Hi everyone!
I am thrilled to introduce myself as I step into the role of President of the Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU) for the 2024-2025 academic year.
My name is Rai Ali, and I am honored to represent the vibrant student community at Ontario Tech University. As a dedicated advocate for student rights and well-being, I am excited to contribute to the ongoing efforts of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) in enhancing the student experience across Ontario.
My journey in student leadership began during my time at Ontario Tech, where I actively engaged in various student organizations and advocacy initiatives. This experience ignited my passion for student advocacy and led me to my current role as President of OTSU.
At OTSU, we are committed to enhancing the student experience by providing services that support physical and mental well-being, creating collaborative spaces for students to pursue their passions, and advocating for positive changes on campus. As a student-led, non-profit organization, we prioritize the needs and voices of our peers, ensuring that every student's experience at Ontario Tech is enriching and fulfilling.
Our affiliation with OUSA amplifies our advocacy efforts. OUSA's mission to improve the affordability, accessibility, accountability, and quality of post-secondary education aligns perfectly with our goals at OTSU. As a full member of OUSA, we are part of a coalition representing approximately 160,000 students across Ontario. This coalition works tirelessly to influence provincial legislation and policy through evidence-based, student-driven recommendations.
I am proud to be a voting member on the OUSA Steering Committee, where I have the opportunity to contribute to shaping policies that directly benefit students. OUSA's non-partisan approach ensures that our policies are created and ratified by students, reflecting the genuine needs and concerns of our peers.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities to collaborate with my colleagues at OTSU and OUSA. Together, we can address student concerns, advocate for equitable and accessible education, and create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey and vision. I look forward to a productive and impactful year ahead, working alongside each of you to make a positive difference in our academic community.