Maximizing the university experience
The University of Guelph’s Central Student Association (CSA) is best described as student government in overdrive. The group represents the interests of the approximately 20,000 undergraduate students on-campus and advocates for student rights, as well as student desires.
The CSA is often the student representative at the bargaining table with administration, and also has a hand in organizing almost every single large student event on-campus. Their services include the university bus pass, the Bullring, the FoodBank, the Student Help and Advocacy Centre (SHAC), the Meal Exchange, and SafeWalk.
Suffice it to say, if one can think of an aspect of the student experience, it’s safe to assume that the CSA is, in some way, involved.
Much like almost every other aspect of the student experience, the CSA is not some unknown, opaque, monolithic, independent body that functions without oversight and accountability. Instead, the CSA very much markets itself as an organization run for students, by students.
The 2016-2017 CSA executive is comprised of Ryan Shoot (Finance and Operations Commissioner), Meghan Wing (Academic and University Affairs Commissioner), Miriam Kearney (External Affairs Commissioner), and Zoey Ross (Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner). A fifth position—Local Affairs Commissioner—is currently vacant, and students will be able to run to fill the seat in the fall.
The executive commissioners are all current or former students at the University of Guelph. Ask any of the group, and they’ll tell you the same thing: the CSA believes in the students at the university.
“The CSA works for students by listening to what students need and then building our services, activities, and campaigns to fit those needs,” explained Ross. “We represent students individually when needed—on-campus through the CSA and university committees, and externally through the city and government relations.”
The organization functions as a not-for-profit, and boasts a board of directors made up of 36 individuals who represent the interests of the 17 colleges and groups on campus.
The Colleges of Arts, Social and Applied Human Sciences, Physical and Engineering Sciences, Business and Economics, Biological Sciences, the Ontario Veterinary College, and the Ontario Agricultural College, as well as student interest groups like the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED) are all represented by directors on the CSA board.
“We put in the work that students need us to do,” said Ross. “Every year, something arises where a student need isn’t being met. These gaps are identified by a student, director, or team member, and brought to the [board of directors] or service coordinator for consideration.”
For the regular student, it might seem difficult or even impossible to make a meaningful difference through the CSA. Sometimes, it might even seem like the CSA functions independent of student wants or needs. Other times, it might seem like the CSA doesn’t function at all.
However, Ross explained that it’s incredibly easy for students to be a part of their CSA, and to positively affect their school and community.
“Our directors and [executive] commissioners are selected by the student membership, and this shapes the operations and portfolio of the CSA,” said Ross. “Any undergraduate student can run in the [CSA’s elections] to serve in leadership as a CSA director or commissioner.”
For students looking to volunteer, the CSA offers a number of opportunities to serve, while also offering internships and co-op programs.
“We always welcome students ideas and discussions about how we can expand our involvement opportunities and encourage folks to get in touch if they have any questions,” said Ross.
Getting in touch with the CSA is as easy as sending an email or making a phone call. Students can also visit their executive commissioners on the second floor of the University Centre in room 274.
The CSA holds board meetings every other Thursday throughout the fall and winter semesters. Students are more than welcome to attend these meetings, where the board discusses issues related to the CSA, the student body, and the University of Guelph.