CalFASA was formed in November 1995 as a way for the student association and faculty associations in Calgary to meet, share perspectives, and work together. Our current members are:

• Alberta College of Art and Design Faculty Association (ACADFA)
• Alberta College of Art and Design Students’ Association (ACADSA)
• Bow Valley College Faculty Association (BVCFA)
• Bow Valley College Students’ Association (BVCSA)
• Mount Royal College Faculty Association (MRCFA)
• Students’ Association of Mount Royal College (SAMRC)
• SAIT Academic Faculty Association (SAITAFA)
• SAIT Students’ Association (SAITSA)
• University of Calgary Faculty Association (TUCFA)
• University of Calgary Graduate Students’ Association (UCGSA)
• University of Calgary Students’ Union (UCSU)

Early on, it was decided that we would not only share information, but also try to coordinate united efforts. We did not want to create a new bureaucracy and agreed to try to share out the work among the associations according to their abilities. With the Alliance’s budget, we have tried to keep costs to a minimum. Costs have been shared equally, except for the smallest institutions who have generally contributed a smaller amount.

In all of our initiatives, we have made extra efforts to ensure this is a true coalition. All partners are kept informed and as involved as they wish to be. A balance between University, colleges, technical institutions is attempted along with a balance between the interests of faculty and students. We try not to allow CalFASA to be used as a stage for an interest of a specific association or institution. We only address issues where there is consensus.

The strength of CalFASA has been its uniqueness and cooperation. Together, we have been able to open doors that we may not have been able to open individually. We have been able to get the ear of politicians and media. Both of these groups have frequently commented on the innovative strengths of our faculty and student alliance. Edmonton politicians have often suggested that this should be repeated in Edmonton.

The coalition also means that we cannot be pitted against one another (faculty vs. students; university vs. college). We have also found that it is more effective to speak to our partners’ issues rather than our own. It is often more effective when faculty speak of the effects of tuition increases or when students speak of the loss of faculty due to low salaries.