U-Pass
While September is certainly the busiest time for U-Pass delivery, there is always a slight spike following October 1st, as students who may have forgot or avoided picking up their U-Pass realize they need it once NRT drivers begin checking for it. A huge thank you to the front desk staff who helped make this a smooth process.
This year I implemented a semi-automated process for fixing U-Pass issue, as in some cases Brock can mischarge or miss a student who should have been, and previously this was sorted out through individual emails to the VPFA/UA. This process was incredibly helpful, and allowed me to process over 80 manual changes very quickly, and I have identified a few changes that could be made next year to make this even more effective, which will be noted in my transition documents.
With just about 9000 U-Passes handed out thus far, we won’t see this number grow much until January, where we will see a small spike in pick ups again.
U-Pass Contract Negotiations with NRT
Staying in the Transit sphere, another update involves the renegotiation of our contract with the NRT. Both Robert and I, as well as BUSU’s legal council has reviewed, and pending a few more conversations, we should have an updated agreement soon. I am excited to bring further updates in my next report.
Go Transit Discount
We had had many students inquire about possible student discounts through GO Transit. Thank you to the Marketing team who helped me put together a communication plan for students to learn how to access this new 40% discount.
Senate
The student senators have remained engaged leading into Midterm season, which is always a bit of a battle. They have been asking lots of questions and I have heard some good feedback regarding their participation in various committees. Due to some scheduling conflicts that have come up, Kayleigh and I will be working with the student senators and the various Senate committee chairs to possibly rearrange some committee assignments as needed.
The updated Medical Self Declaration Form, that would hopefully allow for students to use the form twice per term, rather than once, continues to make its rounds through the senate committees. I will continue to update on this item as well, and extend my thanks to Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice Provost, Teaching and Learning & Brad Clarke, Associate Vice President, Students, who have both continued to advocate for students in pushing this forward through senate.
Carnival
Huge shout out to the events team for the success of Carnival!! And a big thank you to Anusha for supporting the idea to run prizes arcade style this year. It allowed us to have larger prizes with the sale of additional game tickets helping offset the cost, and I was very excited to hear all the positive feedback from students.
Brock Faculty of Applied Health Science Dean Search
The search for the FAHS Dean is on-going, and I’m very much looking forward to the opportunity to represent both BUSU and Undergraduate students as we move forward in the process.
Brock Vice President, Administration Search
We just had the kick off meeting for the search last week, and with such a wonderful search committee, I am very hopeful we will be able to find someone perfect for the role and perfect for Brock.
While this is a role that may not always overlap with the student union, with the building project underway and things like parking and such becoming more important conversations for students to be apart of, finding a thoughtful and student-centred individual for this role is very important for students now, possibly more than ever.
Brock Strategic Plan
I joined in on the Strategic Planning committee midway through last year, a few months into the process, and it was wonderful to see how the committee really welcomed and prioritized student feedback. I was asked to speak to the final draft of the plan at both the Planning, Priorities, Budgeting Advisory Committee (PPBAC) and to the senate as a whole. The plan was passed by both, followed by receiving its final approval by the Brock Board of Trustees.
The plan’s official launch will be on November 7th, and Anusha and I have both been invited to attend.
VPUA Advisory Committee
Scheduled to have their first meeting October 28, and will meet bi-weekly going forward.
EDI Referendum
Following up on conversations with PACHRED (Brock’s President Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization) last year, we have been meeting with their team to provide feedback and consultation regarding a referendum they would like to bring forward to our Board.
Further updates to come, at this point we are still very much in a providing feedback, information and guidance phase.
Sexual Violence Prevention Committee
The SVPC had their first meeting October 9th. While it was mainly introductory, is was exciting to learn about initiatives planned for this year across campus, and to see where we can support.
New Student Centre
The BUSU team met with the Architect firm again on October 8th to discuss the planning and design of the new student alumni centre.
We are still taking the design and financial plan to the Brock Board of Trustees in December for the Cycle 2 meeting, for a final approval.
Robert and I met with Andrea LePage to offer our, and BUSU’s formal thanks for her contributions to the Project. She has now officially stepped away from the project, but we are incredibly excited for her as she graduates from her master’s at TMU, and continues making strides in her career.
Brock Parking Update
We have heard very positive feedback regarding the free evening parking in Lot 2, and will continue to have discussions with Brock to ensure students are at the forefront of considerations when decisions are made regarding parking. I plan to inquire about the possibility of extending this change permanently (as it was only initially approved for the fall term), and we will continue to have discussions regarding summer parking for next year.
Open Education Resources Award and Conference
I have been invited to accept my OE Award for Excellence and speak at the OE Global Conference, held this year in Brisbane Australia.
I would like to thank Brock and the Provosts office for their offer to help support my attendance, and I look forward to hearing the BUSU Board of Directors decision.
OUSA GA
We are incredibly excited to host the 60th OUSA General Assembly here at Brock this week. Each member of the executive team has worked incredibly hard on our various tasks, and it will be so exciting to see it come to life this week.
I’m so excited that we going to be able to showcase the incredible food at Isaacs, show-off our beautiful campus, and contact with student leaders from across the province. This will be my 7th GA and I’m very excited it gets to me right here at home. Huge thanks to Dave and the whole food and beverage team for all their support, and another big shout out to Celyn, Kayleigh and Jessie and their teams for all of their hard work and help!!
Upcoming:
The team will be meeting with Brock’s new Provost on the 23rd, I have had the pleasure of meeting Arja Vainio-Mattila through the Provost search process, and I’m excited the rest of the team will finally have the chance to meet this incredible addition to Brock!
Two BUSU Executive Alumni will be joining us this OUSA GA, Alyssa Hall, last year’s VPEA and Co-President has been invited by OUSA’s Executive Director to join us for the Formal dinner on Friday, and Chris Yendt, BUSU’s VPFA in 2013/2014 has been invited to be the speaker for plenary on Sunday. We offer them a big BUSU welcome back!