Winter 2025 Semi-Annual Report

SEMI ANNUAL REPORT Winter 2025

Prepared by: Sunethma Munasinghe, Communications Coordinator

Victoria College Students Administrative Council Winter Semi-Annual Report - WINTER 2025

Table of Contents Events Calendar

2-3

Elections Timeline

4

Executives

Executives

President ......................................................................................................................................................

Vice President Internal .......................................................................................................................

Vice President External ......................................................................................................................

Vice President Student Organizations ....................................................................................

Commissioners

5-6 7-9 10-11 12-13

Commissioners

Commuter ..................................................................................................................................................

Equity .............................................................................................................................................................

Scarlet and Gold .....................................................................................................................................

Arts & Culture ...........................................................................................................................................

Mental Wellness .....................................................................................................................................

Academic ....................................................................................................................................................

Sustainability .............................................................................................................................................

14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27

Staff

Staff

Chair ................................................................................................................................................................

Finance .........................................................................................................................................................

Chief Returning Office ........................................................................................................................

Office Manager ........................................................................................................................................

Communications Coordinator ......................................................................................................

28 29-30 31 32-33 34-35

Co-chairs & Councillors

Co-chairs & Councillors

Commuter ..................................................................................................................................................

Equity .............................................................................................................................................................

Mental Wellness .....................................................................................................................................

Academic ....................................................................................................................................................

Sustainability .............................................................................................................................................

Councillors ..................................................................................................................................................

36 37 38-39 40 41 42 - 29

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 01

EVENTS CALENDAR 06

National Day of Remembrance & Action on Violence Against Women

DEC

Burwash Study Space

FEB Keep Warm with VUSAC Execs

20 Eat After Eight *every Monday, Wednesday and Friday**

25

DIY T-shirt, Totebag & Kahoot

03 - 17

Gardiner Gala

Black SelfCare + Wellbeing

14 18

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 02

*every Wednesday**

06

13

Winter Clubs Fair

16

Black History Month -Academics, Awards & Scholarships Workshop

04 05

JAN

VOCA Pancakes

Office Hours with Principal Alex Hernandez *every third Thursday**

Pressed Flower and Bookmark Making

13

27

Hot Chocolate Bar

17 - 21

Black Futures + Career Paths

Afro-Caribbean Cultural Food Fair

24 - 28

29 Lunar New Year Craftsmaking Program Fair

24

Allan Gardens Guided Tour

EVENTS CALENDAR 26

Networking & LinkedIn Workshop

DIY Beezwax & Clothing Swap

MAR 21

04

Art Gala

Let’s get VOCA-l for Highball

05

The Lorax Screening & Diva Cup Giveaway Picture Taking and Photo Frame making Life After Vic

27

Highball: A Gatsby Gala

**Accurate as of March 1st, 2025

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 03

Elections Timeline SPRING 2025 Feb 24 - Nominations OPEN Feb 26 - Elections Info Q&A (6-7PM) March 08 - Elections Info Q&A (6-7PM) March 10 - Nominations CLOSE (12PM) Candidates Meeting (6PM) Campaign Period BEGINS (8PM) March 14 - Candidate Profiles and Election Budgets Due March 18 - Town Hall DAY 1 March 19 - Town Hall DAY 2 March 20 - Voting Period Commences March 24 - Campaign and Voting periods END March 25 - Silent and Appeals Period begins (12am) Candidates notified of unconfirmed results March 26 - Appeals Period Ends March 28 - Silent Period Ends Ratification of election results April 14 - Election results PUBLISHED

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 04

Juhyung Yun President

Hello everyone!

My name is Juhyung, the VUSAC President for the 2024-25 academic year, and it is my greatest pleasure to write my Winter Semi-Annual Report and update you all on what I’ve been doing since I published my Fall Semi-Annual Report!

Continuing the vision that was set by last year’s council, Linxi and I continuously met to discuss the VUSAC Office Renovation project to enhance the approachability and accessibility of our office. Fortunately, our SPF application went through and so we aim to get a new refurbished office by the end of March! Medha and I are also still continuing to structure a Resource Library project with our respective councillors, Albert and Tyler, as well as Principal Alex.

Currently, we hope to keep the scope to Vic One and Vic One Hundred Courses to aid incoming first-year students learn more about these courses by potentially incorporating student opinion and publicizing the recommended reading list for the classes. Another project that I am hoping to work on is reorganizing the student-group-held office spaces in Goldring, as some student groups have voiced their need for an office space and as an extension of the conversation made during Fall Caucus. On the topic of the Fall 2024 Caucus, different from previous years, Medha and I decided to change the format of Caucus to be more conversation-focused with specific conversation topics of 1) Student Spaces at Goldring Student Centre; 2) Increasing Student Participation at Events. With also mandating reports from levies, we wanted to ensure that the Caucus leaned more towards being a place of communication and understanding.

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EXECUTIVE Apart from VUSAC and Vic Student Groups, I have also spent some time working on external affairs. I worked with Medha, in collaboration with the Dean’s Office, to plan programming for The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. As a way to encourage more student participation, we decided to add more passive programming the week leading up to December 6th. So, we had a station outside the VUSAC Office with white ribbon pins for students to wear, some cork boards where students could write notes, and also some paper to make white paper roses. Moreover, I also contributed to planning a month-long programming for Black History Month with the Dean’s Office and also sat on the Orientation Co-Chair and Exec hiring committee. Apart from attending the usual meetings of the BoR, its committees, and the VCC I have also been attending some VWA meetings, while also making a speech during their January meeting about current issues facing Vic Students.

I was also given the honor to say a short speech for Principal Alex’s installation ceremony.

Closing Remarks As I end my report and reflect back on the past months, I just want to thank everyone for their support and hard work dedicated throughout the year to ensure the betterment of Vic student life. My tenure as VUSAC President has definitely been an extraordinary experience, and one that I am truly grateful for!

I have learned so much from all of the wonderful student leaders around me, as well as the administrators who have extended their warm support throughout.

Although I only have about 2 months left in my tenure, I intend to continue working hard and doing my very best to ensure a better Victoria College for all Vic students!

Thank you all so much and hope you all stay warm in the cold weather :)

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 06

Amoly Agarwal Vice-President Internal

Hi everyone! My name is Amoly and I’m so happy to report the progress we’ve made since my last Semi Annual Report.

Projects & Support Over the months of November and December, I conducted Fall Check-Ins with all Commissioners, Co-Chairs and Staff members. I checked in with all the Councillors individually to see how they were settling into their portfolios and was happy to see that they were all so involved and eager to contribute their ideas to their teams. This Winter, I will be conducting a second round of checkins to make sure that all teams are supported and have the resources they might need to conduct their events.

I am currently working on a system to ensure streamlined communication with the Commissions so that the Exec are able to foresee any potential problems guide the commissions forward. If this system proves fruitful, I will recommend it to the next VPI to continue at their discretion.

I assisted with Linxi, our Office Manager, with her project of getting VUSAC new furniture through the SPF. The application was approved and we have begun looking into next steps to fill the office with new, comfortable, reliable and clean furniture for students. I want to thank Scott and Shane and the entire SPF team for deeming the application a worthwhile investment towards the betterment of the quality of service provided to Vic students. I also want to give a huge shout out to Linxi for working so diligently on the application.

I am working with Juhyung and the Communications Coordinator’s team Sunethma, Maggie and Elena - to increase VUSAC’s communication and reach within the VCU by promoting events more rigorously and recording Instagram reels (they have been a huge success thusfar with us seeing massive engagement from the VCU!) VUSAC will be ordering customised merchandise from the UofT Bookstore for the VUSAC Council. This is a project that is overseen by the VPI and I have had a great time coordinating with the Bookstore and the council to settle on and order merchandise.

