On the evening of November 6, the Students’ Union of Okanagan (SUO) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the UNC Ballroom. The meeting, which began at 7:00 p.m., turned into a lengthy, intense affair, running for nearly five hours before being tabled for a later date. Still, the AGM demonstrated increasing student engagement, robust debate, and a commitment to improving the union’s governance practices.
This year’s AGM was marked by an impressive turnout, with students from a range of faculties actively participating in discussions surrounding resolutions and the union’s financial health. The session featured several important moments that highlighted both the successes and challenges of the SUO in its mission to serve the student body.
It began with a presentation of the audited financial statements for the year. The SUO reported that its membership fees came in higher than originally budgeted, allowing the union to avoid a deficit fiscal year. This was an important point for the executives to emphasize, as it demonstrated their ability to manage finances effectively.
The bulk of the meeting was dedicated to discussing and voting on the 14 resolutions proposed by the Alliance for Student Empowerment (A4SE), a student group focused on increasing student rights and transparency in SUO governance. A4SE representatives were on hand to distribute informational sheets which defined terms and outlined parliamentary procedures. It was a thoughtful gesture that the SUO might want to consider doing in the future to make the proceedings more accessible and easy to follow for attendees.
Among the 14 resolutions, the three that sparked the most debate and interest during the AGM were those related to ethical investment practices, the Smart Meals program, and the reallocation of resources to support the Union’s resource centers.
The resolution that called for the SUO to adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards for its investments was amended to include specific companies identified by the United Nations as being involved in illegal settlement activities in Occupied Palestine. After much discussion, the resolution passed with strong support from the student body, including the executives. This marked a rare moment of agreement between the executive team and the student body, as both groups recognized the importance of aligning the SUO’s financial practices with ethical and socially responsible standards.
Another resolution that garnered significant discussion was one aimed at reforming the Smart Meals program. The Smart Meals initiative has been a major part of the student union’s efforts to combat food insecurity on campus, but recent changes to the program have raised concerns among many students. The resolution proposed a bylaw change that allocated a fixed budget line to the Smart Meals program, but it would have also restricted future VPs External from exercising creativity in their budgeting. Both Danial Asif, the President, and Abby Newman, the VP External, strongly opposed the idea. They argued that the funding proposal was too restrictive and would limit the ability of future executives to adapt the program to the changing needs of students. Despite vocal opposition from several students, the resolution ultimately failed.
Another resolution that passed with significant executive support addressed a loophole in the bylaws related to the Media Fund. The executives, including the VP Campus Life and VP Finance, admitted that the fund had experienced delays this year due to structural confusion over which executive should oversee it, and reassured students that they were working to resolve the issue by having the VP Finance take charge of the Media Fund moving forward.
One of the more contentious issues at the AGM was the proposal to form a separate Graduate Student Association (GSA), which was tabled due to ongoing negotiations between graduate students and the SUO. Another resolution that failed to pass was the official recognition of slating, or the endorsement of candidates for executive positions. While some students supported the practice, the majority opposed it, fearing it could undermine democratic processes and limit candidate diversity.
The resolution to reinstate paid positions at the Union’s resource centers was one of the most passionately debated. Students expressed frustration at the lack of funding for these centers, which provide essential services like mental health support and community for underrepresented populations. Despite the executives’ justifications, the majority of students voted in favour of the resolution, signaling a strong desire to see more support allocated to these vital services.
In a key discussion about transparency, the resolution requiring the SUO to provide agendas for Board Meetings one week in advance was passed with overwhelming support. However, a related resolution proposing the disclosure of topics discussed during in-camera (behind closed doors) sessions failed to pass. The executives argued that revealing such topics could lead to interpersonal conflicts and undermine the confidentiality necessary for sensitive discussions.
As midnight approached, it became clear that the AGM would not be able to address all the proposed resolutions and presentations. With several items still on the table, such as the adoption of bylaws, the budget presentation, and updates from board members, the student body voted to adjourn the meeting and reconvene at a later date.
The AGM ended on a positive note, with students expressing their satisfaction at the level of engagement and the willingness of the executives to listen to student concerns. As in past years, turnout and participation had increased, a clear sign that students are becoming more invested in the workings of their union. While the meeting is far from over, the first half proved successful in setting the stage for more transparent, accountable, and student-centered governance in the coming year.
Overall, the 2024 AGM was an encouraging sign that the SUO is making strides towards being a more inclusive and transparent student union. The spirited debates, thoughtful resolutions, and high levels of student involvement marked a significant step forward for the student body. The Union’s executives managed to present their viewpoints in a clear and concise manner, demonstrating their commitment to improving student life and governance. Ultimately, this AGM is a clear indication that the future of student governance is moving in the right direction.
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