UMSU has outlined its priorities for the 2026–27 academic year, with a focus on student affordability, advocacy and increasing transparency.
According to reports presented at the June 11 board of directors meeting, UMSU is continuing to lobby provincial and federal governments on issues affecting students, including reinstating healthcare coverage for international students, expanding affordable student housing and addressing the rising cost of post-secondary education. The union is also supporting the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations’ (CASA) national advocacy efforts aimed at improving student financial aid, housing affordability and career opportunities.
President Heaven Kaur shared that she attended the university’s spring convocation ceremonies and the UMSU executive team attended the Winnipeg Pride Parade to show their continued support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and communities.
Vice-president external affairs Aiden Peters was recently elected as director of advocacy for CASA, giving UMSU a greater role in shaping national student advocacy over the next three years.
Financial updates came from vice-president finance and operations Cameron Provost, who reported that UMSU negotiated a lower increase to student health and dental plan fees. Rather than the originally projected $9.50 increase per student, the adjustment was reduced to $1.60, a change UMSU estimated will save students approximately $170,000 while maintaining the health and dental reserve fund.
The board also announced several initiatives aimed at improving communication with students. UMSU 101, the student union’s weekly radio show on UMFM 101.5, will continue to provide updates from the executive team and feature members of the board of directors. Additional transparency measures include a redesigned UMSU website, public tri-annual reports and expanded online resources for student clubs.
Looking ahead, UMSU is preparing for fall orientation programming, continuing work on student advocacy cases and launching the Student Senate Caucus to strengthen collaboration among student senators. Operational projects are also underway, including renovations to Degrees Diner and the implementation of a new point-of-sale system across UMSU businesses.