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EXECUTIVE I want to give a huge shout out to Justin and Anandita from the Sustainability Commission for their initiative Chop Value which global company that recycles chopsticks into furniture! Bins from Chop Value have been installed in the Burwash Dining Hall and the Ned’s Cafe and we’re currently looking into getting them installed on more places on campus. This is a huge step towards ensuring that the Vic Campus is more sustainable and I’m excited to see what the commission comes up with next!

VUSAC’s Winter Budget Ratification Meeting was challenging per usual. The Council endured two four-hour meetings to get the Winter Budget approved. I assisted some of the commissions in amending their budget lines and fostered collaboration within student groups. I want to thank the clubs, levies, commissions, councillors, and staff for their patience and understanding during this budgeting cycle. Most importantly, I want to thank Wick for his immense work and ensuring that council remains afloat (and events exist!) in the future.

Governing Documents Review We reviewed and amended our Council Policies, Budget Steering Policy, Elections and Referenda Code over the Summer and Fall Semesters. Over the Winter Semester, I will be scheduling meetings to amend the Constitution.

Following VUSAC Meeting discussions, we hope to ratify changes by the tailend of March.

Events The Winter Semester is always busy with many large-scale events from multiple commissions.

I assisted Jia Li with planning and execution for the Gardiner Gala. The planning for the event could not have been done without the support of Juhyung and Ali. Council members and members of the commission were present to help with the overall success of the event. The gala was held on 05 February, with about 200 guests in attendance. It was a spectacular evening that went without a hitch, and I am grateful for all of the support that we had. Most of all, it goes without saying that I am incredibly proud of Jia Li and the Arts and Culture Exec team for their hard work.

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 08

EXECUTIVE I am supporting the Sustainability and Equity Commissions as they plan for the highly anticipated return of the Environmental Equity Week. The event will take place 24-28 February and Justin, Anadita, Aiden and Sijil have been planning since the end of November. Make sure to check out the Instagram accounts of the Sustainability and Equity Commissions for more information.

I am supporting Rohini and Erica as they plan for the Life After Vic Pathways to Purpose networking dinner on 27 February. We are grateful to the Vic Ready team for teaming up with the Academic Commission to make the event a huge success. The event could not have been possible without the long hours Rohini, Erica, Missy and the Academic Commission Exec team have put into this event.

I have been supporting in the planning and execution of Highball, our much anticipated event. Juhyung, Ali, and I have been working with Isha to finalise plans for the evening, taking into consideration cost, location, accessibility, etc.

We will be having Highball at DASHA on 21 March. We hope to charge tickets at a reasonable price that allows us to execute the event and ensure fiscal sustainability. Isha and I also worked together to hire this year’s Highball Committee, who serve as an advisory committee. An event of this size could not be done without Isha, Juhyung, Ali and the committee.

Final Remarks Over the past year, I have been at the VUSAC Office 15 hours per week on average and it has been my pleasure to be able to serve the Vic community. All the long hours and excessive workload pale in comparison to seeing the entire team put in so much work to make events for the VCU come to life. The last two years on VUSAC have been a roller coaster ride that have taught me how to be empathetic and kind and I am grateful for the team, their trust and companionship every day.

Cheers!

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 09

Medha Barath Vice-President External

Since last November, I have continued my work on various advocacy and outreach projects as Vice-President External of VUSAC. My goals have continued to be improving affordability and accessibility at Vic, as well as the approachability of VUSAC, and I am pleased to announce that we have made progress with this!

In December, Juhyung and I worked together with Ali to organise the National Day of Remembrance activities to honor the women who lost their lives during the Montreal Massacre. We implemented some passive programming at the Wendy Cecil Atrium in the week prior to the event; students were able to leave motivational messages for other women on a display while tying white ribbons and creating origami paper flowers to create an artistic tribute to women who have suffered from gender-based violence. We then displayed these student creations during the shorter, more intimate ceremony on December 6th. I think this new format worked well for the event and I encourage future organisers to also implement passive programming!

After further discussions with the Food Services team, I was able to increase the number of Eat After Eight offerings, with the initiative now occurring three times a week instead of two. While there were many logistical challenges with this change, the expansion of the program has been a success overall - the leftover food from the dining hall is continually used up, indicating that students are able to gain more affordable access to food while helping us reduce food waste at Victoria College. One of the biggest changes to the program this semester is that we also have volunteers from the Sustainability Commission helping us implement it, given the increased number of offerings. Justin Liou, our Sustainability Commissioner, has especially been a big help. I hope that we can build off of our current system to create a larger volunteer network in the future to ensure the longevity of the program.

I have also continued my work with Lesley Pan, the Co-President of VicPride!, to establish a scholarship honoring students who have positively contributed to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and/or advocacy at Vic. Lesley and I have been having regular discussions with Yvette Ali, the Registrar, and Louise Yearwood, the Executive Director of the Office of Alumni Affairs and Advancement, to discuss our fundraising goals for the award, the composition of the selection committee, and our general fundraising plans.

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 10

EXECUTIVE The scholarship will be titled the VicPride Community Scholarship and we plan to launch fundraising at the end of February! We hope that everyone in the Vic community and larger network will be able to contribute to this great initiative!

Organising the Crescams has also been a big focus for me this semester, and I’m very excited to be working on this with Ali! We have finalised the members of the committee that will evaluate the student nominations while setting details for the day, such as the menu. I hope that many students will attend this heartwarming celebration of student involvement at Vic. Juhyung and I have also been working with our councillors to create a new resource project at Vic. We are specifically looking to raise awareness about Vic programs and courses, as well as ways to be involved. After some discussion with Principal Hernandez, we have started to develop more concrete plans for this project and hope to have a final product to present to incoming first-year students next year.

The VUSAC Executive have continued to organise our Exec Office Hours to increase our outreach as well as approachability to students. Our first event this semester occurred at the end of January - although there wasn’t very high attendance, we were able to interact with some students and encourage some new faces to visit the VUSAC Office. We will be organising one more Exec Office Hours event before the end of the semester, which will be an ice cream bar for students. We hope to use this event to encourage participation in our upcoming elections.

Finally, I have also started preparations for the upcoming Winter Caucus. I hope to implement a similar format to the last Caucus due to its success and will be spending the next few weeks compiling discussion topics and questions for the meeting. I am especially looking forward to conducting some tabling with my councillors during the Gather in the Goldring events to garner further student input for the event.

My work as Vice-President External has been extremely rewarding this year, and I am thankful for all the support I have received from the rest of the council - I am excited to see where the rest of the year takes us!

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 11

Jack Cochrane

Vice President Student Organizations Hey everyone! Since my last report in the fall semester, I have been working towards and making significant progress on a lot of my projects and tasks that I wanted to accomplish by the end of my term. Towards the end of the fall semester, my task was to check-in with every club and levy before the winter break. I had around 30 meetings and was able to hear from every group about any problems they had and want they wanted to achieve by the end of the winter semester.

Heading into the winter break, a lot of my work was making sure clubs and levies were prepared for the winter budget ratification meeting. Like last year, we expected a significant decrease in the amount of money we were going to get from Victoria College, so Wick (the finance chair), Amoly (the VPI) and I were all warning clubs, levies, and commissions that we were going to have to be strict while budgeting. Also, I had the honour of sitting on the Cat’s eye hiring board to hire the new co-manager, Peyton!

