Notes from Council: Planning for future student leadership engagement
During the May 19 and June 9 UASU Students' Council meetings, members discussed the creation of a First-Year Council.
Rosty Soroka“Notes from Council” is The Gateway’s ongoing series of recaps of noteworthy items from Students’ Council meetings.
At the May 19 meeting of the University of Alberta’s Students’ Union (UASU) Students’ Council, Vice-president (operations and finance) Logan West, along with Vice-president (academic) Susan Huseynova, and General Manager of the UASU Marc Dumouchel gave a presentation on improving engagement for student leadership. During the June 9 meeting, the creation of a First-Year Council (FYC) was further discussed.
Additionally, during the May 19 meeting, Vice-president (student life) Paige Wall and West moved that the Students’ Council de-recognize the HUB Community Association (HCA). The motion directed that the Executive Committee develop a strategy to ensure that HUB residents have effective representation by June 30. The motion passed unanimously.
Student leadership engagement presentation
A core tension identified is students’ drive for involvement in meaningful opportunities. At the same time, Students’ Council sees a decline in structural engagement. Dumouchel proposed a new governance cycle that will maximize retention and improve the experience of Students’ Council. Additionally, he proposed FYC as part of the plan to increase engagement.
“They (FYC) would be a body of first years who would apply and then be selected to join this body,” West added. Part of the intention behind FYC is to create a pipeline for future involvement in student governance roles.
Huseynova stated that another purpose of FYC is to “offer really unique perspectives … because (first year students) don’t know what the norm is at the university.” The council would also provide students with meaningful leadership skills and opportunities.
The anticipated rollout for FYC is to begin in September 2026. Huseynova stated that the council will co-create criteria together for FYC, rather than just the Executive Committee. Although ultimately the executives will select members for FYC, the council will still be involved for feedback.
The motion to approve the creation of FYC was passed with 14 votes in favour.
Motion to de-recognize HUB Mall Community Association
Along with the decline in quality of living, there is also a disinterest from students in revitalizing the HCA. “Students are essentially paying for a fee without representation” West added.
Wall stated “We (the UASU) plan to join them with East Campus Students’ Association.” According to Wall, East Campus has already been representing and allocating money towards HUB residences.
The motion to de-recognize the HUB Community Association was passed unanimously.
