Bringing New Ideas Back to Campus: SUS At AMICCUS-C

The UFV Student Union Society (UFVSUS) recently attended the AMICCUS-C Conference at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, joining student leaders and campus professionals from more than 80 student unions across Canada.

While conferences are often viewed as networking opportunities, they also play an important role in helping student leaders and staff learn, collaborate, and bring new ideas back to campus. As the organization responsible for advocating for students and delivering services, events, and programs at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), SUS continually seeks opportunities to improve the student experience.

What Is AMICCUS-C?

AMICCUS-C is a national organization that supports student associations and student unions across Canada. Each year, representatives from member institutions gather to discuss common challenges, share successful initiatives, and explore ways to better support students.

This year's conference theme, Stronger Together, reflected the collaborative nature of student leadership and advocacy. Topics covered throughout the conference included student engagement, governance, advocacy, student services, leadership development, campus programming, and emerging trends affecting post-secondary students.

Inside The Conference

Over several days, attendees participated in keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions focused on student leadership and campus life. The conference brought together student leaders, staff, and industry professionals to exchange ideas, discuss emerging challenges, and share approaches that have been successful at their institutions.

Beyond the scheduled sessions, the conference provided valuable opportunities to connect with representatives from student unions across Canada. These conversations offered insight into how different organizations are addressing student needs, delivering services, engaging their communities, and adapting to changing campus environments.

The Work Behind The Scenes

Many students are familiar with SUS through events, services, clubs, advocacy initiatives, health and dental benefits, or campus spaces such as Fairgrounds and the Student Union Building (SUB). However, much of the work that supports these services happens behind the scenes.

Throughout the year, SUS staff and elected student leaders work on:

• Student advocacy and representation

• Campus events and programming

• Student clubs and associations

• Health and dental plan administration

• Student services and support programs

• Governance and strategic planning

• Community partnerships and engagement initiatives

Professional development and collaboration opportunities, such as AMICCUS-C, help ensure that this work continues to evolve and respond to student needs.

Why This Matters To Students?

Student unions across Canada face many of the same opportunities and challenges, from student engagement and advocacy to service delivery and campus programming. Attending conferences like AMICCUS-C allows SUS representatives to learn from successful initiatives, share experiences, and explore new approaches that can strengthen the support, services, and opportunities available to UFV students.

While much of this work happens behind the scenes, the ideas, relationships, and knowledge gained through these opportunities help inform decisions and improvements that benefit students throughout the year.

Bringing Ideas Back To UFV

The insights and ideas shared throughout the conference will help inform future programs, services, events, and initiatives at UFV. By learning from the experiences of other student unions and sharing our own, SUS can continue identifying new ways to support students and enhance campus life.

We would like to thank AMICCUS-C, the University of Alberta, and all participating student unions for creating a welcoming, collaborative, and insightful conference experience focused on supporting students across Canada.

CASA Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026

Delegates:
Gurpreet Singh (SUS VP External)
Bilal Faisal Faheem (SUS President)

Date:
25 Mar, 2026  –  27 Mar, 2026

Location:
Montreal, Québec

In March 2026, two executives from UFV Student Union Society travelled to Montreal to attend the CASA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), hosted by the Athabasca University Graduate Student’s Association (AUGSA), Athabasca University Student’s Union (AUSU) and Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA).

The AGM represents CASA' s final Meeting of Members for this student leadership year. It serves as a key oppurtunity for membership to conclude the fiscal year by approving any political policies and operating procedures developed throughout the year. Delegates also evaluate CASA’s progress, approve the upcoming budget and prepare incoming representatives for a successful transition. A major focus this year was establishing advocacy priorities for 2026–2027, particularly in light of an earlier-than-usual federal budget cycle.

As we prepare to depart for the conference, we received the news of extension to the Canada Student Grants(CSG) – an initiative we strongly supported through CASA’s federal advocacy efforts. This extension maintains the temporary 40% increase in Canada Student Financial Assistance maximums for the 2026–2027 academic year, continuing enhanced support levels first introduced in 2023.

