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Entering post-secondary can be overwhelming for many students, because now, school comes with a price tag. Regardless of their unique financial situations, many students choose to work while enrolled in post-secondary education. For me, I entered university with the mindset that I would work in the summer and not work during the school year. This was a common decision among my peers as well. However, after my first year, I decided my plan was not realistic. I decided instead that I would need to work throughout the school year as working only four months a year was not bringing in enough income.

Hello and Happy March (and almost Spring)! 

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the protests that have taken place over the past month in opposition to a variety of government restrictions. The signs of hatred that have been on display have been infuriating to see and if you are feeling frustrated or scared, you are not alone. Please make sure to take care of yourself and check in on those around you. 

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.

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.

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. 

Hello!

My name is Shemar and I’m very excited to be back at OUSA, this time as a Research and Policy Analyst!

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.

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: 

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.

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.