This spring and summer, your UASU Execs have been busy advocating for changes to improve your campus experience ahead of the 2024-25 school year. From discounted access to Lime scooters and bikes, to enhancing the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program, to securing additional funding for the Campus Food Bank and more, keep reading to learn more about your Execs and some of their summer projects. 

 
Lisa Glock, UASU President

Meet Lisa (she/her), entering her fifth year of a BA in Political Science and Women’s & Gender Studies at U of A. With certificates in Leadership, International Learning, and Sustainability, Lisa is passionate about fostering community, advocating for climate action, and promoting equity on campus. Growing up in small-town Alberta with German roots, her dual citizenship inspired her commitment to sustainability and international learning. Lisa has been active on campus as a TA, U of A Ambassador, and member of the Registrar’s Office Student Advisory Committee, Lisa also enjoys reading, and hiking with her dog.

This summer, Lisa has:

• Set ambitious goals with our executive team to drive meaningful change this year!
• Submitted a key document to the third party review of the encampment response, raising questions about UAlberta's policy compliance and the May 2024 encampment. Your President also urged the reviewer to clearly communicate with students, directly engage affected groups, address outreach concerns, and recommended extending the review period for a more thorough and inclusive process.
• Collaborated with Vice-President External Abdul Abbasi at the Canadian Alliance of Student Association (CASA) Policy & Strategy Conference to set national advocacy priorities. 
  • Your President is also a member of the national Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee within CASA.
• Supported the development of a new microgrant program with the University's VP EDI for more inclusive student support. Advocated for a simple application process and transparency.
• Coordinated the hiring of the new Manager of Reconciliation, Inclusion and Sustainability at the UASU with the Vice-President Student Life Renson Alva.
• Kick-started a sustainability project exploring solutions like Solar Benches and a University pesticide policy. Stay tuned for updates!
• Reviewing our banking practices to ensure they align with our UASU’s Ethical Business policy. More updates to come!
• Attended key events like the province’s Student Leader Orientation, Deputy Ministers’ Breakfast, and Calgary Stampede to build relationships and set the tone for advocacy this year.

 
Levi Flaman,Vice-President Operations and Finance (VPOpsFi)

Meet Levi (he/him), your Vice-President Operations & Finance for 2024-25! An Open Studies student, Levi recently completed his Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on East Asian Business Studies and Business Economics & Law. His campus involvement includes working at InfoLink, volunteering with various programs, and serving on the U of A Board of Governors, General Faculties Council, Senate, and UASU Students’ Council. This year, Levi will continue affordability initiatives, lead negotiations on the U-Pass and Single-Source Cold Beverage Agreement, and work on streamlining UASU operational efficiencies. In his free time, Levi enjoys PC gaming and watching international films.

This summer, Levi:

• Secured a 10% discount on Lime scooters and bikes with your UAlberta, SU, NASA, or AASUA email address. Book your ride, and the discount is automatically applied.
• Led U-Pass negotiations, worth over $25 million annually, between Edmonton-area student associations and Capital Region transit authorities, working towards better deals for students. More updates are coming soon as negotiations continue.
• Rolled out the refreshed uasu.ca website!
• Spearheaded the Fee Governance Review, ensuring fair and transparent student fee management.
• Established the plan to explore collective purchasing opportunities with other student associations to maximize student resources.
• Hosted the first meeting of the Council of Faculty Associations (CoFA) Finance and Administration Board, setting the stage for financial discussions.

Layla Alhussainy, Vice-President Academic (VPA)

Meet Layla (she/her), your VP Academic for 2024-25! A recent BA grad in Sociology and Religious Studies, Layla is now an Open Studies student. She’s passionate about improving accessibility, inclusivity, and academic experiences across all campuses. Her goals include integrating mandatory Indigenous course content, expanding online learning, and refining AI guidelines in education. Layla also aims to enhance the exam deferral process and expand the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative. Outside of governance, she loves reading, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying fried chicken.

This summer, Layla has:

• Introduced the Elections Task Force and co-chaired meetings to make sure future student council and executive elections are accessible, easy to understand, and student-friendly.
• Promoted Member Mondays with your President Lisa Glock! Stay tuned for more updates and tips on how to get the most out of your student experience. 
• Finalized the Affirmed Name Project roll out of the "primary-affirmed" name options on all UAlberta systems. Now, faculty, staff, and students can be recognized by the name that reflects their true identity. You can read more about the Primary-Affirmed Name project on the University’s EDI tab on their website and in the Quad. 
• Encouraged students to apply for Student-at-Large positions, to increase involvement and make sure students are well represented at all levels.
• Launched new communication channels for General Faculties Council (GFC) and both the Senior and Advocacy Boards of the Council of Faculty Associations (CoFA).
• Chaired the first meetings of the CoFA Senior Board and Advocacy Board, advocating for student interests.
• Collaborated with Faculty Associations (FAs) to plan goals and address students' academic concerns.
• Coordinated with the Library and Registrars office to enhance the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program. We’re aiming for a record-breaking year: even more courses with free textbooks and no additional materials costs!
• Ensuring AI guidelines prioritize students’ success is a top priority—your VPA has kicked off discussions to make sure tech benefits you at the UofA!
• Continued advocacy on expanded learning opportunities and presented to vice-provosts on improving accessibility to make sure every student has what they need to thrive.
• Organized the Student Representative Association (SRA) Summit for student leaders in September, exploring diverse advocacy strategies, best practices, and effective approaches —to empower SRAs to achieve their best work on behalf of students. 

