Join our Board
We are looking for justice oriented students to join our Board to lead RPIRG
Are you passionate about social and environmental justice? Do you want to be part of a team that empowers students and drives meaningful change? The Regina Public Interest Research Group (RPIRG) is holding its annual general election, where students can apply to be nominated for a position on the Board of Directors or vote for candidates who will help shape RPIRG’s future. As a student-led, student-funded organization, RPIRG relies on dedicated board members to guide funding decisions, support grassroots initiatives, and advocate for important causes on campus and beyond. Whether you're running or voting, this is your chance to make an impact!
About the position
RPIRG Board Members are elected in Winter semester each year, with their term running from the beginning of May to the end of April the following year. The Board members are elected for a two-year term. They play a critical role in the governance and strategic direction of the organization, contributing to decision-making, event planning, and community engagement.
Board members are responsible for overseeing RPIRG’s operations, finances, and the role of the Executive Director. This includes approving the annual budget and financial statements, conducting employee evaluations, representing the organization to members and external parties, making grant funding decisions, and creating, amending, or removing policies and bylaws as part of the organization’s strategic direction.
Board members set the framework for how the organization operates on a day-to-day basis through strategic direction and policy. RPIRG operates under a hybrid governance model, where most of the Board’s work is done through policy and oversight, while in some areas the Board contributes directly—for example, by making grant funding decisions.
In addition to governance responsibilities, Board Members actively contribute to RPIRG events and promotional activities. They assist in the planning and execution of events, averaging three to five hours per month in event-related duties, and are expected to attend as many RPIRG events as their academic and professional commitments allow. As Board members of the organization, they also play a key role in promoting RPIRG’s initiatives and activities within their networks and the broader campus community.
Serving on the RPIRG Board provides members with valuable experience in governance, leadership, and community engagement. It offers opportunities for skill development in decision-making, teamwork, and strategic planning while allowing members to contribute meaningfully to social and environmental justice initiatives. Board Members are expected to fulfill their responsibilities with professionalism and dedication, ensuring the continued success and impact of RPIRG.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to become a Director of the RPIRG Board of Directors, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Candidates must be current Student Members in good standing of RPIRG.
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
- Candidates must not be graduating or ceasing to be students within the next 12 months, starting from May 1.
- Employees of RPIRG are not eligible to serve as Directors to prevent conflicts of interest. Individuals holding positions as Board members, managerial employees, or executives of the University of Regina Students' Association (URSA) are not eligible to serve as Directors. Individuals serving as Board members or managerial employees of other organizations that operate as student centres under URSA are also ineligible.
Who are we looking for
With our new election process, the RPIRG Board of Directors sets a strategic priority in recruitment. We are seeking to elect four directors to serve a two-year term on the RPIRG Board of Directors. In alignment with our organizational values and commitment to equity and representation, priority will be given to students who identify as women or gender-diverse, Indigenous students, and those with lived experiences related to social and environmental justice issues. We strongly encourage applicants from these communities to apply, as their perspectives are essential in guiding RPIRG’s work and advancing meaningful change.
Position Benefits
Being on the RPIRG Board of Directors has its perks! Engage with a network of like-minded students, community leaders, and sector professionals at the University of Regina and beyond; become a change-maker by contributing to social and environmental justice initiatives; and build your experience as a community leader while making a meaningful impact. Benefits include:
- Access RPIRG resources to support your initiatives and involvement in community-based work
- Gain hands-on experience in non-profit governance and student leadership, including policy, finance, and strategic and consensus decision-making
- Participate in comprehensive board training by an external consultant and ongoing learning opportunities
- Take part in professional development workshops and skill-building sessions
- Attend an annual professional development training tour (valued at approximately $1,000)
- Build a strong professional network, including opportunities to attend 2–3 major conferences each year
- Develop practical skills in outreach, communication, event planning, and community engagement
- Receive professional letters of recommendation to support awards and recognition, employment, academic, and leadership opportunities
Key Dates
Nomination and Election Process
STEP 1
Applications are Accepted and Reviewed
As we receive applications, we will review eligibility requirements, any real or potential conflicts of interest, the student code of conduct, and the overall qualifications of candidates to determine if they are a good fit based on our strategic priorities and gaps in skills and competencies. At this stage, we may ask some candidates to attend an interview. Once the interviews are completed, the Election Administrator will send all applications, including a shortlist, to the Election Nomination Committee.
