Tuition Advocacy Update

Vice-President Community and Wellness (VPCW) Olivia Shepherd confirmed that a formal letter on behalf of AUSU was sent to both President Dr. Alex Clark and the Chief of Staff Matthew McCreary, addressing concerns over the tuition increase. Vice President Finance and Administration (VPFA) Diana Ramirez also brought it up to AU’s Board of Governors at a recent meeting. Despite these efforts, AU’s Board of Governors has approved that a 2% tuition increase will take effect on September 1, 2025, to align with the Government of Alberta’s 2% limit on domestic tuition. VPCW Shepherd affirmed, “We will continue to advocate for the issues raised in the letter.” She further emphasized that course multimedia, content quality, and overall value should “at least be somewhat on par with the price we pay.”

Advocacy for Course Accessibility and Updates

Councillor Faustina Arsenault raised concerns about the workload in some 200-level courses, which students find overwhelming and incompatible with student aid timelines. She advocated for a review of these courses to better align their content with reasonable expectations. President Lehmann encouraged council members to gather specific examples of overloaded courses, noting that such feedback could be incorporated into ongoing university committees focused on curriculum updates. VPFA Ramirez and VPCW Shepherd both emphasized the importance of addressing accessibility issues, such as outdated materials and broken links, which create negative learning experiences. The council agreed to compile a list of courses requiring attention and to coordinate advocacy efforts through relevant university committees. President Lehmann emphasized the importance of continuing this work in the new year, stating, “There’s a lot for us to do on this front, and it’s something we can actively push for in our roles.”

Key Asks Presented to the Federal Government

President Lehmann and Vice-President External (VPEX) Chimaraoke Akuchie participated in Advocacy Week in Ottawa which is organized by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA). AUSU engaged with federal government officials to present six asks aimed at improving student experiences and opportunities across Canada:

1. Investment in Student-Work Placement Program: Request an annual investment of $250 million for 2027-2028 to improve student-work placements in small and medium enterprises.
2. Increasing Apprenticeship Hours on Federal Projects: Advocate for an above 20% apprenticeship hours requirement for federal infrastructure projects.
3. Graduate Funding Adjustment: Advocate for inflation-adjusted funding for Tri-Council Agency Graduate Student Programs to attract top Canadian talent.
4. Express Entry Immigration Program Improvements: Propose doubling the points allocated in the Express Entry program for Canadian post-secondary credentials, rewarding students with strong economic potential.
5. Renewing and Increasing Student Financial Aid: Request the permanent renewal of the $4,200 annual grant and $300 per week loan, with proportional increases for students with disabilities and dependents to ensure equitable access to education.
6. Support for Indigenous Students: Push for an annual funding increase to $1.14 billion for Indigenous post-secondary support programs to ensure every qualified Métis, Inuit, and First Nations student can access higher education.

Recognition for Outstanding Efforts

President Lehmann commended VPCW Shepherd for her dedication to developing the Wellness Passport, which is set to launch in January. Councillor Faustina Arsenault seconded the recognition, expressing excitement about the upcoming launch. VPCW Shepherd responded emotionally, “I’m very happy that I was able to get all of your contributions and feedback into that as well to make it. I hope it benefits our students.” Councillor Annette Karien praised the collective effort and mutual support within the council. VPEX Akuchie echoed these sentiments, thanking President Lehmann for stepping up as a leader and applauding the team for their contributions.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 PM and the next meeting of AUSU Council will be on January 16, 2024. If you are interested in attending the AUSU Council meeting on Zoom, or if you have any questions about the AUSU Council meeting, contact governance@ausu.org.

2024-2029 AU Strategic Plan Discussion

Athabasca University (AU) ‘s current five-year strategic plan highlights three core values: access, opportunity, and community, with a slogan of “a university like no other”.  However, the student council revealed a wide range of perspectives with mixed feelings on the plan.

