Beth Purdon-McClellan

 

So, you’ve finally arrived.  Now what? As a student you may find the New Year overwhelming as you try to find everything you need to do well at University. As many of us find out, the biggest challenge is not just academic success, but also to be academically successful without compromising your day-to-day needs.

The Central Student Organization was developed for this exact reason. The CSA recognizes that “doing well” at university also includes general well-being, balanced lifestyles, and of course, having fun. The CSA is a branch of student government that provides an outstanding number of diverse programs and services, all of which are developed to benefit students.

The CSA works hard to relieve your financial stress. Although the CSA does advocate for lower tuition fees, many of the services provided help you meet your daily needs at a lower price. Need to go to a dentist? The CSA provides a reasonably priced dental plan option. Need to tune up that bicycle before you make your commute? Check out the on campus bike centre. It teaches and provides the tools for bicycle maintenance and repairs. The CSA also has a series of concerts, movies and events that are provided at minimal cost so that you can take a break from the books, with out breaking the bank.

The CSA is made for students, and is created by students. For the 2011/2012 academic year we have a dynamic lineup of CSA executives.

Derek Alton is this year’s local affairs commissioner. It is his responsibility to advocate for students on the community and city-wide level. The local affairs commissioner also oversees the Food Bank, the Bike Centre and is the chair of the Awareness of Sexual Assault and Prevention Committee, as well as being responsible for the student’s Universal Bus Pass operations.

Joshua Ofori-Darko, the human resource and operations commissioner, oversees the finances and office management of the CSA, including working with its approximately 80 staff members.

Demetria Jackson, the external affairs commissioner, works with and represents Guelph students and the CSA with student groups at the federal and provincial levels.

As the communications and corporate affairs commissioner, Lauren Ramsay is the spokesperson for the CSA, and works with various groups as a voice of both the CSA and the student body they represent, as well as communicating any information from the CSA to the students, such as events, campaigns and programs.

The academic and university affairs commissioner, Jessica Carter, is the contact for students who are seeking to apply for academic consideration, or are experiencing discrimination or accessibility issues.

The CSA is geared to making student life better for the student body. Therefore, if you have any concerns or suggestions, you can always contact you CSA representative. Or better yet, get involved! Attend CSA meetings or even run for the CSA. As a student you are automatically covered by the Association and are entitled to demand that the CSA makes your university experience the best it can be.          

If you are a new or even a returning student, it’s always a good idea to get on the CSA website to see a full list of services provided. It’s important to remember that the CSA has made the services available, but it up to you to take advantage of them. You may be surprised at how much you can benefit from the CSA if you take the time to look.

 

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