What on Earth Is the AMS?
Written by 2016-2017 AMS team, updated by the AMS 2025-2026 team.
By now you may have seen Instagram posts, booths, videos and news flying around campus with the start of 2026-2027 hiring season happening now. Yet the only question people seem to have is “what the F*%K is the AMS”? This post will hopefully inform and update you (the students) on who/what the F*%k everyone in this organization does. If you’re a visual learner like myself, here’s a link to a visual display on our website!
*Anything underline in purple has a link connected! It is for you, if you so desire to deep dive into anything further 🙂
THE AMS:
The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is Canada’s oldest undergraduate student government. The AMS in simple terms, can be thought of as the manager of a sports team. They are pretty much in charge of the performances, appearances and capabilities of the entire team without getting on the field themselves, that’s up to the players (the students involved). The AMS provides many services to the student body that have a huge impact on everyday student life and involvement.
Strong student governments help produce solid institutions such as Queens University and overall, a better and more positive experience for you as an undergraduate student!
Government VS Corporate
Hey! Did you know there were two sides to the AMS? If you answered no, then you are one of many students who has no idea what the F*%k is going on, and that’s okay. So here is the “official” 411. There are in fact two sides of the AMS, Government and Corporate, that are in charge of everything the AMS provides to Queens students. The Government side is managed by the VP of University affairs. They directly manage the Campus Affairs Commission, External Affairs Commission, the Social Issues Commission, Environmental Sustainability Commission and the Clubs Commission!
On the flip side, we have the Corporate arm which is managed by the VP of Operations. These include campus favourites such as Common Ground Coffeehouse, Queen’s Jounal, Peer Support Centre, Stucons, Walkhome, Society 58, Foodbank, Media Centre and the Queens Pub Restaurant and Bar.
The In-between of Government Vs Corporate
You might be thinking… what about the communications office (us)? In-between all the Government Vs Corporate there is another portfolio under the president works to promote AMS, support internal staff, and handle specialized operations. This includes Marketing office, Communications Office (us!!), Internal Affairs Office, Human Resources Office, Information Technology Office, Orientation Roundtable, and Student Life Centre! I know it’s a lot… but surely less confusing.
THE EXECUTIVE TEAM:
President
As the title suggests, this position is the chief/overseer of the entire AMS. They are in charge of representing the student body to the general public and to the University Administration. As well as supervise the Director of Marketing, Director of Communications, Director of Orientation Roundtable, Secretary of Internal Affairs, and Director of Student life Center
Vice President (Operations)
This position oversees the “day-to-day” financial and operational tasks involved within the AMS focusing on student services. They directly supervise all the Head managers in Corporate.” If that wasn’t enough, the Vice President of Operations aids with important on-campus services such as the AMS Health & Dental Plan, the Bus-it program and presents the consolidated operating budget to the Board of Directors and AMS assembly”
Vice President (University Affairs)
The Vice President of University Affairs oversees the commissioners as well as being accountable for educational matters, academic issues, grants, supporting equity initiatives, campus events, governmental lobbying, and external representation. They also oversee the clubs commission which supports the 275+ clubs we have at Queen’s. There are hundreds of student volunteers who fall under this VP!
COMMISSIONERS:
There are six different commissions that represent a variety of student life on campus. They basically ensure that their activities and associations fulfil and respect the AMS policies while carrying out various events, conferences and weekly outreach. Under these commissions, there are deputy commissioners, committees and volunteers to aid in all aspects of #YourQueensExperience.
This is an events based commission that organizes and approves Queen’s events to enhance school spirit! If your club has an event, they’re the ones who approve it! Campus life is their bread and butter. They’re responsible for creating a safe and fun Queen’s campus. They also advocate for international students to improve the programming and supports available.
This commission lobbies for Queens students at university, municipal, and provincial levels. They create cool opportunities for Queen’s students to get involved within the Kingston community, provides resources on housing related issues, assist students in navigating their academics, and aims to better the University District for all students.
Social Issues Commissioner (External + Internal)
Through education, dialogue and engagement, the Social Issues Commission pursues issues related to equity, identity and anti-oppression. They strive to represent the diverse student body by raising awareness and advocating for social justice and change. While the external commissioner is awarding grants and pioneering equitable events on campus, the internal commissioner is having open dialogue with university administration to advance systemic change.
Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability:
Educating students and advocating for their needs on environmental issues. They oversee initiatives like the Collective Closet, which operates on a take one, leave on model to promote slow fashion, and Greenovations which works to make students homes more sustainable and cheaper on their utilities bill! This commissioner works to fill the gaps of environmental sustainability both for students and on Queen’s campus.
