April and May mark my last months as OUSA President and this will be my last message for the communiqué. I wish to take this chance to thank everyone who has contributed to OUSA in the past year. And what a year it’s been!
From the approval of OUSA’s new Long-Term Plan, the overhaul of OUSA’s website, our successful “Food for Thought” campaign, another strong Partners in Higher Education Dinner, and shared advocacy successes, much has been accomplished in the past year.
Most importantly, OUSA had an incredibly successful year in advocacy, policy development and government relations. Our submission to the Post-Secondary Education Secretariat, entitled ”Ontario A Province of Knowledge”, translated into true action through a significant investment in Student Financial Assistance and reform to the OSAP program; almost all of which was directly taken from the recommendations of OUSA.
These accomplishments are a true credit to a dynamic team of leaders at OUSA in the 2009-2010 academic year. Our Steering Committee, Home Office staff, and all of our partners and students contributed a great deal of energy and leadership to to the Alliance; and our successes are a testament to their commitment.
To my fellow Vice-Presidents on the Steering Committee, thank you all for your tireless work on behalf of the students of Ontario. From your high-level research and policy work to your outstanding ability as advocates for our students, you never ceased to impress me throughout the year.
To our tenacious Home Office staff, thank you for always going above and beyond the call of duty. The long hours, hard work and dedication you have put into OUSA this past year has not gone unnoticed. You are the driving force behind the day-to-day operations of the Alliance, and the strength of our policy and research, communications and government relations is directly attributed to your commitment. Thank you so much, and good luck in the coming year as you build upon the successes of the past.
To our partners in government and throughout the sector, thank you for your unrelenting commitment to building a stronger system, and a brighter future for the students and citizens of this province. Your dedication to this goal does not go unnoticed by the students this system serves.
Thank you to all the student leaders of OUSA for allowing me to serve at your President this past year. It has been an honour and privilege, and I could not have done it without you! Together we have done our part to ensure the strength of this Alliance into the years ahead. Ensuring OUSA will continue to think critically, plan strategically, and develop meaningful solutions to challenges facing the Post-Secondary system in Ontario.
-Dan Moulton
