ABOUT THE CSU
Dear Student,
Since 1971, every student at Capilano University (formerly Capilano College) has been a member of the Capilano Students' Union (the "CSU") and today, your student society represents over 7,500 students at the North Vancouver, Sechelt, and Squamish campuses, and abroad. The CSU provides services, including the U-Pass and Health and Dental Plan, supplies resources to clubs and organizations on campus, and hosts a variety of events throughout each year. In addition to delivering services to students, the CSU is an advocate of students’ interests, and ensures the needs of students are presented for consideration by the University administration and the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
The Capilano Students’ Union is entirely independent from Capilano University, and its funding is provided by student fees that have been approved by students in a referendum. The collection of these fees is protected by the University Act, which ensures that the CSU is able to act as a truly independent organization, and act in the best interests of students knowing that these fees are not subject to external interference. The CSU is governed by the Society Act, in addition to its Constitution and Bylaws, which are regulations established by the membership to define the way the society is operated.
The day-to-day management of the society is the responsibility of the Executive Committee, which is made up of elected student representatives. Every student attending Capilano University is eligible to nominate a candidate, become a candidate, and vote in every election. Members of the Executive Committee are share responsibility for the governance of the Capilano Students' Union, and are required to comply with the provisions of the Society Act, bylaws of the society, and other regulatory legislation. The Executive Committee is responsible for the budgeting, administration, and auditing of student society assets (including approximately $1.4 million dollars in student fees each year), representing the interests of students to the university and government, and the direction of student society employees. In addition to the general responsibilities of a director, individual Executive Committee members have other duties depending on the specific positions they hold on the board.
The Executive Committee of the Capilano Students' Union is the board of directors of the society. The Executive meets regularly at 5:30pm each Wednesday in the CSU Student Lounge (Maple 116, North Vancouver Campus) to conduct the business of the society. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend and observe the proceedings. Each meeting concludes with a question period where students can request information from their elected representatives about the outcome of the meeting, the affairs of the society, or any other general matter. The agenda will be published at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, and is available at the CSU Offices in the Maple Building on the North Vancouver Campus.
All students at Capilano University are voting members of the Capilano Students’ Union, and are able to fully participate in most of the decision-making bodies of the CSU. These committees are responsible for the advocacy and operations of the Society, in addition to finances, policy, university relations, the environment, social justice, and many other important issues. The Executive Committee works in part on the recommendations of these committees, and through your participation you can inform the decision making of the Executive Committee. General meetings are the highest decision making authority of the CSU, and take place at least once in each of the Fall and Spring terms. General meetings are an opportunity for students to deliberate amendments to the bylaws of the society, and where the budget and audited financial statements are presented for approval.
The Capilano Students’ Union incorporates community-based resource committees. These committees – for students of colour, students with disabilities, First Nations students, international students, women, and self-identified queer and LGBT students – are a useful way for students to meet and organize events and advocacy campaigns to promote equity, build communities, and celebrate the diversity that exists on campus.
We encourage you to continue to be involved in the Capilano Students’ Union, or become involved if you haven’t had the chance. The success of your student society depends on the extent of the participation by students such as you. By working together we can build a better University experience for everyone.
Sincerely,
The Capilano Students’ Union Executive Committee