Update 2020 | Vol 38
Keep Current
Students’ Union Executive Members (left to right) Vice President Academic Carter Watkinson,
President Meaghan Hymers, and Vice President Internal Brendan Whittle. Absent: Vice
President, Finance, Shanelle Leo
Photo: Bryn Gladding Photography
The Students’ Union’s role in enhancing the overall student experience at St. Jerome’s University took on a new challenge this year. The group continues to work as an independent, self-governing student society representing the interests of its membership; with a mandate to facilitate and instill a sense of community within the university, through on-campus services, clubs, and events. In spring 2020 the delivery of that mission moved to an online format.
“The Students’ Union executive team are operating this year in line with a set of values we identified to guide intentional work for the benefit of our student body,” notes the group’s President, Meaghan Hymers. “We are committed to promoting equity, accessibility, transparency, compassion, and student well-being in everything we do.”
Advocacy Role Continues
The Students’ Union has identified the following four priorities this academic year:
1. advocacy focused on creating an equitable and supportive environment for all students,
2. student representation,
3. wellness initiatives to support students’ mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and
4. community programming to bring students togetherand build relationships.
While the Union’s priorities are clear, in a remote learning environment where day-to-day in-person interaction has all but disappeared, their efforts could have been slowed. Buildings are closed. Pandemic protocols limiting activity for those living on campus are in place. In response to these challenges, Students’ Union has kept the student community, living both in residence and off-campus, connected to the University in new ways.
New Ways to bring Community Together
Resource Guide
“The Students’ Union team released a live collaborative resource guide for students accessible online at www.sju.ca/services and on Instagram @sjustudentsunion,” notes Hymers, adding that the guide includes information for students about accessing everything from mental health support to academic resources, and community care to financial aid, all while operating remotely. Hymers notes that they welcome further collaboration with the community to keep the document updated and comprehensive, and that suggestions should be sent to her email at pres.su@sju.ca.
Wellness Challenge
“In October, we launched the Students’ Union Wellness Challenge on Instagram to engage students in taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being while learning remotely,” says Hymers. As part of the initiative students had the opportunity to participate in weekly challenges, including a virtual yoga class, taking a walk around their neighbourhood, and encouraging themselves to read for pleasure. The challenge will continue throughout the term as students that participate have a chance to win prize draws at the end of each month.
Clubs
Students’ Union sponsored clubs - Prism (the St. Jerome’s Gender-Sexuality Alliance) and Stocks Club (supporting the education of students about the stock market so that they can feel more comfortable investing money on their own) – also began to operate online. Stocks Club started the term with an active social media presence. Prism continues to provide a safe and inclusive space for queer and questioning students through online weekly meetings.
Alumni Invited to Connect
There is also a place for alumni to have a role in the work of the Union’s community building mandate. In particular, their support is welcomed in the equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) work being done on campus.
Student representatives that have been recommended by the Students’ Union are part of the University’s EDI working group, led by the Interim Vice President Academic and Dean, Cristina Vanin, and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mike Gourlay. The EDI working group is also made up of university staff and faculty.
The group is focused on the preparatory work required for the development of a comprehensive University EDI action plan that covers hiring systems and practices; curriculum and programs; outreach, recruiting, and marketing; facilities; and campus culture. They are consulting with and seeking feedback on current EDI initiatives and practices, from students, faculty, and staff, as well as other key external stakeholder groups. Students’ Union has already provided their own list of action items to the university’s senior administration and the working group.
“We have found that the greatest impact comes from a community standing together in being actively anti-racist and anti-oppressive,” says Hymers, who sees this as an opportunity for alumni to support students advocating towards a community “we can all be proud to call home.”
For more information about the Students’ Union’s mandate or initiatives, please contact Meaghan Hymers.