Why AMS Special General Assembly Matters And How You Hold Real Power

Written by Communications on November 18, 2025. Posted in My AMS.

Hello AMS members. Tonight is AMS Special General Assembly, and it is extremely important that Queen’s students understand the significant powers each member holds at this foundational meeting of the Alma Mater Society.

While usually represented by elected officials from each faculty society, at the Special General Meeting each member of the AMS that attends is provided with both a vote and a voice with which to participate in creating transparency and upholding integrity that reflects Queen’s unique spirit.

Your attendance grants you both a vote and a voice, and these are not symbolic rights. They are embedded at the core of the AMS Constitution.

Below is a breakdown of the key constitutional policies that protect your right to participate, explained in plain language before the full wording of each policy.

Your Fundamental Rights as an AMS Member (Policy 4.4.4)

This section of the Constitution outlines the foundational participatory rights given to every AMS member. These rights ensure that no matter your year, faculty, or background, you can take an active role in shaping the direction of student governance.

4.4.4 All members of the Society:

I. May be present at any meeting of the General Assembly;

II. May speak to any motion under consideration;

III. May move or second motions;

IV. May exercise their voting privileges.

Your Right to a Vote (Policy 4.4.5)

This policy clarifies the principle of one member, one vote. As long as your fees are paid, your vote carries equal weight to every other student in the room.

4.4.5 Each member of the Society shall be entitled to one vote at the General Assembly,
so long as they have paid all dues or fees, if any, that are payable by them.

How Students Bring Their Own Motions Forward (Policy 4.4.10)

This policy empowers students to raise issues they believe need attention. It explains exactly how a motion can be added to the agenda, ensuring that meaningful student-led change is always possible.

4.4.10 Any Society member may place a motion on the agenda for a meeting of the
General Assembly provided that:

I. There is a mover and a seconder who are both Society members; and
II. The motion with mover and seconder is submitted in writing to the
Secretary of Internal Affairs at least seven (7) days before the day of the
meeting;
III. A determination has not been made that the passage of the motion would
constitute an egregious violation of the Mission or Operating Statements of
the Society; a violation of law; a violation of contractual, financial, or other
obligations undertaken by the Society; or the Student Code of Conduct.
Such determination must be made unanimously by the Speaker, the
President, and the Secretary of Internal Affairs.

What This Means for Students

These policies demonstrate a simple truth: Queen’s students hold real, transformative power in the AMS.

By attending the Special General Meeting, students can:

Influence major decisions affecting student life, governance, and AMS operations
Raise issues that feel under-represented or overlooked
Engage in meaningful dialogue with peers to create sustainable solutions
Hold student leadership accountable
Help shape the future direction and priorities of the AMS

The Special General Meeting is an opportunity for students to come together, debate with purpose, and collectively chart the future of the Queen’s community. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. And tonight, you have both.

For any questions, concerns, or media inquiries, please contact the Communications Office, at . We’re here to help.