As we entered the Winter semester, I had been getting reports that the GSC key system wasn’t working properly (people weren’t able to access rooms they should have, etc), so Ali, Juhyung and I worked with the MargAd front desk to develop a system that is more efficient. So far, we are still ironing out the logistics, but we should have it up and running by the end of the semester. Also, on the second week of January, I managed to organize and host a Winter Club’s fair in Old Vic (thanks to the help of Ali)! The purpose of this fair was to help expose Victoria College to clubs that were recently ratified and to help clubs expand their reach within the community as well. I think it went well overall, but I think there should be an effort by the next VPSO to work on getting more people to come to the event. The last notable event that happened during January was the budget ratification meeting. I thought that it went well and that we did a good job preparing clubs, levies, and commissions for a lack of money as they all came with ways they could reduce their budget (although we did have to reduce it even more). Going forward, I think that the way budget ratification occurs needs to be revamped as it took around 6 hours total to allocate spending for the winter semester.

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 12

EXECUTIVE A lot of my attention this semester will be focused on helping levies get back up to speed. VISA was hired and set up last summer, but it’s taken the copresidents a bit to get sorted, so Juhyung and I have stepped in to help get them organized with events. Juhyung and I also hired the new BLVCK team at the end of last semester. We are working with the new president, Arielle, to help them with setting up their own budget, planning events, and overall bringing more attention back to BLVCK. Lastly, I have had to help a couple other levies with internal issues and helping them with budgeting or hiring problems as well.

Moving forward, I am hoping to start club and levy check ins after reading week.

These will take place after the all-club heads meeting, in which I will detail hiring and election processes and teach them how to set up their club for continued success. This will be the focal point for the check-ins as I am hoping to learn when each club and levy is planning on hiring/electing their next team.

I am also going to ask if they had any suggestions or concerns about VUSAC, so that I can pass this on to the next VPSO or even the president if they are more pressing issues. Also, I am hoping to change the way equity training happens with the VPSO and equity commission doing it right before the end of their term (so I would do it before May) as a video. Lastly, I am hoping to start an initiative to clean the club’s storage, so more clubs and groups can use it in the future without worrying about people stealing from it, or stuff getting lost.

Overall, I am extremely proud of what each club and levy has managed to accomplish this year, especially with our budgeting constraints. The thought that all these student leaders put into events, magazines, newspapers, or fundraisers genuinely amazes me and makes me extremely proud to be a Victoria College student.

Thanks!

Jack Cochrane

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 13

Sophie Erenberg Commuter Commissioner

Hello everyone, Here is a look at everything VOCA has been working on since November!

The Fall semester was a busy and exciting time for VOCA! We hosted 10 pancake brunches alongside various events, with one of the biggest highlights being Home for the Holidays (H4TH). This event saw around 200 attendees and, for the first time, featured drinks from Caffiends—a well-received addition!

Over the Winter Break, VOCA was hard at work planning an exciting semester, including one of our flagship programs: Commuter Appreciation Week (CAW).

This year, we are expanding our reach by collaborating with commuter representatives from other colleges, while also offering a range of VOCA-led activities. CAW will feature events such as: Bracelet and keychain making A PRESTO ticket giveaway A miniature building competition A game night in the Cat’s Eye We kicked off the Winter semester with a Back to School Hot Chocolate Bar, a successful collaboration with the Arts and Culture, Scarlet and Gold, and Academic Commissions. So far, we’ve also hosted two pancake brunch collaborations, with three more coming up in the next few weeks!

Looking ahead, Onyi and I will be hosting a Pressed Flower Bookmark Making event in March, along with another exciting event to wrap up the semester—stay tuned for details!

All in all, our team has been working hard to bring engaging programming and advocacy efforts to Vic commuters. Here is a breakdown of the events and initiatives that have been or will be run by the VOCA exec team in the Winter semester: Administrative Representatives (Aanya & Shauri) Updating the Commuter Lounge Whiteboard Publishing VOCA’s monthly newsletter Taking meeting minutes

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COMISSIONER Advocacy Directors (Aidan & Jia Li) Lunar New Year Crafts with Arts and Culture Commission Working on the Commuter of the Month initiative Trip to ROM Game Night with the VOCA Execs (CAW) Collaborations Directors (Ekaterina & Bhakti) Back to School Hot Chocolate Bar with Arts and Culture, Scarlet and Gold, and Academic Commissions Arts and Crafts with UTFOLD Crocheting Commuter Pouches with Hearts and Hooks (CAW) Communications Coordinators (Maryam & Razan) Creating social media posts for all VOCA events and initiatives Valentine’s Day e-cards Events Directors (Savanna & Delisha) Polaroid Frame Decorating Building Competition (CAW) First Year Execs (Yu Wei, Hiba, Sharmin) Bracelet/Keychain Making (CAW) A huge thank you to the entire VOCA team for their dedication, creativity, and hard work in making this year another successful one for Vic commuters. Your efforts have truly made a difference! And of course, we extend our thanks to all Vic students who participated in and supported our events—we couldn’t do this without you!

Looking forward to another great semester ahead :)

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Aiden Kong

Equity Commissioner We kicked off the semester with a Meet the Equity Commission event on February 6th. Students were able to meet the execs, grab some boba, and express any equity concerns they had through a google form. The event was a big success, with about 40 students enjoying the boba and learning more about what the equity commission does at Vic. The Equity and Outreach Co-Director of the Innis College Student Society (ICSS) reached out to Vic about collaborating with them on their annual Art Gala focused on highlighting student artwork. The theme for this year is Identities & Others, meant to spark a conversation on topics such as self-representation, how diaspora affects identity, and other equity related subjects. The Arts and Culture Commission is also collaborating with us on this event, and we all think this is a great opportunity to showcase student artwork while fostering inter-college relationships.

From February 24th to 28th, the Equity Commission is collaborating with the Sustainability Commission on Environmental Equity Week (EEW)! We are starting off the week with a guided tour of Allan Gardens, followed by DIY tote bag making on Tuesday, DIY beeswax wrap making and a clothing swap on Wednesday, a screening of The Lorax on Thursday, and finally a Guest Speaker Panel on Friday. The Equity and Sustainability Commissions will be posting lots of updates throughout the week as well as giving out some sustainable goodies.

Huge thank you to Justin and the rest of the Sustainability Commission for putting so much time and effort into planning EEW. In early March, we are planning a Financial Literacy Workshop with PennyDrops at UofT. This workshop will be geared towards students that come from marginalized or low-income backgrounds to promote equity in student financial literacy. We hope that students will benefit from the lessons presented in the workshop and become more financially empowered individuals.

This year, we are planning an Iftar Dinner and an Eid Al-Fitr Dinner. The Iftar Dinner is in collaboration with SMCSU’s VP of Spiritual Life, Justus Croskery, who has been a huge help in planning this event. The Eid Al-Fitr Dinner is in collaboration with the International Mentors and Commuter Dons. These dinners will be similar to the Iftar DInners we hosted last year, so we hope that these dinners will continue to support students observing Ramadan and educate students who want to learn more about it.

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COMISSIONER Other than those events, the VPSO and I are in the process of creating this year’s equity training for clubs and levies. It will likely be a presentation with a quiz at the end so that every club and levy head has the opportunity to complete it on their own time and this training could possibly be used in future years. We are also planning to do two movie nights, one centered around the black experience and another around the indigenous experience.

Overall, serving as Equity Commissioner has been an amazing experience thus far. Big thank you to my Co-Chair, Sijil, our executives, Kiara, Delisha, and Hana, and our councillors, Ashleigh and Ruhi, as well as VUSAC and the rest of our collaborators. Please reach out to equity@vusac.ca with any questions or concerns, otherwise have an awesome semester!

