obligations of students with disabilities, course instructors, staff, and practicum supervisors for the provision of academic accommodation and the ongoing development of an accessible learning environment.

• Attire for Students in the Practice Setting (Undergraduate Programs)
• Signage of Documentation in Practice Areas
• Student Learning Plan:  Undergraduate Nursing Practice Courses
• Principles and Procedures for Student Academic Appeals
• CPR Certification Policy
• Medication Calculation Policy for the Undergraduate Nursing Program
• Medication Preparation and Administration for Undergraduate Nursing Students
• Nursing Practice Attendance Policy
• Religious/Spiritual Observance
• Use of Social Media
• Objective Structured Clinical Assessment and Review (OSCAR) Policy

• Academic Performance
• Regulations – Nursing
• Academic Schedules
• Examinations   
• Fees
• Grading System
• Plagiarism
• Re-appraisals and Appeals
• Registration
• Sexual Harassment
• Student Misconduct - Academic and Non-Academic        

Final examinations are scheduled by the Registrar’s Office.  The exam period is posted in the University of Calgary Calendar.  A final exam can be scheduled anytime during this time period.  Students must be available for examinations up to the last day of the examination period. Up to date information on examinations can be found here: ucalgary.ca/registrar/exams

Deferred final examinations are allowed in the following circumstances:

• Illness or Medical Emergency
• Domestic Affliction
• Religious Observance/Conviction
• Three Exams in 24 Hours
• Other (attendance is required elsewhere during a scheduled exam due to civil obligations or a faculty-approved activity, such as jury duty, academic competitions, or high-level athletic competitions)

Travel/vacation/social/recreational activities will not be accepted as valid reasons for requesting a deferred examination.

Students can apply to defer an exam through their Student Centre. More information is available on the Office of Registrar Deferred Final Exams page.

For further information regarding Deferral of Final Examinations Policies, please refer to the official online University of Calgary Calendar, Academic Regulations, G. Examinations and Tests, G.6 Deferral of Final Examinations: https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/uofcregs/university-regulations/academic-assessments 

Students are advised that, in accordance with exam policies of U of C, all candidates for final examinations are required to have proof of identification in the way of a U of C student I.D. card (Unicard).

For support with your UCalgary IT account and IT resources, such as password resets, multifactor authentication, D2L and Office 365, connect IT Support, part of UService.

This one-stop portal provides all the campus services, work tools and applications you need to manage your academic or professional career at the University of Calgary.

Your my.ucalgary.ca Student Centre gives you access to a number of campus resources, which includes the following:

• Course registration
• Timetable 
• Official grades
• Transcript requests
• Academic requirements
• Fee payment
• Personal information updates
• Exam schedule

Academic Requirements (AR) tool is a Web based “degree audit” and academic planning tool that allows you to track your progress in your chosen program or plan for a change to another program. 

You can access the AR reports through your Student Centre under the "My Academics" tab.

The University of Calgary uses Desire2Learn (D2L) to communicate important information to students including course outlines, required textbooks, weekly topics, grading scales, etc. 

It is also a communication tool to facilitate student to student, student to instructor, and group work interactions.

Students should log on to D2L via the MyUofC Portal via Quick Links or d2l.ucalgary.ca

Wireless technology may be used to enhance and expand the teaching-learning environment.  Students are advised that they may require a laptop or tablet for some in-class participation throughout the nursing program. 

Normally, a student will not be permitted to withdraw from a nursing practice course in order to avoid failure in that course.

Nursing courses within a given term are corequisite to one another. Normally, if a student withdraws from or is otherwise removed from a practice course, they will need to withdraw from the corequisite theory courses as well.

Within the Nursing Practice Standards established by CRNA (2005) it states that a nurse must ensure their ‘fitness to practice’. 

This means that the nursing student must be able to perform essential functions of the nursing role expected for the lab or clinical practice that they have been assigned and successfully complete all aspects of the practicum in order to graduate.

To fulfill course requirements, attendance at all scheduled on-site and off-site nursing practice is required.  This includes attending all labs/orientations during the first week of classes.  If you are ill or experience an unforeseen circumstance, you must inform your Nursing Instructor as soon as possible.   

A student who misses more than two nursing practice days, due to illness or unforeseen circumstance, may be at risk for not successfully completing the course.  In addition, they will be required to meet with the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Practice Education.  The student may be required to complete makeup activities. Students who miss two days of practice will meet with the NPCC and a Learning Plan may be initiated.

