UASU in the News

The work that your UASU does often catches the eye of news outlets, resulting in plenty of media coverage. We're proud to say that our efforts to champion student needs and tackle important issues have made their way into news stories. From fighting for affordable education to standing up for student rights, our impactful initiatives and campaigns grab the attention of journalists who recognize the importance of shining a light on our work.

2024-26 VP External Abdul Abbasi being interviewed by Global News.

News Articles

2026

Article - Residents speak for and against infill at packed Edmonton urban planning committee - February 9, 2026

'Pointing out post-secondary students make up roughly 10 per cent of the city’s population, University of Alberta Students’ Union external vice-president Abdul Abbasi said providing affordable rent for students means more talent will stay in the city to use their education after graduating. He noted the U of A’s data showed students are living further away from campus and are pooling their resources to rent larger units and split the costs.'

Radio Interview (CFWE, 89.3 The Raven, Indigenous Lands & Resources Today) - U of A Students’ Union Set to Kick Off 5th Annual Indigenous Celebration Week - January 26, 2026

'Kaylynn Goodrunning, Indigenous Reconciliation Lead with the U of A Students Union, tells CFWE she’s excited about to bring land-based learning to students, with hopes the celebration will foster community through art and culture. Goodrunning highlights what attendees can expect during Indigenous Celebration Week, including a presentation by Dwayne Donald on “Walking in Wâhkôhtowin”, bannock on a stick, and hands-on workshops in beading and tufting, and more.'

Video - Global News coverage - January 23, 2026

"It was really important to me to make sure we're all on the same page at the U of A." — Logan West, UASU VP (Student Life)

Video - U of A students, staff march for sexual and gender-based violence awareness - January 22, 2026

"We have students here who come from across our country, across the province, across the world, and not everyone's coming here on the same page; not everyone has the same level of education about these issues, and so it's really important to me to ensure we're all on the same page when we come to the U of A." — Logan West, UASU VP (Student Life)

2025

Headlines - The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) hosted an Edmonton Student Alliance mayoral forum - October 16, 2025

'The University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU) hosted an Edmonton Student Alliance mayoral forum on Oct. 10, featuring candidates Tim Cartmell, Andrew Knack, Michael Walters, and Rahim Jaffer. Moderated by former CBC radio host Mark Connolly at the Horowitz Theatre, the forum addressed transit safety, youth unemployment, and student consultation. Candidates discussed increasing police presence, partnering officers with social workers, creating more day shelters, attracting international investment, and fostering a robust tech economy. All candidates emphasized involving students in city decision-making. Edmonton’s municipal election is Oct. 20.'

Radio - Students push to get fellow young voters involved in election - October 14, 2025

Headlines - Edmonton grassroots groups are mobilizing underrepresented communities for the municipal election - October 14, 2025

"Edmonton grassroots groups are mobilizing underrepresented communities for the municipal election on Oct. 20. The University of Alberta Students’ Union, alongside the Edmonton Student Alliance, encourages students to pledge votes for issues like housing, transit, and affordability."

Article - How underrepresented Edmonton groups are mobilizing for the municipal election - October 11, 2025

"...the University of Alberta Students’ Union has about 150 volunteers encouraging their peers to make a pledge to vote — setting up tables on campus, arranging classroom visits and organizing a social media campaign. The students’ union says it plans to use the student pledges to highlight issues that matter on campus such as housing, transit and affordability. It also wants to ensure students know how, when and where to vote, and is even sending them reminders. “Our hope really is to get as many students as possible to pledge to vote so that we have that number to then go to our elected officials on Oct. 21 and beyond, and say, ‘Hey, students are paying attention. We are caring about what’s happening,’” Pedro Almeida, president of the students’ union, said Wednesday."

Article and Video - Edmonton students push to get fellow young voters involved in election - October 9, 2025

"'Municipal politics are really the level where we see the most amount of difference in our day-to-day lives. We want students’ voices to be heard when it comes to affordability, housing, transit,' said Pedro Almeida, president of the UASU. 'Students want to be part of the changemakers in the city and want their voices to be heard by elected officials. Not every student knows the name of every city councillor, but we know the effects that we see on our day-to-day life.'"

Article - Unlocking the nation-building power of post-secondary education - September 26, 2025

"'If we want the strongest economy in the G7, we need the strongest post-secondary system in the G7. That means world-class training and research that give Canadians the skills to lead in every sector,' adds Abdul Abbasi, chair of CASA."

Article - Alberta advanced education minister to assess need for new protections for free speech, academic freedom - September 25, 2025

"He's hoping that following this mandate letter and after the expert panel's report, the provincial government will do more to alleviate some of the financial pressures facing institutions and students. But Almeida said he believes there aren't many concerns around academic freedom and freedom of expression, and that the biggest issue facing students is affordability."

Article - Digital textbook deals spark controversy - September 15, 2025

"'Our main concern is that the framing of the program [suggests that it’s] for students, but yet at every turn, student representatives have indicated a lack of support towards it,' said Pedro Almeida, president of the University of Alberta Students’ Union."

