The Dialog debuted in January 1982. Originally unnamed, it held a naming contest, leading to the moniker Dialog, which was shortened later. Now more than 42-years-old, The Dialog is George Brown College’s (GBC) longest-standing newspaper. The college, named for the founder of the Globe and Mail, has had more than half a dozen different newspapers since it became GBC in 1967. The college’s first newspaper, The Globe, evolved into The Dialog after several changes in student publications. In 1998, The Dialog, under different student organizations, eventually became the Dialog Collective. Today, the Dialog is only one of the two remaining collective-run newspapers in the country. Making this paper a voice for the student union that funds it.

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In 2015 the most talked-about concert in the city was a collaboration between the Ryerson Students’ Union and the Student Association of George Brown College featuring Canadian mega-star Drake. The event, including the Frosh Parade and Concert, was a massive success. Planning had begun in May of that year, with discussions on a social partnership. The event had seen 6,500 attendees, a significant increase from previous years. While some logistical challenges occurred, it was a valuable learning experience for both organizations.

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In 2016, students at George Brown College were gearing up to join a nationwide protest on Nov. 2, the National Student Day of Action, advocating for accessible education. Despite Canada’s high investment in education, the National Graduates Survey (NGS) in 2013 revealed that 43% of students were in debt, with an average of $14,900 for college students and over $26,000 for bachelor’s and master’s graduates. The Canadian Federation of Students highlighted the barriers faced by marginalized groups, and the protest aimed to address the needs of Indigenous, International, LGBTQ+, and disabled students.

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Generation Vote was an active campaign by the Canadian Federation of Students–Ontario (CFS-O), which included the Student Association (SA) at George Brown College. It aimed to increase municipal-level voting by addressing key issues. The CFS-O engaged with government and the public to create an accessible education system in Ontario, representing over 300,000 members. The campaign focused on issues like living wages, public transit, city services, housing, and childcare. At George Brown College, the Community Action Centre (CAC) actively promoted the campaign, aiming for 500-1,000 student pledges on generationvote.ca. Student unions organized forums, debates, workshops, and community outreach to encourage voter participation and address student concerns.

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In 2021, the Student Association of George Brown College (SAGBC) signed the SDG Accord, committing to the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals targeted reducing inequality, breaking education barriers, and fostering economic and environmental growth. SAGBC, besides funding The Dialog, called on the college to embrace sustainability. They highlighted the Arbour building’s energy- efficient design as a step towards this. Their focus included clean energy, social impacts like SNAP, and the first five SDGs tackling poverty, hunger, health, education, and gender equality.

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In late-2008, the SafeWalk service had been improving the safety of students, staff and visitors to campus for more than five years. The service takes those who want an extra bit of safety while traveling to and from a George Brown Campus, anywhere within a 2-kilometre radius. But the service does more than that, including assisting when someone had a seizure, or helping keep someone safe when they’re being harassed outside a campus. Since 2008, SafeWalk has expanded their campus coverage and even offers workshops to enhance student safety.

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In April of 2011, the Student Association’s board got together to host a spring general meeting. During the meeting, a motion was brought forward which would guarantee that part-time student staff would receive a wage increase equivalent to 125 per cent of the Ontario minimum wage. President Gregory Evans noted that student poverty was an issue, and something needed to be done to address it. Membership universally loved the motion, and it passed after being brought to a vote.

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The Life Works Centre’s Thanksgiving food drive was a huge success in 2004, thanks to staff and student volunteers. It was one of the most successful drives since Life Works began in 1995, raising 200 pounds of food and $700 through bracelet sales. The donations restocked Student Association food banks, serving 200-300 students monthly. Half of the money went to the Daily Food Bank, and the rest supported future food bank initiatives. The drive reflected the GBC community’s care for poverty issues and hunger relief efforts.

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Construction on a new Student Centre at the St. James campus started in May 1995, after years of planning. In the late 80s, a study found that student success depended on quality student services. GBC lacked such spaces, leading to a feasibility study published in 1993 showing 86 per cent student interest in a centre. It cost $2.5-million, partly funded by student fees. The St. James Centre, a joint effort between the college and students, helped improve services and campus community.

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In 1998, students at GBC were facing a referendum on whether to join the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). The CFS was lobbying for student aid, tuition freezes, and grants for post-secondary education. However, concerns existed about representation for Ontario colleges within CFS, with only a few represented. The SA was officially against joining CFS, citing concerns about effective representation and the financial impact on students. They urged students to research CFS’s benefits and drawbacks before voting. The decision would have affected funding and advocacy for GBC students within the larger Canadian student body.

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