Last week, from March 5th- 8th, we had our 63rd General Assembly (GA)! This year’s Spring Assembly was hosted at Western University and brought together over 70 delegates from across our nine member organizations. For four days, they engaged in critical discussions on the Principles, Concerns, and Recommendations laid out in our policy papers.
This GA, our delegates were tasked with providing feedback on three student- written policy papers:
- Tuition, Ancillary and Incidental Fees
- Student Mobility and Transfer Credits
- Artificial Intelligence
The conference opened with a welcome from Elder Mary Lou Smoke, the Elder-In-Residence at the Wampum Lodge. She shared an inspiring account of resilience and community support and taught us The Water Song.
After a quick OUSA 101 presentation, our delegates launched into their first round of breakout rooms. This is where delegates get the first opportunity of the weekend to discuss their thoughts on the feedback papers directly with the authors in small, rotating groups. The authors then integrate the feedback they get during evening re-write sessions before another round of discussions the following day. For the remaining delegates, the first evening of GA concluded with an exciting social– bowling night!
Day two started with a presentation on what to expect at plenary, the concluding meeting of GA. The rest of the morning consisted of round two of breakout sessions, during which students continued to discuss and provide feedback on the papers. After lunch, we had an inspiring talk from Josh Morgan, the Mayor of London (and former OUSA President!), on his path to becoming mayor and tips for municipal advocacy.
Next, we had a talk by our diamond sponsor, ALUMO, on essential steps for meaningful student advocacy. Then our delegates had the opportunity to chat with the sponsors OCUFA and ALUMO during a networking event. Later that afternoon, there was a drop-in session with the authors where delegates had their final opportunity to discuss their feedback before amendment submissions the next day.
We finished up the day with a karaoke social!
Day three marked a much-appreciated slower day with a shorter itinerary. That morning, delegates consolidated and submitted their amendments to be discussed and voted on at plenary the next day. Then, we had a mock plenary session to give first-time delegates a feel for the motions of plenary. Our delegates then enjoyed some free time for the rest of the day.
Day four brought us to plenary- the consolidation of the delegates and authors’ hard work and critical discussions over the previous days. On plenary floor, every amendment suggesting changes to the papers is introduced, discussed, and then voted on before the papers can pass. This GA plenary was chaired by Eddy Avila, former OUSA ED and thirteen-time GA attendee!
After much critical discussion and collaboration, all three papers in review passed unanimously. We wrapped up plenary by awarding certificates to those who have attended five or more GA’s. After lots of pictures and goodbye hugs, everyone went their separate ways, marking the end of another incredible GA.
Thank you to Omar and everyone at USC for their hard work organizing the conference. Massive shoutout to Claudia, our Manager of Operations, for her incredible support with the proceedings of GA, all while assuming her role just a week prior. Thank you and congratulations to all the authors for their efforts, patience, and dedication through the review and critique process. Thank you to the rest of Home Office for facilitating breakout rooms and other sessions throughout the weekend and all of SC for supporting their delegates.
We’re looking forward to hosting our student leaders again at the annual Partners in Higher Education Dinner in April. We can’t wait!