Article - 'For what?': Alberta leads the country with 32% undergrad tuition hike since 2020 - September 15, 2025

"The impression from students is that quality has not increased at the pace at which tuition has in the past five years."

Government Release - Kick-starting careers for young Albertans - September 11, 2025

"Helping youth and young adults enter the workforce is an important first step in their careers. With this new hiring incentive, we are excited that more young Albertans, including many of our students, will start gaining the experience they need for a successful future." — Pedro Almeida, president, University of Alberta Students’ Union

Government Release - Downtown Student Housing Incentive: 500 new student housing units coming to downtown Edmonton - August 29, 2025

"With rents up hundreds of dollars in the past few years and housing insecurity on the rise, this incentive will bring a much-needed relief." — Pedro Almeida, UASU President
"The recently conducted housing survey, in partnership with the City of Edmonton, has provided key data that helped shape this progam." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU Vice President (External)

Article and Video - City of Edmonton incentivizing student housing builds - August 20, 2025

"'The campus food bank usage at the University of Alberta has increased by 600 per cent over the last five years and the number one reason why students are coming to campus food bank is housing increases,' said Abdul Abbasi, the University of Alberta Students’ Union’s vice-president external."

Article - City announces $15M for downtown student housing - August 20, 2025

"'This is a good first step … we’re hoping to push the federal government for funding like this across the country, with more funding coming through … for cities and non-profits,' Abbasi said. 'Of course, a lot more is needed.'"

Article - Pair of tower rezoning proposals heading to public hearing - August 16, 2025

"Affordable housing is a big issue that we hear from students, and we have been having conversations with the city on that." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - 'Great legacy for our Downtown': Edmonton eyeing Canada’s first downtown student housing incentive - August 14, 2025

'Abbasi added the lack of affordable housing directly affects students’ academic success, health, and access to education, pointing that “these projects will reduce vacant lands and transform underdeveloped lots into lively populated areas,” and when “hundreds of more students live downtown, they will bring energy, ambition and economic activity to the core” and will “increase the vibrancy and safety of downtown streets.”'

Article - Edmonton city council approves land and funds for affordable student housing - August 13, 2025

'“The university is planning to go to 60,000 students, but at the end of the day it comes to supply and demand. If there is more supply for students that are going to MacEwan or NorQuest, that can free up other spaces our students can use. And at the same time, a lot of our students live in the downtown area,” said Abdul Abbasi, the VP External of the University of Alberta Students’ Union.'

Radio Interview - A particularly hard year for Canadian youths on the hunt for a job - August 5, 2025

"We hear a lot from students that they have applied to dozens and dozens of jobs, and they are unable to get interviews... What we see from businesses is that they need students need to have more skillsets, and to have more skillsets there is a need for more work-integrated learning opportunities." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - Proposed incentive program aims to boost downtown Edmonton student housing - August 1, 2025

"So it is something that we hear a lot from students: students have to choose between a roof on their head and food on their table." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - What to do about youth unemployment? - June 30, 2025

"What, then, is to be done about youth unemployment? Federal programs like Canada Summer Jobs and the Student Work Placement Program are critical for creating enriching placements for students through wage subsidies for businesses and non-profits...The first step to addressing this market failure in training investment must be extension and expansion of these existing programs." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External), Matthew Gerrits (CASA), and Hannah Hunter (CASA)

Article - Canadian universities grapple with evaluating students amid AI cheating fears - June 8, 2025

'Katie Tamsett, vice-president, academic, of the U of A's student union, says concerns of cheating using AI have to be balanced with the fact that the technology is being used in the real world. "As students, we're seeing that in the workforce, AI is being used. And so when we're doing our courses in university, we want to be seeing that AI is being incorporated as a tool."'

TV Interview - Students group raise concerns as U of A increases monthly parking by 20% - June 4, 2025

'"We have seen the cost of tuition increase, we have seen the cost of housing increase and with the cost of parking increase by 20 per cent, we have heard from students that again they are struggling to afford it,” said Abdul Abbasi, the vice-president external of the University of Alberta’s Student Union.'

TV Interview - Edmonton city council hears from public on zoning bylaw review - June 3, 2025

"...as the number of students keeps increasing in Edmonton, we need to make sure there’s housing for students,” said Abdul Abbasi, the vice-president of the University of Alberta’s Students’ Union."

Article - New lactation station open at University of Alberta - May 30, 2025

'A new lactation pod opened on Friday at the Students’ Union Building,' with Logan West, UASU VP (Student Life), pictured.

Article - Young people excited to cast ballots at U of A advance federal election polling station - April 15, 2025

'On Monday morning, the polling place in the basement of the U of A’s Students’ Union Building was busy. There were a dozen polling stations, each with attendants there to help students locate their ridings.'

Article - PSE leaders discuss need for policies, student demands ahead of federal election - April 10, 2025

"To capture the student vote, Abbasi argues that political candidates will need to address student demands related to the Canada Student Grants program and work-integrated learning."