Vice-President Community and Wellness (VPCW) Olivia Shepherd questioned the tangible impact of slogans like “access like no other” in light of current challenges, such as high tuition fees and inadequate resources for community-building.  “We’re paying an insane amount of money to teach ourselves through a textbook,” she said, emphasizing the disconnect between the university’s claims of accessibility and students’ lived experiences.

Councillor Faustina Arsenault describes the strategic plan as an “ad” meant to persuade rather than deliver real change, highlighting systemic issues like delays in accommodations and limited institutional support.  She emphasizes “Just because you can do it at 24/7 anytime of the day.  It doesn’t mean you’re accessible.  I’m sorry.”

Vice-President Finance and Administration (VPFA) Diana Ramirez echoed VPCW Olivia Shepherd’s frustration, describing her own struggles navigating AU’s online education.  However, she mentioned she had met the president of AU in person.  “He really cares about students.  His vision really shows in this strategic plan,” Diana said.

Councillor and Indigenous Circle Voice Neenah Brown expressed profound disappointment in the strategic plan.  She questioned its authenticity, describing it as overly “wordy” and she said, “I’ve yet to see any action”, calling for concrete measures to support Indigenous students.  VPCW Olivia Shepherd also pointed out that “the Cree language courses have been closed for four years with no sign of them reopening” and inadequate awareness of existing ethical and cultural space.  These shortcomings, she argued, undermine AU’s commitment to indigenization and inclusivity.

Throughout the discussion, student leaders repeatedly called for greater accountability and transparency from AU’s administration.  Vice-President External (VPEX) Chimaraoke Akuchie stated, “Each year, we get a strategic plan, but there’s no way to track what’s been implemented”.  Both VPCW Olivia Shepherd and VPEX Chimaraoke Akuchie proposed setting up meetings with senior leadership to demand timelines and measurable outcomes for the strategic plan’s initiatives.

Despite the critiques, President Jan Lehmann ended this discussion with a positive acknowledgement.  “The spirit is there!” she said, she endorsed the administration’s efforts to invest in financial aid and technological improvements.  She called on the council to remain optimistic and support the university’s efforts, even as they continue to advocate for meaningful changes.

AUSU Financial Support

President Jan Lehmann highlighted the launch of the President’s Task Force on Financial Support for Students, which aims to improve AU’s accessibility and responsiveness to financial support.

The task force’s objectives include:

• Developing short-, mid-, and long-term recommendations to address financial challenges.
• Prioritizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in financial support processes.
• Producing a concise report within one month, including actionable recommendations for immediate and strategic improvements.

AUSU Tuition Advocacy

VPEX Chimaraoke Akuchie provided a detailed update on ongoing external engagements and advocacy efforts.  His report touched on workshops and preparations for the upcoming Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) Advocacy Week, discussions with educational stakeholders, and consultations with students regarding a proposed tuition increase.  VPEX Chimaraoke Akuchie expressed concerns over the proposed 2% tuition hike, emphasizing the lack of consideration for the student perspective in decision-making.

VPCW Olivia Shepherd clarified that the tuition increase proposal has not yet been formally adopted and still requires approval from the Board of Governors.  She encouraged continued advocacy, noting that the rationale provided for the increase—primarily cost recovery due to declining enrollment—places undue burden on students.  Olivia stressed the importance of pushing AU to find alternative budget solutions instead of relying on tuition hikes.

VPFA Ramirez added that inflation and salary adjustments were cited as justifications for the proposal.  She also voiced concerns about the overworked tutors and the impact this has on student support and academic relationships, and then reaffirmed AUSU’s commitment to attending upcoming meetings to advocate on behalf of students and support overburdened tutors.

VPEX Akuchie reiterated the importance of amplifying student voices, even as the likelihood of immediate change remains uncertain.  “We’ll keep on advocating and see if, one way or another, students can be heard,” VPEX Akuchie concluded.