 
Abdul Abbasi, Vice-President External (VPX)

Meet Abdul (he/him), your Vice-President External for 2024/2025! Born in Pakistan and entering his fourth year of a BA in Law, Crime, and Justice at Augustana Campus, Abdul has been active in student governance since his first year, representing Augustana at UASU and GFC. This year, Abdul will advocate for students at all government levels, pushing for affordable degrees, better job opportunities, and increased support for students. Outside of governance, Abdul enjoys watching sports and spending time with friends.

This summer, Abdul:

• Participated in the CASA Policy & Strategy Conference to set federal advocacy priorities, including maintaining Canada Student Grant maximums at $4,200 per year. 
  • Your VPX is also the Vice-Chair of the National Advocacy Committee and a member of the 45th General Elections Committee within CASA.
• Elected Chair of the Edmonton Student Alliance (ESA)! As the primary spokesperson and representative to external partners, your VPX will be leading ESA’s meetings, representing the UASU and member schools at City Council, and guiding key governance processes among many other things.
• Supported partner relations in U-Pass negotiations, worth over $25 million annually, with the City of Edmonton through the ESA and other transit authorities for improved student transit options.
• Advocated for affordable housing in the media and to City Council, pushing for better access to student-friendly housing in Edmonton.
• Connected with student associations across the province to strengthen collaboration and make our voices louder together.
• Improving bus services for Camrose students is in the works — your VPX teamed up with VPSL Renson Alva to make it happen!
• Taking your concerns to the highest levels — your VPX attended the Calgary Stampede and met with over 50 elected officials from federal and provincial government to discuss affordability, food security, mental health, tuition and financial aid.
• Pushed for continued funding for Campus Saint-Jean, ensuring this vital part of our community stays strong and supported.

Renson Alva, Vice-President Student Life (VPSL)

Meet Renson (he/they), your UASU Vice-President Student Life for 2024/25! Entering his fifth year in Biological Sciences with a Sociology minor, Renson hails from Bahrain and moved to Edmonton in 2020. He's been actively involved on campus through various volunteer roles and as a student-staff in residence.This year, Renson aims to continue enhancing student life by focusing on wellness, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. He’ll work on improvements in residences and engage with the Augustana and Campus Saint Jean communities. Fun Fact: Renson’s name is a blend of their parents’ names, Nelson and Renita.

This summer, Renson has:

• Supported U-Pass negotiations worth over $25 million annually with the City of Edmonton for improved student transit safety, accessibility and affordability along with VP OpsFi Levi Flaman, VPX Abdul Abbasi, and student associations from across Edmonton.
• Planned World Mental Health Day activities with campus partners to promote mental health awareness and provide a platform for students to share and reflect on our wellbeing.
• Secured $10,000 to support the Campus Food Bank (CFB) amid rising demand, working with your VPOpsFi and the CFB’s Executive Director. Your UASU adopted the CFB food pantry in August to enhance support.
• Coordinated the “Campus Clash” event in partnership with the Edmonton Elks for September 2024. An affordable way for students to connect, win prizes, and support the Campus Food Bank, which will receive a portion of ticket sales.
• Teamed up with VPX Abdul Abbasi to make transit to and from Augustana more accessible and affordable. More details on future discounts coming soon!
• Refined the Period Equity Initiative, setting up a sustainable framework to offer free menstrual products to students. We also provided free storage in SUB for Club Periodically, allowing them to save funds and keep dispensers stocked.
• Kicked off a new initiative with the Indigenous Students Union to raise Treaty 6 and Métis flags at Campus Kickoff, and feature Indigenous performers.
• Supported the hiring of the Assistant Dean of Community Wellness and Sexual Violence Supports. We’re now working closely with them to ensure the Sexual Assault Centre’s (SAC) operations are enhanced this Fall.
• Organized Joint Executive Training (JET) to enhance leadership skills for student leaders in residence with UAlberta Residence Life. Topics covered include Sexual Violence Disclosure Response, Event Planning, Expectations for Student Reps, and managing the Residence Improvement Fund.
• Represented students as a panelist of Family Orientation to showcase the UASU’s role on campus and opportunities for new students to get involved in student governance and other roles within the UASU.

*The Exec group photo was taken at the sculpture of the Sweetgrass Bear by Stewart Steinhauer. The Sweetgrass Bear teaches us to embody the values of humble kindness, sharing, honesty, and determination, and reminds us that we are all treaty people.