Bridging the Gap: Enhancing OTSU for a Better Student Experience

Dear fellow Ontario Tech students,

As many of you know, my name is Areej Fatima, and I currently serve as your Vice President Student Life at the Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU). Today, I want to share with you an important initiative I'm undertaking to strengthen our student union and enhance your university experience.

I want to make students aware of a petition to hold a special meeting where students can vote on a proposed motion to update the OTSU’s VP titles and job descriptions. The proposed change aims to more accurately reflect the work that OTSU executives do, and future-proof our organization so that it can better respond to the evolving needs of students over time.

With enough votes we can hold the meeting. And at the meeting students can vote on whether or not they would like to see these changes reflected.

If you agree with the proposed amendments below, please sign the following proposal:

Why I'm Proposing a Special Meeting

I am making fellow members aware of a requisition for a special meeting under Section 167(1) of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. This meeting aims to address critical governance matters that I believe will significantly benefit all students. My primary goal is to realign the OTSU's operations with our strategic objectives, ensuring that we serve you—the students—more effectively.

Clearing Up Misconceptions

First and foremost, I want to address a misconception circulating among some students. There is a concern that this proposal seeks to eliminate the Vice President of Downtown position. I assure you that this is not the case. Instead, I'm advocating for a revamp of all VP positions to better reflect our evolving needs and to serve you more efficiently.

The Proposed Changes: What's in It for You

1. Clearer Role Definitions

• Efficiency and Accountability: By redefining the VP roles, we eliminate overlap and confusion. Each VP will have a specialized focus, allowing them to dedicate their efforts to specific areas that directly impact your student experience.
• Specialized Focus: The new roles—VP of Student Services, VP of University Affairs, and VP of External Affairs—enable us to address your needs more effectively.

2. Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity

• Open Elections: All eligible students can run for any executive position, promoting fairness and inclusivity. This ensures that the most passionate and capable individuals represent you, regardless of faculty or campus location.
• Unified Representation: Removing restrictions based on location fosters a more cohesive student union that represents everyone's interests.

3. Enhanced Support for Downtown Students

• Dedicated Advocacy: The responsibilities concerning downtown campus issues are integrated into the VP of University Affairs role. This ensures downtown students continue to receive focused attention while benefiting from university-wide initiatives.
• Downtown Advisory Committee: The VP of University Affairs will chair this committee, providing a direct platform for downtown students to voice their concerns.

4. Strengthened External Advocacy

• Focused Government Relations: The VP of External Affairs will handle relationships with government representatives and external organizations. This dedicated focus enhances our ability to advocate for student interests on larger platforms.
• Relieving Presidential Workload: Delegating external affairs allows the President to concentrate more on internal governance, improving overall effectiveness.

5. Improved Collaboration and Service Delivery

• Interdepartmental Cooperation: The new structure encourages collaboration among VPs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of student needs.
• Holistic Approach to Student Life: With clearly defined roles, we can address all aspects of your university experience more effectively.

6. Adaptability to Changing Student Needs

• Flexible Role Definitions: The new VP roles are designed to be adaptable, allowing us to respond more effectively to your evolving needs.
• Future-Proofing: By focusing on functions rather than locations, we ensure our structure remains relevant over time.

Addressing Your Concerns

I understand that change can bring uncertainty. However, effective representation of specific campus issues does not depend solely on campus affiliation. It relies on dedication and active engagement.

The VP of University Affairs will maintain regular communication with downtown students, ensuring your voices are heard and your needs are met.

Join Me in Shaping a Better OTSU

Your support and participation are vital. By adopting these changes, we position the OTSU to better fulfill its mission of supporting and advocating for all students at Ontario Tech.

If you agree with holding a special general meeting on the proposed amendments and wish to see a more efficient, inclusive, and effective student union, please sign the following proposal:

Together, we can make a difference and enhance the university experience for all students. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,

Areej Fatima,

Vice President Student Life