It is important that students familiarize themselves with the “Nursing Practice Attendance Policy” in its entirety.  A copy of the policy can be found at: nursing.ucalgary.ca/policies

To ensure that students are meeting the attendance expectations for each nursing practice course, the number of absences for each student will be tracked. 

Students whose program is interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. failure, illness, injury, etc.) may be required to complete all coursework at the next available offering.  Each situation will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs.  [NOTE:  Terms 5 and 6 are only offered once per academic year.]

As you begin your program, you should be aware that nursing practice occurs in each of Terms 3 through 8.  [There are no nursing practice courses in Terms 1 or 2.]  You will be placed in a variety of settings including hospitals and community agencies, urban and possibly rural settings.  You are responsible for your own transportation as not all placement sites will be accessible by public transit.  You may require independent and reliable transportation, particularly for home care and community placements as you may be required to drive to multiple locations during the day.

If you are planning to work part-time, you will need to be cognizant of the fact that your practice experience may occur at various times, including evenings, nights and weekends.  This could necessitate changing your work commitments.

To ensure a comprehensive learning experience throughout your program, placements may not be close to your residence and will not necessarily be your first choice.

Typically, your schedule will be made known to you just prior to the beginning of each term.  We will do everything we can to give you as much notice as possible.

Normally Practice Evaluations (mid-term and final) are accessible only to Associate Deans and administrators who manage the student file.  However, the Nursing Practice Course Coordinator may also access evaluations from previous courses when the Associate Dean decides that access will either benefit the student or protect the safety of the patient.  Access under these circumstances will be documented in the student file.

A Nursing Instructor may identify a need to share information with the Nursing Instructor in a sequential term in order to provide early support/resources for the benefit of the student’s ongoing learning.  In such cases, the student will be informed.

The Faculty of Nursing “Attire for Students in the Practice Setting (Undergraduate Programs)” Policy ensures nursing students, as University of Calgary representatives and future Registered Nurses, dress appropriately in all practice settings.  The policy can be viewed in its entirety at the following website:  nursing.ucalgary.ca/policies

Uniforms are required for practice in hospitals, the Clinical Simulation Learning Centre and a variety of other care centres.  The Faculty of Nursing requires a standard uniform and specific instructions regarding the uniform will be provided at practice orientation.  Where uniforms are not required, specific instructions will be given.

Students will not require a uniform for Term 3 (NURS 289).  Some students may require a uniform prior to Term 4 (NURS 389) as mandated by the practice setting.  By Term 5 (NURS 489), all students must own at least one Faculty of Nursing Uniform.

Faculty of Nursing Uniforms are sold exclusively at the University Bookstore.  A variety of sizes and styles are available allowing students to mix-and-match.  Further details regarding styles and pricing are available at: calgarybookstore.ca

To ensure the safety of students and the clients or patients they serve, students in the Faculty of Nursing must hold current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification at the BLS (Basic Life Saving) level prior to commencement of ALL NURSING PRACTICE courses (Term 3) within the Bachelor of Nursing Program.

CPR certification is valid for a 12-month period from the date of course completion (regardless of the expiry date printed on the card); therefore, all students must recertify annually.

CPR certifications at the BLS level offered by any issuing agency will be accepted. 

If you are looking at certification through another agency or from another province, please ensure the certification is at the BLS level and is recognized by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR).

Fully online courses are not acceptable.

If you have any questions regarding CPR Certification requirements for the Faculty of Nursing, please contact the Immunization Program Coordinator at nursingimmunization@ucalgary.ca. 

*If you plan to work for Alberta Health Services (AHS) over the next year, it is important to note that AHS employees must present Heart and Stroke Foundation certification.

All nursing students are required to complete a series of immunization and diagnostic tests as outlined on the Student Immunization Worksheet. Documented proof of completion must be provided to the Faculty of Nursing prior to commencement of the program.

A copy of the Student Immunization Worksheet and the Student Immunization Acknowledgement and Consent will be provided to all students prior to the start of the program, as part of the admission package.

Should you have additional questions after reviewing these forms, please e-mail the Immunization Program Coordinator at: nursingimmunization@ucalgary.ca

Throughout the nursing program, students are required to ensure that immunizations are current and must provide proof of updates to the Faculty of Nursing. Failure to do so will result in students being removed from practice courses until such time as adequate proof has been provided. Please note requirements may change during the program as determined by Alberta Health Services guidelines.

