The Student Union Society, commonly known simply as the SUS, is a non-profit organization which was registered under the B.C. Society Act in 1995 following a referendum of the student body.

The day-to-day work of the SUS is undertaken by elected representatives, who serve the Society’s mandate: to provide the Student Body with services that the University does not, and to advocate on behalf of its members.

The Student Union Society operates democratically, and as a student at UFV you are automatically a member, so your input is important to your SUS.

SUS MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the SUS is to create a strong, unified student voice and to provide innovative and valuable services to its members by advocating on behalf of and collaborating with the Student Body, UFV and the community.

WHAT SERVICES DOES THE SUS PROVIDE?

Representation

We represent the students at UFV through a Memorandum of Agreement with UFV that ensures the SUS is the only student government recognized by the university as legitimately representing their students’ interests.

That agreement is binding on the University to give us notice when they are going to make significant changes to your educational programming, so that we can notify you in a timely manner.

Lobbying & Government

We work with the University to bring about change that benefits our members.

In 2008 the SUS joined the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations ( CASA )

to strengthen our federal government lobbying efforts, and we are working to create a similar organization to engage the provincial government on post-secondary issues.

Academic Appeals

The SUS works with the institution to offer a fair and unbiased forum for you to be heard if you have a problem with an instructor or a grade you believe is unfair.

Funding

The SUS provides significant funding every year to help our members-in-need through Emergency Student Grants. The SUS extends money to those students who, because of financial emergency, need short-term funds to meet education-related or living expenses up to a maximum of $750 per year. Forms can be found at the UFV Financial Aid office.

The SUS provides scholarships to outstanding incoming and returning students. Three of the criteria that are used in the evaluation are grades, references and volunteer background.

The SUS helps fund student-created Clubs & Associations. To get an up-to-date list of Clubs and Associations active at UFV go to ufvSUS.ca. To find out how to create one of your own, contact us or the Student Life Department offices in University House.

Campus Life

The SUS provides services to improve life on campus, while you are a student…

…including hosting Week of Welcome festivities at the beginning of the Fall semester with live bands, events, activities and free stuff! We will also be hosting events during the school year.

…including the Society’s licensed student lounge, in the Envision Athletic Centre on the Abbotsford Campus. The lounge provides the UFV community with good food, at a great price, in a fun atmosphere. It’s fully licensed and has a big screen TV for music and sports games.

…including our Student Handbooks, which are handed out free to the students of UFV – you are working your way through one now! It’s a day planner / UFV resource list / contact book / calendar / notebook / life saver all wrapped up in a sturdy little package.

…including our fax machine and photo copier being there for you to use. Fees are $0.50/page within Canada, $1.00/page for international destinations, and $0.25/page for incoming faxes… the catch? We only take payment in cash… not exact change, mind you, but cash.

ufvSUS.ca is the on-line place to locate current news, events schedules and Society information.