AUSU Event & Project Highlight

VPCW Olivia Shepherd highlighted the success of a recent AUSU speaker series featuring AU’s English professor Dr. Paul Huebener, who shared insights from his recently published book.  “I don’t think there was a single person who attended who didn’t get involved in the conversation,” she noted.

VPCW Olivia Shepherd also shared progress on the Wellness Passport, a project under the Member Engagement and Communications Committee.  After overcoming design hurdles, she confirmed the initiative is nearing completion and will be ready for discussion in upcoming meetings.

Approval of Committee Appointments

The motions to appoint Annette Karien as a voting member of the awards committee and reinstate Neenah Brown as a voting member of the EDI and Finance Committees were presented and unanimously passed without discussion.

The updated Award, EDI, and Finance committee members are:

Awards Committee

Committee Chair:

• Diana Ramirez (AUSU Vice President of Finance and Administration)

Voting Members:

• Annette Karien (AUSU Councillor)
• Faustina Arsenault (AUSU Councillor)
• Melanie Rousseau (AUSU Councillor)
• Tammy Monro (AUSU Councillor)

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Committee Chair:

• Olivia Shepherd(AUSU Vice President of Community and Wellness)

Voting Members:

• Aiza Nazarmatova (AUSU Councillor)
• Annette Karien (AUSU Councillor)
• Chimaraoke Akuchie (AUSU Councillor)
• Faustina Arsenault (AUSU Councillor)
• Kari Thompson (AUSU Councillor)
• Neenah Brown (AUSU Councillor and Indigenous Circle Voice)
• Amanda Leeman (Member-at-Large)
• Amol Hirole (Member-at-Large)

Finance Committee

Committee Chair:

• Diana Ramirez (AUSU Vice President of Finance and Administration)

Voting Members:

• Annette Karien (AUSU Councillor)
• Kari Thompson (AUSU Councillor)
• Tammy Monro (AUSU Councillor)
• Neenah Brown (AUSU Councillor and Indigenous Circle Voice)
• Halen Deng (Member-at-Large)
• Nimmi Mathew (Member-at-Large)

The meeting was adjourned at 6:53 PM and the next meeting of AUSU Council will be on December 19, 2024.  If you are interested in attending the AUSU Council meeting on Zoom, or if you have any questions about the AUSU Council meeting, contact governance@ausu.org.

2024-2025 AUSU Budget

The 2024-2025 AUSU budget was presented by Vice President Finance and Administration (VPFA) Diana Ramirez and approved following discussions.  The budget balances projected revenue from student fees with expenses, including inflation impacts and increased food bank services, and discontinuation of LinkedIn Learning services.

• Increased Food Bank Gift Cards for Students: Notably, the council decided to increase the number of $100 food bank gift cards from 10 per month to 15 per month, sustained by both the grant and budget allocations of $12,000 Alberta food security grant dedicated to the food bank and Food Assistance Program.
• Discontinuation of LinkedIn Learning services: This decision aligns with the council’s commitment to exploring alternative services that offer more value directly to students which would reduce the cost from $59,500 to $20,000 for the fiscal year.

Scholarships and Bursaries Policy Update: AUSU council approved changes to the policy governing member representatives on AUSU committees, as well as modifications to scholarships, awards, and bursaries programs.  These changes include:

• Increasing available funds for new awards and bursaries, reflecting growing demand for financial aid among AU students
• Emphasizes inclusivity, allowing Indigenous students to provide alternative forms of documentation such as community testimonies.

Health and Dental Plan Cancellation: AUSU discussed the recent discontinuation of the student health and dental plan by the insurer due to low usage.  This raised concerns among council members about the limited benefits currently offered to students, and several councillors, including Councillor Faustina Arsenault, Councillor Kari Thompson, Indigenous Circle Voice Neenah Brown, and President Jan Lehmann all voiced the need for AUSU to explore more affordable insurance options.  It was agreed that finding a new health plan provider would be prioritized.

