This has been a big year at WUSA. When we stepped into our roles, it was clear to us students were not looking for more of the status quo; what we’re looking for is ambitious change. We began new programs, reformed our governance systems, and most importantly, changed the way we fight for students. 

As we wrap up our terms, we wanted to reflect on some of the highlights of the year, and share a final message with students. 

Investing in Student Life 

This year, we more than doubled club funding, increasing from $75 to $200 each term for every club. Student clubs are at the centre of life on this campus, and it’s about time they’re financially supported. 

The Bomber is continuing to improve, with an expanded menu and renewed infrastructure. WUSA installed the equipment to start serving alcohol, ready to go as we wait on university approval to finally come through. Originally passed by the 2024–2025 Board, the Pay-What-You-Can program launched in September 2025, and students voted at the 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting to continue the program, reflecting a broader commitment to accessibility and reducing financial barriers to participation in campus life. 

Showing Up for Students 

This year marked a shift toward more visible, responsive, and coordinated advocacy than ever before. 

In February 2026, the provincial government announced sweeping cuts to OSAP, reducing the maximum proportion of non-repayable grants from 85% to only 25%. We held a vote for students, and 94% of you told us you were looking for action. Together, we led one of the largest protests in this campus’ recent memory, demanding the full reversal of the cuts. This not only put pressure on the province and laid the groundwork for continued advocacy, but also led to action from the University. We brought forward, alongside student senators, a motion to the University senate floor to bring not just data on the impacts of the OSAP Cuts, but real financial actions the University can take to mitigate those impacts. Together we built up University support for the motion, passing without dissent! 

We also responded to the provincial government’s introduction and passing of Bill 33, the Supporting Children and Students Act, which gives the province greater authority over how student fees are classified and collected, undermining student democratic decision making over our own fees. We worked closely with the University and other student associations across Ontario, representing undergraduate, graduate, and college students, presenting a united front to push back against this overreach. WUSA played a leading role in developing policy recommendations that centre student control, improving financial and governance transparency and accountability without compromising on student autonomy. 

We continued to pressure the University on responsible partnerships and investments, acting on the mandate given to us in the October 2024 referendum, finally ending the University’s partnership with Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Further, at this year’s Annual Members Meeting, students voted for WUSA to adopt Boycott, Divest, and Sanction policies to make sure student dollars are not complicit in the genocide in Palestine. 

Strengthening Governance 

We looked at WUSA’s international structures, making changes to better support students both now and into the future. 

We created the new Vice-President, Student Experience position, to focus on one of the issues that matter most to students—life on campus. We also brought in the new Advocacy Committee, to ensure that the Board of Directors can properly commit to the work of overseeing student funds, while ensuring that advocacy decisions continue to be led with a united and powerful student voice. 

We updated our Investment Policy and expanded the Audit Committee into the Audit & Finance Committee, ensuring that student funds are being properly overseen by students themselves, and enabling compliance with our divestment goals. 

Building a Culture of Ambitious Change  

Beyond all the work that you saw come to fruition this year, much more happened behind the scenes, opening new doors for future leadership to take us through. But it’s important to deliver a clear message—ambition and a push against the status quo should not be viewed as exceptional, but instead the baseline of what students should expect from their elected leadership. 

Big steps were taken this year, but they are far from enough. That fight must continue into the future. 

Remington Aginskaya-Zhi, WUSA Vice President 2025-26 

Damian Mikhail, WUSA President 2025-26