A message from your President, Tejas Patel
Winter Clothing Drive 2023
Hey there! URSU is on a mission, and we need your awesome help! We’re spreading the warmth this holiday season by collecting gently used winter gear – you know, jackets, snow pants, boots, gloves, cozy socks, and toques. We’re creating a toasty holiday vibe for those who can’t make it home. Your support means someone gets to enjoy the holidays with a warm hug from all of us. Let’s make it a season of giving and coziness! 🌟❄️#WarmWishes #URSUCares
December 5 to December 8, 2023, 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
Drop-OffLocation: University of Regina – Riddell Centre
Questions? Email marketing@ursu.ca
URSU Cares Pantry
We’re thrilled to share the incredible success of the URSU Cares Pantry, a service that not only received recognition from the Lieutenant Governor but has also become a shining example of sustainable initiatives within the United Nations program. This fall semester, we have served an average of 220 unique individual students every month through our biweekly pantry program. This showcases the substantial engagement and impact this initiative has on our campus. As we have recently seen an increase in support from various donors and sponsors in our community, we are delighted to announce that we will be able to open the program to 40 more students every two weeks in 2024!
It’s heartening to note that among the participants, 49% are our talented undergraduate students, while 51% are dedicated graduate students.
The heartfelt expressions of gratitude from our students speak volumes about the positive impact of the URSU Cares Pantry: * “It’s so supportive and helpful for students to get essential foods from the campus.” * “Excellent service. Thanks for all of these! Appreciated! Good work!” * “This program has been really helpful in providing necessities for students, and it helps meet students’ needs. Thank you, URSU Pantry!”
These statements are a testament to the profound difference the pantry is making in the lives of our students. It goes beyond providing essential items; it’s about creating a supportive community that understands, cares, and creates resilience. As 2023 comes to a close, we are excited to announce the upcoming dates for the Winter 2024 URSU Cares Pantry. Mark your calendars and spread the word: *Please note that pre-registration is necessary to attend. Times, locations, and registration details will be added to our pantry webpage before winter break.*
January 17th and 18th
January 31st and Feb 1st
February 14th and 15th
February 28th and 29th
March 13th and 14th
March 27th and 28th
April 10th and 11th
Let’s continue supporting one another and making URSU a community that cares. If you are interested in supporting the pantry program, please contact the Food Security Coordinator at food@ursu.ca. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of the URSU Cares Pantry!
FUND THE FUTURE
THE STUDENTS’ UNITED, WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED.
National Day of Action – November 08
On November 8, the University of Regina Students’ Union (URSU) organized a Fund the Future campaign rally and made a planned walk through the university. The rally is held in conjunction with the CFS National Day of Action – events and rallies planned from coast to coast, across the country. URSU has also organized a lobby week and met with Minister Hon. Gordon H. Wyant and the opposition party NDP to discuss student issues and priorities listed in the lobby document. The issues prioritized by URSU this year are: relieving student debt; replacing students’ loans with upfront non-repayable grants for low-income students; increasing scholarships, bursaries, and grants for Indigenous as well as international students; fairness for international students; funding support for graduate students; addressing student mental health needs; creation of sexual assault and violence prevention policies; creation of Trans Rights legislation; addressing student food security; and addressing issues with performance-based funding.
URSU has also attended the Fall Consultation organized by the Canadian Council of Refugees (CCR) held in Calgary. We have been informed about a possible change to the immigration policy, which can significantly impact international students. The IRCC has released a strategic immigration plan recently and we are currently reviewing the plan and considering its impacts and possible options.
HAVING LEGAL ISSUES??
Empowering You: Regina Student Legal Advocacy Centre (SLAC)
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news that will empower and support our student body! After the successful completion of the year-long pilot program, URSU is proud to announce the official launch of the Regina Student Legal Advocacy Centre (SLAC).
This emerging service, designed to cater to the diverse legal needs of our students, has already generated significant interest. SLAC offers a range of free legal services for the University of Regina campus community, providing direct one-on-one legal support for various issues.
Services include:
Assistance with work-related matters, landlord disputes, leases, traffic bylaws, family law, and more.
Support for international students, including help with renewing study permits, navigating the pathway to permanent residency, and addressing immigration-related concerns.
Legal advice and support for student organizations.
Any other legal matter falling within the scope of legal information.
If you find yourself in need of legal support for any of these issues (or any others), our team of dedicated SLAC lawyers is here to help. Simply contact us directly to book your free appointment:
📧 Email: info@reginaslac.ca Key issues this semester are Employment, Immigration, Family, and Landlord Tenant. SLAC is also working with a Justice Studies intern on the prospect of exploring parking as it relates to the urban reserve on campus.
Empower yourself with the Regina Student Legal Advocacy Centre – because your rights matter!
URSU Elevates the Campus Vibe: Your Enhanced Student Experience Awaits at U of R!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Celebrate the end of the Fall semester with a bang and join us as we usher in the New Year of 2024 with some thrilling events during Winter Welcome Week! Get ready for an enchanting Fire and Magic Show that will leave you mesmerized, and brace yourself for an epic Wrestling event that promises intense action.
We’re also keeping up with the tradition of hosting everyone’s favorite events, including Bingo and Paint Night, as well as the highly requested Trivia Night. The excitement doesn’t end there—stay connected with us for all the latest updates and sneak peeks by following us on Instagram at @reginastudentsunion and @lazyowlyqr.
Get ready to make memories and kick off the winter season in style!
#WinterWelcomeWeek #NewYear2024 #ExcitingEvents
Canadian Federation of Students
NATIONAL GENERAL MEETING
URSU attended the CFS National General Meeting from November 23-27 2023. The meeting had over 180 delegates from 40 different student unions attend. URSU worked to represent the membership in these spaces. In particular, we supported the Circle of First Nations, Indigenous, and Metis students in seeking equity in the more colonial spaces of the general meetings. For questions, feedback, article ideas, or story contributions, email Pres@ursu.ca and we’ll be in touch.
