The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) represents over 35,000 undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo. As the central voice for students, WUSA exists to ensure that your needs, rights, and perspectives are not just heard but prioritized. 

At its core, WUSA is an advocacy organization. We work across all levels from campus committees to City Hall to Parliament Hill using evidence-based research, policy recommendations, and strategic partnerships to influence decisions on issues like affordable housing, mental health supports, co-op experiences, transit, tuition, and tenant rights. 

We know systemic change can take time, but we don’t just wait for policy shifts to happen. While we push for long-term improvements through research, lobbying, and negotiations, we also act now, creating resources, hosting workshops, and piloting solutions to meet student needs in real time. 

🔗 Stay up to date on our advocacy work at  Advocacy – Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association. 

How WUSA Grounds Its Advocacy 🌳 

WUSA’s advocacy is rooted in solid, data-driven research, and meaningful student engagement. Through comprehensive campus-wide surveys, targeted student consultations, and ongoing research initiatives, we identify and prioritize the issues that matter most to you. We do this through our Representative Survey Platform (RSP), where students sign up to be contacted to fill out surveys on various issues. The RSP allows us to hear feedback directly from students and develop evidence-based approaches to addressing the issues that matter most.  

Our work doesn’t happen in isolation. We actively collaborate with key partners on various levels, such as:  

• The Town & Gown Committee with the City of Waterloo, fostering dialogue and cooperation between students and local government to improve community life. 
• The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA), advocating collectively for undergraduate students across Ontario. 
•  The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) to influence federal policies affecting post-secondary education. 
• Collaboration with on- and off-campus partners to support students’ diverse needs. This includes working with groups such as the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office (SVPRO), the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR), campus wellness services, and community student-run services to ensure holistic student support. 

WUSA’s Four Strategic Advocacy Priorities (2025–2030) 

WUSA’s advocacy work is guided by four major themes rooted in what students have told us they need most. These priorities drive both long-term planning and year-to-year initiatives like those outlined in our Annual Plan. 

1. Affordability & Cost of Living
   Affordability is a growing crisis. With skyrocketing rent, tuition, and grocery bills, many students are being priced out of a quality university experience. 
2. Co-op & Employment
   As co-op becomes a core part of the Waterloo experience, students are demanding greater fairness, relevance, and access in their work terms. 
3. Mental Health & Wellness
   The demand for mental health supports is higher than ever. Students need services that go beyond crisis response – services that build belonging, equity, and proactive care.
4. Academics & Quality of Education
   Students expect high-quality, inclusive education that prepares them for the future and supports them when they struggle. 

Recent Projects 

While we continue advocating on big issues like housing, transit, and affordability, we’re also building resources, running events, and supporting initiatives that benefit students right now. A lot of advocacy happens behind the scenes and takes time, but in the meantime, here are a few things we’ve completed recently: 

• Launching the Housing Playbook – a resource to help students understand their rights, navigate the housing market, and push for stronger tenant protections. 
• Supporting students’ self-advocacy with resources like An Advocate’s Toolkit, empowering individuals to speak up about issues that matter to them. 
• Driving grassroots innovation through The Change Engine – a platform for students to launch and lead their own policy projects. 
• Promoting cultural connection and food security through The Global Kitchen: Tastes From Home, which elevates international student experiences through food-focused storytelling and advocacy. 

Student Involvement & Impact 

Our advocacy is powered by student voices and that includes yours! Whether you’re passionate about affordability, equity, or education reform, there are meaningful ways to shape WUSA’s work and make a difference on campus. 

Here’s how you can get involved: 

• Join our RSP waitlist to be contacted when a spot becomes available for future surveys 
• Engage at booths, pop-ups, and campus events: Share feedback, ask questions, and connect with the WUSA team in real time. Your voice helps shape campaigns, resources, and policy decisions. 
• Come to our Annual Members’ Meetings to help shape the direction of WUSA. These are typically held in March.  
• Pitch your own advocacy project at Change Engine – WUSA’s advocacy pitch competition where you can win up to $5000 to turn your advocacy ideas into real impact. 
• Work with us! Each term, we employ around four part-time student staff to help make these projects happen. Keep an eye on our Jobs & Opportunities page if you’re interested in getting involved! 

Ready to Make Change Happen? 

If you’re looking to develop your leadership skills, gain policy experience, and drive real impact at Waterloo – WUSA wants you on board. 

👉 Sign up for the Student Leadership Email List to be the first to hear about advocacy and governance opportunities, campus initiatives, and how to get involved in shaping student life. Speak up. Get involved. Lead the change. 

Maliha Karim  

Communications Coordinator Co-op