PRESIDENT Sooyeon Lee

have been advocating for improved diversity within Vic College courses since my time as Equity Co-Chair in 2020-2021, so seeing this work finally come to fruition is very exciting. So far, the conversations have been focused on accessibility, representation of diverse backgrounds and perspectives among faculty, EDIA training for instructors and TAs, diversity and inclusion in teaching materials and curriculum, and how “student success” is defined. The group will continue to meet throughout the winter term and continue these conversations with Principal Esterhammer. Like most initiatives, permanent change takes time, but I look forward to seeing where the group’s work will take Vic programs in the future.

On the Board of Regents, student fees have been raised by 6.4%. Students continue to feel the increasing pressure of a city that becomes more unaffordable to live in, and as costs continue to rise, students find themselves in need of affordable student housing and food. I am thinking of how VUSAC can play its part in supporting students financially through reduced service costs or through a better connection of Vic and UofT’s financial resources.

Speaking of the Board, we are in the process of hiring a new Bursar/CAO. This is an incredibly confidential process, but I have approached it with the VCU’s values of equity and sustainability in mind, which I have made sure to share with the search committee and the Board.

There are initiatives that I have delayed due to my own faults and shortcomings, for which I acknowledge and apologize. The Goldring Student Centre space review survey will be released after reading week and results will be compiled by the end of April into a report for next year’s council to work with. This work is being done with the goal of understanding how spaces in Goldring are used so that VUSAC and other student groups can best serve the VCU.

For next year’s leadership, I advise that VUSAC be led with care and compassion. There is great power in the collective and VUSAC must do the work to lead the Victoria College Union and represent all its voices to their fullest potential. To everyone on this year’s council, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s been incredible working with you and seeing everyone’s growth over this past year. You’ve found your strengths, pulled off successful events, and have started meaningful initiatives that will leave a mark on the VCU. Each and every one of you have accomplished so much and will continue to grow. I cannot wait to see what VUSAC will do with the rest of the term. Thank you for allowing me to be your President, for it has been the honour of a lifetime.