New students’ association formed at University of Regina to replace URSU

Following the dissolution of the University of Regina Students’ Union, a new group has stepped forward to represent students.

Calling itself “a constellation of student voices,” the University of Regina Students’ Association says it aims to advocate for students and promote honesty, democracy and financial responsibility.

In an Instagram post Thursday, the group said it submitted a request for a referendum to the university “to determine who the students will choose as their official representative body.”

The university has agreed to the request and will independently facilitate an online referendum from Dec. 12 to 15, according to a statement from U of R president Jeff Keshen.

“I have previously encouraged students to continue making their voices heard, because student engagement matters and is critical to shaping a positive path forward,” his statement said.

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“The forthcoming referendum is an important way to do that, as it will allow students to carefully consider and decide upon how they wish to be represented by their peers, both on our campuses and in the wider community.”

Keshen said the university had lost confidence in URSU’s leadership and is not disbursing any student funds to the organization for the fall term and beyond.

URSU has faced controversy in recent months, including questions over spending and governance. Its main lease agreement with the university was terminated in August, and members voted in October to dissolve the organization.

“URSU’s contested process of dissolution continues, and the organization is essentially non-functioning as a representative body,” Keshen said.

URSA says updates will be shared through its Instagram account and its website, which is under construction.