Vote and take part in shaping your campus
“In order to understand what the CSA By-elections are, and what is being voted on, one must first understand what the CSA is,” claims Sonia Chwalek, the Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner of the CSA.
The CSA is a student-run organization which aims to ensure that student interests are properly represented across campus. Founded in 1973, the CSA has remained a stable presence on campus for three decades. The CSA serves as a non-profit organization which protects and progresses the rights of students at the University of Guelph.
“The CSA also understands that the barriers for students to access and fully experience university are often a result of systematic problems that take time to change,” said Chwalek. In recognizing the possible inequalities that exist on campus, the CSA demonstrates the importance of providing students with support and cost-efficient services in an informative and accessible way.
As to how these goals are accomplished, the CSA mobilizes “lobbying efforts, campaigns, social initiatives, and events on a local, provincial, and federal level, with the understanding that together we are stronger,” said Chwalek.
While general elections are held in the Winter Semester, By-elections occur in the Fall in order to fill any vacant opportunities which may have been left by the Executive Commissioners or any elected positions on the Board. Elected members of the CSA adhere to fulfilling and identifying the needs to defend student rights. Each member is well-informed and actively dedicated to the issues presented before them.
“These candidates can have a huge influence across campus, and beyond, making decisions that affect the quality and type of campaigns (around tuition fees, anti-oppression, etc.), services, and events offered by the students’ union,” said Chwalek. These elections are crucial in shaping the way students experience campus on a daily basis. Furthermore, the elected members of the CSA are devoted to making these resources available to any and every student on campus.
The CSA By-Elections give students in all years of study the opportunity to mould the way that campus functions. This ability to take part and hold an active voice in the campus community starts with the CSA.
“There are a lot of opportunities to get involved with your students’ union, and not all require the same time commitment, skills/knowledge, or level of dedication,” said Chwalek, encouraging interested students to get involved. “Regardless of your individual circumstance, there is definitely a way in which you can participate. Our campaigns, services, clubs, annual general meetings (AGMs), board of directors meetings, and committees are all open to, and directed by, students. Beyond these avenues, and the elected positions, there are also opportunities to work for the CSA. To get involved […] come chat with the Executives, club coordinators, and volunteers in person to get a sense of where you could see yourself – our offices are on the second floor of the UC.”
Nominations for Board Members for this By-election run from Sept 8 to Sept 19. Campaigns are typically held from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3. For students who are interested in personally meeting candidates and asking questions, the ‘All Candidates Fair’ will be held on Sept. 29 in the UC Courtyard.