Most University of Saskatchewan students are familiar with the USSU, but the role of its complementary body, the University Student Council, is lesser-known.

The USC ensures that student voices and concerns from individual colleges and groups are heard and addressed within the broader university governance framework. Understanding its structure, responsibilities, and significance will allow students to utilize the council to advocate for them.

Every year in March or April, students from constituencies across the University of Saskatchewan such as colleges and student associations, will have the opportunity to elect members to the USC. Those elected are known as Members of Students’ Councils (MSCs) in their college’s student unions, and they serve a one-year term on the USC beginning in May and ending the following April.

The role of MSCs is to act as a liaison between the members of their college’s student body and the broader university administration. While a constituency’s specific student association is far better at addressing concerns within their college, the University Student Council focuses on issues that go beyond that and may affect the student body as a whole. Members of Students’ Councils are expected to actively engage with their respective constituencies, listen to concerns, gather input and communicate this information to both respective student unions and the USC. They also collaborate with fellow council members to discuss and deliberate on key issues affecting students and advocate for solutions that will align with the interests of their colleges.

So, what does this entail? The USC is responsible for a wide range of duties that impact undergraduate students. One of these responsibilities is passing the annual budget for the USSU, which outlines where student fees are allocated and funds student services, advocacy initiatives and campaigns to address student concerns. 

University Student Council members work closely with the USSU Executive Committee, consisting of four elected officials consisting of one president and three vice presidents. They frequently engage in conversations with university administrators, government officials, and representatives from services such as StudentCare or Transit. Together, the council, executives, and other staff collaborate to promote the welfare of undergraduate students, addressing concerns about tuition fees, academic policies, campus facilities, and student services.

Beyond budgets, the USC also establishes policies and directions for the USSU. This includes standing on committees, boards and other bodies that address specific areas of student life, such as academic affairs, campus safety and mental health. These committees take a more focused approach to reviewing issues, policies, and concerns that affect students by providing recommendations to the broader council. The committees often include university administration and other governance officers as well as Students at Large, who are not MSCs but any undergraduate students who want to be involved in student governance.

In total, there are 11 committees, each focused on common issues that affect university students. The committees include: the Academic Relations Committee, the Advocacy Committee, the Campus Group Committee, the Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, the Elections Committee, the Finance Committee, the Governance Committee, the Indigenous Student Advisory Committee, the International Student Advisory Committee, the Student Life and Sustainability Committee, and the Student and City of Saskatoon Connection Committee.

USC members must regularly report back to their constituency groups to make sure that the students of the smaller unions they represent are kept informed of the council’s work, and allow them the opportunity to provide feedback or raise additional concerns.

The USC’s most important work is advocating for student interests, particularly in addressing issues that directly affect students’ academic and social experiences at the university. Over the years, they have been involved in a wide range of advocacy initiatives, including lobbying for affordable tuition, improved mental health services, enhanced campus safety measures, and increasing support for marginalized and international students. For example, the USC played a key role in the implementation of StudentCare and the UPass. 

Currently, the University Student Council is often involved in discussions regarding increased university services, understanding why tuition is increasing and how to prevent it t, and the implications of provincial and federal changes to post-secondary education institutions.

While they have  made large strides in the past, the council faces several challenges as it strives to represent a diverse and constantly changing student population amidst turbulent times. Ongoing issues the USC deals with include the welfare of students which encompasses the growing rates of tuition, food insecurity, and housing costs. Initiatives such as the USSU housing registry and USSU food center are efforts to aid in these problems, but they require continuous talks and working with university and government administration to address them.

This year, USC is also focused on prioritizing transparency this year. In addition to holding open meetings, the council provides students with access to all discussion elements. This includes publishing the meeting agendas and minutes on the USSU website, allowing students to stay informed about what the council is doing. Moreover, they regularly review the policies and procedures to ensure that they operate in a way that serves and represents the student body effectively.

The council plays a crucial role in shaping the student experience by advocating for students, addressing important issues, and working to create a vibrant and supportive campus community. You can be a part of these efforts, by contacting your college’s MSCs, volunteering with a center or for an event, or simply attending meetings. 

The University Student Council meets weekly throughout the academic year, with meetings being held on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Roy Romanow Student Council Chamber, located beside the USSU Help Desk in Upper Place Riel. These meetings are open to all undergraduate students, meaning that any interested students can attend and partake in the discussions that take place. Engaging in these meetings offers leadership experience, allows students to make a positive impact on campus life and ensures that the university is responsive to the needs of its students.