Getting to know the CSA

Since its beginnings in 1973, the Central Student Association (CSA) has served as one of the most valuable resources for students across the University of Guelph campus.  The vital student union sets to provide students with the opportunity to voice concerns for the collective benefit and well-being of all those who feel passionate about social and political issues. By creating a means to advocate and nurture a unified student voice, the CSA secures a place in the U of G community as a crucial resource for students looking to seek accurate representation.
In an interview with The Ontarion, Asia Barclay, the CSA external affairs commissioner, commented on the importance of learning about the CSA and all it has to offer to students.
“We strive to serve a wide array of student interests in our programming, community initiatives, and day-to-day operations,” said Barclay. “However, we also recognize the need to protect individual student rights through advocacy work. From information on legal matters to academic advice, from student safety to hunger awareness campaigns, the CSA encourages students to be actively involved in advocating for and shaping a vibrant and healthy local community.”
The CSA provides students with a safe space to obtain valuable information on a variety of issues that remain pertinent to facets of everyday life. As a student, you are exposed to a severe amount of new and sometimes overwhelming experiences. Learning more about organizations such as the CSA is crucial and can help you adjust during the transition towards university life in a manageable and productive manner.
“When [students] participate in our communities, we get a more accurate representation of issues, meaning that your needs are reflected in decision-making,” said Barclay. “Getting involved provides you with an opportunity to have your voice heard, while meeting new friends, building upon your skills set, and making a real difference in your community.”
In addition to their involvement in protecting student rights, the CSA runs a series of campaigns that aim to raise awareness and communicate important issues to those on campus.
“The CSA runs campaigns every year that serve a few main purposes. One is to educate folks about ongoing issues on our campus and beyond,” said Barclay. “Another is to take action and address these issues by hosting events, actions, and demonstrations with members of our student union.” With campaigns such as No Means No and Tap-In, the CSA aims to educate students about everything from sexual harassment, to sustainable initiatives that lessen the campus’ environmental impact. The campaigns give students the opportunity to actively partake in demonstrations about issues they are passionate about. In the Pay More Get Less campaign, which is devoted to raising awareness for rising tuition costs, students of all disciplines and levels of study are affected. The campaign’s primary objectives include “focusing on stopping rising tuition fees, advocating against budget cuts, and informing students about issues with the inaccessibility of education,” said Barclay.
While it is apparent that the U of G and its students are actively engaged in making the campus a better place, physically involving yourself and volunteering with organizations like the CSA can be an incredibly humbling and rewarding experience.
“Volunteering with our campaigns is a great way to build your skills, make new friends, be more active on campus, and learn about issues that interest you,” mentioned Barclay, when asked about the importance of being involved with on-campus issues. “Many find that helping out with campaigns complements their studies and helps enhance their experience at university outside the classroom.”