USSU Executive Blog

My name is Jenna Moellenbeck and I am the newly elected USSU VP Operations and Finance. I remember when I first came to the U of S, I knew very little about the USSU and I can imagine other first year students have similar experiences. One of my platforms that I campaigned on was engaging with students and bridging the gap between the USSU executive and the students we represent. Recently, there has been a lot of talk of getting the executive out of our offices and around campus meeting the students that we are elected to represent. A few ideas are to volunteer at the different USSU Centres or set up makeshift offices around campus to be more accessible to students. This is to encourage students to get to know their USSU Executive and become involved on campus to make the most of your university experience. At times it can be intimidating talking to new people so I compiled a list of topics that we can talk about:

• I just completed my Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human
Resources
• I reapplied as a returning student to the College of Arts and Science
• Animals- particularly lions, dogs, sharks and elephants. There is a
top ten list that you can also inquire about
• Finances
• Pure Frozen Yogurt
• Batman
• My puppy, Meisha
• Pretty Little Liars (huge guilty pleasure)
• People watching
• USSU
• I have 5 siblings; my two younger brothers also attend the U of S.
• Iron Man
• Interesting classes offered at the U of S
• Hashtags
• Disney movies
• Cat shirts, dresses and sweaters
• City transit
• How I Met Your Mother
• Hula-hoops
• Free apps
• Louis’ and Louis’ Loft
• The other executive members- I love to gossip. JK gossiping is bad
• Although, I can tell you about their portfolios
• Campus Groups
• Last summer my parent’s cat had six kittens so we had seven cats and
a dog in my house:

a.We gave most of them to Cat Lady Mary (who may be the nicest lady
ever)

b.We kept one and named him Dodie (although I thought we should call
him Cuddle Monster)

c.Mama Kitty ran away, which is fine by me because she was evil

Some of the points are fun facts about myself, some relate to my portfolio and some are just interests of mine. Please stop me when you see me around campus and use one of my topics as an icebreaker. I look forward to meeting many new students this year and making it the best year yet.

Jenna

Posted by jbv373 at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The past couple of weeks have been quite busy for me. I’ve moved into a new place with fantastic roommates, I’ve finished my exams (yet again) at the University, and I’ve started this wonderful new job. It’s been quite hectic and that’s just the way I like it! I do tend to do my best when I’m busiest, after all. I’m very excited to have this new role as the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union. Even though our university is facing some changes right now, I’m optimistic and hopeful for the year.

Before I get too far into this post, I suppose I should tell you a few things about me so you don’t feel like you’re reading a total stranger’s blog. I was born in the town of Biggar, Saskatchewan, and eighteen years later I graduated from its high school. I came to the University of Saskatchewan in September of 2009 with a passion for politics and a desire to learn and be challenged. After temporary excursions into other majors and degree paths, I’m quite pleased to be saying that I’ll be awarded my degree in Political Studies this coming June. Other than that, further significant things that have happened in my life include perfecting the chocolate chip cookie, getting sick from eating too many chocolate chip cookies, and getting my own business cards.

If you’re reading this blog you’re probably a very engaged student who knows all about the governance of the USSU and the services it provides. However, in the off chance that you’re new to the world of student government or new to our campus, I’ll give you a brief overview of our organization.
The USSU is a non-profit corporation that is funded by the undergraduate students at the UofS and is headed by a Board of Directors that is composed of students. The USSU also has a large permanent administrative staff to provide continuity and support for its Executive and Council.

Undergraduate students are eligible to run for the Executive, and all undergraduate students can vote in these elections. Additionally, there is the University Students’ Council that has students who represent the fifteen difference constituencies on campus. The constituencies are the twelve UofS colleges that have undergraduate students, the federated college of St. Thomas More, Indigenous students, and International students.

The USSU operates five service centres: the Women’s Centre, the Help Centre, the Pride Centre, the Food Centre, and Student Crew and Safewalk. The USSU also runs Louis’ and Louis’ Loft, the Information Centre, and Copy Central. The USSU Executive plans many student-oriented events throughout the year; serves as a liaison between the undergraduate students and University Council, the upper administration of the UofS, and the Board of Governors; deals with academic grievances; and works closely with and provides funding to the numerous campus clubs. Needless to say, it’s a very diverse and busy organization.

I look forward to this year and I’ll work extremely hard so that it’s a positive one for students and the USSU.

Best,

Jordan

Posted by jbv373 at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)