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 17

Isha Mathur

Scarlet and Gold Commissioner Hi Everyone!

I can’t believe that we’re already half way through the winter semester, which means just under two months left of my time as this year’s Scarlet and Gold Commissioner! Definitely, feeling bittersweet but emphasis on the sweet with all the things upcoming from my commission!

Since my last report, I have been working hard to finalize the venue for Highball!

I researched and contacted twenty different venues in Toronto and am happy to announce that I finalized with DASHA! Highball will be at DASHA (620 King St W) on March 21st, 2025 with tickets dropping at the end of February. This year’s theme, as decided by the Highball committee, is Gilded Nights and Golden Lights: A Gatsby Gala! Make sure to stay tuned to our Instagram page (@vicscarletandgold) as that’s where we’ll be releasing all the juicy details for what’s to come! In the meantime, here's a little teaser: get ready for high quality hors d'oeuvres and fancy drinks for purchase with plenty of photo opportunities mixed with a night of Mahjong and Karaoke!

But, this Scarlet and Gold commission doesn’t want just one night of fun so we have plans to start the party early!

So far we have worked with VOCA on running a Hot Chocolate Bar on January 27th in Wendy Cecil Atrium! It was a great success with a solid turnout and lots of hot chocolate and delicious toppings and addons to go with it! Thank you Maggie, Samara, Camryn, Angela and Sally from the Scarlet and Gold commission for helping manage the event and thank you to Jusleen from VOCA for coordinating with all the commissions and hot chocolate!

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COMISSIONER

Games Night!

Friday, February 28th from 5-7pm in Wymillwood (Goldring Student Centre) A Collaborative Event with Scarlet and Gold x Vic Mahjong x Vic Bingo Time to get competitive through the ultimate Vic games night! Expect a heated Bingo game followed by a fierce (but beginner friendly) Mahjong competition as we battle out to determine and crown the one and only ultimate Vic games night champion!!

Let’s Get VOCA-L! Wednesday, March 5th from 10-1pm in the Cat’s Eye (Goldring Student Centre) A Scarlet and Gold x VOCA Pancakes Collab Try to name a better way to warm up your vocal chords for our FIVE karaoke rooms at Highball. You just can’t! Join us at VOCA’s weekly pancake breakfast to learn more about Highball on March 21st, but more importantly to enjoy some free pancakes and fun karaoke! We hope to see you there :)

Anti-Procrastination Night: Cram before Highball!

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Jia Li Liang

Arts and Culture Commissioner To end off the fall semester, The Bob performed their show “The Royal Bob” to an audience of over 200 on December 13th and 14th.

The net sales from this show were the highest since their 150th anniversary, amounting to $938.85.

The audience was filled with mirth thanks to the amazing performance by co-directors Alex and Maddy, as well as the entire Bob cast. They will be holding another show in late March at The Cat’s Eye, free of charge!

For the Arts and Culture Commission, we concluded the year by hiring the full executive team, bringing in two new FirstYear Representatives and one Program Director. They have planned a few exciting events, such as the Museum of Toronto Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto curatorial tour.

Leading up to the Gardiner Gala, we held several events and initiatives centered around the theme of “Unity in Community”. In early December, we opened up art submissions for the Gardiner Gala. From these submissions, we selected five artists to have their artwork showcased. On January 13th, tickets to the Gardiner Gala went live and sold out within 48 hours. For our pre-gala activities, we held multi-day Quilt Making events. Vic students were able to drop-in and decorate their own square for the quilt, which was later showcased at the gala. Each individual square represented the unique identities within Vic that came together as a community when stitched together.

This year’s Gardiner Gala was held on February 5th. Students, staff, and faculty attended the night to enjoy art, food, and fun. Students had the opportunity to take polaroid pictures in front of the iconic VIC gold balloons and keep them as mementos.

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COMISSIONER A big thank you to the Gardiner staff and catering, D.O's office, Ali, VUSAC volunteers, and my executive team, as none of it would have been possible without their support.

The Arts and Culture Commission hosted several events in January. We collaborated with VOCA, Scarlet and Gold, and the Academic Commission to hold a Hot Chocolate Bar, welcoming students back from the winter break. We also celebrated Lunar New Year in collaboration with VOCA during our DIY Red Envelope crafting event. Students created traditional red envelopes, filled them with chocolate gold coins, and gifted them to friends and family. Additionally, we celebrated by collaborating with Vic Mahjong Society to host their first-ever event. The turnout was phenomenal, and students got to both learn mahjong and play with experienced players.

Over the next few months, my executives and I will be working on several final events to close out the semester. In February, we will have the Black Diasporas Tkaronto-Toronto curatorial tour in celebration of Black History Month.

Additionally, we will host an Arts and Culture Commission totebag merch decorating event. In March, we will host Open Mic Night at The Cats Eye and a poetry writing event.

As the semester comes to a close, I would like to convey my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity and experiences I have had as a commissioner.

It has been an honor working with such dedicated and incredible students.

Forming strong bonds and friendships with my team has been a privilege, and I will always cherish these connections.

VUSAC WINTER 2025 I 21

Albert Deok-Hyun Ahn Mental Wellness Commissioner

Commission Events: Wellness Quest Event We launched the “Wellness Quest,” a mental health resources scavenger hunt, to actively engage students in discovering the various support tools available on campus. This interactive event was designed to educate students in a fun and engaging manner, increasing their awareness and usage of mental health resources.

Samosa and Spring Roll Event This event provided an opportunity for students to enjoy delicious samosas and spring rolls while engaging in conversations about the stigmas surrounding mental health. The casual setting encouraged openness and shared experiences, fostering a supportive community atmosphere where students could discuss and challenge misconceptions about mental wellness.

Modelling Clay Workshop (Upcoming) Continuing our focus on art therapy, we are planning a Modeling Clay Workshop aimed at providing students with a hands-on, creative means to express themselves and manage stress.

Paws and Prep Therapy Dogs Event (Upcoming) Due to the overwhelming popularity in previous semesters, we are organizing another Therapy Dogs event! This event offers students a chance to interact with therapy dogs, providing a soothing break from academic responsibilities.

Sticker Making: Stick to Positivity (Upcoming) Continuing our focus on creative therapies, we are excited to introduce the “Stick to Positivity” sticker-making session. This event is designed to provide students with a hands-on, creative outlet for self-expression and stress relief.

With templates and sticker supplies readily available, students can easily create personalized stickers with positive messages or fun designs. Perfect for decorating personal items like laptops, notebooks, or water bottles, this activity not only fosters creativity but also promotes a positive atmosphere. Snacks will be provided to enhance the experience and encourage participation.

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COMISSIONER Gather in Goldring Events: Social Media and Mental Wellness On January 21st, we explored the impact of social media on mental health, providing students with insights into navigating the complexities of digital interactions in a healthy way. We looked at online pages like @uoftears_ and @vic.college.confessions on Instagram, alongside other forums like Reddit, reviewing how these platforms illustrate student well-being at the University of Toronto and Victoria College.

How Are We Fitting In? On January 28th, this event focused on equity and identity, particularly targeting how students fit into university life. It complemented our well-being and inclusivity initiatives, addressing matters like the imposter syndrome and helping students feel more included and supported.

Origami Making Session As part of our ongoing efforts to incorporate creative therapies in mental wellness, we hosted an origami-making session.This event allowed students to relax and engage in the therapeutic art of origami, providing a calm and creative outlet.

Research Project: We are actively engaged in a research project to map out and evaluate the mental wellness resources at the University of Toronto. The findings from this research are being used to develop a new website designed to centralize and streamline access to these resources. The website will feature user-friendly tutorials to help students navigate the available supports effectively, making it easier for them to find and utilize the resources they need.

