What is LPIRG?

LPIRG is a student-funded, student-directed, not-for-profit organization providing resources for students to engage with environmental and social justice issues.

LPIRG embraces plurality and participation, and encourages students to critically evaluate the institutions and systems in which they take part. LPIRG assists students in translating their knowledge through research, education, and action to serve public interest.

How is it funded?

LPIRG receives $5 from each U of L undergraduate student in the fall and spring semester. (This levy is fully refundable if a student so chooses.)

LPIRG uses this money to fund student research, events, and projects demonstrated to be in the public interest, as well as providing additional administration, organization, and information resources to empower students to become engaged citizens.

How is LPIRG accountable?

LPIRG is a democratic organization that is accountable directly to University of Lethbridge students in the following ways:

• Any student can run for election to the LPIRG board.
• All board meetings and general meetings are open to students,
• Students are encouraged to volunteer with LPIRG.
• LPIRG keeps financial records and produces an annual report, both of which are available to students.
• Students can opt out of the LPIRG fee and receive a full refund.

What does LPIRG do?

LPIRG provides funding, administrative assistance, meeting and storage space, and information resources to undergrad students  who have projects that are in the public interest.  Funding can be accessed for:

• Research
• Special Events
• Travel to Conferences
• Working Groups (-collectives of students and possibly community members who work together on a public interest issue. Groups may focus on research, events, action, publications, or other activities; and have long-term goals.)

LPIRG also facilitates opportunities for skill development through educational events, public campaigns and partnerships with community organizations.

LPIRG Board of Directors 2009-2010

Michelle Bennison

Thomas Fox

Madeleine Hardy (resigned)

Jeff Henry

Doran Hoge (resigned)

Daniel Manson

Stephen McGlenn

Christine Michell

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Opt-Out

Spring 2010                                                                                                                                                                                                     Deadline – February 12, 2010

The Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group (LPIRG) is a student-run, student-funded, not-for-profit organization dedicated to research, education, and action in the public interest. LPIRG exists to provide students with resources to be active citizens.

Each year, LPIRG provides approximately $20,000 in direct grants to students, as well as in-kind services, support, and training to student working groups, projects, events, and research. We also maintain an office and resource library which is open to all LPIRG members.

Undergraduates not wishing to pay the $5.00 LPIRG dedicated fee for the Spring 2010 semester may have that fee refunded. To opt-out, copy and paste the LPIRG Opt-Out Form into the body of your email and send it on or before the opt-out deadline – Friday, February 12.  Your opt-out form must be sent via your personal uleth.ca web-mail account to be considered valid. Please note that in opting-out you forfeit your LPIRG membership and therefore your eligibility for LPIRG funds.

Coop students whose fees are not due until later in the semester must contact LPIRG by the opt-out deadline, Feb. 12, 2010 in order to make arrangements to have their LPIRG fee refunded.

LPIRG Opt-Out Form

I, ________________(first and last name as you wish it to appear on your cheque), hereby opt-out of the LPIRG membership fee for the Spring 2010 semester. In doing so, I understand that I am no longer eligible for access to LPIRG funds. My reason for opting-out is __________ _________________. (Please provide a brief explanation for your refund request; your response will help LPIRG to better meet the interests of the student body.)

Student ID#: _______________

Mailing address (where you want us to send your cheque)