Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association
Script error: No such module "Draft topics".
Script error: No such module "AfC topic".
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA), formally incorporated as the Federation of Students, University of Waterloo, is a students' union associated with the University of Waterloo in Canada. It was established informally by 1959 as a Students' Council.[1] and incorporated in 1967[2] and rebranded in 2019 as the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association.[3] Like many Canadian student associations, WUSA functions on a democratic basis, with elected student leadership leading a permanent staff, and provides social, advocacy, infrastructure, insurance and commercial services to its members.
History[edit]
Even prior to its formal incorporation, WUSA's activities were varied, with membership in the now defunct Canadian Union of Students, at some time prior to 1964 terminating its membership, where it then rejoined.[4] The association had early advocacy efforts including sit-ins regarding cost of educational materials. [5]
After incorporation, the federation was then responsible for student publications, publishing the university's then newspaper, the Chevron, until its controversial suspension and replacement with the current newspaper, the Imprint.[6] This period saw negotiations about formal integration of the council in the university's governance structure[7] The federation also co-operated with the university on construction of a student building.[8]
In 1968 the association funded a student radio club which later became a radio station in Waterloo, CKWR, which continued until 1973 and then resumed to the successor to CKWR, CKMS. This continued until a 2008 referendum that revoked funding provided by the association.[9][10]
In the early 1970s, the student association at Waterloo was generally leftward leaning, with a then-president of the association being later confirmed to be on an RCMP anti-radical watchlist for his actions and beliefs.[11]
In 1973, future Member of Parliament and Privy Councillor Andrew Telegdi served as president of the federation, taking stances on international human rights and staging the creation of a tent city to protest housing conditions.[12]
In 1985, WUSA unsuccessfully pushed for a merger between the Ontario Federation of Students and the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS).[13] This merger did eventually occur in the next decade.[14]
In the early 1990s, WUSA saw a reorientation of its approach to political advocacy, leaving the Canadian Federation of Students and their Ontario provincial chapter to join alternative organizations CASA and OUSA, citing desire for more centrist, pragmatic approaches to student representation.[15][16] Since 2000, Waterloo also exited CASA, and joined the Undergraduates of Canadian Research-Intensive Universities as a founding member.[17][18] The exit from the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) was preceded by a number of failed reform motions sponsored or cosponsored by WUSA at the Federation's annual meetings in 1992 and 1993, including proposing semi-proportional voting power within CFS, decreasing the focus of the CFS on foreign policy issues and moving away from the free tuition stance of the CFS.[19][20][21]
In 2002, the association came out in support of open-source software, publicly decrying the university's decision to make a mandatory course in the computer science program that was taught in C#, something that followed investment by program language owner Microsoft and was at the time subject to licensing restrictions, unlike other languages serving the same function.[22]
In 2003, the association was responsible for the negotiation of a new building, the Tatham Centre, and running of a referendum that helped vastly expand the university's co-op education program. In 2009, the association failed to pass a referendum to build new student space, but did negotiate the expansion of and payment for a campus health building.[23]
In 2015, the association was criticized for not renewing the long-running lease of the student newspaper, relegating them to a smaller space within the student building.[24]
In 2016, the student body approved an expansion to be added to the Student Life Centre to be operated by WUSA, which opened in late 2021 after significant delays.[25][26][27]
In early 2016, controversy arose around a referendum question that would establish the association's stance as being in favour of the boycott, divest and sanction movement, which after a controversial election was rejected by the student body.[28] This led to a political backlash resulting in a second referendum run by the association on the removal of a student fee that supported a campus group associated with the first referendum. This second referendum passed and the fee was removed in late 2016.[29]
In 2017, the association's stance on teaching assessment received focus for being in favour of a standardized approach across the university. The University of Waterloo uses merit pay for instructors, and uses student course evaluations as a determinant of merit pay. The association also called for continuing this merit pay, despite concerns expressed by faculty association concerns around both racial bias and gender bias in student teaching scores, something the association and university attempted to address in subsequent work.[30][31]
In 2017, Vice President, Education, of the association, who was serving as President of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, received national coverage speaking to the mental health crisis in Canadian schools.[32] After major focus on mental health in the 2018 Ontario general election, Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano, later participated in a panel with later Ontario Undergraduate Student Association president Catherine Dunne on mental health, with an eventual major funding announcement in 2020.[33][34]
In 2018, the association faced scrutiny for closing their campus bar, citing financial unsustainability.[35] After losing ability to run a nightclub on campus after a contract dispute in 2011,[36] this left the only student-owned drinking establishment on campus as the graduate student oriented Grad House.
