Harnessing the power of student advocacy: Why giving UofGH a voice at the University of Guelph Senate matters

Thinking about “Senate” might conjure up ideas of government bureaucracy, but there’s also a Senate that works to help shape academic programs, regulations, and policies that impact the University of Guelph-Humber (UofGH) – and students can get involved annually!

University of Guelph-Humber students have the opportunity to apply to join the University of Guelph (UofG) Senate to have a say when shaping important matters that impact the UofGH community, alongside other students and staff. No one knows UofGH students’ needs better than fellow UofGH students, who share lived experiences. 

“We [as UofGH] definitely have to advocate for our wants and needs,” former student Senator and alum Jasmine Bates said about why UofGH representation in the Senate matters. “Our wants and needs may be completely different [from University of Guelph], especially when we think about the fact that we’re on a different campus in a completely different city.”

While some opportunities for advocacy relating to student life are available through Guelph-Humber's student union (IGNITE), matters discussed during Senate are more policy-driven, and include determining and regulating educational policies, establishing admission standards, creating committees, conferring honorary degrees, and more.

Members meet either on-campus at UofG or can join virtually. Former Senator and UofGH alum Philemon Weldu said he joined some sessions on campus to “really connect” with other student Senators and administrators.

“The biggest impact I noticed was I was really able to put my input into changes that were being made into the school, and bring the perspective of student voices into the administrative aspect of post-secondary education, because I feel like a lot of times, students don't have enough access to things that are happening to them,” Weldu said of the rewarding nature of serving on the Senate.

Being able to help the school community, while leaving a mark, also allows student Senators to strengthen their own advocacy skills and test the waters of politics. Bates said this absolutely set her up for future success and aligned with her post-graduation interests, as she’s now a law school student at Osgoode Hall in Toronto. Currently, there are four vacant Senate seats for UofGH students to be nominated for or apply for. 

Applications are being accepted until Sept. 17 at 1 p.m., and the voting period is from Sept. 24-27.

For more on the student nomination and election process, click here.

Have your say!