September 09, 2026
Blog
Interested in writing for OUSA? Contact Tobi Olumurewa, our Manager of Communications.
This Is Your Time: The Importance of Black Representation in Student Government
In September 2017, I stepped out onto the sidewalk of my first year residence hall unsure of what was to come. My parents and I had just driven about 7 hours from Ottawa to move me into Perth Hall Residence at Western University and to say I was nervous is quite the understatement.
Presidential Update February 2022
Hello and Happy February, everyone!
I hope you are all keeping safe and taking care of yourselves with the gradual return to more in-person activities. I know it’s been a stressful time but we’re getting through it.
The Case for HyFlex Classrooms
After two years of navigating a dynamic and unpredictable pandemic, we're learning that flexibility and safety are central to promoting consistency in our everyday routines. Selecting only one delivery pathway for post-secondary courses is no longer a feasible option as the nature of COVID-19 is constantly changing, and adapting becomes increasingly challenging. Making HyFlex classrooms the standard for course delivery will mean pedagogy that works better for all students' needs regardless of whether they are face-to-face or remote in another country.
Introducing Shemar Hackett, OUSA's New Research and Policy Analyst
Hello!
My name is Shemar and I’m very excited to be back at OUSA, this time as a Research and Policy Analyst!
Presidential Update January 2022
Happy New Year everyone!! I hope you’ve all had a safe and restful holiday season!
I’d first like to acknowledge that the ongoing pandemic and changing restrictions can be very challenging and cause a lot of stress. It's very hard to be a student at such an uncertain time and I know that a lot of you may be frustrated about online learning, while others may feel safer learning from home. Please remember to do what you can to take care of yourself and your mental health. OUSA has been voicing our students' needs and concerns and will be continuing this advocacy as things continue to develop.
Meet Joshua Sankarlal and OTSU!
OUSA is proud to introduce the Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU) as an official observer school! Since joining OUSA this fall, UOSU has attended OUSA’s Fall General Assembly and Student Advocacy Conference. OUSA is excited to work with OTSU as we continue to advocate for accessible, affordable, accountable and high-quality post-secondary education in Ontario.
We had a chance to chat with Joshua Sankarlal, President of OTSU and Steering Committee representative. Here's what Josh had to say about OTSU, student advocacy, and what matters most to students right now:
Student Housing Crisis Worsens Across Ontario's Campuses amid Sudden Return to In-Person Classes
The state of student housing is at a crisis point. Increased rent, decreased availability, and quality of housing are all issues facing students attending post-secondary institutions that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Within my own university community, Queen’s University, over-enrollment combined with poor quality of housing and high rental rates have posed significant financial and accessibility barriers for students.
Presidential Update December 2021
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!! My favourite holiday is upon us and I could not be more excited!
As Steering Committee prepares for the Christmas break, we’re wrapping up some work from the past month. A few weeks ago we held our Student Advocacy Conference where Steering Committee and other student delegates met with around 50 members of Provincial Parliament to discuss our advocacy priorities for the year. It was a great and busy week and we are now conducting lots of follow-ups to keep the advocacy going! A big thank you to all MPP’s who met with us and took the time to discuss issues that are important to our students.
Trans Day of Remembrance 2021
(CW: transphobia)
November 20th is internationally recognized as the Trans Day of Remembrance in honor of Rita Hester, a Black Trans woman who was killed in her home in November 1998. Since Hester’s death, every year on November 20th we participate in an important tradition of hosting vigils and reading the names of Trans community members we have lost to transphobia.
Presidential Update November 2021
Hello and Happy Fall!!!! (my all-time favourite season)
I start off every blog by stating that it has been a busy month but it truly has been another busy month!