What is a N95 mask?

A N95 mask is a type of mask that you may be required to wear in the practice setting to help protect against certain communicable diseases. In order to ensure that the mask is giving you adequate protection, you need to be fit tested. There are different sizes and types of N95 masks.  It is not a one-size-fits-all mask.

When should I be N95 Fit Tested?

All nursing students must be fit tested for a N95 mask prior to commencement of Year 2. You must submit photocopied proof of your N95 fit testing card. A photocopy of your card should be submitted with your Student Immunization Forms. Please note that N95 fit testing needs to be done every two years (or sooner if specified on your card).

Where can I be N95 fit tested?

You may contact any of the following companies in Calgary to receive N95 fit testing.  Please note that the list is for information purposes only and the inclusion of a company on this list is not an endorsement of the company by the Faculty of Nursing or the University of Calgary. This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other companies in Calgary that you can use at your discretion.

• Eisan Consulting
• First Aid Training Calgary
• SureHire
• If you are from outside Alberta and are having difficulty getting the fit testing done in your province you can wait until you are in Calgary to have it completed.  Please do this ASAP when you arrive and have proof into the immunization office prior to the first day of classes.

Please ensure that whatever company you use meets the following criteria:                                                                                                                      

• They provide you with proof of the fit test.  This is usually a card and needs to include the following information:  your name, student ID number, the company name, the date you were tested, the expiry date, the make, model, and size of the mask you were fit tested for, and which testing method they used (a photocopy of this card is the documentation that you need to submit as proof).
• They provide you with education prior to being fit tested.  For example: when the mask should be used, what the limitations of the mask are, how to put on and take off the mask, how to do a seal check, etc.
• They do a medical screening to ensure that it is safe for you to wear a N95 mask.
• They are fit testing you with a N95 mask that Alberta Health Services (AHS) uses. NOTE: masks used by AHS may change year-to-year due to supply chain. 

If you need any additional information about N95 fit testing please contact:  nursingimmunization@ucalgary.ca

Unicard

All students attending the University of Calgary require a student identification card (Unicard). It can be used to borrow materials from the library and gain access to the gym, labs and other secure areas. Money can also be added to the Unicard so that it can be used as a no-fee debit card to buy food, print and copy documents, or buy things at the Bookstore. There are many food locations on campus that accept the card.

In addition, Unicards are required in order to provide proof of identity during the writing of final examinations. 

The following website contains detailed information regarding how to obtain a Unicard: ucalgary.ca/ancillary/unicard

Name Badge

All students are required to wear a name badge in the practice area and the Clinical Simulation Learning Centre. Students will receive a webform link to provide their preferred information prior to the start of Term 3. Although badges must have both a first name and last initial, students are permitted to use a first name which may be different from their formal name. Students also have the option to add up to three pronouns to their name badge if they choose.

The fee for the name badge will be automatically added to your Nursing 289 tuition fee at the time of registration. This fee is non-refundable and will appear under Supplementary Fee on your Student Centre. The name badges will be distributed during Term 3. If your badge is lost, please contact the Undergraduate & Graduate Programs office nursing@ucalgary.ca.   

The cost for a replacement name badge is $25.00.

All students in the Bachelor of Nursing are required to provide a current Police Information Check (also referred to as a Criminal Record Check) which must include a Vulnerable Sector Search. This police check must be completed, as instructed by the Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Office, within 3 months prior to starting Year 2.

A scanned copy of the original Police Information Check must be submitted to the Faculty of Nursing no later than the specified date. Without this documentation, students will not be permitted to participate in clinical placement activities.  

If the Check results in a “not clear” determination or if a criminal record conviction is confirmed, admission to the Faculty may be retracted.  An internal University appeal process is available to applicants who are refused admission for this reason.

At any time throughout the program, students may be required to produce a current/new Police Information Check, the results of which could require their withdrawal from the program, in the sole discretion of the University.  If charged or convicted of a criminal offense at any time during enrollment in the program, students are required to inform the Faculty of Nursing immediately.

Detailed information on how to obtain a Police Information Check is available at: nursing.ucalgary.ca/undergraduate/required-documents

As a student entering the Faculty of Nursing, you will be required to read and sign a number of forms which address internal and external policies/requirements.  These forms will be distributed to students prior to the start of the program.