The clubs office oversees over 275+ clubs and acts as a resource for members and the executives of every club we have. They act as a liaison between the AMS and the clubs community to ensure that clubs are receiving ongoing support such as marketing events, budgeting, grants as well as hiring advice.
HEAD MANGERS:
- Under the Vice President of Operations Portfolio
- Each head manager regulates behind the scenes of staff, customers, operations, finances, and health and safety compliance!
The Queen’s Pub Head Manager
The place you love to eat, yap, and hold events in located JDUC! Is managed by the Queen’s Pub Head manager!
Common Ground Head Manager
Organizing your favourite coffee, sweet treat, or for a pick-me-up Premades! Manages the Common Ground.
Tricolour Outlet Head Manager
Manges Tricolour, or known as Society 58! Curating a space for designing, promotions, and a shopping place for you!
Food Bank Head Manager
Manages and operates the AMSFoodbank! With a focus to provide food services in a safe and comfortable environment.
AMS Media Centre Head Manager
Upholds the value of for a one-stop-shop providing quality print and media products or services. Organizing staff to ensure this value as well.
Walkhome Head Manager
Manages staff to uphold the value of discreet, anonymous, and confidential walks. To make Kingston a safer community.
Queen’s Journal Editor-In-Chief
Leads the editorial team to ensure student voices are heard, guiding the creation and publication of content that reflects the diverse perspectives and interests of the Queen’s community.
Peer Support Centre Head Manager
Leads a team of student volunteers providing one-on-one peer support. The PSC offers a safe, welcoming space where students can discuss personal, academic, or emotional concerns and get the guidance they need.
OFFICE DIRECTORS:
- Works under the President Portfolio
Human Resources Office
As the title suggests, they serve as a primary resource to all AMS employees and volunteers who may need assistance with hiring, training and/or recruiting staff. They are in charge of the uniformity of employment practices within the AMS and seek to ensure that there are rightful opportunities for all who wish to be involved.
Communications Office
For the AMS, this office acts as the head of public relations that deals with press releases, communication with external media outlets and the management of any online content/social media and marketing research. They also act as promoters for clubs and societies who want to relay information, media or campaigns to the student body.
Information Technology Office
The IT department works within the AMS on a government and corporate side to safeguard the function of their equipment and services. As well, they develop databases for AMS services and supply troubleshooting support. The Director is in charge of any new websites as well as ongoing website development.
Student Life Centre (SLC)
The Student Life Centre is a central hub for student activity, engagement, and community at Queen’s University. It oversees key student spaces such as the John Deutsch University Centre and the Queen’s Centre, supporting a wide range of events, meetings, and programming led by clubs, services, and campus partners. Through room bookings, table spaces, and operational support, the SLC helps bring student initiatives to life and ensures that spaces are welcoming, functional, and accessible.
Beyond managing physical spaces, the SLC works to enhance the overall student experience by collaborating with AMS services, student leaders, and external partners. It plays an important role in fostering campus vibrancy, enabling student organizations to connect with the broader community, and supporting opportunities for engagement, leadership, and creativity throughout the academic year.
Internal Affairs Office
The Internal Affairs Office is responsible for maintaining the governance and administrative integrity of the AMS, ensuring the Society operates transparently and in accordance with its Constitution and governing policies. Overseen by the Secretariat, the office supports the functioning of AMS Assembly through procedural guidance and administrative oversight.
It is composed of three branches. The Governance Affairs Office supports Assembly operations through agenda preparation, meeting minutes, committee administration, and governance guidance. The Civic Affairs Office administers AMS elections and referenda to ensure fair and transparent democratic processes. The Judicial Affairs Office oversees the Society’s judicial processes by investigating disputes and policy infractions and supporting the Judicial Council in resolving cases.
Together, these branches ensure that AMS governance remains accountable, accessible, and effective for the student body.
Orientation Roundtable
The team behind your unforgettable Orientation Week! They plan and host all the events that welcome new students and introduce them to life at Queen’s, helping create lasting memories from day one.
CONGRATS! You’ve reached the END!!!
I hope this gives you a better understanding of what the f&%k the AMS actually does because as you can see it does a lot for students! Hopefully you now have a better picture and will even consider applying like I did!
by: Roxanne Cheung
For any questions, concerns, or media inquiries, please contact the Communications Office, at . We’re here to help