Charting the Course: Why the OTSU AGM Is Key to Your Student Experience

We are your student union. Hi! We’re the collective voice of over 12,000 full- and part-time students at Ontario Tech, and it’s our mission is to provide you with the best student experience during your time at Ontario Tech.

To do that, we meet with administration and student groups, represent our student body in spaces they cannot, deliver valuable services, lobby the Provincial Government and advocate for improvement, and so much more. But have you ever wondered what goes on day-to-day at your union?

Well, our Annual General Meeting is where all that good work comes to light. And it’s where you get to take part and have your say in which direction we should head by voting on proposals that were submitted by students.

KEY THINGS TO KNOW:

• Time: Oct. 28, 5:30pm, UA 1220 and virtually (link at otsu.ca/agm)
• Students can attend virtually through the link at the top of the AGM page (available on Oct. 28)
• Attendance and voting will be tracked online. Please ensure to bring a device to the meeting
• Quorum (the minimum attendance number) is 100 students

WHAT IS AN AGM?

An AGM is the formal—and legally required—meeting between the union’s leadership and its members (that’s you and your fellow Ridgebacks). It’s so that we can show you what we’ve been working on, our priorities, and what our plans for the future are.

Our student executives, management team, and financial auditor present budget and audit statements, address any student motions that have been presented, and where students get to vote on agenda items.

WHAT’S THE PROCESS?

An AGM follows Robert’s Rules of Order. Robert's Rules of Order is a widely used procedure that provides guidelines for conducting meetings and making decisions in an organized, fair, and efficient manner. Here’s one of those animated explainer videos we all love.

For time management and to ensure all agenda topics are addressed, the meeting will follow the agenda that can be found at otsu.ca/agm.

HOW CAN I PREPARE?

Start by reviewing the agenda and background materials in advance and familiarize yourself with the AGM documents at the AGM page, including:

• 2024 AGM Agenda
• 2023 AGM Meeting Minutes
• 2023-2024 Financial Statements
• Roberts Rule of Order

By doing this you will be prepared to engage with topics actively and meaningfully.

Lastly, it is important that we all adhere to respectful communication and follow established order—e.g. using the ‘raise hand’ protocol—and being concise and respectful when voicing concerns and voicing opinions.

WHAT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE 2024 AGM?

• Becoming an observer of Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA)
• Executive reports and priorities for the year
• Student proposals and Bylaw amendments

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out: otsu@ontariotechu.ca.

We look forward to seeing you there!

💙The OTSU