What is the Annual Plan? 

Put simply, it’s how the elected body of the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) decides on the direction and goals for the governing year. WUSA’s 2025–26 Annual Plan is now live, outlining both operational improvements and advocacy priorities for students. 

The Annual Plan also supports the completion of WUSA’s new 2025–2030 Long Range Plan, which sets goals for the next five years across multiple presidential terms. Each goal in the Annual Plan ties directly to one or more objectives in the Long-Range Plan. 

This year’s plan was developed through student feedback, past research, Board discussions, and the elected executives’ platform priorities.  

Highlights from Past and Present Plans 

Past annual plans have led to tangible projects like the WUSA Goose statue in front of the Physical Activities Complex and the launch of Chaska, an Indian street food restaurant in the SLC. Last year’s plan helped bring large-scale concerts back to campus (shout-out to Dillon Francis), including the first in over a decade. 

This year, the focus includes both exciting new initiatives and long-term planning, like the SLC Student Lounge (and bringing back “The Bomber” in the interim), expanding club resources, and implementing gender-affirming care coverage students voted for in 2024. 

Annual Plan Breakdown 

The Annual Plan starts with a letter from the WUSA President to students, outlining the vision for the year. From there, the plan is split into operational goals and advocacy priorities. 

“We’ve heard students’ calls for change, and that’s exactly what we intend to bring you with this Annual Plan.” – Damian Mikhail, WUSA President 2025–26

Operational Goals

Operational Goals focus on the organization’s services, spaces, and operations. Key 2025–26 operational goals include: 

• Conducting a trial of the Walk Safe program. 
• Adding gender-affirming care to the health and dental plan. 
• Reviewing WUSA’s governance structure to strengthen advocacy. 
• Expanding administrative improvements to all WUSA-affiliated student groups. 
• Finalizing the SLC Lounge Plan and reintroducing “The Bomber” in the interim—complete with limited alcohol service, monthly events, and menu throwbacks. 
• Implementing WUSA’s Indigenization Action Plan. 
• Improving Student Life Centre room booking systems. 
• Mapping campus tunnels in partnership with the University. 

Advocacy Priorities

Advocacy priorities guide how WUSA engages with the university, governments, and the community. This year’s focus areas are: 

1. Affordability 

• Expanding affordable food access, including “pay-what-you-can” programs and fresh produce markets. 
• Strengthening housing support, scam prevention resources, and legal rights education. 
• Advocating for open educational resources and greater public funding for post-secondary education. 

2. Co-op and Employment 

• Addressing co-op timelines and advocating for higher-quality, paid job opportunities. 
• Providing targeted support for international students and others facing employment barriers. 

3. Mental Health and Wellness 

• Launching a formal student safety and wellness position statement. 
• Expanding community-building events and cultural celebration partnerships. 
• Implementing gender-affirming care coverage and expanding equity training. 

4. Academics / Quality of Education 

• Promoting inclusive teaching through an Accessible Teaching Award. 
• Raising awareness of the Ombudsperson’s role and reviewing academic assessment processes. 

Why It Matters 

These aren’t just talking points; they’re a roadmap for real, student-driven change. Whether you’re grabbing lunch at The Bomber, attending an event, or running in a WUSA election, WUSA’s Annual Plan shapes your Waterloo experience. 

Got ideas for next year’s plan? Tell us! Your feedback shapes the Annual Plan; the more we hear from you, the better WUSA gets.  

Read the full 2025–26 Annual Plan and 2025-2030 Long Range Plan now!  

Maliha Karim   

Communications Coordinator Co-op