From holding a tuition town hall, to funding student sustainability projects, to helping you find new ways to keep money in your pocket and more, your UASU Execs really know how to kick off the new year. Keep reading to learn more about what they got up to in January!

Christian, UASU President

• A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to the tuition town hall on January 19 to speak with University reps about the proposed increases. Thank you for joining us and sharing your stories.  
  • The exec team continues discussing tuition and affordability with the Provost.
  • We’re running a letter writing campaign to make sure the University administration and Government of Alberta know where students stand on tuition increases.
• Executive job shadowing is under way! Shadowing our team offers students a chance to gain insights into leadership roles and decision-making processes at the UASU.
• Worked with the VPA to support changes to the affirmed name project that will allow students to change their preferred first and last names, improving inclusivity at the University.

Pedro, Vice President Academic

• The Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Program has reached new heights! This Fall and Winter, about 31% of classes are now part of ZTC, saving students up to an estimated $13 million in 2023/24.
• The Academic Materials Program has been successfully halted and won’t be implemented in Fall 2024.
• Advocacy documents supported expansion of open education and textbook affordability across different post-secondary institutions in the province.
• Addressed student space concerns arising from difficulties with university facilities, prioritizing the need for faculty associations to have their own space where they can meaningfully engage with students.
• Supported efforts to Indigenize education across the University of Alberta in collaboration with many leaders at the University, particularly, the Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming and Research).
• Contributed to discussions on policies governing academic integrity and exam deferrals.
• Engaged in discussions about faculty-specific strategies for tackling lecture capture and improving the flexibility and accessibility of lectures.

Chris, Vice President External

• Joined Alberta Primetime for a major interview to respond to Minister Miller’s announcement on International Student visa and working hours caps.
• Published an open letter uniting Student Associations Across Alberta in a call for extended off-campus work hours for International Students.
• Presented to Edmonton City Council about the need for greater affordable housing.
   

Levi, Vice President Operations & Finance

• UASU Member Mondays now offers 10% savings every Monday on almost everything at UASU businesses when you show the offer via the UASU Perks app.
• We’re exploring the impact of the Informal Leave of Absence Process on the SU Health and Dental Plan. Stay tuned for future updates. Your health matters!
• We're on a mission to help you stretch your dollars. Our team is compiling a student deals and discount page to help get you the most value for your money. Check out the offers, special discounts, and deals we've already rounded up to help make your student experience more rewarding!

Michael, Vice President Student Life

• Secured funding from the President's Office for Indigenous Celebration Week, bringing in captivating speakers!
• We're thrilled to announce the successful finalization of the Student Experience Action Plan launch! This strategic plan is a pivotal step towards addressing student priorities at the UofA, setting a clear pathway for institutional changes that students have been asking for.
• Worked with the Dean of Students to honour the victims of the Quebec mosque attack with a small event.
• Began advocacy to renew the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Coordinator contract.
• Awarded over $20,000 in Green Fund grants to student projects focused on sustainability.
• The Campus Food Bank community pantry is open in Rutherford Library! This accomplishment is the result of years of dedicated advocacy and negotiation by the UASU, securing $200,000 to bring this project to life.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, reach out to your Execs!

Christian - president@su.ualberta.ca
Levi - vp.finance@su.ualberta.ca
Chris - vp.external@su.ualberta.ca
Pedro - vp.academic@su.ualberta.ca
Michael - vp.studentlife@su.ualberta.ca