Security Clearance Nursing Practicum Consent for Disclosure of Information

In order to participate in a nursing practicum, students are required to sign a Consent for Disclosure of Information form. 

Responsibility of Students in Relation to Clinical Practicum; Schedule B Acknowledgement and Undertaking

As a result of the nurse-patient relationship, nurses and nursing students are in the privileged position of accessing information concerning clients/patients. Nurses and nursing students have a professional, moral and legal obligation to maintain strict confidentiality of any client or patient information or data. Students admitted to the BN program are required to sign a “Schedule B Acknowledgement and Undertaking” form.

Health Sciences Placement Network (HSPnet)

The Health Sciences Placement Network of BC (HSPnet) is a secure web-enabled application developed and managed by the BC Academic Health Council on behalf of users in several provinces across Canada. The HSPnet database contains information about students and their practice education experiences within health agencies and provides accurate tracking of student placements which ensures that students are provided with a variety of practice experiences and settings. 

Students authorize HSPnet users to collect and/or disclose relevant personal information for purposes consistent with identifying, coordinating and evaluating practice education experiences as required by their educational program. Detailed information on Privacy and Security Policies for HSPnet can be found on the following website: hspcanada.net.

In order to participate in this database placement system, students must sign a consent form for use and disclosure of personal information.

Clinical Simulation Learning Centre (CSLC)

All students are required to sign a CSLC Confidentiality Agreement and Consent and Release Form. The terms of these agreements will apply to all simulated practice experiences throughout the duration of the program. The Confidentiality Agreement is necessary to ensure all participants understand and fulfill the CSLC philosophy of creating a safe and respectful learning environment including maintaining the confidentiality of information and the simulated practice experience. Additionally, the Consent/Release Form assures awareness of scenario recording for all simulation participants and reinforces that recording is for teaching purposes only.

Placements requirements will vary depending upon the level of the course (i.e. Term) and the placement location.  These requirements may include but are not limited to: completion of learning modules, signing of agreements (i.e. confidentiality), on-site orientation, etc.

Students are not permitted to contact placement sites directly or to attempt to arrange their own placements. Any questions or concerns regarding practice sites, or interest in specific sites for Term 8, must be directed to the placement team. 

Reference Letter Request Form

In order to obtain references from Professors in the Faculty of Nursing, students must complete a Student Records Reference Letter Request Form.  This form can be obtained at:  nursing.ucalgary.ca/policies

Connect Care is an electronic health platform that shares health information to improve patient care. Students require Connect Care access for clinical placements. All Connect Care training is mandatory prior to the start of the clinical experience.

Students must be available to attend in-person Instructor Led Training (ILT) 10 business days prior to the start of the term.

Attending any clinical site without the mandatory CC training/access is prohibited.

University of Calgary Calendar

To ensure Nursing students follow documentation standards and guidelines which align with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA), please review the Student Signature on Documentation Policy.

Textbooks and Supplies (For Both Terms)
$1500

Undergraduate Nursing Society (UNS) Membership
$5

Textbooks, Supplies and Supplementary Fees (For Both Terms)
$1525

Uniform and Shoes
$200

Stethoscope (Will be sold in the Faculty of Nursing in early September/January)
$110-210

Undergraduate Nursing Society (UNS) Membership
$5

CPR Certification Course (Required for N289)*
$ 90 (full course)

Police Information Check
$15

N95 Fit Testing (normally valid for two years)
$45

Transportation Costs for Off-Campus Practice (i.e. gas, parking, etc.)
Varies

Textbooks, Supplies and Supplementary Fees (For Both Terms)
$500

Uniform and Shoes
$100

Undergraduate Nursing Society (UNS) Membership
$5

CPR Recertification*
$60

Transportation Costs for Off-Campus Practice (i.e. gas, parking, etc.)
Varies

_{*CPR Certification is valid for one year}

Textbooks and Supplies (For Both Terms)
$225

Uniform and Shoes
$100

Undergraduate Nursing Society (UNS) Membership
$5

CPR (recertification)
$60 

N95 Fit Testing (normally valid for two years)
$45

Transportation Costs for Off-Campus Practice (i.e. gas, parking, etc.)
Varies

NCLEX Examination Fee
$360

CARNA Application Fee and Temporary Permit
$600-700

For information regarding high school awards, prestige awards, President's Admission Scholarship and undergraduate awards for continuing students, visit Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries. 

For all inquiries related to government loans and student aid, please contct the Financial Aid Office. 

