Lily PolenchukIn the 2025 University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) elections, students will get the chance to vote on seven referendums:
- Faculty Association for Undergraduate Students in agriculture, life, and environmental sciences (ALES) (FAUnA)
- International House Community Council (IHCC)
- Period Equity Initiative
- UPass agreement
FAUnA
FAUnA is proposing a $2 per semester fee for students in the faculty of ALES. The fee is the same for part-time and full-time students. The funding would go towards initiatives for ALES students, which may include conferences, community events, and supporting student groups. It would support events like the ALES coffee hour and academic mixer. The fee may also be used to wellness supports, like therapy dogs or therapy packages. Only ALES students will vote on the fee.
Will it pass?
I think there’s a good chance it will pass. FAUnA has not done much campaigning outside of the ALES faculty. It has not shown up to any of the forums except the Myer Horowitz forum. But support within the faculty of ALES might be strong enough to pass it.
Should it pass?
Yes, I think this is a good way to ensure ALES students are supported, whether that’s academic or professional opportunities, events, wellness supports, or student group support.
International House Community Council
The International House Community Council (IHCC) is made of International House (I-House) residents who make decisions concerning I-House. The fee is $50-a-year for students moving into I-House in the fall semester and $25 for students moving in during the winter semester. The fee is only to be paid by residents of I-House. The revenue will go towards events at I-House to build a sense of community among residents. Only I-House residents will vote on the fee.
Will it pass?
It’s hard to tell, but I’d guess not. IHCC has done little campaigning outside of I-House itself. As a non-I-House resident, I can’t say how much they’ve done within I-House either. IHCC also doesn’t have an Instagram page for its campaign, so I can imagine it’s hard for students to find much information on it.
Should it pass?
I don’t think it should pass. While it’s a nice idea, there hasn’t been much effort put into its campaign — at least not from what I’ve seen. Additionally, IHCC has struggled with organizational issues in the past couple years. So while those issues are supposedly being resolved, it makes it difficult to trust these funds can be properly managed.
Period Equity Initiative
Club Periodically is proposing a $1 per semester opt-outable fee for its Period Equity Initiative. Currently, Club Periodically provides free menstrual products at five locations on campus. If they are able to receive a $1 fee, it will be able to expand to more locations across all three campuses.
The Period Equity Initiative has been putting a lot of effort into campaigning. They have showed up to every single forum and explained why its project is so important. Students are no strangers to being strapped for cash in the current cost-of-living crisis. And for those who menstruate, they know well that menstrual products aren’t cheap. By providing free products, the Period Equity Initiative is tackling period inequity.
And they don’t only provide pads and tampons. They also give out more sustainable options like menstrual cups or period underwear. Currently, the club is supported by the SU but having their own fee would mean it could do even more of their great work.
Will it pass?
I think the Period Equity Initiative will pass. Their campaign has been visible on campus and it’s a vital service to have. I believe most students will recognize the need for this fee and vote in favour of it.
Should it pass?
Absolutely. Club Periodically is already doing great work — giving them a fee will only help them do more on-campus.
UPass agreement
Over the past several months, the SU has worked with other local student associations to renegotiate the UPass agreement. The UPass is a flat, semesterly fee that allows students to use transit as much as they need to. The current cost of the UPass is $180 per semester. Amazingly, the new agreement would keep it at $180 next year, and then increase it by $2.50 for the following two years.
This saves students a lot of money and also encourages more sustainable modes of transportation. Unfortunately, the UPass campaign has been doing minimal campaigning. They have only showed up to two of the forums and posted occasionally on social media. While it makes sense that they didn’t show up for the Augustana forum, as Augustana is not included in the UPass, missing the Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ) and International Students’ Association (ISA) forum makes little sense to me. For such an important campaign — that’s in association with the SU itself — you’d think they’d have put in more effort.
Will it pass?
Despite the little campaigning done, I think enough students are already familiar with the UPass to recognize it on the ballot and vote yes. I don’t think many students would choose to pay out-of-pocket every day for transit.
Should it pass?
Yes, it will save students money every day and provide those without a vehicle, or those simply choosing more sustainable transportation, an affordable option.
