Blog

Hi everyone!

My name is Leah Brockie, and I am the Academic Affairs Commissioner in the Alma Mater Society at Queen’s University. I am the AMS’ advisory member on Steering Committee, meaning I do not vote, but I act as a resource to provide greater insight and information on academic issues. My entire portfolio is related to academics, so I spend a great deal of time reading about different aspects of the sector, and meeting with our administration to voice undergraduate needs and concerns. I am excited to use this knowledge and experience to provide informed contributions to Steering Committee discussions.

Last Thursday, I (Danielle Pierre) had the pleasure of giving a talk with our Summer Research Intern, Lindsay D’Souza, at the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education’s (STLHE) Empowering Learners, Effecting Change conference. This was their largest conference to date with over 800 participants. Presenters shared their expertise in the form of keynote addresses, interactive concurrent sessions, research presentations, pecha kucha presentations, and posters.

Hi everyone! My name is Sarah, and I am the Vice President Education for the Federation of Students at the University of Waterloo. I am currently studying psychology with a minor in sexuality, marriage and family studies. I am so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of OUSA!

Well hi there.

My name is Amanda Kohler and I am elated to have begun my career here in downtown Toronto as the Communications Director for the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance.

Hello,

My name is Colin Aitchison and I am excited to be sitting on OUSA’s 2016-17 Steering Committee!

I am entering my fifth year at Wilfrid Laurier University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. While at Laurier, I’ve had the opportunity to work in student government as both a volunteer in our University Affairs department and on our student executive team as Chair of the Board & Chief Governance Officer. These experiences allowed me to talk with students about their concerns as an undergraduate. As a member-driven organization, I feel this kind of dialogue is important as it allows for us to adequately represent their interests within the Students’ Union, at the University, and at the three levels of government.

Hey everyone!

My name is Kayla Smith, and I am so excited to be part of the 2016-17 Steering Committee.

I am currently entering my fourth year at Trent University, completing my Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology. For the sake of transparency, I have to admit that becoming part of the TDSA’s executive team was never part of my original plan, but I have always been a fervent supporter and advocate for those around me. So, when I considered what it would mean for me to be VP University Affairs, I was enthusiastic about the challenging advocacy opportunities that it would bring.

Hello everyone!

I'm Blake Oliver and I am so excited and honoured to be serving on this year's Steering Committee. Outside of OUSA, I am the Vice President (Education) and Corporate Officer of the McMaster Students Union (MSU).

I first set foot on McMaster's campus three years ago. It was May at Mac, the annual Spring preview day that allows newly accepted potential Mauraders to get a feel for the campus before deciding if McMaster is right for them. I knew right when I stepped on campus that Mac was where I wanted to be.

Hello all!

My name is Kraymr Grenke and it is privilege and honour to serve as the 2016-17 Vice-President Finance for OUSA.

I am currently in my fourth year at Laurentian University in Sudbury enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Accounting. My post-secondary education journey started at the University of Western Ontario in 2011, moving on to Seneca College and finally Laurentian where I have now called home for the past 4 years. My journey has been exciting and filled with different opportunities. Having been a post-secondary student at both the university and college level, I have the unique ability to bring the perspective of the needs and issues faced of post-secondary students at both levels.

Hello Everyone!

My name is Jamie Cleary and I am thrilled to be serving as the 2016-17 OUSA President.

I recently finished my four years at Western University, attaining my Bachelor of Medical Sciences with an Honours Specialization in Physiology. Outside of the classroom I found a passion for advocacy, which drove me to run to be the University Students’ Council Vice-President. Advocacy, for me, means representing and supporting the needs and beliefs of students. It’s an opportunity to influence real and tangible change. However, none of these changes happen through the work of one individual. Advocacy requires a dedicated team working together towards a cause, and helping to create the change that their delegates deserve. I am so excited for the opportunity to be OUSA President, helping to lead a team with the ability to generate many positive impact for the future of all undergraduate students in Ontario.

Do you know which city in Ontario has the lowest unemployment rate? In which industry wages are rising or falling? What “economic growth” actually means for you?

If not, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article we’re going to cover four main aspects of Ontario’s economy that are most relevant to students: jobs, wages, inflation, and growth. This is by no means an exhaustive guide to economics or employment, but is merely meant to act as an informative brief that can help you in a pinch, or assist you in making a more informed decision in your studies or career.