Notable recent advocacy achievements have largely been achieved in partnership with WUSA's provincial and federal advocacy alliances, including attribution by a cabinet minister for major changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program and for successful advocacy for open educational resources.[37][38] The association frequently gains press attention on a local level regarding their actions, research or communications on current issues affecting students.[39][40] The association is also called occasionally as witnesses to government committees, such as before pre-budget consultations.[41]
In 2020, the University of Waterloo's orientation week, which is organized in association with the association, was forced online via COVID-19, and the association received national news coverage for its collaboration with the university to deliver programming fully online.[42]
In 2021, WUSA's survey into student homelessness highlighted the growing propensity of students in Canada to take on illegal leases to secure housing.[43]
In 2022, WUSA's food bank usage was alleged to have increased from 5,000 pounds of food in 2021 to 11,000 pounds in 2022, due to increased living costs in the region.[44]
Student Advocacy[edit]
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association's involvement in public policy has extended to housing, with the organization conducting a survey of students detailing the level of incidence of students accepting leases with illegal clauses.[45]
Legal Disputes[edit]
In 2003, the University of Waterloo revoked the liquor license from the association due to a dispute over university oversight, with the university wanting active control over management to satisfy legislative and regulatory requirements, and the union alleging such actions were not necessary, culminating in an $11 million civil lawsuit by the association against the university later that year.[46][47]
Services[edit]
WUSA fills or claims to fill many of the typical functions of student associations,[48][49][50][51][52] including providing
- Governmental advocacy
- Education advocacy
- Commercial services (Convenience Store, Bookstore, Weekend Bus Line)
- Administration of a clubs system
- Funding of equity-oriented student groups
- Operation of student centre
- Health insurance plans
- Universal Bus Pass negotiation
Leadership[edit]
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association is governed by a Board of Directors and Students' Council, sharing distinct roles. Day-to-day operations are carried out by full time staff, and led by the student executive. The President is broadly responsible for governance and staffing of the organization and representation of students to the university. The Vice President, Operations and Finance is broadly responsible for budgeting, finance, and overseeing commercial operations. The Vice President, Student Life is broadly responsible for administration of the clubs system, the equity-oriented student groups, and promotion of wellness. The Vice President, Education, is broadly responsible for representing students to the university on academic and co-operative education matters, and representing students to government. In 2016, Waterloo was notable for having the highest known student executive salary in Canada, though not the most expensive on a per student basis.[53]
| Year | President | Vice President, Operations and Finance | Vice President, Student Life | Vice President, Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | Benjamin Easton | Matthew Schwarze | Catherine Dong | Stephanie Ye-Mowe |
| 2020-21 | Abbie Simpson | Alana Guevara | Nada Abouelnaga | Megan Town |
| 2019-20 | Michael Beauchemin | Seneca Velling | - | - |
| 2018-19 | Richard Wu | Kurt MacMillan | Savannah Richardson | - |
| 2017-18 | Antonio Brieva | Brian Schwan | Jill Knight | Andrew Clubine |
| 2016-17 | Chris Lolas | Brian Schwan | Deanna Priori | Sarah Wiley |
| 2015-16 | Chris Lolas | Carly McCready | Maaz Yasin | Stéphane Hamade |
| 2014-15 | Danielle Burt | Ben Balfour | Maaz Yasin | Stéphane Hamade |
| 2013-14 | David Collins | Natasha Pozega | - | - |
References[edit]
- ↑ The Cord (1959), UWSC President Speaks. The Cord, 2(1). https://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1135&context=thecord
- ↑ Robert Welch (1967), Charter of the Federation of Students, University of Waterloo https://wusa.ca/sites/ca.waterloo-undergraduate-student-association/files/uploads/files/charter-of-the-federation-of-students.pdf
- ↑ Harleen Dhillon (2019), Feds plan to change name and logo. http://uwimprint.ca/article/feds-plan-to-change-name-and-logo/
- ↑ The Ubyssey (1964), CUS Now Winner at Waterloo. The Ubyssey 46(6). https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/ubysseynews/1.0127046#p1z-1r0f:council%20AND%20Waterloo
- ↑ Chris Redmond, (1997), Water Under the Bridge: Times a-Changin'. University of Waterloo. https://uwaterloo.ca/water-under-the-bridge/about-authors
- ↑ The Ubyssey, (1976), Chevron Publishes Despite Suspension. 59(12) https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/ubysseynews/1.0126790#p0z-6r0f:chevron%20AND%20Waterloo
- ↑ The Ubyssey (1969), Waterloo Students get veto over CPUO recommendations. 51(7). https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/ubysseynews/1.0126071#p0z-4r0f:council%20AND%20Waterloo
- ↑ Chris Redmond, (1997), Water Under the Bridge: Times a-Changin'. University of Waterloo. https://uwaterloo.ca/water-under-the-bridge/about-authors
- ↑ Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (2008), Referendum Results. https://web.archive.org/web/20101015225815/http://pulse.feds.ca/node/2111
- ↑ CKMS (n.d.), Station History. https://radiowaterloo.ca/history/
- ↑ Terry Prender (2001), Cold War on Campus; RCMP kept close eye on student radicals in late '60s and early '70s. Kitchener-Waterloo Record.
