Students own and operate the Students’ Association
Red Deer Polytechnic students* are members of the Students’ Association.
* Some exceptions exist. Contact the SA office for details.
The Students’ Association represents Red Deer Polytechnic students on campus, in the community, and with the provincial government.
The Students’ Association offers student advocacy and representation. It also lobbies the government on behalf of students to ensure student interests are met.
You can become involved in student governance through the Students’ Association.
Members of the Students’ Association (most RDP students) can put their names forward to be a part of Students’ Association Council.
You could be the next Students’ Association President, Vice President External, or Vice President Academic.
Elections for the next year’s Executive Council are held each year in March.
The Students’ Association recognizes the importance of mental health and tries to support a supportive, healthy environment at Red Deer Polytechnic through its Mental Health Campaign.
Through its Mental Health Initiative, the SA hosts mental health awareness events each term. The events are designed to give students a break and to help encourage discussion around mental health.
The Students’ Association is proud to offer an Extended Health & Dental plan for full-time students.
Health and dental plans were approved by student referendum making them a requirement of enrolment at Red Deer Polytechnic. The cost of the plans is included in student fees provided you meet the eligibility requirements for enrolment. If you have other extended health and/or dental coverage, you are given one opportunity a year to waive the Extended Health & Dental Plan.
Most student groups at RDP operate under the umbrella of the Students’ Association.
The SA provides banking services, room/table rentals, guidance, and other supports to its student groups.
The Students’ Association offers a wide range of programming for students including New Student Orientation events, Apprenticeship Completion Ceremonies, awareness campaigns, and exciting events.
Events and initiatives include Mental Health Awareness campaigns, Puppy Rooms, Risque Bingo, Free Breakfast Program, 12 Days of Giveaways, cultural events, RDP Pride Week, and so much more!
Students can purchase a Semester Transit Pass for Red Deer Transit at the SA Office.
The Students’ Association advocated for this affordable transit pass, and in 2015, the City introduced the Semester Pass which is exclusive to Red Deer Polytechnic students. The semester passes offer significant savings for polytechnic students.
Semester Transit Passes are available for Fall (September 1 – December 31), Winter (January 1 – April 30), and Spring (May 1 – August 31).
The Students’ Association presents over 50 Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries each year.
The Students’ Association proudly supports and celebrates our students by funding 61 different Awards, Scholarships, and bursaries and bursaries each year – totaling $50,000! We have an award and/or scholarship for nearly every one of our students, ranging from athletics, mental health, volunteer, academic achievement, and more. Each Spring, we host our annual SA Awards Ceremony where we present our students with their awards.
Students with legal issues and questions can access free legal help through the Students’ Association.
Legal services are provided by the Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic each month. Keep an eye on campus bulletin boards and our social media for upcoming dates.
The Students’ Association operates an Emergency Student Food Bank.
Donations to the Emergency Student Food Bank are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made by sharing your pocket change in the “Soup Cans” around campus, placing a non-perishable food donation in the Collection box near the Main Gym, or making a cash donation at the Students’ Association office.
Students needing to access the Emergency Student Food Bank can apply on the RDP website.
The Far Side Bar & Grill and The Lift are owned and operated by the Students’ Association.
The Students’ Association is owned and operated by the students of Red Deer Polytechnic.
The Students’ Association and its businesses are one of the largest employers of students on campus- something the SA takes great pride in.
Food and beverages purchased at the Far Side Bar & Grill and The Lift help support students at Red Deer Polytechnic.
Proceeds from Students’ Associations businesses help support SA services including scholarships and awards.
The Far Side Bar & Grill and The Lift have microwaves available for student use.
Microwaves are available in The Lift, Far Side Bar & Grill, and The Loft.
The Students’ Association provides a variety of services for students including locker rentals, affordable transit, Emergency Student Food Bank, Extended Health & Dental Plan, and table/room bookings.
