May 25, 2026
Blog
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Introducing Jodi Ambrose, President of Trent Durham Student Association!
Hello everyone!
My name is Jodi Riley Ambrose, and I am the President of the Trent Durham Student Association (TDSA). I am a 6th-year Business and Philosophy student. I enjoy gaming and music, and I love student advocacy!
Pride Month on Ontario University Campuses
The rainbow flag flies proudly above many university campuses in Ontario this month. Most universities this year are flying the Intersex-Inclusive Progress flag, and some the Two-Spirit Pride flag as well. But what are universities across Ontario doing other than just flying a flag and making a post on Instagram? Although many students are not on campus in the summer—except for the hardworking co-op and summer students—some universities have a lineup of activities and workshops focused on celebrating pride and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Presidential Update June 2024
Hello again!! Long time no chat ;)
First and foremost - Happy Pride & Indigenous History Month! I hope June has been treating everyone well so far, and that you made it through Ontario’s heat wave last week.
Introducing the 2024-2025 SC VP Finance, Arya Razmjoo!
I am Arya Razmjoo, the Vice-President of WUSA (Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association) and the newly appointed Vice-President of Finance at OUSA. It’s an honour to step into this role and contribute to an organization that plays a vital part in enhancing the university experience for students across Ontario.
Introducing the 2024-2025 SC VP Admin & HR, Maya Hobbs!
Hello! My name is Maya Hobbs (she/her) and I am the Vice-President (Education) for the McMaster Students Union (MSU) and the Vice-President Administration and Human Resources for OUSA.
Fake it Till You Make it…? Unpacking Imposter Syndrome
A while back, I got a compliment from one of my best friends on some OUSA work I’d done. Instinctively, I laughed it off and said “fake it till you make it!” because I didn’t feel deserving of the praise and so, I tried to downplay my efforts. Moments later as I hyper-analyzed the interaction (because yes, I can be that kind of person), I thought to myself “Why did I say that? I succeeded in that work because I was genuinely confident in my ability to be an advocate. So…why did I act like it was nothing?”
Introducing Michelle Wodchis-Johnson, OUSA President and Western USC VP of External Affairs
Hello!
My name is Michelle Wodchis-Johnson and I’m the Vice President of External Affairs at Western University Students’ Council (USC), and it truly is an honour to say that I will also be serving as your OUSA President for this upcoming year!
Introducing Abishane Suthakaran, Manager of Research and Policy
Hi everyone! My name is Abi (Abishane) Suthakaran (she/her), and I am very excited to join OUSA as a Manager of Research and Policy!
Vivian's Last Presidential Update: May 2024
For the last time, hi and hello! Happy Asian and Jewish Heritage Month!
I cannot believe that we are here at the very end of my term. Before I indulge in my sentimentality, here is what OUSA has been up to this month.
We recently partnered with the Ontario Legislative Internship Program (OLIP), where graduates get an opportunity to work closely with MPPs and support them with their legislative affairs. Our ED, Malika, met with the interns to give a presentation about OUSA and answer any questions they had about the organization, as well as our approach to student advocacy. We are excited to maintain our partnership with this dedicated group of young leaders!
Going beyond promoting counselling services to create a culture of care: Reflections from the CICMH Annual International Student Summit
I had the opportunity to attend the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH) conference on improving international students’ experience in the Canadian post-secondary space. This was an incredibly enriching opportunity that sparked many reflections on my own experience, both when I first came to Canada as a new international student, and my experience now as a student leader.