Appointments and Terminations

Appointment of AUSU Financial Auditor: AUSU Council approved the re-appointment of KRP LLP as the financial auditor for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.  This decision was made upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, and the motion was moved by VPFA Ramirez and seconded by VPCW Shepherd.  VPFA Ramirez indicated that while AUSU has worked with KRP LLP for several years, the council may consider finding a new auditor for the following fiscal year.

Appointment of Amal Hirole to the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee: During the October 2024 meeting, a motion was presented by Vice President of Community and Wellness (VPCW) Olivia Shepherd to appoint Amal Hirole as a voting member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee.  Hirole was selected based on her impressive qualifications and her demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives.  Hirole’s appointment fills a crucial vacancy and is expected to bolster the committee’s efforts to ensure equitable representation and inclusivity for all AU students.  “Amal was one of our top choices to fill the vacancy on the EDI Committee,” said VPCW Shepherd.  “Her experience and perspectives will be a great asset to our ongoing initiatives”​ The motion was seconded by Councillor Faustina Arsenault and passed with unanimous consent.

Ratification of Jan Lehmann as AUSU President: A significant appointment ratified during the meeting was the confirmation of Jan Lehmann as AUSU President for the remainder of the 2024-2025 council term.  Lehmann had been serving as Vice President External (VPE), and this transition followed a period of leadership reorganization and previous president Chantel Groening resigning.  Lehmann’s ratification was supported by the council as she had demonstrated strong leadership during her time as VPE and was well-suited to guide AUSU through the upcoming term.

Termination of Executive Director Jodi Campbell: One of the key motions ratified during the meeting was the termination of Executive Director Jodi Campbell’s employment.  This decision followed an email motion that had been circulated and passed by council members on September 20, 2024.  The council cited a need for new leadership and direction as reasons for the termination.

The updated Executive and EDI committee members are:

Executive Committee

Committee Chair: Jan Lehmann (President)

Voting Members:

• Chimaraoke Akuchie (Vice-President External)
• Diana Ramirez (Vice-President Finance and Administration)
• Olivia Shepherd (Vice-President of Community and Wellness)

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Committee Chair: Olivia Shepherd (AUSU Vice President of Community and Wellness)

Voting Members:

• Aiza Nazarmatova (AUSU Councillor)
• Annette Karien (AUSU Councillor)
• Chimaraoke Akuchie (AUSU Councillor)
• Faustina Arsenault (AUSU Councillor)
• Kari Thompson (AUSU Councillor)
• Amanda Leeman (Member-at-Large)
• Amol Hirole (Member-at-Large)

The meeting was adjourned at 3:52 PM and the next meeting of AUSU Council will be on November 21, 2024.  If you are interested in attending the AUSU Council meeting on Zoom, or if you have any questions about the AUSU Council meeting, contact governance@ausu.org.

Approval of Motions and Regular Monthly Reports

The motions on the June 20, 2024, council agenda and the May 16, 2024, council minutes were presented and unanimously passed without discussion. The report for President, Vice-Presidents and Indigenous Circle were also accepted as presented, with no further discussion or questions during the meeting.

Discussion on Student Bursary Allocations

AUSU proposed allocating $2,500 from the awards reserve for each bursary type: the Emergency Bursary, Travel Bursary, and Computer Bursary. The Executive Director, Jodi Campbell, detailed the bursary allocations:

• Computer Bursary: Currently has $3,200 remaining to be awarded. With the $2,500 top-up, it will have $5,700, covering approximately eight laptops for eight students in the summer months before September.
• Emergency Bursary: Has about $250 remaining. Adding $2,500 will provide nearly $3,000, supporting around seven students over the summer months for course extensions.
• Travel Bursary: Has approximately $450 remaining. The $2,500 top-up will bring the total to $3,000, allowing for three additional travel bursaries for the three months in the summer.

Executive Director Campbell emphasized that the reserve, currently at $61,000, allows the allocation of $7,500 without impacting the overall budget.

