On June 20, 2024, Vice President External Jan Lehmann initiated the AUSU council meeting on Zoom at 6:02 PM Mountain Time, as President Chantel Groening was representing AUSU at the 2024 AU Convocation Ceremony and only joined the meeting shortly before the discussion on the Awards Program Reserve Allocations. As always, AUSU Executive Director Jodi Campbell was announced as the accessibility officer. AUSU Councillor Aiza Nazarmatova was absent, and the former AUSU Councillor Josh Flis has resigned from the AUSU council. This meeting focused on the Awards Program Reserve Allocations and the new council vacancy.
Approval of Motions and Regular Monthly Reports
The motions on the June 20, 2024, council agenda and the May 16, 2024, council minutes were presented and unanimously passed without discussion. The report for President, Vice-Presidents and Indigenous Circle were also accepted as presented, with no further discussion or questions during the meeting.
Discussion on Student Bursary Allocations
AUSU proposed allocating $2,500 from the awards reserve for each bursary type: the Emergency Bursary, Travel Bursary, and Computer Bursary. The Executive Director, Jodi Campbell, detailed the bursary allocations:
- Computer Bursary: Currently has $3,200 remaining to be awarded. With the $2,500 top-up, it will have $5,700, covering approximately eight laptops for eight students in the summer months before September.
- Emergency Bursary: Has about $250 remaining. Adding $2,500 will provide nearly $3,000, supporting around seven students over the summer months for course extensions.
- Travel Bursary: Has approximately $450 remaining. The $2,500 top-up will bring the total to $3,000, allowing for three additional travel bursaries for the three months in the summer.
Executive Director Campbell emphasized that the reserve, currently at $61,000, allows the allocation of $7,500 without impacting the overall budget.
Indigenous Circle Voice Neenah Brown raised concerns about the increasing demand for bursaries. President Groening suggested that the Finance Committee could consider increasing the budget during the upcoming budget planning, and that this is the second year requiring such an increase. Executive Director Campbell acknowledged the growing need and the opportunity for budget adjustment.
Councillor Chimaraoke Akuchie inquired about data on student applications. Executive Director Campbell confirmed that the budget typically covers 16 to 18 laptops per year, with an average cost of $700 to $800 each. Increasing the budget to be able to buy six more units would then cover approximately 24 laptops.
Councillor Annette Karien requested data on bursary recipients to avoid repeated assistance to the same students. Executive Director Campbell explained that the policy allows students to receive only one computer bursary and one major award per year. The application system tracks past awards to prevent duplication. President Groening added that the application form specifies previous awards received.
Successful Receipt of Alberta Food Security Grant:
Executive Director Campbell announced the successful application and receipt of a $12,000 Alberta food security grant dedicated to the food bank and Food Assistance Program. This grant will significantly benefit AU students, with funds required to be spent by the end of 2024, aiding both the current and next fiscal year. Campbell emphasizes “Our food bank and the Food Assistance Program has really been such an amazing success story over the last three or four years. The fact that this food grant has been accepted by the Alberta Food Security Grant committee is just a huge success story for that service that we offer. And so I guess I’m just wanting to celebrate it a little bit and promote it, you know, formally in our meeting and for the minutes, the fact that this grant is going to serve so many AU students.”
New Vacancy in AUSU Council and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
With Josh Flis’s resignation, a vacancy arose in the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. No additional councillors expressed interest in joining, so Executive Director Campbell and Governance and Advocacy Coordinator Duncan Wojtaszek will fill the vacancy with member-at-large applicants. The updated EDI committee members are:
- Committee Chair: Olivia Shepherd (AUSU Vice President of Community and Wellness)
- Voting Members: Aiza Nazarmatova (AUSU Councillor), Annette Karien (AUSU Councillor), Chimaraoke Akuchie (AUSU Councillor), Faustina Arsenault (AUSU Councillor), Kari Thompson (AUSU Councillor)
- Vacancy: 1
Councillor Chimaraoke Akuchie asked about the role of the Indigenous Circle within the council. Executive Director Campbell clarified that Neenah’s role as part of the Indigenous Circle is respected and not meant to create separation, but rather to honor her unique voice on behalf of Indigenous students. President Chantel Groening asked for clarification on the process to ensure it respects Indigenous traditions and minimizes colonial influences, aiming to support the Indigenous Circle. Executive Director Campbell clarified Indigenous Circle’s representative was once elected but now is chosen by consensus within the Indigenous Circle, reflecting their preference. Vice President External Jan Lehmann suggested formally adding the title “Councillor” before Neena’s name to avoid confusion about her role. Indigenous Circle Voice Neenah Brown agreed that adding the title “Councillor” would help clarify her role for future representatives. Governance and Advocacy Coordinator Duncan Wojtaszek emphasized the ease of changing titles to better reflect roles and ensure inclusivity. They encouraged Neena to suggest a suitable title.
Councillor Chimaraoke Akuchie raised a second question about the council’s vacancies and re-election process. Governance and Advocacy Coordinator Duncan Wojtaszek explained the rules regarding council vacancies: if there are four or more vacancies, a re-election process starts automatically. With one to three vacancies, a by-election can be held, though it’s more labor-intensive, and not required. He suggested that a by-election would likely occur in January, February, or March 2025 if necessary.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 PM and the next meeting of AUSU Council will be on August 15, 2024. If you are interested in attending the AUSU Council meeting on Zoom, or if you have any questions about the AUSU Council meeting, contact governance@ausu.org.