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Rohini Patra

Academic Commissioner This report is an opportunity to highlight the work of the Academic Commission and share updates on the initiatives planned for the remainder of the semester.

For context, the Academic Commission has been actively working on several key events to support student success and engagement. Below are some of the major projects we have either undertaken or will be held : Black History Month: Academic Scholarship and Financial Aid Workshop In recognition of Black History Month, we curated a list of academic and financial aid resources specifically for Black-identifying students. This initiative was designed to provide essential support by helping students access scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities to further their academic goals.

The Academics and Scholarships event was held on February 4th.

Program Fair: In Collaboration with SMCSU To assist students in making informed academic choices, we partnered with the St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU) to organize a Program Fair. Several course unions were invited to provide insights into different academic disciplines, making this event particularly beneficial ahead of program exploration days. The goal was to help students navigate their academic options with confidence. The Program Fair is scheduled to take place on February 24th.

Life After Vic: In Collaboration with Vic Ready Team Over the past three months, we have been preparing for the "Life After Vic" event in collaboration with the Vic Ready Team. This year's theme is "Pathways to Purpose," featuring four distinct career pathways: Healthcare, Social Justice, Business & Finance, and Science & AI. We have invited 12 alumni to participate, providing students with the opportunity to network and gain insights into various career fields. The event has generated strong interest, with 104 registrants confirmed so far. "Life After Vic" is scheduled to take place on February 27th.

Upcoming Anti-Procrastination Nights in March To support students during the academic term, we have planned two AntiProcrastination Nights in March. These sessions will offer an inclusive and focused study environment for Victoria College students, ensuring they have a dedicated space to work effectively.

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COMISSIONER Moving forward, we remain committed to providing meaningful academic programming and fostering student engagement through our initiatives.

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Justin Liou

Sustainability Commissioner Hello Vic Community! Here are a few updates on what I’ve been doing in the Sustainability Commission, since the November 2024 report.

Towards the end of the fall semester, we had our “Petals for Purpose” event, where students got the opportunity to paint mini terracotta flower pots, and plant a flower bulb inside! It was a lot of fun and we had over a dozen attendees. My execs and I also hosted a booth at VOCA’s annual “Home for the Holidays” event, where we encouraged students to write a highlight from 2024 or goal for 2025 on a sticky note!

At the start of the winter semester, we participated in the Winter Clubs Fair, where we got to meet members of the VCU, and promote our commission and our upcoming events! During the first week of February, we held an exec meet-andgreet event in Wymilwood Lounge.

We got to form and grow connections within our exec team, and with a few members of the Vic community over music and snacks.

Also since the beginning of this semester, a number of our execs have begun volunteering for Eat after Eight, an initiative started in previous years, where we provide free meals from Burwash Dining Hall! Feedback has been positive and my team and I are excited to continue facilitating the program three times a week! We have also successfully coordinated the implementation of ChopValue collection bins into Burwash Dining Hall and Ned’s Cafe. ChopValue is an organization which recycles used chopsticks by turning them into furniture. They will collect chopsticks from Vic Food Services biweekly and free of charge, which reduces our waste, and increases campus sustainability!

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COMISSIONER One of the highlights of this term for the commission is “Environmental Equity Week” in collaboration with the Equity Commission. From February 24 to 28, we have planned a full week of fun activities, including a guided tour at Allan Gardens, DIY sustainable crafts, a clothing swap, giveaways, a movie screening of “The Lorax,” fun Kahoots, epic Instagram takeovers, and a guest speaker panel!

The topic of the panel will be “Individual vs. Collective Sustainable Actions.” We’ve got an exciting lineup of speakers for the panel, and absolutely can’t wait for this week to come!

Last but not least, our first-year reps have been working on an Instagram series of posts and stories, dubbed “Sustainable Series,” where they will share tips and insights on leading a sustainable lifestyle, with a fresh theme each month.

This semester, the commission meets on Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 PM in the VUSAC office! Meetings are open to all attendees, and we provide the option to join virtually upon request. I’m super grateful to all my hardworking execs, who have spent countless hours writing emails and researching potential ideas, and am ecstatic to see our plans come to fruition! To learn more about the commission, check out our Instagram @vic.sustainability or email sustainability@vusac.ca.

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Sophie Mutch Chair

Hi all! My name is Sophie mutch and I am VUSAC’s Chair for the 2024-2025 school year. My job is to host and chair the VUSAC meetings that usually take place on Fridays at 5:30 on a biweekly basis. These meetings take place in the Copper Room of the Goldring Student Centre.

So far this year, I have hosted thirteen meetings, including co-chairing the Summer, Fall, and Winter VUSAC Budget Ratification meetings. There are only three left in my term!

During these meetings, we’ve continued to use placards for additions to the speakers’ and to manage discussion. We have also continued to have snacks, and I have been consulting with VUSAC members on which ones they would like most!

I have been creating comprehensive meeting packages and have been sending them to everyone attending the meetings the Tuesday before the meeting. I also ensure that sufficient time is being given to students to submit agenda items by sending out the call for agenda items email a week and a half before the meeting. All VCU members are invited and encouraged to attend meetings!

My goals moving forward are to continue to ensure better communication within the council, especially when it comes to attendance and providing proper notice if they cannot attend, and I plan on continuing to remind students to ensure that VUSAC continues to operate in terms of the expectations of council members in a clear and fair way. We have maintained good attendance at most meetings, although there was one in which we did not meet quorum. We will keep working on ensuring that everyone attends and that they communicate with us properly if they cannot! I want to be able to follow the realistic expectations of students, while also reminding them of what is expected of them.

It has truly been my pleasure to serve as the VUSAC Chair for this semester!

Please feel free to send me an email at chair@vusac.ca for any questions or concerns about VUSAC Meetings.

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Wick Reitsma Finance Chair

Since my last report, the fall fiscal term ended. For the fall budget there were 408 ratified lines; 104 clubs lines, 67 commission lines, 35 executives lines, 18 staff lines and 184 levy lines. We obtained a non-levy utilization rate of 56.3%, last fall we had a non-levy utilization rate of 74.6%. The total non-levy expenditure for this fall was $34,941.82 compared to $46,857.99 in fall 2023.

*Note, the low utilization rate for VUSAC Executives is partially attributed to the president having to budget for the Bob which had a slightly altered reimbursement process due to special circumstances In October and November, in collaboration with Hannah from the Victoria University Office of the Bursar, I conducted the first round of Levy Audits for the summer 2024 budgeting period. All levies have transitioned to dual-signature checks which is something that the previous finance chair and Hannah emphasised. A majority of the levies were encouraged to reduce the budget surplus built up due to COVID-19 during the coming budgeting periods. Two levies were defunct during the summer budgeting period (Victoria Black Student Network and VISA), and three other levies had issues transitioning formally (Vic Xposure, The Cat’s Eye and Acta Victoriana). No levies failed their summer audit.

In January, preparation of the Winter Budget began with a similar format to the Fall Budget. There were some delays regarding the ratification of the budget.

Even with prior understanding that there was a possibility that winter funding would be less than expected, the number was still lower than projected. The result of which ended up being that many clubs and commissions had to limit their activity during the semester. The ratification meeting had to be stretched over a number of weeks but was ratified on the 31st of January.

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STAFF

*Note: some numbers are subject to change due to tentative lines still being discussed. *As of February 14th, 2025 I have begun the process once again in collaboration with Hannah to conduct levy audits now for the fall budgeting period. This process will be completed between the end of February and beginning of March.

