Fourth-year political science student discusses URSU failings and a possible future union.
With the alleged dissolution of the former students’ union (URSU), Matthew McStravik said that student groups are in talks to form a new union. McStravick said these groups are actively working to ensure student voices are being heard.
McStravick said the discussions are about holding regular general meetings to create an open dialogue with the student body while also making sure student’s always have a say on every topic being discussed.
He said they want to make sure they’re not repeating the mistakes of the past.
“A new student government will need to be focused on accountability, on transparency, (and) on accessibility for members to engage with that process,” he said.
In an article written by CBC journalist Jeffery Tram, the university said it encourages the student body to get involved and to “make the changes necessary to result in an effective and accountable student representative organization,” said the UofR.
When talking with a few students, the consensus is they are concerned about whether a new union is good idea.
“For a new students’ union to be successful, the people who are trying to create a new one will need to propose a plan so good that it will be hard to say no,” said Carlene Gillis who is a fourth-year education student.
“With everything that has gone on with the former students’ union (URSU) I am more inclined to put my trust in the institution rather than another student run organization,” said Owen Rogers who is a third-year biology student.
McStravick said where URSU went wrong was not having a strong foundation to build from and not having a system in place that demanded that members answer to the public when required.
The comment made was more apparent when reaching out to representatives and other people involved. Former members have been unwilling to respond to any email inquires, especially after the dissolution.
McStravick said how a similar situation occurred at Charlton university in Ottawa, whereby their students’ union was not meeting the needs of students and not properly representing them.
“I think the core to all of (this) is going to be a well-structured constitution, that functions on the basis of a skeleton that bakes in measures of transparency demands, requirements for public disclosure, accountability etc,” McStravick said.
He also said having a diversified set of voices will play a crucial element, and that the number of voices being involved needs to be broaden.
“It’s going to be about having a much larger group of students involved in student government, who can hold that smaller group of executives (to account) at all times,” McStravick said.
He said there is uncertainty about what the next steps will be after the university took over from URSU, but that student groups are apparently working with the institution.
“The student groups were collectively engaging with the university and articulating student needs and concerns to them, and they’ve been quite receptive,” said McStravick.
McStravick said the university told them they have great ideas, and that they are interested in helping to create a new students’ union.
“The hope is to get something well structured, that we can present to the student body and to try and win that trust,” McStravick said.
McStravick said he and his peers are hoping to receive as much feedback as possible, to put together a proposal that students can begin to believe in again.
“It’s about rebuilding trust, trust with the students, trust with the university, (and) trust with the community,” he said.
*CBC mentioned article written by Jeffery Tram: “U of Regina students’ union dissolved after online vote amid concerns about access, transparency.” *