Prior to the AGM, we visited the Parliament Hill in Ottawa on 24th Mar and met with Members of Parliament, including Patty Hajdu (ThunderBay – Superior North), Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre) and Anna Gainey (Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Westmount).

Conference Highlights: Key Discussions

Day 1 began with an overview of AGM, which offered delegates the opportunity to ask questions before we got into the conference. The day continued with the Opening plenary and updates from the Board of Directors and various committees. Each Board Director presented their respective Action Plan and Committee Work Plan to the membership. The National Indigenous Advocacy Committee also presented the Future Generations Plan, and delegates engaged in an overview of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategic Plan Year-in-Review.

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Day 2 was when we reflected back on this year’s advocacy and set the direction for next year’s priorities. Delegates received a Government Relations update since CASA’s Foundations conference.  We also participated in a session to reflect on committee engagement experiences and provide feedback. Your VPE, Gurpreet, alongside CASA’s Secretary, presented a proposal for CASA to undertake a governance audit in the upcoming fiscal year, followed by a Financial Update and Budget YE 2027 presentation by your President, Bilal, in his capacity as CASA’s Treasurer. Delegates also engaged in a roundtable session to provide feedback on CASA’s Strategic Plan progress over the past year. The day concluded with the AGM Awards Gala, recognizing the contributions of delegates.

Bilal received an award recognizing his contributions and reliability as CASA’s Treasurer and Gurpreet was honoured as “Most Valuable Committee Member” for his consistant initiative within the Governance and Internal Review Committee (GIRC).

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The final day focused on transitioning incoming representatives and planning for the year ahead. Discussions addressed common misconceptions, leadership transitions and resources needed to support incoming delegates. A feedback session on the alignment of CASA‘s advocacy campaigns in expectations towards delegates and their home student unions. This was followed by a presentation on the advocacy priorities for 2026-2027. The priority themes were as follows:

·         Student Financial Aid

·         UEQ Ask (Research)

·         Indigenous Advocacy

·         Employment

·         Housing

·         International Students

We also participated in a Student Union Swag Swap, exchanging items that represent institutions as a way to remember. The conference concluded with the closing plenary, where we approved CASA’s Budget for 2026-27, priority themes, policy updates and operating procedures. The event ended with “CASA-oke” one last time, a Karaoke tradition at CASA that is held at the end of each conference.

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What’s next?

The outcomes of AGM 2026 will guide CASA’s advocacy and organizational priorities over the coming year.

As this conference also marks the end of our terms as representatives of UFVSUS for 25-26, contributing to national student advocacy has been both a privilege and a deeply rewarding experience. From policy discussions to building connections with student leaders across the country, this journey has truly showcased the importance of collective student voices in shaping student life.

As we pass on these responsibilities to the incoming executives with confidence in their abilities, we hope they will build on the progress made and continue to advocate with the same commitment and purpose.

SUS President Bilal Faisal Faheem and SUS Vice President External Gurpreet Singh…Signing off!

- Gurpreet Singh

Vice President External

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Press release: Join the 2026 SUS AGM: Lunch, Updates and a Chance to Win a Macbook

Dear Students,

I invite you to join us for the 2026 SUS Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:00 am, taking place in Evered Hall in the S building at the UFV Abbotsford Campus.

Your Student Union exists to represent and serve you, and AGM is one of the most important ways students can stay informed and be part of that conversation. To thank students for taking the time to attend, complimentary lunch will be provided, and attendees will be entered into a draw to win a brand-new Apple MacBook Neo.

The AGM is an opportunity for students to come together and learn about the work SUS has been doing on your behalf over the past year. During the meeting, we will share highlights from our advocacy and initiatives, present our annual operations report and audited financial statements. This would provide a space for students to ask questions, share feedback, and engage with their Student Union Society.

All UFV students are encouraged to attend. No prior registration is necessary, so feel free to drop in to stay informed, join the conversation, and learn more about the work your Student Union is doing to represent and support students at UFV.

The meeting agenda and additional information will be available on www.ufvsus.ca/agm, prior to the AGM. For any questions, concerns and thoughts, please email me at president@ufvsus.ca.

I hope to see you there!

BILAL FAISAL FAHEEM

PRESIDENT

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