Indigenous Circle Voice Neenah Brown raised concerns about the increasing demand for bursaries. President Groening suggested that the Finance Committee could consider increasing the budget during the upcoming budget planning, and that this is the second year requiring such an increase. Executive Director Campbell acknowledged the growing need and the opportunity for budget adjustment.

Councillor Chimaraoke Akuchie inquired about data on student applications. Executive Director Campbell confirmed that the budget typically covers 16 to 18 laptops per year, with an average cost of $700 to $800 each. Increasing the budget to be able to buy six more units would then cover approximately 24 laptops.

Councillor Annette Karien requested data on bursary recipients to avoid repeated assistance to the same students. Executive Director Campbell explained that the policy allows students to receive only one computer bursary and one major award per year. The application system tracks past awards to prevent duplication. President Groening added that the application form specifies previous awards received.

Successful Receipt of Alberta Food Security Grant:

Executive Director Campbell announced the successful application and receipt of a $12,000 Alberta food security grant dedicated to the food bank and Food Assistance Program. This grant will significantly benefit AU students, with funds required to be spent by the end of 2024, aiding both the current and next fiscal year. Campbell emphasizes “Our food bank and the Food Assistance Program has really been such an amazing success story over the last three or four years. The fact that this food grant has been accepted by the Alberta Food Security Grant committee is just a huge success story for that service that we offer. And so I guess I’m just wanting to celebrate it a little bit and promote it, you know, formally in our meeting and for the minutes, the fact that this grant is going to serve so many AU students.”

New Vacancy in AUSU Council and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

With Josh Flis’s resignation, a vacancy arose in the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. No additional councillors expressed interest in joining, so Executive Director Campbell and Governance and Advocacy Coordinator Duncan Wojtaszek will fill the vacancy with member-at-large applicants. The updated EDI committee members are:

• Committee Chair: Olivia Shepherd (AUSU Vice President of Community and Wellness)
• Voting Members: Aiza Nazarmatova (AUSU Councillor), Annette Karien (AUSU Councillor), Chimaraoke Akuchie (AUSU Councillor), Faustina Arsenault (AUSU Councillor), Kari Thompson (AUSU Councillor)
• Vacancy: 1

Councillor Chimaraoke Akuchie asked about the role of the Indigenous Circle within the council. Executive Director Campbell clarified that Neenah’s role as part of the Indigenous Circle is respected and not meant to create separation, but rather to honor her unique voice on behalf of Indigenous students. President Chantel Groening asked for clarification on the process to ensure it respects Indigenous traditions and minimizes colonial influences, aiming to support the Indigenous Circle. Executive Director Campbell clarified Indigenous Circle’s representative was once elected but now is chosen by consensus within the Indigenous Circle, reflecting their preference. Vice President External Jan Lehmann suggested formally adding the title “Councillor” before Neena’s name to avoid confusion about her role. Indigenous Circle Voice Neenah Brown agreed that adding the title “Councillor” would help clarify her role for future representatives. Governance and Advocacy Coordinator Duncan Wojtaszek emphasized the ease of changing titles to better reflect roles and ensure inclusivity. They encouraged Neena to suggest a suitable title.

Councillor Chimaraoke Akuchie raised a second question about the council’s vacancies and re-election process. Governance and Advocacy Coordinator Duncan Wojtaszek explained the rules regarding council vacancies: if there are four or more vacancies, a re-election process starts automatically. With one to three vacancies, a by-election can be held, though it’s more labor-intensive, and not required. He suggested that a by-election would likely occur in January, February, or March 2025 if necessary.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 PM and the next meeting of AUSU Council will be on August 15, 2024.  If you are interested in attending the AUSU Council meeting on Zoom, or if you have any questions about the AUSU Council meeting, contact governance@ausu.org.

