Gabriella MenezesInternational students at the University of Alberta (U of A) currently face waves of rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Not to mention, the university has plans for a 10 per cent increase in their tuition. By far, safety and affordability were the biggest concerns at the International Students Association (ISA) forum. The University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) Vice-president (student life) (VPSL) candidates Ramish Raza and Logan West stood out again with their understanding of these issues.
While off-campus affordability might be outside their control, VPSL does work in collaboration with residence services. Raza, who is the co-president of the ISA, specifically mentioned that he would advocate against rising residence costs alongside the ISA and residence associations. While Katherine Huising, associate vice-president (campus services), questions “[which students] get to be in reduced price housing,” Raza’s advocacy could lead to more support for international students. Both Raza and West also promoted increased funding to the Campus Food Bank (CFB) to meet rising demand.
Pakhomova mentioned setting up grants similar to the Community Life Fund for students struggling with housing prices. However, it seems unlikely that the university will support this initiative in addition to other scholarships. Just because the university pays for karaoke night doesn’t mean that it’ll pay for your housing.
Khokhar also brings up a potential insurance fund for students in on-campus housing. If their dormitories need renovations or have infestations, students would actually get some of their money back. That isn’t a bad goal. But does it help students who cannot afford housing to begin with?
In terms of safety, West might have taken the cake. She advocated for emergency call boxes, and better lighting for pathways. She also pointed out the need for proactive measures against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) on campus. After all, 64 per cent of U of A students surveyed by Leger reported experiences of SGBV. She didn’t talk about how she will accomplish this goal, but she uniquely recognizes this problem.
Pakhomova also mentioned informational workshops on how to stay safe on and off-campus. Her idea could definitely help newly-arrived students. Unfortunately, she’ll need some other really strong ideas if she wants to gather voters.
Luckily, all candidates called for quicker implementation of OneCard readers and increased accessibility during the forum. Following the recent assault in the Indigenous Students’ Union (ISU) lounge, this issue seems covered.
Last but not least, candidates had to contend with the growing mental health concerns for international students. When asked about these issues, most candidates leaned back on the university’s typical mental health supports. However, some students have families suffering from war, natural disasters, and even ethnic cleansing. Will Unitea or the overcrowded counselling and clinical services be enough?
Raza actually brought up the need to inform students about their access to financial aid during these circumstances. He proposed collaborating with the ISA and U of A International to spread awareness about emergency bursaries and loans. While these resources come with conditions, Raza does address the financial sources of the mental health crisis among students.
International students should consider voting in ISA’s current co-president as the next VPSL for SU. After all, he seems the most focused on the affordability concerns of students. I wouldn’t write Logan West off either, especially if you’re a female international student. As for Khokhar and Pakhomova, they’ll have to bring their A-game for the next two forums.
