Meet the SGS Coordinators - Winter 2026
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Published February x25 2026
Student Group Services supports student life at the University of Alberta by providing programming and administrative assistance to student-run clubs and organizations on campus. While the team is led by a permanent staff member,member and includes full time staff, we have multiple part time student staff who collaborate to support student groups on campus. Curious about who is behind the scenes? Read on to learn about our team!team, the student groups that they've been involved in, and what they love most about groups and working with them!
About the Coordinator Role
The SGS Coordinator role is built with students in mind, working full time in spring and summer and part time in fall and winter. Coordinators support student group administration, including registration, training, and physical space allocation in the Students' Union Building, and have a strong focus on advising and project work as well. It's a highly collaborative position with lots of opportunities to learn, and staff have the chance to leverage their existing student group experience to make campus more vibrant by supporting fellow student leaders.
Student Group Services hires Coordinators throughout the year, with roles starting in May and October. If you're interested in applying, head to uasu.ca/jobs to check for postings from us and other departments within the University of Alberta Students' Union!
Sania
My university experience was just as much about personal growth as it was about academics, and student groups played a profound role in that journey! I first got involved with student groups through Campus UNICEF as part of the events committee, followed by serving as VP Events for two years before stepping into the role of President. I additionally spent two years with Women Empowering Women, got to teach cool experiments to kiddos as part of Science Fundamentals, and became acquainted with some incredibly sharp minds through Chess Club! Each of these opportunities allowed me to see firsthand how passionate students can take a simple idea, nurture it through dedicated efforts, and watch it grow into something that positively impacts campus life. Helping things move from brainstorming to reality, from intangible to tangible, is still one of my favourite parts of student leadership, except now I get to do this from the staff end of things!
Hi!Among the things I love most about student groups is the opportunity they create for growth. Not only organizational, but inner growth too! I’mve Saniawatched Grewal,myself and fellow executive members learn how to lead meetings and delegate responsibility, and (just as importantly) recover from mistakes! Student groups are one of the few spaces where you get to practice leadership and learn a lot about yourself before stepping into the “real world” after graduation.
Working at Student Group Services feels very full circle to me, and one of the things I enjoy most about it is how much I continue to learn from the high-achieving people around me. Whether it be productivity tips and different approaches to problem solving, or sharing humour that makes a busy day lighter, my team continually inspires me to evolve. On top of that, no two student groups are completely the same, and I love collectively brainstorming through unique questions and scenarios that come our way!
One thing I’d like students to know is that SGS is here for them! Leadership comes with a learning curve, and our staff are here for you to ask questions to gain clarity, and utilize our student resources to strengthen the foundation of your group so that it lasts!
Sania first joined the SGS team in August 2024 on a 1 year contract, and returned in January 2026. She recently graduated from the University of Alberta in 2025!June I’ve been involved2025 with severala studentSpecialization groups,in givingPsychology. meSania theenjoys chancebaroque architecture, volunteering, and checking out new shows recommended to learnher howby toher navigate leadership and and problem-solving in real time. The best thing about being in a student group was seeing how passionate students can turn ideas into meaningful events and communities on campus! What I love about working at SGS and the UASU is being able to support student leaders directly and help groups overcome challenges so they can focus on making an impact. One thing I want students to know about our service is that we are here for THEM! Whether it’s figuring out elections, navigating Rubric, or just connecting them with the right resources, we’re a team they can rely on.friends.
Athena
My name is Athena, I am in my final year of my double major in Biological Sciences and Psychology - set to convocate this June; better spring than winter weather-wise!
I've been involved with multiple groups on campus, like the Stollery Youth Children's Committee or the Italian Club, but my main contributions were always given to the Delta Gamma Women's Fraternity and Panhellenic Council. I was able to help with member education, recruitment, our mentor-mentee program, and eventually became President of Panhellenic during the 2024 year.
Being in a Student Group gave me life to campus that was missing, and the camaraderie that is often lacking in science-based programs. Fresh into a hybrid school system after COVID, I needed a way of making connections, and the classmates sitting next to me in CHEM 101 weren't exactly forthcoming in terms of friendship. Joining clubs on campus allowed me to apply my niche interests and skillsets to a community of like-minded women that truly changed my life for the better. If it weren't for clubs, I don't think I would know as much as I do about our lovely campus, or feel as strongly connected to the UofA as I am now.
I held many jobs before my time at Student Group Services: clinical workspaces, administrative office work, and more. Stepping into this space, the environment was completely different in all the right ways. Everyone here is truly dedicated to upholding the fairest, highest efforts towards supporting students on campus who simply want to see their dreams become a reality. Nothing is more self-fulfilling than seeing a student overcome their adversities and grow into a successful leader, which I get to see on the daily, through the efforts of my hardworking co-workers.
If I had to say one thing to summarize Student Group Services - its knowledge. We have over 500+ groups on campus, and know the ins-and-outs of what works, what doesn't, what's trending, what's repetitive, and so on. The resources we develop, the news we share, the programs we update and the policies in place are to create the most self-sustaining environment for these independent organizations to exist and thrive. But that doesn't mean that you're alone in your endeavours, if you visit us with earnest want to learn to be a leader, we'll help you get to where you need to be.
Yanela
Hellojoined mythe nameSGS is Yanela! I’m currentlyteam in myNovember fourth year of Hons. Pharmacology2024 and will be graduatingfinishing her contract at the end of April 2026. She is in Springher final year of a double major in Biological Sciences and Psychology, and will graduate in June 2026. MostAthena ofloves mytaking dayson arenew spenthobbies—she's learningwell aboutversed receptorsin fibre arts, writing, pilates, video games, and drugmuch mechanisms,more!
Yanela
I’ve been involved in the Pharmacology Students’ Association (PSA) since my second year, when I started as a 2nd Year Representative. For the past two years, I’ve served as the VP Social, handling all the social media and marketing aspects while trying to build community within our program. Outside of the PSA, I’m the President of the Happy Faces Foundation, a charity club that raises money for children and young adults born with cleft palate or cleft lip. A cause that is very close to my heart. I also previously served as Director of Handbooks for the Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society (ISSS), where I helped design the Science Student Handbooks that communicate academic resources and opportunities to undergraduate students across the Faculty of Science.
The best thing that being in a student group has given me is the people, 100%. Student groups provide the opportunity to make friends from different backgrounds and areas of study, but with a similar mindset or goal. I’ve made so many meaningful friendships and connections through simply getting involved in student groups, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside such passionate and driven individuals. It makes campus feel a lot smaller (in the best way).
What I enjoy most about working for SGS and the UASU is the environment. Everyone is genuinely kind and supportive, and I love that my role allows me to connect with so many different student groups. It’s kind of like getting a behind-the-scenes look at all the amazing ideas happening on campus. At the same time, I’ve gained valuable administrative experience that I wouldn’t typically obtain through my pharmacology degree, which is a huge bonus.
One thing I really want students to know is just how many resources are available to support them. Through SGS and the UASU as a whole, there are so many guidebooks, outlines, templates, tools and services to help guide you at any stage of your student group journey. Sometimes it’s just about asking a question or reaching out when you’re unsure. A quick conversation can save you a lot of stress and help you feel more confident moving forward. You don’t have to figure it all out alone!
Yanela joined the SGS team in October 2025 on a 1 year contract, and will be continuing with the team through spring and summer. She is in her fourth year of Honours Pharmacology, and will graduate in June 2026. Most of Yanela's days are spent learning about receptors and drug mechanisms, but she also enjoys being involved outside of the lab, photography, and music.