A judge has dismissed an injunction application filed by the University of Regina Students’ Union (URSU) against the University of Regina (U of R). The union filed the lawsuit against the U of R for withholding fees and terminating their fee collection agreement in April after it was announced the university would terminate URSU’s collection agreement effective Aug. 31, citing concerns with URSU’s 2024 audited financial statement. “For more than a year and a half, the University raised concerns regarding URSU’s unsustainable financial position and has tried to engage constructively with URSU leadership, offering financial and governance assistance,” U of R President Jeff Keshen said in a statement posted to social media Friday. “Unfortunately, URSU did not take the steps recommended by the University to improve and address these matters. The external audit of URSU’s 2024 financial statements identified significant uncertainty regarding the organization’s ongoing sustainability,” he added. Through its injunction application, URSU sought to compel the University to release the Winter 2025 student fees, and continue collecting and transferring fees to URSU indefinitely. “The court determined the university established a real risk URSU would not properly allocate student funds if the university were ordered to transfer the withheld student fees to URSU as a lump sum payment,” according to the U of R’s post. “And the payment protocol was, ‘a measured and practical method to ensure that URSU applies fees collected from students to legitimate expenses.” The court also held that compelling the University to continue to collect fees from students on URSU’s behalf in the present circumstances would be irresponsible and unfair to students. “While we are naturally disappointed with the outcome, we respect the court’s reasoning and appreciate the clarity it has provided regarding the payment protocol,” a spokesperson for URSU said in a response to CTV News. URSU representatives added it does not intend to escalate the matter through further litigation. “We are focused on working collaboratively with the University of Regina to find long-term, sustainable solutions that support the interests of our student body,” the statement said. We recognize the importance of financial accountability and governance, and we are committed to improving internal systems to restore confidence and stability.” The university is assuring students they remain committed to keeping core student services in place, including health and dental benefits, UPass, and support of student societies continue into the Fall without disruption. Updated information, along with FAQs, will be shared in the next couple of weeks. ”The university also remains committed to working in good faith with student leadership that demonstrates a commitment to good governance and sound financial management in the best interest of students,” Keshen said. “We encourage University of Regina students to get involved to make the changes necessary to result in an effective and accountable student representative organization.” “We are hopeful through continued dialogue and cooperation, we can move forward in a constructive way that benefits both the University and the students we serve,” URSU added. - With files from Caitlin Brezinski and Wayne Mantyka