I have also begun reviewing reimbursement requests, writing checks and entering them into our bookkeeping software for the winter budgeting term.

For any questions or concerns about VUSAC finances, feel free to reach out: finance@vusac.ca

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Siddhant Kulkarni Chief Returning Officer

Over the semester, I have dedicated my efforts as Chief Returning Officer (CRO) at the Victoria University Students’ Administrative Council (VUSAC) to ensuring a smooth and efficient election cycle. My responsibilities have revolved around optimizing the Elections Portal, refining nomination processes, and providing comprehensive support to potential candidates. With the spring elections approaching, I have focused on enhancing transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in all aspects of the election process.

A major component of my work has been optimizing the Elections Portal. This platform is central to facilitating a seamless election experience for candidates and voters alike. I have worked to enhance its functionality, ensuring that all necessary information—ranging from candidate eligibility requirements to key deadlines and submission guidelines—is readily available. Additionally, I have streamlined processes to make nominations and voting more user-friendly, reducing barriers that might discourage student participation.

Simultaneously, I have been involved in preparing the nomination package, a critical document outlining the eligibility criteria, election rules, and necessary paperwork for candidates. Given that student elections play a pivotal role in shaping campus governance, I have ensured that the nomination process is clear, fair, and accessible. This has involved revising and updating policies, simplifying documentation, and addressing any ambiguities that could lead to confusion or inefficiencies.

With the nomination package officially open, we have already begun receiving submissions, signaling an active and engaged student body. To further support this, I have taken on additional office hours to provide guidance and answer any questions from potential candidates. This proactive approach ensures that students feel well-equipped to navigate the election process, reinforcing an environment of fairness and inclusivity.

As we approach the nomination deadline on March 10, my focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition into the next phases of the election. This includes coordinating with key stakeholders, addressing any emerging challenges, and maintaining the integrity of the process. The work I have undertaken so far has been rewarding, and I look forward to overseeing a successful election cycle that upholds VUSAC’s commitment to student representation and democratic engagement.

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Linxi Wang Office Manager

Hi everyone! New year new office! Some big changes have happened since my last update (hint: furniture)! To quickly reiterate, my job as the office manager is to oversee the office space and its services, while also supporting the office's overall productivity! This report will briefly cover the administrative and office space-related I’ve been working on since my last report!

Administration: Meeting Minutes– I’ve been working on taking and finishing all my meeting minutes, which I hope to send out to all attendees as soon as possible!

Printing Policy Updates– I made some small formatting and grammar changes to the office printing policy to maintain clarity.

New Office Guide– I’ve been working on a more condensed and easy-to-read office guide for VUSAC members to reference.

Office Space: Big plans and changes to the office space will be coming soon!

Office Furniture SPF Application – The SPF application was approved by the SPF team, so I’ve been discussing with Juhyung, Amoly, and the SPF team regarding our next steps, including the organization, set-up, and general purchasing plan for all the items. Our SPF application plan is to get new furniture for the office for a full makeover: replacing old couches, getting new chargers, and bringing a fresh and welcoming feeling to the office!

Office Furniture Layout – We’ll begin reorganizing and replacing the furniture in the office as the new pieces come in. The biggest layout changes would happen in the printing area and in the backroom, where we plan to transform them into more student-friendly areas, with more places to sit and study! Part of this will include a bit of organization and decluttering of the back room and storage room.

– A new more mobile art cart has been purchased, and Art Cart Revitilization we’re planning to build it ASAP to start making the art cart more accessible to students! The new cart will be promoted as a cart that can be borrowed out and used for events.

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STAFF Office Supplies– I’ve been restocking supplies in the office, most commonly printer paper and snacks, and ensuring that other essential supplies are accessible in the office. First-aid supplies have been purchased in the office, where we now have a first-aid kit and ice packs available.

What I’m still planning: – I’m planning to put up new posters at the office to Office Posters and Manuals better advertise our services and office hours schedule. I also plan to add guides/manuals to be put at each of our services to help students with accessing them! This would include: Printing: How to use the printer, and a brief overview of the printing policy Art Cart: Supplies that we provide from the art cart, and a general borrowing policy Boardroom: A general schedule for meetings or events that happen in the boardroom – I plan to fill in an SPF application to restock Victoria College Merch Restock the Victoria College merchandise we offer for sale at the VUSAC office.

Thank you so much for reading my report and I hope you all have a wonderful day! Please let me know at officemanager@vusac.ca if there’s anything I can improve on with the office, or if you have any comments to make! Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to the future of the office!

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Sunethma Munasinghe Communications Coordinator

Hey Vickies!

My name is Sunethma and I am the Communications Coordinator for this year.

In my role, I look after the VUSAC website, Instagram and email. Here are some highlights of my winter semester.

INSTAGRAM Our Instagram (@vusac) has been used to promote events and VUSAC itself through.

One highlight is our “suspect challenge” reel, which garnered 161 likes and 9000+ views, featuring VUSAC members reacting to statements about themselves and what they are known for.

The main aim with this was to build connection with the student body so they feel more comfortable reaching out to us and getting to know the VUSAC team. I worked with Maggie, Elena and Juhyung to brainstorm and create more reels. This includes our office tour filmed

by Elena, encouraging students to visit the VUSAC office, or our promotional video advertising “Third Thursdays with Principal Hernandez,” created by myself and Maggie to encourage students to attend the monthly Third Thursdays events. In the last three months since November 30th, the Instagram has reached over 13,000 accounts and 100,000 views, including 32% of which were non-followers.

SPRING 2025 ELECTIONS In preparation for the elections, I worked with Juhyung to prepare Instagram posts regarding election information to be sent out, and I worked to update our website (www.vusac.ca) on up-to-date elections Q&A.

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STAFF WEBSITE The website is on its way to be completely updated with the information of the current clubs and levies at Victoria College. This would allow students more ease in navigating student clubs at Vic. To conclude, in my role as Communications Coordinator, my favourite part was working on our Instagram and creating reels with everyone at the office. Thank you to those who suggested ideas for posts, filmed clips, took part in our videos, and/or shared about it on your Instagram. It was a pleasure to work with you all and I look forward to working with more people to showcase all the amazing things happening here at Victoria College.

If you’d like to reach me, please email communcations@vusac.ca or our Instagram (@vusac).

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Onyinyechi Oguamanam Commuter Co-Chair

VOCA began the semester with the opening of Winter Locker Rentals, ensuring commuters had convenient storage for the months ahead. Our Administrative team has also kept members informed through weekly updates on the Commuter Lounge board, highlighting opportunities and events.

To start the term on a warm note, the Collaborations team partnered with the Arts and Culture Commission, Scarlet and Gold Commission, and the Academic Commission to host a Back-to-School Hot Chocolate Bar. Commuters enjoyed reconnecting over comforting drinks and great company. We then celebrated Lunar New Year with a Lunar New Year Crafts event hosted by our Advocacy Duo. This event allowed students to create festive decorations and appreciate the holiday’s cultural significance, strengthening our community’s diversity.

In February, we embraced the season of love with themed Valentine’s Pancakes, providing a lighthearted way for commuters to gather and enjoy treats. Our Communications team also organized e-Valentine’s cards, allowing students to send digital messages to friends and peers, fostering positivity.Next, we hosted a Photo Frame Decorating Event, where students personalized keepsakes to capture cherished memories. This event was well received, giving attendees a creative outlet.

Sophie and I have been working hard to plan Commuter Appreciation Week (CAW), ensuring a week filled with exciting events celebrating and supporting our commuter community. Looking ahead, we have many more events planned, offering opportunities for connection and engagement.

