SANQC is the official, independent voice of NorQuest students.
As a student-led organization, we exist to ensure students have a voice, access to support, and representation in the decisions that affect their college experience.
We do this by:
- Protecting the academic rights of students at NorQuest.
- Advocating on issues that impact the student experience.
- Connecting students with the supports and resources they need to succeed.
Have a concern but not sure where to turn? We’re here for you.
As an organization independent from NorQuest College, SANQC provides impartial and confidential support. Our staff offer guidance on students’ rights and responsibilities, as well as information about academic integrity, appeals, grievances, complaints, and other college procedures.
By listening to students, we help create a more responsive, supportive, and student-centred college experience.
Advocacy Wins
SANQC advocates for students by working with college leaders and all levels of government on issues that impact the student experience.
Not every advocacy win is visible. Much of our advocacy happens behind the scenes. By building relationships with decision-makers and providing input early in the process, we help ensure student perspectives are considered before decisions are made.
As a non-partisan organization, we work with leaders from all parties to advance student priorities.
Recent advocacy accomplishments include:
Keeping Print Credits for Students
2026: When changes to print credits were being considered, SANQC advocated on behalf of students to ensure their needs were heard. Our efforts helped temporarily keep this resource available and accessible for students.
Edmonton Warehouse District Housing Incentive
2025: SANQC played an active role through the Edmonton Student Alliance (ESA) in advocating for the Edmonton Housing Incentive in the Warehouse District, contributing to efforts that support affordable and accessible student housing in downtown Edmonton.
Mandatory Non-instructional Fees
2024: Through Alberta Students’ Executive Council (ASEC) We successfully lobbied the government to change the tuition framework, preventing institutions from creating large catch-all fees and ensuring that any new proposed fees require approval by the Students’ Association.
2024: We implemented an application process that includes thorough student consultation for any new fees the College proposes, ensuring students have a meaningful voice in financial decisions.
Payment Flexibility & Late Withdrawal (COVID-19)
2022: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully advocated for flexible payment options and the ability for students to withdraw late from courses without penalty, helping ease financial and academic stress.
Fall Reading Break
2019: We successfully advocated for the introduction of a Fall Reading Break, giving students dedicated time to rest, study, and recharge during the semester.
2021: The Fall Break was extended to include the entire week versus the previous 3 days.
International Tuition Fees
2017: When recently approved increases to international tuition left many continuing students facing unexpected hardships, we met with college administration to push for solutions. As a result, more than twice the original number of students became eligible for financial support that covered the majority of the increase.
U-Pass
2013: We successfully passed the first U-Pass referendum, officially joining the U-Pass program and ensuring affordable transit options for all students.
2016: As part of the U-Pass Advisory Committee, we successfully negotiated the inclusion of three additional municipalities — with no increase to the U-Pass cost for students.
2020: We successfully negotiated additional opt-out criteria, giving students more flexibility while participating in the U-Pass program.
2024: We successfully negotiated no increase to U-Pass fees for six consecutive years (2019–2025), ensuring affordable transit for students.
Gender-Neutral Bathroom
2015: Students’ Council proposed and lobbied for a gender-neutral washroom on campus to ensure all students feel welcome, included, and that they belong at NorQuest.
Parking
2009: Student parking did not exist at NorQuest. Through lobbying efforts, SANQC secured on-campus parking for students.
2016: To improve safety, we successfully advocated for the installation of security cameras in the NorQuest parking lot.
2017: With the opening of the Singhmar Centre for Learning (SCFL), we secured an increase in available student parking.
Representation and Advocacy
Academic Council
Academic Council brings together students, faculty, and staff to discuss and make decisions about college policies, programs, and other matters that shape the student academic experience. SANQC holds 10 seats on Academic Council and actively recruits students to work alongside our Students’ Council members to ensure student voices are represented in these academic discussions.
Board of Governors
The Board of Governors (BoG) is the college’s governing body, responsible for providing strategic oversight and ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the institution. The Board makes decisions on matters such as finance, governance, policy, and overall institutional direction. SANQC has 2 student representative positions on the Board of Governors and actively recruits students to serve in these roles, ensuring that student perspectives are included in these important conversations.
External Advocacy Partners
SANQC works with advocacy partners to ensure NorQuest students have a voice beyond campus.
Through the Alberta Students’ Executive Council (ASEC), we join with students’ associations from across Alberta to advocate to provincial and federal governments on issues affecting post-secondary students. Together, student leaders have successfully advocated for initiatives such as continued mental health funding, changes to the tuition framework that prevent omnibus fees and a standardized sexual violence policy across Alberta campuses.
SANQC is also a member of the Edmonton Student Alliance (ESA), which advocates to the City of Edmonton on municipal issues that affect students, including transportation, housing and student employment.
By working collaboratively with these organizations, SANQC helps ensure NorQuest students are represented in decisions made at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.