SANQC is the official, independent voice of NorQuest students.
As a student-led organization, we exist to:
- Protect the academic rights of students at NorQuest.
- Advocate on issues that impact the student experience.
- Ensure students can access the support they need.
Have a concern but not sure where to turn? We’re here to connect you with the right resources.
We are a separate organization from the College. Our staff and Student Council provide independent, impartial, and confidential support. We offer guidance on students’ rights and responsibilities, as well as information on NorQuest College regulations and procedures related to academic integrity, appeals, grievances, and complaints.
Advocacy Wins
SANQC advocates for students by engaging with college decision makers and all levels of government on issues that directly impact the student experience.
Much of our work happens behind the scenes, as we build strong relationships with decision-makers and provide input early in the process. Advocacy is about relationships, and we are committed to being non-partisan. We meet with leaders from all parties to advance student priorities.
Here are some of the major accomplishments we’ve had over the year:
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 is comprised of students, faculty and staff who come together to discuss and make decisions about college policies, programming and other issues that impact a student’s academic journey. SANQC has 10 seats on the council and actively recruits student volunteers to join this council and share their unique student experience.
Advocacy Partners
SANQC is part of two external advocacy groups. The Alberta Student Executive Council (ASEC) advocates collectively on behalf of over 90,000 students across Alberta to government officials. Additionally, ASEC is part of a larger coalition of students that advocates to the Federal government. Through ASEC, we have successfully advocated for continued mental health funding and a standardized sexual violence policy across Alberta campuses.
SANQC is also a member of the Edmonton Student Alliance, a group that advocates on behalf of NorQuest students to the city of Edmonton on municipal concerns.