Overview of the Society

The Alma Mater Society of Queen’s University (AMS) is Canada’s oldest undergraduate student government. Its constitution takes precedence over all other student societies and organizations to which its members may belong. The AMS was incorporated in 1969 as a non-profit organization without share capital. Undergraduates obtain membership upon paying the mandatory student activity fee along with their tuition.

The highest legislative body within the Society is the AMS Assembly, which includes representatives from all AMS member societies. The member societies are:

• Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Society
• Engineering Society
• Aesculapian Society
• Commerce Society
• Nursing Science Society
• MBA Students Society
• Physical & Health Education & Kinesiology Students’ Association
• Concurrent Education Students’ Association
• Computing Students’ Association

The voting members of the Assembly also constitute the members of the corporation and as such elect a Board of Directors that is responsible for the diligent management of the corporation and the associated financial affairs of the Society.

Mission Statement & Mandate

Mission Statement
To serve and represent the diversity of students at Queen’s University.

Mandate

1. To represent Queen’s University students within the university and externally by working to further the best interests of the members of the AMS, giving particular concern to representation on issues related to education.
2. To provide services and activities to students, as well as to act in a facilitation role for services and activities as appropriate.
3. To cultivate a sense of social awareness and responsibility in its membership.
4. To serve as a liaison between the various affiliated student societies.

The President is responsible for the external representation of the Society and is ultimately responsible for ensuring the fulfillment of the Society’s mandate and mission.  The President also acts as the Chief executive Officer of the Corporation and thus has a fiduciary responsibility to oversee the governance of the Society.  Furthermore, they directly oversee the Communications Office.

The Vice-President Operations is responsible for all day-to-day operational and financial matters of the Society.  They oversee the three Directors who in turn oversee the Retail, Hospitality, Safety, and Media services of the AMS.  The Vice-President also oversees the Information and Technology Office and the Human Resources Office.

The Vice-President University Affairs is responsible for all Society matters of a political and/or educational nature, research and policy development, internal academic issues, and university administration affairs.  They oversee the five commissions and also oversee the Sustainability Office and the Student Centre Office.