'You deserve to get the value you're paying in tuition': Student union plans set in motion

The St. Thomas University Students' Union is the first all-female and all-international student executive team on record. (Credit: Rafaella Ortega)

As students return to campus this Fall, the St. Thomas University Students’ Union (STUSU) is rolling out its plans for the academic year. From affordability and advocacy to student engagement and campus events, the executive team’s focus is to make student fees count and ensure everyone feels connected and supported.

New year, new leadership

STUSU President Ana Lucia Pavon believes this year marks a turning point for the student union.

“We’re not your usual student leaders. We’re students who are connected to many parts of campus. That brings a little bit of everything into the Union,” said Pavon. 

Pavon and Vice-President Administration Alejandra Baca said their priorities this year are engagement, advocacy, transparency and visibility.

“Advocacy involves conversations with the university and provincial government about funding and student challenges like rent and tuition,” said Pavon.

Baca added that there is sometimes confusion about the union’s role and responsibilities.

“We exist to advocate for students and to enhance the student experience. We can’t lower tuition or fix the housing market, but we can support students with bursaries, connect them to resources and advocate at the provincial and federal level,” she said.

Keeping students informed

Both executives highlighted the importance of communication, encouraging students to take part in shaping campus life.

“Students should know they can be more involved, whether as representatives, committee members, or by helping with events,” said Pavon. “At the end of the day, we’re classmates too. We know what’s going on and we’re here to hear your voices."

This year, the student union introduced a student complaint box pilot project and is considering adding a social media section for  student feedback.

"We want students to know their voices matter. We’re here, we’re visible and ready to fix things,” Pavon said. “I’m in JDH all the time, so anyone can come up and say, ‘This is upsetting me, how can we fix it?’ and I’ll be there.”

Events and initiatives

Alongside advocacy, STUSU plans to strengthen community life through campus traditions and events. This year’s lineup includes a Trick or Treat event, a gala with Campus Ministry and the Winter Formal.

New initiatives include a student community garden, where students can access free vegetables and a bottle recycling program that returns money to students—projects designed to ease financial pressures while promoting sustainability.

Building a cultural centrepiece

Beyond policies and events, the student union sees itself as a cultural hub, particularly for international students and equity-seeking groups. 

“Supporting both international and domestic students is central to what we do,” she said, pointing to partnerships with societies, advocacy groups and more active social media engagement.

Looking ahead, Pavon says the goal is simple: to ensure students feel their fees are working for them.

“You deserve to get the value you’re paying in tuition and we’re working for you so that you get what you paid for,” she said.

Both executives emphasized that at the heart of their work, they are students too—working alongside their peers to make campus a better place.