As my time as VOCA Co-Chair ends, I am grateful for my executive team, VUSAC’s support, and my incredible commissioner.

This journey has been unforgettable, and I can’t wait to see VOCA continue to grow.

Onyi Oguamanam VOCA Co-Chair

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Sijil Jindani Equity Co-Chair

Fall semester ended with Aiden and I working with the Innis College Student Society to plan an Art Gala celebrating the theme Identity and Others, which is upcoming. We also started collaborating with the Sustainability Commission to prepare for Environmental Equity Week, taking place after Reading Week. We are currently preparing our exec team to help out with events, which include a movie screening, a clothing swap, and a guest speaker panel.

This semester has gotten off to a great start with our Meet the Equity Commission Boba event. Our execs and councillors helped us with promotions and distributing Boba, and we introduced many students to the Commission.

The goal of this event was to connect with the Vic community and gain a better understanding of their concerns regarding equity within the college and UofT as a whole. I worked with our Director of Advocacy and Outreach to create an Equity concerns and feedback form, which was promoted at this event. The form received 33 responses that highlighted some key areas for improvement regarding equity at Vic and UofT, as well as feedback and suggestions for Equity programming. These will guide the work of the Commission for the remainder of the semester.

One of my goals for this semester is to address economic inequality within university spaces. Currently, Aiden and I are working with Penny Drop, a UofT club, to organize a financial literacy workshop geared towards marginalized communities and international students at Vic. This event is intended to support students who may be unfamiliar with Canada’s financial systems or simply struggling due to the high cost of living.

Additionally, with Ramadan approaching, we are planning an Iftar dinner with the St. Michael’s College Student Union.

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Armiti Zarbakhsh

Co-Chair Mental Wellness Commission Hey Vic Students!

Despite a busy start to the semester, the Mental Wellness Commission has hit the ground running, and we’re thrilled to share what we’ve been working on! Our first major initiative, the Mental Health Resources Scavenger Hunt, gave students a fun way to explore campus while discovering the variety of supports available. We followed that up with Samosas, Spring Rolls, and Discussion, creating a laid-back environment for peers to connect over delicious snacks and meaningful conversations about self-care.

In terms of what’s on the horizon, we have several engaging events planned. We’re excited to host a Modeling Clay Workshop, offering a creative outlet for stress relief and mindfulness. For those seeking a more active form of relaxation, our upcoming Ice Skating at the Varsity Centre aims to bring students together on the ice for a refreshing break from routine. We also look forward to our Therapy Dogs + Academic Advising session, where you can get academic support and a dose of canine comfort all in one place. Artistic minds can look forward to a Sticker Making event, and we’re bringing in a Guest Speaker to offer expert insights into mental health. We’ll wrap up the semester with a Paint & Sip night—an ideal way to unwind before exams.

Beyond events, we’ve identified resource overwhelm as a key concern. With so many services available, students can struggle to find the right fit. To address this, we’re conducting a general mental health literature review and compiling a resource sheet to streamline supports, reduce decision fatigue, and empower everyone to prioritize their well-being.

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EXECUTIVE As always, the MWC is always at Gathering at the Goldring every Thursday. If you ever want to drop by, chat, or connect, we’re always there—ready to support you.

We’re grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to see you at our upcoming programs!

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Erica Chong Academic Co-Chair

Hi everyone! Since my last report, the Academic Commission has hosted a research opportunities panel—featuring upper-year students who shared their experiences and offered advice on participating in research—and held a destressing puppy yoga event in collaboration with the Mental Wellness Commission as exam season approached.

Winter Semester The Academic Commission has had a busy start to the semester, engaging in numerous collaborations and preparing for “Life After Vic” with the Dean’s Office.

We began the semester by joining VOCA for their “Back to School Hot Chocolate Bar” event, which saw great turnout from Vic students. Shifting our focus to academic support, we then worked with the Office of the Registrar and Academic Advising to organize a Black History Month event centred around academics, awards, and scholarships. Next, we teamed up with VOCA again for their weekly pancakes event to promote “Life After Vic”—our flagship networking event where students have the opportunity to chat with Vic alumni. Continuing our collaborative efforts, we partnered with the Residence Dons to host an informative session on program selection and changing majors, which complements our upcoming programs fair with St. Michael’s College. Later this month, we will be running our “Networking and LinkedIn Workshop,” where students can brush up on their networking skills in preparation for “Life After Vic.” Finally, in March, we plan to bring back Academic Commission staples like “Anti-procrastination Nights” and introduce new initiatives, such as our leadership-building event. I’m very excited to work with our amazing team to bring these events to life!

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Anandita Vishnoi Sustainability Co-Chair

Dear VUSAC, The Sustainability Commission has been making significant strides this term, and I am excited to share our progress.

One of our key initiatives has been Equity & Environment Week (EEW) in collaboration with the Equity Commission. This week-long event includes a guided visit to Allan Gardens, hands-on activities such as tote bag making and beeswax wrap crafting, a clothing swap, and an insightful guest speaker panel.

Additionally, we will be hosting a screening of The Lorax and distributing Diva Cups to promote sustainable living.

We also successfully hosted an Executive Meet & Greet in early February, providing a great opportunity to connect with students, discuss our initiatives, and distribute sustainability-themed materials. We appreciate everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a success.

A major achievement this term has been the implementation of ChopValue at Victoria University. This initiative repurposes used chopsticks into sustainable products, reinforcing our commitment to circular economy principles on campus. We are proud to have contributed to this milestone in sustainable innovation.

Looking ahead, we are committed to maintaining this momentum by organizing more impactful events and fostering engagement in sustainability efforts. We sincerely appreciate VUSAC’s ongoing support and look forward to continuing our work in building a greener, more conscious campus community.

This semester, the Sustainability Commission meets Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. To learn more about the commission, check out our Instagram @vic.sustainability or email sustainability@vusac.ca.

Best, Anandita Vishnoi (Sustainability Co-Chair)

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Ruhi Chopra

International Councillor As the International Councilor, I have been working actively to facilitate international student engagement at Vic and have thoroughly enjoyed my term so far!

As the Events Coordinator on the Arts & Culture Commission and an executive member on the Equity Commission, I have helped facilitate various events, from linocutting to bubble tea to the Gardiner Gala! I have grown so much as a person from interacting with students at these events. I find that giving students the space to relax and open-up about their experiences at UofT over a cup of hot chocolate or whilst painting has allowed me to better understand the perspectives of international students and the various concerns they may have.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Victoria International Students’ Association (VISA) by serving as a member of their executive team. I look forward to streamlining communication between VUSAC and VISA and playing a role in the growth of levy as an organization.

With my term nearing an end, I am eager to continue connecting with Vic’s international student body and serve as an advocate for any of the student body’s concerns in my capacity as a student leader on VUSAC and VISA.

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Angela Qin

First-Year Councillor Hi everyone, I would like to begin my report by sincerely thanking the students at Victoria College for providing me with the opportunity to contribute to the community here at Vic. With midterms and assignments piling up, I hope that everyone is taking some time to focus on themselves; don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!

Since my last report in the Fall semester, I’ve continued to contribute to the Victoria community through my roles in the various Commissions.

In the first two months of 2025, I helped to promote and plan for the Gardiner Gala with Arts & Culture Commissioner Jia Li, creating posters and social media posts, as well as facilitating a Vic Mahjong x Arts & Culture Lunar New Year event to promote the gala. The night was a huge success, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and mingle with my fellow Vic students as a volunteer at the check-in and coat check.

Additionally, though my academic schedule unfortunately conflicts with my involvement with the Sustainability Commission, I’ve remained committed to helping with the Eat After Eight program, helping to reduce waste from the dining hall each week by distributing leftover food to the Vic community.

