Assists and advises APSA members on their rights and entitlements (according to the AD 10 Policies) and with work-related problems. The Committee provides representation as observers and advisors in disputes with the University, educates APSA members with regard to SFU policies, deals with grievances and consults with legal counsel when necessary.

The Committee also provides representation in the form of observers and advisors in disputes with the University, educates APSA members with regard to SFU policies, deals with grievances and consults with legal counsel when necessary.

1. Purpose of Committee
   • To assist and advise APSA members on their under the APSA Basic Agreement;
   • To assist and advise APSA members on their rights and entitlements according to the AD 10 Policies;
   • To assist and advise APSA members with work-related problems including, but not limited to, working conditions, harassment, discrimination and equity;
   • To aid in the on-going education of APSA members with regard to their rights under the AD 10 policies and the Basic Agreement.
   • To provide representation in the form of observers and advisors in disputes or grievances, subject to certain restrictions under the AD 10 policies.
      
2. Membership of Committee
   The President or designate will put out an annual call to APSA members, asking for applications. Committee members are appointed by the APSA Executive. The Chair is selected by and from the Committee members subject to approval by the Executive. Normally the Committee will consist of four to six members.
    
3. Terms of Committee Members
   Duration of terms of the committee members is three years (staggered), commencing December 01 and ending November 30.
    
4. Committee Decisions
   The Committee is not normally a decision-making body. Minutes of meetings are not required. Information is provided to the APSA Executive as required by the Executive or as determined by the Committee.
    
5. Training
   Professional development training will be provided to members of the Advocacy Committee, as needed, in such areas as conflict resolution and negotiation. The APSA Executive will designate an annual budget for this purpose.
6. Meetings
   Meetings will be held at the call of the Chair. Quorum consists of not less than 51% of the members (e.g., 3 of 5, 4 of 6).
    
7. Reporting
   The Committee is directly responsible to the APSA President. The Chair shall inform the President regularly of the work of the Committee.
    
8. Documentation
   A copy of all documents pertaining to closed and completed cases will be sent to the APSA office annually, following completion of an Advocacy Committee Annual Report. Documentation for each case will include an Initial Consultation Form (copy attached) and will be kept in strict confidence.
9. Legal Advice
   The Chair of the Committee may contact the APSA lawyer for verbal advice, following authorization by the President.
    
10. Review of the Terms of Reference
    A review of these terms of reference will be conducted at least every three years or more often as determined by the Committee or the APSA Executive.