UMSU notes

The University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) met on Nov. 17.

The meeting began with a presentation by Maire McDermott and John Sinclair from University of Manitoba’s Sustainability Office.

McDermott, the U of M sustainability coordinator, told councillors the university’s sustainability committee has organized two workshops to gather feedback from the university community on the draft version of the U of M’s sustainability strategy.

The next workshop will be on Nov. 24 in 204 University Centre. “The purpose of this workshop is to review the sustainability strategy,” she said. “Everyone is encouraged to come.”

John Sinclair, chair of U of M sustainability committee, added that the sustainability strategy is a movement dedicated to transforming our campuses.
“We must act as global citizens in the pursuit of our mission,” he said. “It is incumbent upon us to lead by example.”

Justin Quigley, vice-president (internal), mentioned that the pub construction meeting was held on Nov. 8 and reported that the construction permit has not yet been processed by the City of Winnipeg.

Julie Rempel, vice-president (external), said she had a meeting with John Kearsey, U of M vice-president (external), to discuss UMSU projects, including purchasing policies regarding Fair Trade ethical goods, improving student spaces and sponsorships, increasing student engagement and enhancing the campus community.

Rempel also reported that she met with Jennifer Black, Womyn’s Centre coordinator, to discuss upcoming events and campaigns, such as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Nov. 25 and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada on Dec. 6, which marks the anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre.

Nour Rashid, vice-president (advocacy), said she attended a meeting with International Centre for Students (ICS) to discuss how to help and support international students on our campus. She said issues such as academic integrity, housing, workshops, and services over the holidays for international students were the focus of the meeting.