Welcome Back to Campus: A Message from your Chairperson

As summer’s unpredictable weather gives way to fall, it’s time to jump back into the rhythm of campus life. For new students, welcome, we’re excited to represent you! And for the returning ones, it’s great to see you again! I still remember the mix of excitement and nerves when I stepped on to campus for the first time, eager to explore all the opportunities and activities available. Each year brought its own unique set of experiences, but the constant was my enthusiasm for reconnecting with the campus community and getting involved.

This year, along with the usual buzz of students’ union events and activities, we’re facing some very important challenges. The high costs of tuition and textbooks, and the rising costs of living continue to put a strain on students. Housing is expensive and hard to find, food prices make it challenging to make ends meet and finding time to visit with friends and family or rest can feel impossible between studying and working. But I want you all to know that there is someone fighting for you and advocating on your behalf – your students’ unions.

Students’ unions aren’t only the party and welcome back event planners, they provide you with the services that are essential to your student experience: a food bank, extended health and dental plans, clubs services, an Ombudsperson and tons of great swag throughout the year. They are also the ones who make sure that the institution is listening to and acting on students’ feedback. They represent YOU and the student experience on your behalf, not only on campus, but in your community and to all levels of government.

As a student, I realized there were ways I could make change on campus and that getting involved with my students’ union was a great way to make a difference. I started off by volunteering; this was a low barrier way for me to learn more about the students’ union. I later ran in the students’ union election because I wanted to help shape the student experience and advocate to make the campus a better place for all.

Your students’ union is here to listen and support you, so don’t hesitate to share your ideas or concerns. If you have an idea for an event, club or cultural day, share it! If you want to see your students’ union advocate for different campaigns or adapt their services to improve your experience on campus, let them know!

This year is especially significant with the upcoming provincial election. As students, we have a powerful opportunity to make sure that our future is something we have a hand in shaping. Young people make up the largest voting bloc and collectively we can use our votes to decide the outcome of this election. Over the coming weeks, the Federation and students’ unions will be running the Generation Vote Now campaign on your campuses to answer all your voting questions and remind you of important voting dates. Together, students and young people across B.C. will head to the polls to make our voices heard.

As the school year begins, remember to take time to connect with your students’ union. Learn about what they offer and how you can get involved. Be an advocate for not only yourself, but the entire campus community.

Welcome back, and here’s to a successful and fulfilling 2024/25 academic year!

Jessie Niikoi, Chairperson

Welcome Back from your Indigenous Caucus Chairperson

Greetings! I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits as we embark on a new academic year. As your Indigenous Caucus Chairperson, it is my honour to welcome each of you back to your studies, communities, and our shared journey towards a more inclusive, brighter future across the Federation’s Member Local Students’ Unions and all of our campuses.

This year holds the promise of new opportunities, fresh perspectives, and continued growth in our collective advocacy for the rights and well-being of Indigenous students. Together, we will build on the foundation laid by those who came before us; honouring our ancestors and the teachings they have shared and gifted to remind each of us of where we came from and how we are shaped today. I want us to strive to create spaces where our voices are heard, respected, and valued.

As we build our community stronger and better, I encourage each of you to stay connected, stay engaged, and continue to uplift one another, because when we achieve, we become unstoppable. Our strength lies in our culture, unity, and our unwavering commitment to equality for all Indigenous peoples.

Let us start this year with open hearts, grateful spirits, and a shared vision for the future we wish to create.

I look forward to working for you and alongside each of you, let’s work together and make our Caucus loud and proud.

Leah Vaisanen, Indigenous Caucus Chairperson