Introducing VP University Affairs of the Brock University Students' Union, Carleigh Charlton!

Hi OUSA! 

My name is Carleigh Charlton (she/they), and I am the returning Vice President, University Affairs at the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU).

 

Within my role at BUSU I advocate for undergraduate student issues at the institutional level, the Brock University Senate, and work with our team to create and implement various advocacy campaigns. My other main responsibilities include serving as the Chief Financial Officer for BUSU, managing our bus pass program, supporting programming to address food insecurity, and overseeing our health and dental plan.

 

As an organization that has been such a huge part of my own student experience, and truly shaped me as a student leader, I am so thankful for the opportunity to now be joining OUSA’s Steering Committee as a non-voting member. 

 

My experience with OUSA began in 2021, when I attended my first annual General Assembly (GA) meeting as a delegate for BUSU. At the time, I had no idea what OUSA was but the previous executives at my student union encouraged me to apply, and after 4 looong days online, I decided I wanted to do it again (and again and again). 

 

Since then, I’ve attended 5 more GA’s, (which were especially exciting once we were able to return in-person), and OUSA’s week-long Student Advocacy Conference. I had the privilege of working with outgoing Steering Committee member, Alyssa Hall, who taught me even more about this amazing organization. Most recently, at OUSA’s annual Partners in Higher Education Dinner, I had the honour of receiving the 2024 OUSA Award for Excellence in Student Advocacy.

 

Although there are many important issues affecting the post-secondary sector in Ontario, the specific interests and passions that have informed my advocacy work vary. Some includegender-based sexual violence prevention and education, addressing food insecurity, and bridging the gap in mental health supports and services. I am also interested in supporting Open Educational Resources, and the creation of accessible, equity-based, trauma and culturally-relevant learning environments that recognize the unique needs of all students. 

 

I am so excited for the next step in my journey with OUSA, and to see all of the important advocacy that will come from this team! I am excited to build on the hard work of the generations of student leaders that came before us, and of course with the support and guidance of OUSA’s fantastic Home Office team.