STEP 2
Applications Evaluated by the Election Nomination Committee
The election nomination committee evaluate all the applications using a comprehensive assessment matrix. The assessment is a holistic process that takes into consideration the lived experience of candidates. Once the evaluation process is done, the committee meets and decides on the finalized number of candidates. The finalized list of candidates will be the official nominees for the election. Successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified at this stage.
STEP 3
Preparation for Election Day
At this stage, the Election Administrator will prepare all the nominees for the election. The successful nominees will be required to be present at the SGM on April 24 at 5 pm. If unable to attend, they must send a letter consenting to their candidacy for members to consider
FINAL STEP
Training and OnBoarding
After a successful election, all the directors-elect will be contacted to organize our Board training and onboarding. This process will take some time and shall be completed by the end of May.
Before you apply
Read the application package
Carefully read the application package in full. This document outlines the role and responsibilities of Board members, eligibility criteria, key dates, and the overall election process as established in RPIRG’s Election Bylaw. Familiarity with this information is essential before proceeding.
Determine if you would like to apply
Board members are responsible for overseeing RPIRG’s operations, finances, and the work of the Executive Director. This includes approving the annual budget and financial statements, conducting employee evaluations, making grant funding decisions, and creating, amending, or removing policies and bylaws as part of the organization’s strategic direction.
Board members set the framework for how the organization functions on a day-to-day basis through strategic direction and policy. RPIRG operates under a hybrid governance model, where most of the Board’s work is done through policy and oversight, while in some areas the Board contributes directly—for example, by making grant funding decisions.
It is utmost important that you are passionate about this work and fully determined to serve on the Board.
Prepare the right documents
Ensure you have all the required materials ready for submission. This includes:
- Proof of enrolment (official or unofficial) for either Winter 2026 or Spring/Summer 2026 term. We will also accept proof of enrolment for Fall 2026 term.
- A copy of your resume/CV
- A clear headshot (for election and promotional purposes; no selfies, or casual photos)
- A short biography introducing yourself to members
Preparing these in advance will help avoid delays in your application.
Personal Essay
Please prepare a short essay (maximum 200 words, single-spaced) responding to one of the following topics. Your response should be written in max 3 paragraphs and should clearly articulate your perspective, drawing on your experiences, observations, and/or critical reflections.
- Explain what anti-oppression means to you in practice. You may reflect on values, principles, or actions, and how these can be applied in student or community spaces.
- Identify a social or environmental justice issue that you find meaningful and explain its broader significance. You may consider its root causes, who is affected, and why it requires attention or action.
- If you were given the ability to change one thing at the University of Regina, what would it be? Describe the issue, why it matters, and how your proposed change could improve student or community life.
Please note that the use of AI-generated content or plagiarism is not permitted, this essay will not impact the outcome of your application, and grammar or writing quality will not be assessed; rather, the purpose of this exercise is to understand your ideas, perspective, and critical thinking in an authentic and accessible way.
Contact us with questions
Our Election Administrator and other staff are here to help you with the application process. We are more than happy to meet and provide you with more information on the position and nomination process. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime. You can email us at info@rpirg.org. If it is urgent, you can call us at 306-337-2420
Nomination Committee
Our Election Bylaw dictates the composition of the Election Nomination Committee. We carefully select individuals who not only have extensive experience in governance and policy, but are also knowledgeable in student governance. RPIRG recruits the majority of committee members externally to ensure our process remains transparent, fair, and trustworthy.
Dr. Andrew Stevens
Faculty Member
Dr. Lynn Gidluck
Faculty Member/Consultant
Danielle Goulden
PhD Candidate/Consultant
Esi Ekwam
RPIRG Board Member
Tayef Ahmed
Election Administrator