UTMSU introduces new campaigns while maintaining a few of its long-served legacies
Food insecurity, financial hardship, and housing challenges are among a few issues the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union plans to take on this academic year.
As the 2024 academic year unfolds, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Student Union (UTMSU) is set to launch various exciting initiatives to enhance campus life.
In an interview with The Medium, UTMSU President Joelle Salsa shared insight into the union’s upcoming plans, including new campaigns, ongoing projects, and renewed efforts to tackle key student issues.
Upcoming campaigns and community building events
Aiming to tackle food insecurity and enhance campus community building, the UTMSU is introducing an all-you-can-eat buffet for students. Following a successful pilot over the summer, which took place on July 22, this initiative will be a regular feature through the fall and winter semesters, offering students affordable and nutritious meal options.
The UTMSU is also making strides to bridge the gap between students and university governance. Efforts are underway to keep students informed about governance meetings and offer them a platform to voice concerns directly to university administrators. These efforts aim to ensure students have a say in shaping university policies.
Regarding their Divest NOW! campaign, the union will expand its focus from fossil fuel divestment to also address the ongoing genocide against Palestinian civilians. The UTMSU is calling for the university to disclose its investments and divest from companies complicit in the genocide.
According to Salsa, the idea behind these initiatives is to “cultivate a more connected, transparent, and supportive campus environment.”
Maintaining ongoing initiatives
Many of UTMSU’s key initiatives from previous years will carry on into the 2024 term. The push to extend the Credit/No Credit deadline remains a top priority, with the union working alongside other University of Toronto (U of T) campuses to gather student feedback for more policies.
Transit advocacy also remains a key focus this year. UTMSU’s Transit Advocacy Party, an open committee in collaboration with UTM’s Urbanism Club, New Democratic Party Club, and Liberal Club, recently secured a huge win for UTM commuters. Their collective efforts pushed MiWay to launch the new Route 126 Burnhamthorpe Express, which started running on September 2 this year. The route links UTM with the Kipling Bus Terminal and the Kipling TTC Station, offering students a more convenient riding experience around the city to or from campus.
Addressing student concerns
To address financial hardship, housing challenges, and university administration issues, UTMSU has partnered with student unions from the St. George and Scarborough campuses to enhance student services across all three campuses.
The UTMSU is particularly focused on supporting specific student demographics, such as international students and first-year students. The union remains committed to ensuring that all students have access to all necessary resources, from academic to financial support, as they navigate university life.
Rising tuition fees and financial instability pose critical challenges for many students across the university. The UTMSU will continue to advocate for free and accessible post-secondary education, having recently met with the Presidential Search Committee to call for increased student funding.
Food insecurity is another significant issue for certain students. The UTMSU Food Centre, a vital resource for many students, is expanding its services with the introduction of Tre Dish, a fresh grocery delivery service. This new program offers affordable produce to students, helping to ensure that no student goes hungry on campus.
UTMSU is not only dedicated to supporting students on campus but also actively encourages students to get involved and contribute to these efforts. “Your involvement sets the direction for what we do, from organizing events to shaping new policies and campaigns,” according to Salsa.
As UTMSU heads into another year of advocacy and student support, it is prepared to tackle challenges and share its successes with the student body. With new campaigns, ongoing collaborations, and a focus on building a strong sense of community, the union’s work this year is sure to leave a mark on the UTM community.