Welcome and Land Acknowledgement

President Chantel Groening commenced the meeting from Ottawa at the Canadian Alliance of Students Association’s annual Foundations Conference with a land acknowledgement, recognizing the traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples of Canada, including the Inuit, First Nations, and Métis, emphasizing the importance of building equitable relationships with Indigenous learners and staff within AUSU.

Attendance

All attendees were reminded of the key ethical principles of AUSU: respect for persons, respect for the organization, and respect for the common good.  Attendees were informed that the meeting would be conducted using Robert’s Rules of Order for effectiveness and recorded for accuracy.  The meeting saw full attendance from council members and staff, including:

Council: President Chantel Groening, Vice President External Jan Lehmann, Vice President Finance and Administration Diana Ramirez, Vice President Community and Wellness Olivia Shepherd, Councillors Chimaraoke Akuchie, Faustina Arsenault, Josh Flis, Annette Karien, Tammy Monro, Aiza Nazarmatova, Melanie Rousseau, and Kari Thompson, and the Indigenous Circle voice, Neenah Brown

Staff: Executive Director Jodi Campbell, Governance and Advocacy Coordinator Duncan Wojtaszek, Communications and Member Services Coordinator Ashley Janes, Voice Magazine Managing Editor Karl Low, and Voice Magazine Writer Halen Deng.

Reports

Council executives presented their reports for April 2024:

• President’s Report: President Chantel Groening highlighted her acclimation to the role and the ongoing efforts to address student concerns.
• Vice President External’s (VPEx) Report: VPEx Jan Lehmann focused on preparatory work and upcoming initiatives.
• Vice President Finance and Administration’s (VPFA) Report: VPFA Diana Ramirez detailed orientation activities and financial updates.
• Vice President Community and Wellness’ (VPCW) Report: VPCW Olivia Shepherd shared insights on research and work planning to enhance community and wellness initiatives.
• Indigenous Circle (IC) Report: IC voice Neenah Brown noted an upcoming meeting to discuss various issues and plans for the Indigenous Circle.
• Executive Director’s Report: Executive Director Jodi Campbell emphasized the importance of addressing student concerns and complaints with professionalism and provided updates on administrative activities.

Motions and Approvals

1. Approval of Agenda and Previous Minutes:

The agenda for the May 16, 2024, meeting was approved unanimously, moved by VPCW Shepherd and seconded by Councillor Tammy Monro.

The minutes from the April 18, 2024, meeting were also approved without dissent, moved by Councillor Faustina Arsenault and seconded by Councillor Melanie Rousseau.

2. Policy Updates:

Informal reviews of the following policies were presented by VPFA Ramirez, with no comments:

• Policy 8.01 Finance Committee Terms of Reference
• Policy 8.02 Awards Committee Terms of Reference
• Policy 8.04 Member Engagement and Communications Terms of Reference
• Policy 8.08 Executive Compensation Review Committee Terms of Reference

3. Committee Appointments:

Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee: Amanda Leeman was appointed as a voting member, moved by Councillor Monroe and seconded by Councillor Aiza Nazarmatova.

Finance Committee: Halen Deng and Namrata Mathew were appointed as voting members, moved by Councillor Kari Thompson and seconded by Councillor Chimaraoke Akuchi.

Indigenous Circle Appointments: Neenah Brown, Molly Salter, Ashley Reimer, Amanda Leeman, and Lexis Roy were appointed for 2024-2025, moved by VPCW Shepherd and seconded by Councillor Annette Karien.

Member Engagement and Communications Committee: Desmond Devnich and Deidra Mahabal were appointed as voting members, moved by Councillor Thompson and seconded by VPCW Shepherd.

4. Human Resources Expenditure:

The council approved an unbudgeted expense of up to $6,000 for human resources services from Salopek and Associates.  The discussion highlighted the necessity and implications of the expenditure.  Despite concerns raised by some members about the cost and the need for competitive quotes, the motion carried with a vote of 7-3.  Key points of the discussion included the importance of handling complaints professionally and the long-term value of maintaining a reliable HR partner.