Looking forward, I’ll be helping to plan for Scarlet & Gold’s High Ball, which will hopefully give students an eventful break from the stress of the school year. I can’t wait to make the most of my remaining time on VUSAC and hope to leave a positive impact on the Victoria University community!

Cheers, Angela Qin

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Elena Sun

First-Year Councillor As my first term as a First Year Councillor on VUSAC comes to a close, I am proud to reflect on the contributions I have made across multiple portfolios. It has been a fulfilling experience working alongside my fellow councillors, and I look forward to continuing my efforts in the months ahead.

Within the Finance Portfolio, I have played an integral role in bookkeeping and cheque processing, ensuring the smooth financial operations of VUSAC. Before the winter break, I assisted in the completion of over 140 cheques. Additionally, I was part of the Budget Steering Committee, where I contributed to discussions on financial allocations, ensuring our resources are distributed effectively to benefit students.

In the Sustainability Portfolio, I took the lead in reaching out to ChopValue, an organization that transforms recycled chopsticks into sustainable products. My efforts helped facilitate the adoption of ChopValue recycling stations at Burwash Dining Hall and Ned’s, promoting eco-friendly waste management. Additionally, I’ve been supporting Eat After 8.

My contributions to the Communications Portfolio have focused on strengthening student engagement through social media. I created an office tour TikTok to introduce students to VUSAC’s workspace and operations, with more videos planned to enhance accessibility and awareness of council activities.

Finally, I have been actively involved in planning an upcoming First Year Event, set to take place in March. Stay tuned for more details!

Overall, my time as a First Year Councillor has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to continue working on initiatives that benefit our student body.

Thank you to everyone who has supported these projects, and I look forward to next term

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Tyler Wong

First-Year Councillor Hello everyone! Since my last semi-annual report, I have continued to support the regular operations of VUSAC and my assigned commissions, while starting to work on more specific projects.

On the Commuter Commission, I have started working more closely with the first-year execs on the VOCA team, with the four of us contributing to the planning for Commuter Appreciation Week. I have also continued to help with VOCA’s weekly pancakes, which I have especially enjoyed seeing a community of commuter students build around.

On the Academic Commission, I have been volunteering to help with events where I can. Much of our current efforts have been in promoting Life After Vic, which will take place the week after reading week.

On the President’s Portfolio, I have been meeting with Juhyung to discuss a project to reorganize the VUSAC office space so that the space is used more efficiently, and with Medha to discuss an academic resource project, which will have information and resources for Victoria College academic programs and courses. Also under this portfolio, I have continued to sit on the Student Projects Fund Committee as a committee member, and on the Orientation Steering Committee.

Being a part of VUSAC has truly been a remarkable experience, and I look forward to working more with VUSAC, the Commuter Commission, and the Academic Commission for the remainder of the council term.

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Albert Huang First-Year Councillor

Hello! My name is Albert Huang, and I am a First Year Councillor! For the Fall 2024 term, I have been assigned to the Mental Wellness Commission and the Vice-President External (VPE).

I would first like to extend my thanks to the whole VUSAC and Orientation team for the warm welcome they gave to my fellow first-years and me. Without them, I would have never considered running for a councillor position. I am extremely grateful and pleased to have the privilege of working with so many smart, capable, and compassionate peers over the next year, and it is an experience I will never forget.

Under the VPE, my fellow councillor Lila and I have worked to improve and expand the Eat After Eight program, which gives away leftover food from Burwash on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I was given a lot of feedback on how to improve the program, and many people, most of whom did not have meal plans, were extremely grateful for the program since it meant spending less on groceries. In addition, we are also looking to collaborate with the Innis College Student Society (ICSS) to further expand their Commuter Buddy Group to Victoria College and improve commuter life. I also helped to promote the Mental Wellness Commission’s Wellness Walk to Casa Loma by hanging up posters around Victoria College. I look forward to working to contribute and improve the community of Victoria College for the year to come!

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Lila Carr

Upper-Year Councillor Hello Victoria College students! I am once again glad I have the opportunity to share what I have been working on since last semester. I have continued to work with Medha, the Vice President External, and the Academic Commission.

In terms of responsibilities I have carried on from last semester, I am still holding my office hours, which are every Tuesday from 5 to 7 pm. Here, students have been coming to utilize VUSAC’s free printing service, study in the board room, and ask questions about parallel events. I have also been helping to run the Eat After Eight Program and host the event every Monday evening. The food is now prepackaged and easier for students to grab and commute home with.

I was extremely happy to volunteer at the Gardiner Gala earlier this month. It has always been one of my favorite events at Vic, so I was pleased to help the Arts and Culture Commission during the event this year. I am also excited about the Academic Commission’s Life After Vic event coming up on February 28th. As a volunteer, I will help to facilitate the event and ensure everything runs smoothly.

For the rest of the semester, I hope to complete the Vic Opportunities Booklet so that it can be used by students who will be applying for student leadership opportunities in the Spring and Summer. I also hope to help with VUSAC tabling so that students’ concerns can be addressed at the Winter Caucus.

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Maggie Stewart Upper-Year Councillor

I can’t believe my first semester as a councillor on VUSAC is already over! All of last semester’s events came together perfectly, and I’m so excited about everything we have planned next!

My role on the Scarlet and Gold Commission has been super active and engaging, especially with Highball planning in full swing. As part of the tickets and communications team, I’ve been working on social media promotions, designing tickets, and creating the banner for our theme announcement. I also helped run a hot chocolate bar for an event in collaboration with VOCA—only a few minor complications, but a huge success! This semester, Scarlet and Gold is collaborating with multiple clubs, and I’m especially excited to be spearheading Karaoke Night in collaboration with the Vic Mahjong Club and Vic Bingo Society!

On the communications team, we successfully got the VUSAC Instagram up and running, posting fun reels to help the Vic community get to know our team and what we do. I’ve been attending weekly meetings, brainstorming video ideas, and helping film whenever possible—go check us out @vusac on IG! I’m incredibly grateful to have been elected to this position in my final year at Victoria College. I’ve met so many amazing people, and being part of VUSAC has been the perfect way to spend my last year at U of T. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the semester brings!

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Ashleigh Chu Cheong Upper-Year Councillor

Since my last report, most of my time has been spent with Arts and Culture. Notably, we were working on promoting The Royal Bob, which paid off tremendously and drew a great crowd! I’m excited to collaborate again for their next show and keep the anticipation and turnout just as high. Moreover, I contributed to the team's dedicated efforts in organizing the Gardiner Gala; it was a huge success that showcased Vic’s student artists and community.

I also collaborated with the Vic Mahjong Society for Chinese New Year, which brought together students to celebrate culture, community, and tradition through Mahjong. Right now, I’m focused on preparing for Open Mic Night on March 13th in Cat’s Eye, an event that will give students a platform to share their creativity!

On the Equity side, we started the semester with a Meet the Equity Commission, creating a casual space for students to share their thoughts on equity issues at Vic via Google Forms or if they wanted to share aloud to help us get a clearer sense of what students want to see improved. Meanwhile, I’ve been working with both the Sustainability and Equity Commissions on Environmental Equity Week, where I helped facilitate/promote and support interactive events like tote bag making, a clothing swap, and a guest speaker panel. This experience has been especially rewarding to provide the opportunity to students to get involved and embrace more sustainable habits.

Looking ahead for the remainder of my time on council, I’m excited to keep building spaces where students feel welcomed, engaged, and heard, in any way possible, and continue creating meaningful experiences that bring people together!

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