Who is Your Student Union?
Lakehead University Student Union, or LUSU is a non-profit organization that supports and represents Lakehead students. LUSU strives to provide students with various resources, financial benefits, opportunities for involvement, and an inclusive school community. Moreover, LUSU resembles the structure of a government that advocates for student’s education rights through a democratic lens. Every Lakehead student is a part of the student union and is entitled to their voice and a chance to impact the union’s operations. I had the opportunity to interview Orillia’s vice president, Brandon Rhéal Amyot, who is in charge of Orillia’s student life.
What are LUSU’s Objectives in Supporting Students?
‘’In terms of the student union, we are here to provide cost-saving services and utilize the collective purchasing power that we have as a student body to support each other, such as through the health and dental plan, bus pass, the food resource center in Thunder Bay, and more. We are also committed to academic advocacy. Education is a right, and we are here to ensure that students are treated fairly. Moreover, we are here to help with academic appeals and other academic decisions outside of marks. Finally, we strive to throw many fun events to ensure we are building a community on campus because students are so much more than their marks and what they learn in the classroom.’’
‘’In terms of my priorities and some of the priorities of the student union executives, we are committed to improving student life through the revitalization of the student union and our campuses. Particularly in Orillia, we support the expansion of the Orillia campus and attempt to deliver more when it comes to our services and the lives of our students, which means addressing food insecurity, transit accessibility, housing support, financial support, and more!’’
What Questions Can Students Come to LUSU With?
‘’If you have any questions about the U-pass or the local transit, I am on the Orillia transit committee, so I am very connected with local transit issues. Furthermore, you can also come to me for academic appeals, food insecurity, clubs, events, and social-political issues. I am in my last year at Lakehead. I have been here for seven years and have been in my role at the student union for four, so I am always happy to help connect you to the right services or supports. You can contact us by coming by the office, through a phone call, email, or Instagram DM. We are here Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4:30. If we cannot answer your question, we can connect with someone who can. Moreover, many of us are students, so we understand what it is like to be one. Ultimately, we are always trying to improve as a union.’’
How can Students be a part of LUSU?
‘’You are already a part of LUSU as a student at Lakehead University. However, in terms of taking your involvement beyond a member, we have three vacant seats for the LUSU border director position that are regulated through a by-election. Moreover, there is a member at large role, for which we will be distributing an application for this fall. Furthermore, you can volunteer, or start a club. Ultimately, we want to support and nurture what students are passionate about.’’
In conclusion, LUSU is a multifaceted organization here to support and help you! Do not be nervous to ask them questions or provide them with any personal concerns or needs.
Contact Information:
Website for more information: http://lusu.ca/
Website for contacting: https://lusu.ca/contact/
Phone number: 807-343-8259
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lusu_orillia
Brandon’s email: vporillia@lusu.ca
Orillia Office: OA- 1027
Thunder Bay office: SC0001-955