Academic Council Student Appointee (2026/27)

Academic Council Student Appointee – Volunteer Opportunity for 2026/27

We are seeking student members on NAIT’s Academic Council for the 2026/27 academic year. This is a rewarding volunteer opportunity from September 2026 to April 2027, with the experience being recorded on your Student Involvement Record.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a curiosity and passion for academic policy and processes, and is eager to represent their fellow learners with dedication. If you are committed to showing up, contributing to discussions, and helping shape academic decisions, we want to hear from you! Training is provided.

Why get involved on Academic Council?

This is an exciting volunteer role for students who are looking to get involved in a high-level capacity in the administration of NAIT’s academic direction. The Academic Council meets to discuss topics such as new programs, program pauses, changes to courses, and policies that affect academics, and makes formal recommendations to the Board. Through this opportunity, you'll bring your student voice to the table to provide valid and informed feedback about the academic programs at NAIT.

As a student member on Academic Council, you can expect the following perks in return:

• Acquire skills that look great on your resume. You will build leadership and team experience by working with individuals who are addressing Academic Policy related to student admissions, courses and programs, academic awards, and other academic matters.


• Have a vote on important matters regarding academic programming at NAIT.


• Receive co-curricular credit on your ookslife.ca Student Involvement Record


• Gain a sense of engagement and community by learning about the “behind the scenes” of your school and gaining knowledge about how NAIT functions academically. You’ll also learn about how boards conduct their business.


• Preparation meetings are scheduled to help student members build rapport and prepare in advance of each formal meeting. This is where you will meet with your student counterparts to review the agenda, related information, and discuss as a group prior to scheduled Academic Council meetings.  

Qualifications:

• Credit student enrolled in good standing for the entire 2026-27 academic year (both Fall and Winter terms)


• Team-player with demonstrated interpersonal skills 


• Curious and willingness to learn


• Leadership experience is an asset


• Must be highly reliable and committed to attending all scheduled meetings, as consistent participation is essential to success


• In total, expect to dedicate approximately 4-5 hours per month, including meetings and preparation


• Availability to attend meetings is a requirement (no class or other schedule conflicts)


• NAITSA provides in-person training to new Academic Council student members, in addition to Academic Council orientation

Academic Council Meetings:

Academic Council meetings occur approximately once per month between September to April. Preparation meetings at NAITSA (O108) are for the student members to review and discuss the agenda and any relevant matters prior to the meetings. Meetings typically occur on Mondays with prep meetings from 12:00pm–1:00pm and Academic Council meetings (online) from 2:00pm–4:00pm. The finalized schedule is subject to approval and will be shared with candidates prior to selection. 

Meeting Requirements:

• Attendance is mandatory at all meetings


• Academic Council meetings are online via Microsoft Teams


• Before every formal Academic Council meeting, there is a one-hour meeting at NAITSA (O108) where you will meet with the other student members to prepare for the upcoming meeting. Food and refreshments are served at these prep meetings


• Must have a computer equipped with a working camera and mic

What is the role of NAIT's Academic Council?

NAIT’s Academic Council makes recommendations to the Board of Governors about academic policy related to student admissions, courses and programs, academic awards, and other academic matters. Committees of Academic Council include the Honorary Degree Committee, the Instructional Excellence Award Committee, and the Faculty Emeritus Committee.

The primary role of Academic Council is to inform academic decisions and make recommendations to the NAIT Board of Governors. These decisions fall into three categories:

• Any matter that the Board refers to Academic Council;


• Academic policy relating to the selection and admission of students, courses/programs of study, and academic awards; and


• Any other matter that Academic Council considers advisable within its mandate.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in volunteering and being part of an amazing team (that includes our NAITSA Executives!) to represent the needs of your fellow students, please submit your resume and (optional) cover letter in PDF format. Cover letters and application responses should be written in the candidate's own words and not generated by AI or automated tools.

Next Steps

• Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis


• Interviews are expected to begin in July/August, after class schedules are confirmed


• Interviews will take place on campus at the NAITSA office


• This volunteer role will start September 2026

Our goal is to form a team of students from a diverse cross-section of the campus to best represent the student body on the Academic Council. While we appreciate every applicant who shows interest in this opportunity, only those considered for the position will be contacted. You can expect to receive an email once your application has been received.

Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until suitable candidates are found.

We look forward to seeing your application!