What’s your student union up to?

Wilfrid Laurier University Student Union (WLUSU) has been working very hard once again over the summer to get things ready for another year and a new group of first year students.

A flurry of construction has provided students with more study space in both the 24-Hour Lounge and the Concourse, more food options in the Terrace with the addition of Spring Rolls, more products in the Centre Spot which has changed to International News and the creation of the Union Desk. The Union Desk (or UDesk) is a completely new program that WLUSU has developed to provide students with the information they need to be successful.

Whether you need tickets to the next sporting event, need to book a classroom on campus for a club or you just need to opt out of your health and dental plan (the deadline is Sep. 23 by the way), the UDesk is located across from Wilf’s to help you.

The renovations to the 24-Hour Lounge created 90 additional study spaces including eight small group study rooms. The Student Union has also launched its new website with a private social network, exclusively for Laurier students, making it interactive and customizable for each person. Post classifieds, start a discussion topic, check out what your favourite campus groups are up to or just socialize — it’s up to you.

Also new this year, WLUSU has created a Campus Clubs space on the fourth floor of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre (FNCC) to support the expanding clubs department, which is a central part of the Laurier campus community. Many students are understandably apprehensive when they hear that we have entered into agreements regarding the operations of the Terrace Food Court and the Centre Spot, with Aramark and International News respectively.

No one wants student jobs to be taken away or to lose control of viable student-owned businesses. The good news is that this isn’t the case. Both Aramark and International News have made strong commitments to student employment and will continue to provide students with jobs moving into the future.

Additionally, WLUSU will be working very close with these partners to ensure that students are being treated with the highest level of service. These agreements allow the Student Union to focus on what it does best, providing its members with great services, support and representation.

As we look forward to the year ahead, the board of directors will be actively advocating for student needs on campus. As a result of our strategic planning process, which consulted widely with many student groups, we learned that students want to be better represented when it comes to issues such as safety, internet access, study space and so much more.

Representing students is the most important job of the board and we will be making connecting with students a top priority this year.

To keep informed about the WLUSU Board of Directors, check out the representation tab at wlusu.com.

There you can check out director bios and find their contact information, see board meeting agendas and get regular updates on what the board is up to.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please feel free to contact myself or any member of the board and we will be happy to help you.

Editor’s Note: Watch for the “From Your Board” columns which will be appearing in the Opinion section bi-weekly throughout the year. Every two weeks, a different member of the WLUSU Board of Directors will comment on the current issues and debates and keep you informed in the world of student politics.