Advocacy at WUSA

We advocate with undergraduate students on all matters impacting your experience at the University of Waterloo.

At WUSA, we believe in fostering an inclusive and safe environment where every student feels heard and valued. We strive to make your post-secondary experience accessible, affordable, accountable, and high-quality, both inside and outside the classroom.

Our commitment to you

Serving over 36,000 undergraduate students, we focus on areas that matter most to you:

  • Inclusion and Safety
  • Academic Excellence
  • Student Well-being
  • Community Engagement

How We Set Our Priorities: 

WUSA is a non-partisan, not-for-profit student advocacy association. Our advocacy priorities are written by and voted on by students. We engage with you through:

  • Surveys
  • Focus Groups
  • Interviews
  • OUSA Consultations

Advocacy Priorities – WUSA Long Range Plan

We know our members expect us to put our vision front and center. We cannot promise success, but we can commit our effort.

Below we highlight six advocacy themes, this is by no means an exhaustive list. These are the ones we have prioritized based on feedback from our members, Waterloo undergrads, which for us, makes them some of the most meaningful to address. 

Housing

Continuing to work with all levels of government and university administration to build more and better housing to deliver safer, affordable housing to Waterloo students. 

International Students

Between regulating tuition frameworks and identifying educational barriers unique to international students, we strive to create a momentous student experience.  

Equity & Accessibility

Identifying barriers to access for all students to ensure full and safe participation in post-secondary education. 

Affordability

Recognizing and pushing for pragmatic steps the university can take to increase efficiency, increase value, and where possible, decrease fees.

Educational Quality

Understanding campus-wide policy changes and investments that could benefit students, making clear that what is good for student educational outcomes are also good for the university.

COVID-19

Learning, growing, and continuing to make informed decisions based on the learning of navigating through a pandemic.  

Advocacy Position Statements

Students sitting at a table, receiving co-op consultations

Experiential Education

Students should have access to meaningful, accessible, discrimination-free, and safe co-op opportunities. It is critical to support them throughout the recruitment, work, and post-work phases.

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Gender-based and Sexual Violence (GBSV)

Gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) encompasses a range of violent behaviors disproportionately affecting women, gender-diverse individuals, and children. These acts include physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. GBSV is a significant public health issue that undermines the safety and well-being of individuals and communities.

ION light rail on tracks beside Davis Centre Library

Local and Regional Transit

Students should have access to reliable, high-quality local and interregional public transit. It is critical for their day-to-day activities such as commuting to school, work, grocery stores, and social engagements

Students discussing mental health strategies.

Mental Health

Student mental health is a critical area requiring immediate attention and support. Many students face significant mental health challenges, exacerbated by academic pressures, social isolation, and other stressors.

High-rise apartment along Albert Ave., Waterloo

Off-Campus Housing

Students should have access to affordable, accessible, quality, safe, diverse, and sustainable off-campus housing options while attending the University of Waterloo. Addressing these housing needs is essential for their academic success and overall well-being.

Students walking on the University of Waterloo campus.

International Student Tuition

International students at the University of Waterloo face challenges in accessing an affordable and meaningful university experience and quality education due to unpredictable and rising tuition fees, financial strain, and limited support services.

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How can you get Involved?

Research and Consultation

Participate in student research and consultation activities to inform our advocacy efforts.

General Meetings

Shape the direction of the organization, hold the Board of Directors directly accountable, and discuss what’s important to you.

Board Committees

Join a board committee and become involved in solving the issues that resonate with your student experience.

Meet the Team

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Nick Pfeifle

President

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Arya Razmjoo

Vice-President

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Melissa Thomas

Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations

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Jill Knight

Manager, Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations
(On-leave)

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Andrena Lockley-Brown

Manager, Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations

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David Kuhn

Stakeholder Relations Officer

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Jordan Daniels

Research Analyst

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Nathan Ermeta

Research Coordinator

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Sam Sawant

Advocacy Specialist

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Amrit Khaira

Advocacy Specialist

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Charlie Davis

Research Coordinator