Executive Report: June 2024
Find out what your student executives are working on and what their priorities are.
Hi Ridgebacks!
June was another busy month of planning and prepping for the coming year. As we continue to look for more ways to enhance student experiences and representation at Ontario Tech, our leadership team has been diligently working on several pivotal projects. From strengthening our advocacy efforts to optimizing student services, here's a snapshot of what our executives are focusing on to drive our mission forward.
(You’re busy, we get it, that’s why we condensed everything into this short blog. But if you have time, we encourage you to read the full report so you can better understand how your student union is working for you.)
UPDATES
- Joining CASA:
We are looking to affiliate with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA). This move will enable us to engage in federal student advocacy and gain insights through CASA's national conferences. We're currently seeking the Board’s approval to join CASA, which promises to amplify our voice in student issues and foster stronger connections with other student associations. - Securing an Ex-Officio Seat at the Academic Council
We are working towards obtaining an ex-officio seat on Ontario Tech University's Academic Council—a seat that would permanently place student representation on the Council and ensure student representation. This month’s discussions with Ontario Tech President Steven Murphy were promising, and we anticipate feedback in the coming weeks that could pave the way for our seat at the table. - Launching the OTSU Print Shop
We’re excited about the proposal to establish an OTSU print shop this year with the purchase of a Epson SureColor F1070 DTG/DTF Hybrid Printer. This new service would allow the OTSU to provide our clubs and societies the ability to create merchandise in-house, passing on cost savings as well as generating revenue. Approval from the Board will help us move forward with this initiative, which aligns with our goal of supporting student activities and enriching their experience. - Centralized Catering Service
We have heard loud and clear from our clubs and societies that they could benefit from enhancements to the way they access food services for events. That’s why we’re working to implement a centralized catering service. This would form a buying group that could negotiate discounts with vendors, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance the efficiency of event organization. This initiative is a step towards providing better resources and fostering a collaborative campus environment. - Updating Clubs and Societies Policies
Our VP Student Life is revamping policies for clubs and societies to improve organization and support. Changes include capping ratifications, adjusting base funding levels, and potentially introducing grant funding for the winter semester. These updates are geared towards ensuring that our clubs and societies have the resources and structure they need to thrive.
We have a BIG year ahead of us, with some significant upgrades on the horizon, and I for one am so excited to see students benefit from them! Everything we do is to provide opportunities for our student body to learn and grow, and we believe that these initiatives will continue to build upon the great work that previous executives established, while taking the next step forward.
In closing, we’ll leave you with some wise words that embody the spirit of the OTSU this summer:
“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”— Winston Churchill
Sincerely,
Rai and the OTSU executive team