- ↑ UWaterloo Daily Bulletin, (2017), Friday, January 27, 2017: Remembering Andrew Telegdi. https://uwaterloo.ca/daily-bulletin/2017-01-27#remembering-andrew-telegdi
- ↑ Todd Schneider (1985), OFS to Watch Liberal gov't. The Imprint. https://issuu.com/imprintuw/docs/1985-86_v08-n07_imprint
- ↑ Ontario Court General Division (1995), CFS Factum No. 2. https://www.scribd.com/document/105709496/Canadian-Federation-of-Students-Canadian-Federation-of-Students-Ontario-and-The-Student-Federation-of-the-University-of-Ottawa-CFS-Factum-No-2-Ma
- ↑ Matt Ward (1992), Feds Continue with OUFSA funding plans. Imprint, 15(17). https://issuu.com/imprintuw/docs/1992-93_v15-n17_imprint1
- ↑ Liam McHugh-Russell (2003), OUSA/CASA Review Committee Final Report. Federation of Students. http://studentunion.ca/casa/Federation%20of%20Students%20-%20OUSA-CASA%20Review%20Committee%20Report%20-%20January%205,%202003.pdf
- ↑ Monica Marczuk, (2014). Feds Leaves CASA. Imprint. http://uwimprint.ca/article/feds-leaves-casa/
- ↑ Undergraduates of Canadian Research Intensive Universities (2021), About Us. https://www.ucru.info/members
- ↑ Canadian Federation of Students (1993), May Minutes. Courtesy studentunion.ca. http://studentunion.ca/cfs/1993/1993-05-minutes.pdf
- ↑ Canadian Federation of Students (1993), November Minutes. Courtesy studentunion.ca. http://studentunion.ca/cfs/1992/1992-11-minutes-opening.pdf
- ↑ Canadian Federation of Students (1992), November Minutes. Courtesy studentunion.ca. http://studentunion.ca/cfs/1992/1992-11-minutes-closing.pdf
- ↑ Jack Kapica (2003). Tough lessons. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/tough-lessons/article1175400/
- ↑ Matt McLean (2015), A Brief History of Student-Funded Buildings. The Iron Warrior. https://iwarrior.uwaterloo.ca/2015/01/28/30337/a-brief-history-of-student-funded-buildings/
- ↑ Andrew Richmond (2015), Waterloo student newspaper Imprint to be evicted. The Varsity. https://thevarsity.ca/2015/07/13/waterloo-student-newspaper-imprint-to-be-evicted/
- ↑ Riamarie Panachikal (2016), New student building going to referendum. Imprint. http://uwimprint.ca/article/new-student-building-going-to-referendum/
- ↑ Waterloo Athletics (2021). SLC/PAC Expansion opens to students https://athletics.uwaterloo.ca/news/2021/9/7/general-slc-pac-expansion-opens-to-students.aspx#:~:text=Warriors%2C%20we%20are%20incredibly%20excited,been%20waiting%20for%20is%20ready.
