The Concordia Student Union is optimistic for the new school year, with plans to keep students safe while encouraging them to participate in school politics.
With the start of the school year in full swing, the Concordia Student Union (CSU) wants students to come together, be more aware, and get involved with student politics.
“We want to take into account student voices in what they have to say and make sure that we implement that into what we do,” said Maria Chitoroaga, CSU’s Sustainability Coordinator.
The CSU, which represents Concordia’s undergraduate students, is the largest representative body at the university. It consists of the Council of Representatives, the Executive Team, and the Judicial Board.
The CSU’s initiatives this year include providing more food options on campus, especially for Loyola, and raising students’ awareness regarding the challenges international students may face while studying in Quebec.
“Their tuition went up. They might not be able to get work permits and are expected to come here, study, and then leave, not having the opportunity to apply for permanent residency,” she said. “It’s getting more real.”
The CSU revealed they are in the visioning and planning stages to exert more pressure on Quebec’s elected officials.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to mobilize a little bit better [than last year]. Chitoraga said. “Students are the people who hold most of the power, but they don’t realize it until they are all united.”
However, the CSU’s mission to ensure students feel safe on campus takes the spotlight. Last November, student protests regarding the Israel-Hamas war and the police intervention that followed led many students to feel unsafe. Similarly, last winter, students clashed with Concordia security during the tuition hike student protests, according to Chitoroaga, and caused concerns for Concordians trying to exercise their rights.
“We had some hiccups, not only on our side but with Concordia as well, with the police showing up and security not being super cooperative,” said Chitoroaga. “This year, we’re trying to smooth out all of that.”
From Sept. 6 through Sept. 26, the CSU will launch “The Campus Kickoff,” a series of orientation events where students can explore clubs, attend parties, receive free CSU merchandise, and become familiar with different student services on campus.
“As a first year, I didn’t know what services there were until I got more involved with the CSU, and these services are very important in making students’ lives easier,” said Souad El Ferjani, CSU’s Finance Coordinator.
The CSU oversees Concordia’s major student services, such as the Housing and Job Resource Centre (HOJO), the Legal Information Clinic (LIC), the Advocacy Centre, and the Recovery and Wellness Community Centre (RAWCC). These services provide students with help, support, and guidance on various issues concerning workers’ rights, mental health, legal information, preserving student rights, and more.
The CSU believes that if students become more familiar with school politics, they will better understand their student rights. Kareem Rahaman, the CSU’s General Coordinator, encourages students to get involved by volunteering for different branches of the CSU. This could potentially inspire students to participate in its various campaigns throughout the school year and help voter turnout during November’s by-elections.
“The best description of the CSU that I’ve heard is that it is Concordia’s best-kept secret,” Rahaman said. “We do a lot of good work here. Most people who come here end up really liking it.”
