Students sat on the grass in Main Quad at the WOW Main Stage.

This is our history

The origins and operations of your UASU.

History of the UASU

Explore the vibrant history of your UASU! Since 1908, we've been a part of the student journey, adapting to the ever-changing campus landscape. Revisit the moments that have defined your UASU and our commitment to student life.

  1. 1908
  2. 1917
  3. 1920
  4. 1947
  5. 1967
  6. 1968
  7. 1971
  8. 1985
  9. 1995
  10. 2008
  11. 2017
  12. 2021

  1. 1908

    The first Students' Council was established, with Francis Stacey McCall as President and Agnes Kathleen Wilson as Vice President.

    Photo credit: UASU Evergreen and Gold, 1983/84.

  2. 1917

    Katie McCrimmon (UASU VP 1916-17, President 1917) was the first woman in Canada to lead a students' union. She likely began the UASU's political advocacy role by lobbying the Premier for women's representation on the predecessors of UAlberta's Board of Governors and GFC. Twelve years later, she would be the first woman to sit on what would become GFC.

    Photo credit: McCrimmon family.

  3. 1920

    The Students' Council is renamed the University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU).

  4. 1947

    Vivian Ann Suey (UASU VP 1947-48), who was Chinese-Canadian, is believed to be the first Executive who was not Caucasian. She helped plan the first Students' Union Building.

  5. 1967

    The building that we currently know as the Students’ Union Building (SUB) opens.

  6. 1968

    Students secured representation on the Board of Governors and GFC.

    Photo credit: The Gateway, November 28, 1968.

  7. 1971

    The University approved unique principles that still give students a strong share of seats on GFC.

    The UASU broke ground on the Housing Union Building (HUB), as a response to the lack of affordable student housing on campus.

  8. 1985

    64% of students voted to end the UASU’s membership in the Canadian Federation of Students.

  9. 1995

    The UASU helped found the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA)

  10. 2008

    The UASU celebrates its 100th anniversary.

  11. 2017

    The Stride Campaign School and the first Identity Matters report began to address gender imbalances in student leadership.

    SUB commemorates its 50th anniversary.

  12. 2021

    The UASU, 22 other UAlberta student organizations, and NASA issued a joint letter on sexual and gender-based violence. The 'November Letter,' a GFC walkout, and joint government advocacy with other student unions led to major studies and policy overhauls across Alberta.