Question and Answer Period

The Q&A session allowed for open dialogue between councillors and staff.  Key issues discussed included:

Academic Consistency: Faustina raised concerns about some tutors not meeting timelines.  Executive Director Campbell acknowledged the issue and mentioned ongoing discussions with AU to address academic consistency and other priorities.

Cree Language Teaching: Neenah questioned the availability of Cree language courses.  Executive Director Campbell noted ongoing discussions with the Indigenous Centre at AU and the potential to address this topic at an upcoming meeting.

Financial Concerns: Councillor Josh Flis expressed concerns about the HR expenditure, questioning if it was an extenuating circumstance or something that could recur.  Executive Director Campbell reassured the council about the necessity and value of the expenditure, emphasizing the importance of resolving complaints professionally to avoid higher costs in the future.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:24 PM and the next meeting of AUSU Council will be on June 20, 2024.  If you are interested in attending the AUSU Council meeting on Zoom, or if you have any questions about the AUSU Council meeting, contact governance@ausu.org.

As the 2024 AUSU Council term came to a close, the atmosphere during the latest council meeting was tinged with both nostalgia and excitement.  The meeting served as a platform for outgoing members to pass the baton to the incoming council, sharing lessons and words of encouragement.

Land Acknowledgement

The outgoing President, Naju Syed read the land acknowledgement: “Athabasca University Students’ Union respectfully acknowledges that we are on and work on the traditional lands of the Indigenous Peoples (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) of Canada.  We also recognize that our student members span across the lands we now know as Canada and abroad, and we acknowledge and celebrate these Indigenous histories, languages, and cultures.  As an organization, AUSU is committed to decolonization, reconciliation, and conciliation efforts, acknowledging that there is much to unlearn.  AUSU will continuously strive to build equitable relationships with Indigenous learners at AU, as well as Indigenous members and staff within AUSU, advocate with and for Indigenous learners through consultation, and create spaces that are inclusive, respectful, and equitable.”

The Outgoing AUSU Council Action Items

In this meeting, all incoming councillors and almost all outgoing councillors are present except the outgoing Indigenous Circle Voice councillor.  The outgoing councillor Karen Fletcher proposed to declare that AUSU council 2022 -2024 term has officially dissolved.  Naju Syed expressed, “This is such a sad motion! But I will allow it.”

The agenda for the April 18, 2024, Council meeting, along with the minutes from the March 21 and March 28, 2024, meetings—including the Executive Election—were unanimously approved without opposition.  President Naju Syed, Vice Presidents Manmeet Kaur, Chantel Groening, and Natalia Iwanek, along with Executive Director Jodi Campbell, presented their reports for March 2024.  President Syed and Vice President of Community and Wellness Natalia Iwanek also highlighted their efforts in spending time with the incoming council to ensure a seamless transition throughout April.  Additionally, Vice President of External Affairs Manmeet Kaur reported attending board meetings and listening to the budget speech in Ottawa earlier in April.

Executive Director Jodi Campbell emphasized, “For AUSU, one of the things that’s absolutely imperative that we do and do well is running airtight elections and running amazing transition.  This is a milestone moment because we’ve got both of those things all happening within a short period of time.  The amount of commitment and dedication that it takes to do what you guys do is high.  When you look at our current councillors, and we’ve also had some that have already graduated.  So congratulations! I mean, graduating from AUSU is a huge accomplishment.  And so we’ve got a lot of people moving on.  Maybe what I might even say is the largest changeover on our Council ever.  So it really is a kind of a a timestamp for AUSU and one I very much look forward to! We’ve got students representing  AUSU and AU students from Newfoundland, Labrador all the way as far west as you can go as well.  And so that’s a true testament of the diversity in this room and the new Council is no different.  You guys are about to embark on on a two year journey with AUSU!”

