September 29, 2025

Dear fellow students and peers,

If we haven’t met yet, hi, and if we have, hello again! My name is Logan West (she/they), I am studying Women’s and Gender Studies and Film Studies, and I am your Vice President Student Life this year. Fall on campus has always been my favourite time of year, and as the leaves turn from green to gold and September draws to a close, I am compelled to reflect not only on the last few months of my term, but the entirety of my university journey that has brought me to this point. 

First-year Logie likely would have never imagined the places I would go and the things that I would do in my time here, and so I invite you all, especially those in the early years of your degree, to take advantage of every opportunity that crosses your path and be open to doing things outside of your comfort zone. Whether it was studying abroad, hosting Dewey’s karaoke nights, or getting involved in my Faculty Association, everything I have ever done has felt scary at first, but it has also given me the chance to grow and learn and change in ways that I could never have imagined. You’re probably not here to read unsolicited advice from me though, you’re here because you’re interested in the work I am doing, so let’s get into it!

Over the summer, I was kept busy by priorities both predetermined and new. From helping Greek Life organizations navigate conversations with Residence Services, to being the only undergraduate on the hiring panel for the Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, to working with President Almeida to emphasize our safety and ONECard priorities to administration, my summer saw many late nights in the office preparing for the return of students in the fall. These efforts were not fruitless, and led to substantial wins early on in my term. 

For example, the site for our Health and Dental Plan was previously only available in English, creating barriers for our Francophone students, but we worked with Alumo (formerly known as Studentcare) to establish a French version of the site, and Alumo created promotional materials in French for Campus Saint-Jean. Other rewarding endeavours include the official launch of the Mamava Lactation Pod in SUB, writing a letter of support that resulted in a $70,000 grant for a program to support those in recovery, and some much-needed updates to Parking Services that will benefit students, most notably the extension of the appeals window from 7 days to 14 days!

Health and Dental Site in French!                           Lactation Pod Ribbon Cutting                 

One of the joys of September was the return of students to campus, which truly reinvigorates my spirit as I am reminded every day of who I am working and fighting so hard for. It was such a pleasure to table at Augustana Move-In Day alongside my fellow executives, and meet students who were just starting out on their university journey. We also attended Residence Orientation Kickoff in the Butterdome to bring awareness to the UASU and connect with many first-year students. Between these tabling opportunities, Campus Kickoff, and Week Of Welcome, this was truly the best September I have ever had in my time as an undergrad.

Augustana Move-In!                                             Campus Kickoff         

A major priority of mine during the campaign was addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on our campus. I am pleased to speak to some of the major projects that have been undertaken this month, beginning with the work of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Task Force. The goal of the Task Force is to thoroughly examine the state of supports and resources within our community, as well as identify gaps and barriers, which will lead to formal recommendations to be shared with the University community. If you have any thoughts or concerns related to SGBV on campus and avenues for change or gaps in support, do not hesitate to reach out so I can bring the information straight to the Task Force. 

As well, on September 17th the UASU hosted an info session in SUB called “You Deserve Safe Housing.” This collaboration with the UASAC and City of Edmonton sought to increase awareness around ‘sex for rent' schemes. ‘Sex for rent’ is when someone offers housing or reduced rent in exchange for sexual activity — this is a form of sexual exploitation. At this information session, representatives from ACT Alberta and the City of Edmonton provided information about human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and housing resources available in Edmonton. If anyone is interested in the information shared but was unable to attend, I have extra pamphlets available to be distributed to students.

An area of major focus for me this month has been collaborating with the Indigenous Students’ Union to plan two very important events taking place this week. Residential Schools Memorial on September 29 at 1:00 pm by the Sweetgrass Bear on Main Quad honours Residential School survivors and reaffirms our campus community’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. The program will include Elders, speakers, drummers, music, and dancing. The memorial will provide space for ceremony, learning, and reflection, to help us heal from our past and build our future. 

Next, on October 1st we will be gathering again in the Main Quad for an afternoon of Indigenous celebration at Mâwacihitowin, meaning ‘Gathering Together.’ This event will celebrate and engage with the Indigenous cultures and communities of our campus. The event will feature an Indigenous clubs fair, a land-based teach-in featuring a hide tanning demonstration, and an Indigenous vendors market. These events present the opportunity to reflect on how we show up as we walk the path of reconciliation, and uplift and engage with the Indigenous student groups and cultures that enrich our campus community.

Despite the challenging moments, I find myself filled with gratitude on a daily basis - how many people get to work with their best friends every day? I look forward to the road ahead, the remaining seven months in my term, and all of the work myself and my team will accomplish. 

I continue to be grateful for the students who have put their trust in me and bestowed me with the responsibility to execute my vision of a better student life for all of us. To my peers, friends, UASU staff, and fellow Execs, thank you. And for those of you who have stuck around to read this in its entirety, if you ever need anything at all, you know where I am. Second floor of SUB, 2-900, just ask at the front desk if Logan is available. If I am, I would love to make time for you. Even if it means booking over my scheduled nap time. You can also always email me at vp.studentlife@uasu.ca.

With love and gratitude,

Logan West

Vice President Student Life (2025/26)