The Clinical Simulation Learning Centre (CSLC) utilizes simulation in nursing education. The CSLC team is dedicated to creating environments for students and faculty which enhance learning through simulation. The team provides opportunities for experiential learning in a safe and supportive environment. Integral to the mission of the CSLC is the utilization and conduction of research to advance nursing knowledge and human health. Activities within the CSLC are based on the best available evidence related to simulation, education and nursing professional practice.

A directory of student services available at the University of Calgary, including:

• Career Services
• Faith and Spirituality Centre
• International Student Services
• Centre for Career & Personal Development
• Writing Symbols Lodge
• Peer Helpers Office
• Scholars Academy
• Student Accessibility Services
• Student Non-Academic Misconduct Policy
• Student Ombuds Office
• Student Success Centre
• Student Wellness Services
• Welcome Centre
• Women’s Resource Centre

Wellness Services offer a variety of one-time and ongoing mental health services, which can be accessed by students. More information is available here.

The Faculty of Nursing has a Mental Health and Wellness Clinic available to students, staff and faculty, which is staffed by a Nurse Practitioner (NP). Individual and group workshops and services are available. 

Knowing how to effectively and efficiently find quality information is not only relevant to academic purposes (i.e. assignments and research papers); it is also essential for nursing practice. The University Library offers a wide variety of services, facilities and information resources to assist you with your research and practice information needs.

Please note, the Nursing collection is housed in the Health Sciences Library located in the Health Sciences Centre, near Foothills Hospital. For assistance with your research or accessing resources, please contact the Nursing Librarian, Dr. Alix Hayden, at ahayden@ucalgary.ca. 

The Student Success Centre is available to support you in your personal, academic, and career success. From when you first arrive at the University of Calgary through to when you graduate, the Student Success Centre provides services and programs to ensure that you make the most of your time at the University of Calgary. The following programs and services are available to ALL undergraduate students:

• Writing Support tutors are available by appointment for all students wanting to learn strategies to write more effectively and gain a better understanding of how to improve their written assignments. Writing workshops are also held in the fall and winter semesters.
• Leadership Programs are offered by way of the University of Calgary Leadership Program (UCL) providing training in personal, team and community leadership and the Emerging Leaders Program designed for first-year students.
• Student Success Workshops are offered throughout the fall and winter semesters covering a variety of topics to help support your academic success.
• Career Planning and Coaching Services are available through personal one-on-one planning/coaching sessions with Career Development Specialists and informative workshops on relevant topics are also available.
• Orientation and First Year Experience Programs help to ease the transition for new students to the U of C and sets you on the right path.

The Undergraduate Nursing Society (UNS) is a student organization offering leadership and participatory opportunities with members chosen/elected by their peers. UNS endeavours to enrich the lives of nursing students professionally, academically and socially through a variety of initiatives including faculty, university and community volunteerism, fundraising for causes inside and outside the faculty and events. The UNS plays a vital role in communication to nursing students across all years of the undergraduate program.

Groups that fall under UNS include the Nursing Inclusivity Committee and the peer mentorship team. As well, the faculty’s online program, NurseMentor, is open to undergraduate nursing students who wish to have additional support from a UCalgary Nursing alumni mentor. Additional information about this program can be found at: nursing.ucalgary.ca/alumni/nursementor

UNS executive members sit on a number of faculty committees, providing opportunities to learn – and potentially have a say - about the governance of the Faculty. All students are encouraged to become involved in any way that is comfortable: email is checked on a regular basis at uns@ucalgary.ca and participation in any form is always welcome.

The Nursing Graduate Students' Association (NGSA) is a student-led volunteer association which aims to connect and empower graduate nursing students through services, leadership, and professional development. 

Our role is to foster a supportive community of nursing graduate students through:

• providing opportunities for professional development
• promoting social interaction and collaboration among graduate students, faculty, and community members
• representing the interests of nursing graduate students to the Graduate Students Association (GSA)

Undergraduate students are represented by the University of Calgary's Students' Union (SU). The SU manages the MacEwan Student Centre (Mac Hall) and a number of resources, as well as student clubs and acts as a voice for undergraduate students. They have many different ways for students to get involved on campus.

Graduate students are represented by the Graduate Students' Association. The GSA acts as the collective voice for graduate students on campus, including representing academically-employed graduate students in labour relations. The GSA offers workshops, events and other resources to support graduate students both academically and professionally.