President Syed, along with Councillors Amber McDuffe, Blake Colett, and Karen Fletcher, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the AUSU Council over the past two years.  President Syed then officially declared the dissolution of the 2022-2024 AUSU Council term and handed over leadership to the new president, Chantel Groening, who previously served as Vice President of Finance and Administration.

The New AUSU Council Action Items

President, Chantel Groening, led the council in reciting the Oath of Office, “I do solemnly swear that I will support, uphold, and defend the mission of the Athabasca University Students’ Union at Athabasca University.  I take this obligation freely and will adhere to and respect the bylaws, policies, and all other facets of the Union while doing the work to decolonize Athabasca University.  I will always strive to enhance the quality of the learning experience of AU students and all distance learners; while advocating for the unique needs of the AUSU membership and fulfilling my council duties with honesty and integrity.”

The first action item for the 2024-2026 AUSU Council term is the appointment of councillors to various AUSU committees.  These include the Awards Committee, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Finance Committee, Member Engagement and Communications Committee, and Policy Committee.  Following a thorough discussion and voting session among all AUSU council members, the appointment results are as follows:

Awards Committee

Committee Chair:

• Diana Ramirez (AUSU Vice President of Finance and Administration)

Voting Members:

• Aiza Nazarmatova (AUSU Councillor)
• Faustina Arsenault (AUSU Councillor)
• Melanie Rousseau (AUSU Councillor)
• Tammy Monro (AUSU Councillor)

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Committee Chair:

• Olivia Shepherd(AUSU Vice President of Community and Wellness)

Voting Members:

• Aiza Nazarmatova (AUSU Councillor)
• Annette Karien (AUSU Councillor)
• Chimaraoke Akuchie (AUSU Councillor)
• Faustina Arsenault (AUSU Councillor)
• Josh Flis (AUSU Councillor)
• Kari Thompson (AUSU Councillor)

Finance Committee

Committee Chair:

• Diana Ramirez (AUSU Vice President of Finance and Administration)

Voting Members:

• Annette Karien (AUSU Councillor)
• Kari Thompson (AUSU Councillor)
• Tammy Monro (AUSU Councillor)

Member Engagement and Communications Committee

Committee Chair:

• Olivia Shepherd(AUSU Vice President of Community and Wellness)

Voting Members:

• Aiza Nazarmatova (AUSU Councillor)
• Annette Karien (AUSU Councillor)
• Faustina Arsenault (AUSU Councillor)

Policy Committee

Committee Chair:

• Diana Ramirez (AUSU Vice President of Finance and Administration)

Voting Members:

• Neenah Brown (Indigenous Circle Voice)
• Chimaraoke Akuchie (AUSU Councillor)
• Melanie Rousseau (AUSU Councillor)
• Kari Thompson (AUSU Councillor)

Advice from the Outgoing Council to the Incoming Council

The outgoing councillor Karen Fletcher highlighted the courage it takes to serve on the council, encouraging the new members never to underestimate their value or expertise simply because they are students.  Her empowering words reminded everyone that their primary qualification — being students — gives them the unique insight needed to advocate effectively for their peers.

Former President Naju brought a lighter tone to the proceedings, focusing on the importance of finding joy in their responsibilities.  “Have fun,” She advised, emphasizing that despite the challenges, the experience should be enjoyable.  Her remarks not only reflected a deep appreciation for the role but also underscored the balance necessary between duty and personal fulfillment.

The meeting concluded at 7:30 PM Mountain Time with the incoming councillors, full of enthusiasm and ready to tackle their new roles, listened intently as their predecessors shared insights and advice.

In Summary

This meeting was not just a routine council turnover but a reminder of the impact and importance of student governance in shaping educational experiences and policies at Athabasca University.  The next meeting of AUSU Council will be on May 16, 2024.  If you are interested to attend the AUSU Council meeting on Zoom or if you have any questions about the AUSU Council meeting, please contact governance@ausu.org