Notes from Council: Michael Janz presents on student issues

“Notes from Council” is The Gateway’s ongoing series of recaps of noteworthy items from Students’ Council meetings.

At the August 27 meeting of the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) Students’ Council, council ratified Gary Godinho as the chief returning officer (CRO) for the 2024-25 governance year. The CRO oversees UASU elections and referenda. The motion passed unanimously. 

City councillor Michael Janz (Ward Papastew) also presented on key issues for student leaders to be aware of this fall.

“More and more municipal issues are affecting students and campus,” Janz says

Janz’s presentation focused on housing, transit safety, and transportation. Edmonton’s large geographic size and increasing population creates a “massive footprint” that the city services, Janz said.

According to Janz, urban sprawl creates strain on servicing the city. Janz advocates for an “in and up” approach to housing, referring to infill housing and densification. “We need more housing choices, especially in areas around the university,” Janz said. 

When addressing concerns about transit safety, he discussed an “ongoing crisis of poverty in our city” that contributes to crime, according to Janz. “My priority is safe, fast, frequent, reliable transit,” he added.

Janz also discussed a need for more transportation choices, such as active transportation and car-sharing services.

“One of the best things we can do as a city to make your life more affordable is give you choices other than having to buy a car as a student,” he said. “More and more municipal issues are affecting students and campus.”

Engineering councillor Micheal Chang asked what can be done to ensure students’ safety when accessing transit after-hours. Janz said that increasing ridership will provide “safety in numbers” for transit users.

Science councillor Angelina Botros asked what is being done to ensure marginalized groups are not harmed by an increased presence of peace officers on transit. Janz said that the City of Edmonton is “working on social outreach programs” to ensure transit safety.

“The transit safety tension is something the city is constantly working on,” he said.

Janz encouraged students to engage in city affairs and attend city council meetings to voice their concerns.

Shape the Future fundraising campaign to publicly launch in October

Lynn Hruczkowski and Kelly Spencer from Development and Alumni Relations, along with Sarah Wolgemuth, Student Experience Action Plan (SEAP) project director, presented an overview of the upcoming campaign Shape the Future.

The campaign aims to raise over $100 million over three years to support student opportunities, scholarships, and spaces, according to the presentation abstract.

“The purpose of the campaign is to ensure that students have a positive experience and there are supports in place for them,” Hruczkowski said.

Chang asked about scholarship eligibility criteria. Wolgemuth explained that eligibility varies as “scholarships can be needs-based or merit based, or a combination of the two.”

Agricultural, life, and environmental sciences (ALES) councillor Katie Tamsett asked when funding will begin to be distributed. Spencer said that “the funding will come in various timeframes” depending on how donors choose to donate.

Additionally, arts councillor Angelina Raina and Augustana councillor Nate Goetz asked about funding distribution. Spencer explained that there will be broad funding for all students regardless of their program, as well as additional, program-specific funding.