SAITSA STUDENT RESOURCE CENTRE
Room MB216
Heart Building
5844
Monday to Friday XXam - XXpm

The Student Resource Centre will operate as a central information location for SAIT students. The volunteer student staff will be using active listening skills and empathy that will be developed in their training to enable their peers to resolve their difficulties, by directing them to the appropriate resources within SAIT and the Calgary community. One of the goals of the centre is to cut down the amount of time students get bounced around from office to office and to get a question answered by directing them to the right place the first time.

The Student Resource Centre will also act as a place for students to chill out between classes. They are invited to come in and relax, read, chat or just listen to music and get out of the technical institution mindset. Volunteers for the Resource Centre also have the unique opportunity to help shape the centre and how it operates. As this will be the first official year it is in operation what we add to the centre will be taken directly form the suggestions that students and volunteers make.

We are located in MB 216 in the Heart Building. This room is an excellent location due to the proximity to Counselling Services, the Interfaith centre, campus security, and Customer Services. This space has been renovated to better suit the attitude and feel of SAIT students

Our core services that we will offer to our Students:
• Referral network (SAIT and community resources)
• Access to information
• Book Exchange program
• Student Income Tax Service
• Cultural Awareness Days

Once established, additional “add-on services” may be added:
• Mentor/Buddies Program
• Student Legal Advice
• Exam Registry
• ADDAC Referral
• Non-academic library of resource for students to access – Self Help books
• Other areas identified by future students.

STUDIES SHOW...
According to a SAITSA survey that was conducted February 23rd – 27th, 2004, 28.7% of the students indicated that a Peer Support Centre (now titled Student Resource Centre) would be of interest to them. In addition, 56.2% who would be interested in legal advice service and 67.5% who would be interested in an income tax service all of which could be supported out of the Student Resource Centre. We anticipate that this centre will be well used by potential and current students, visitors and alumni if the need arises.

BENEFITS
Students: By providing support that is peer centered we are offering a direct benefit to our students. We would be able to assist students in finding the appropriate help by referring them to services that are available on and off Campus.

Staff: We will free up some time and valuable resources to allow the staff at SAIT focus on their appointed tasks (i.e. Counselling Services).

Department: SATISA is responsible for the well being of SAIT students, by providing leadership opportunities and enhancing student life. This service will assist us in maintaining and furthering that goal.

SAIT: SAIT wants to be recognized as a premier institution by the year 2010, the Student Resource Centre will assist that goal in providing our students the support necessary to continue their education and see it through to completion.

For more information about the Student Resource Centre, please contact Todd Palmer, SAITSA Volunteer Services Supervisor.