The Winter 2025 Referendum is ongoing, and your vote matters!
You’re being asked to decide whether SCS students should continue benefiting from essential student services supported by MACES.
The School of Continuing Studies (SCS) has been offering a number of services to support its students and recent graduates as they prepare for the job market or a career transition over the course of their studies or upon graduation. Since 2019, the School has provided more than 10,000 students with career development events, workshops, individual advising sessions, an annual job fair, and more, with limited resources. With each of us having varying professional goals, it has become more and more important that specialized career services are made available to SCS learners if we are to achieve our individual professional goals.
The referendum proposes an increase in the MACES membership fee, which has remained unchanged for over 20 years. During that time operational costs have risen significantly due to inflation. Last year, MACES barely broke even, despite reduced hours and administrative cost-cutting. This year, revenue from student fees is projected to be $35,000 lower than the previous year.
To continue operating the MACES building, fairly compensate staff, and maintain the level of services, MACES is proposing a modest $1 per credit increase, raising the fee from $4.33 to $5.33 per credit for credit courses, and from $12.99 to $15.99 per course for non-credit courses, starting in Fall 2025.
What happens in the event of a *No* vote?
Your vote will determine whether this increase will take effect. A “no” vote will maintain the current fee—but will also limit MACES’ ability to sustain and improve its services and operations.
When and how can I vote?
Make your voice heard, vote by April 9 at 11:59 PM!, you can vote electronically by visiting: https://ssmu.simplyvoting.com/. A launching news will be posted on all our social media channels and via the newsletter.
You will need to login with your McGill email and password. If you are having trouble logging in, please contact the MACES CRO at elections.maces@mail.mcgill.ca.