- ↑ Vidyut Ghuwalewala (2019), SLC delays continue. UW Imprint. http://uwimprint.ca/article/slc-delays-continue/
- ↑ Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (2016), University of Waterloo undergraduate students reject Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions referendum question. https://www.cija.ca/uw-rejects-bds/
- ↑ Greg Mercer (2016). UW advocacy group loses funding https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2016/10/07/uw-advocacy-group-loses-funding.html
- ↑ Simona Choise (2017), University of Waterloo mulls standardized course-evaluation system. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/university-of-waterloo-mulls-standardized-course-evaluation-system/article35627099/
- ↑ University of Waterloo (n.d.), Pilot Test Section 1 - Introduction and Background. https://uwaterloo.ca/student-course-perceptions/pilot-test-section-1-introduction-and-background
- ↑ The Canadian Press. "Post-secondary groups call for beefed-up mental health services for students". CBC News.
- ↑ Hansen, Tom (2020-03-11). "Partnering to Promote Mental Wellness on Campus Communities". Ontario's Universities. Retrieved 2022-07-15.
- ↑ "Ontario Newsroom". news.ontario.ca. Retrieved 2022-07-15.
- ↑ Kate Bueckert (2018), University of Waterloo's on campus pub The Bombshelter Pub slated to close. CBC News Kitchener. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/university-of-waterloo-s-on-campus-pub-the-bombshelter-pub-slated-to-close-1.4953760
- ↑ Waterloo Region Record (2011). University taking control of student-run hall. https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2011/06/15/university-taking-control-of-student-run-hall.html
- ↑ Ryerson Leadership Lab (2020), Dive: Student Aid: Episode 4. https://divestudentaid.com/episode/juy3f8hz77rn3acoxlw
- ↑ Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Hansard: November 29th, 2017. https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/house-documents/parliament-41/session-2/2017-11-29/hansard
- ↑ Fitsum Areguy (2020), UW student coalition says equity unit leadership stands in the way of change. Waterloo Region Record. https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2020/07/10/uw-student-coalition-says-equity-unit-leadership-stands-in-the-way-of-change.html
- ↑ Paula Duhatschek (2021), Undergrad students in Waterloo face housing cost, quality issues — some living in cars or parks: survey. CBC News Kitchener. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/waterloo-undergraduate-students-association-housing-quality-affordability-1.6046731
- ↑ Legislative Assembly of Ontario (2018), Hansard: Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs. https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/committees/finance-economic-affairs/parliament-41/transcripts/committee-transcript-2018-jan-18
- ↑ CTV News (2021). Coronavirus: This is what frosh week may look like for students this year. https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/coronavirus-this-is-what-frosh-week-may-look-like-for-students-this-year-1.5079779?cache=%3Ca+href%3D%3FautoPlay%3Dtrue%3FclipId%3D89563
- ↑ "'Students will live anywhere': Ontario schools, governments asked to push for safe, affordable off-campus housing". thestar.com. 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2022-12-24.
- ↑ CBC News Interview with WUSA Food Support Services Coordinator, retrieved 2022-12-24
- ↑ https://www.pressreader.com/canada/toronto-star/20210604/281633898166175. Retrieved 2023-07-02 – via PressReader. Missing or empty
|title=(help) - ↑ Caroline Alphonso (2003), Students frothing over university call. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/students-frothing-over-university-call/article25277726/
- ↑ Allison Dunfield (2003), Students suing University of Waterloo. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/students-suing-university-of-waterloo/article20448092/
- ↑ University of Waterloo. The Missing Manual: How WUSA enhances the student experience. https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/missing-manual/student-life/how-wusa-enhances-student-experience
- ↑ Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association. Student Advocacy. https://wusa.ca/advocacy
- ↑ Studentcare (2020), Your Health and Dental Plan. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ_wqA4lPCU
- ↑ University of Waterloo. About the Student Life Centre. https://uwaterloo.ca/student-life-centre/about-student-life-centre
- ↑ Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association. Commercial Services. https://wusa.ca/services/commercial-services
- ↑ Jack Hauen, Hamza Tariq, Alex McKeen and Peter Siemens (2016).The Ubyssey. https://www.ubyssey.ca/features/student-union-executive-salaries-canada/ Student union salaries across Canada.
External links[edit]
| Undergraduate |
|  |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate | ||
| Provincial |
| |
| National | ||
This article "Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
