Students to vote on new fee, BUSU position when they head to polls March 26-28

Students will head to the polls March 26-28 to vote for senate and board of trustees representation. They will also vote in two referendums.

Students will head to the polls March 26-28 to vote for senate and board of trustees representation. They will also vote in two referendums.

Brock students will head to the polls again next week for the latest round of Brock University Students’ Union elections.

Coming on the heels of an executive election that boasted the highest turnout in recent history – 27.4 per cent – this latest vote is for student representation on the University senate and board of trustees.

Students will also be faced with two referendums when they vote March 26 to 28.

One could see students paying a new fee per credit for additional services.

The other could change the structure of the students’ union’s executive.

Students will be asked whether they are willing pay an additional $20 per credit – or roughly $100 a year – for enhanced student health, recreation and athletics services.

Called the Brock University Student Life Fee, the money will be used to improve mental health support by creating a 24-hour social study space, and bolstering psychiatrist and psychologist support, and health and wellness staff.

The fee would also provide free access to the Zone, Brock’s fitness centre, for undergraduate students.

Athletics would also get roughly one-third of the cash, allowing free admission to all regular season Brock varsity sports games for undergrads, support for competitive and recreational sports clubs, and to enhance varsity athletics through recruitment, coaching support, and athlete therapies and support.

Students will also be asked whether BUSU’s vice-president of university affairs role should be split into two positions: one to handle internal issues and the other lobby externally for students.

Students petitioned BUSU to have both the student life fee and the creation of a new executive position on the ballot, said Jimmy Norman, chief returning officer.

“These referendums are student-led,” Norman said. “They’re not run by Brock or facilitated by Brock staff. They’re all run by students.”

Students will receive their ballots via email from elections@busu.net.

A town hall will be held for students to learn more about the referendums.

To learn more about the candidates and the referendum questions, visit BUSU online.


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