The Student Union Society (SUS) is a student-led, nonprofit organization made up of elected student executives, faculty representatives, hired student staff, and permanent staff members. The purposes of the SUS are many: they are to represent its members (over 9,000 UFV students) and advocate for post-secondary education on their behalf, organize clubs and associations, and connect them with students, and to provide engagement opportunities for students.
The idea of a union is to give an organized voice to the body it represents, whether it be making asks of the local government, advocating student needs to the university, or communicating student opinions to other groups.
The president and official spokesperson for SUS is Sukhi Brar. She explained in an e-mail what SUS does for its members.
“SUS’ motto, ‘By students for students,’ is at the heart of everything we do — our job is to help UFV students make the most out of their university experience,” said Brar. “We ensure that the student voice is represented in discussions that affect our student body, provide opportunities for students to get involved on campus, and work to make post-secondary education more accessible for UFV students.”
All members of SUS (students) can involve themselves with SUS activities. They can join committees, attend EGMs, AGMs, and board of directors meetings; they can run for a position on the board of directors, or apply for an officer position.
“A lot of SUS’ initiatives and services have arisen from student input and feedback,” said Brar. “So we encourage communication of student issues and concerns to be directed to our existing committees, executives, and officers.”
As a student you should be aware — and engaged — in what your union is doing.
2015-16 Student Fees Breakdown
$27.23 Campus Connector
$4.98 FixIT
$35.00 SUB Building Fee
$43.13 U-Pass Program
$215.59 Health and Dental Plan
$30.00 General operations
Who is SUS?
Sukhi Brar — President
- Is the official spokesperson and contact person for the Society
- Provides strategic direction and leadership for the advancement of the Society
- Supervises the executive to ensure roles are being carried out honourably
- Represents the interests of students at all times
Vice President External — Thanh Ma
- Develops engagement and interaction with membership
- Develops and coordinates SUS advocacy efforts
- Oversees the operation of the SUS food bank
- Responsible for management and supervision of the Advocacy, Equalities, and Engagement Officers
Vice President Internal — Ashmeet Saran
- Oversees SUS board meetings and general meetings (EGMs / AGMs)
- Ensures the long-term financial sustainability of the Society; oversight of all financial processes
- Provides support and resources to SUS clubs and associations, as well as general oversight
- Management and supervision of the Finance and Clubs and Associations Officers
Other SUS board members:
Board of governors Rep — Robert Pedersen
Cascade Journalism Society (CJS) Rep (non-voting) — Kodie Cherrille
Ex-Officio (non-voting) — Joshua Wilkie
Faculty of Health Sciences Rep — Rooiana Alizada
Faculty of Sciences Rep — Sahil Chawla
Faculty of Professional Studies Rep — Tanya Vanpraseuth
Aboriginal Rep — Cody Dumas
Senate Rep — Ekanki Chawla
UFV Campus and Community Radio Society (CIVL) Rep (non-voting) — Panku Sharma
What has SUS done in the past term?
July 2016 SUS designates space for pride centre and women’s centre
July 2016 Installs international flag display in SUB atrium
August 2016 Removes international flag display (with the intention to put back up)
September 2016 Health centre set to open — has not opened yet
September 2016 SUS creates working groups to draft mandates for pride centre and women’s centre