Article - Opinion: Post-secondary students' votes are up for grabs: Who will earn them? - April 3, 2025

"The next federal election could come down to a simple question: Who speaks to the next generation?" — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - Garneau rezoning contentious as councillors try to balance growth with historic character - March 17, 2025

""We have heard from a lot of students that they can't find housing, especially in the Garneau area, because everything is filled and a lot of times we hear that students are living in a basement or living in housing conditions that are not safe for them." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - We all deserve some (campus) space - March 7, 2025

"One first step could be conducting a report card of existing student spaces, similar to the University of Alberta Students’ Union; by assessing spaces on criteria, such as universal accessibility and usability by students..."

Article - Will ABC become the new DEI? It depends on who you ask - March 7, 2025

'However, union president Lisa Glock said the new policy is more of a tweak than an actual pivot away from DEI principles. "That’s our understanding as of now," said Glock. She said good things have come from the school’s DEI policy and initiatives over the last several years, including increased enrollment of Indigenous Students and the removal of structural barriers. "The most important thing is that students receive clarity on how the new direction will impact their university experience, especially those students from historically underrepresented communities," she said. "Our hope and our goal … is to make sure that those things remain regardless of the name change."'

TV interview - Calls from post-secondary student unions for more funding - February 11, 2025

"We're hearing that students are struggling with affordability; whether you're at NAIT, you're at SAIT, U of A, U of C, no matter what, this is a priority...I really want the province to keep students in mind when they're thinking about giving us funding, because students are also the ones contributing back to the Albertan economy." — Lisa Glock, UASU President

Article - Des étudiants demandent un meilleur financement du postsecondaire - February 11, 2025

<<Nous demandons un retour au niveau de 2019 et que le gouvernement tienne compte de l'inflation,>> précise la présidente de l’Association des étudiants de l’Université de l’Alberta, Lisa Glock.

Radio Interview - University of Alberta Prepares for Indigenous Celebration Week - January 23, 2025

'Ella Thompson, lead of Indigenous Reconciliation at the University of Alberta Students Union spoke with 89.3 The Raven on organizing the event and highlights this year’s theme. University of Alberta students, staff and community members can expect a variety of things to participate in, from workshops to a pipe ceremony, artisan market and more.'

Headlines - Campus, community members react to UAlberta framework shift - January 8, 2025

"UAlberta Non-Academic Staff Association President Quinn Benders and UAlberta Students Union VP External Abdul Abbasi both highlighted the benefits of the university’s EDI policies and expressed hope that these would continue under the new framework."

Article - Campus groups respond after University of Alberta ditches diversity, equity and inclusion policies - January 6, 2025

“The university must retain a commitment to addressing inequalities faced by marginalized groups, and to listen to them and make sure that they feel heard. Right now in the university, a lot of students don’t feel safe or don’t feel heard. We’re going to keep having conversations about that — that the university is removing barriers to access and attacking the real challenge that students face, from rising costs to systematic discrimination.” — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Video - University of Alberta to move away from 'equity, diversity and inclusion' policies - January 3, 2025

"There's a lot of concern, especially when it comes to a lot of safety issues with international students and Indigenous students, and I think it's a wide range of issues, and I think listening to those marginalized communities and making sure they're feeling heard is something that is really important." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

2024

Article - The U of A is implementing a hiring freeze in the new year. What this could mean for students - December 18, 2024

"[The hiring freeze] is a blunt instrument that will damage essential functions of the university and our students. Being a student right now is more of a privilege instead of a right." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Headlines - UAlberta proposes 10% tuition increase for international students, 2% for domestic students - November 26, 2024

"However, student council representatives have criticized the plan, claiming that it exploits international students."

Radio Interview - U of A proposing steep tuition hike for international students - November 22, 2024

"It has been harder than ever to be a student. Our students are struggling, and right now, to be honest, it feels like education is becoming a privilege instead of a right." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - U of A student leaders decry proposal to hike international student tuition by 10% in 2026 - November 22, 2024

'Students do understand the financial pressures the university faces as well, and the University of Alberta Students' Union has been lobbying the province to increase the U of A's operating grant, said Abdul Abbasi, the union's vice-president external...Tuition increases for international students are understandable, Abbasi said, but "having a 10 per cent increase is absurd."'

Award - Dewey's is Category Winner for AGLC Best Bar None - November 2024

Article and Video - Need for U of A food bank soars amid rising food insecurity, increased cost of living - October 28, 2024

'“It has been harder than ever to be a student,” said Abdul Abbasi, Vice President external, University of Alberta students’ union.'

Article - New bus service pilot connects Camrose students to Edmonton - October 26, 2024

"We have reached out to the minister of transportation, we have talked with MLAs, we have used all the other avenues we have..." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - New bus service to Edmonton - October 1, 2024

"The University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU) has been the driving force behind this project from the outset." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Headlines - Taproot - September 4, 2024

'Many students say they are relying on parental support or making sacrifices to manage rising expenses. The University of Alberta Students’ Union is advocating for more government grants to alleviate these burdens.'

Radio Interview - 630 CHED: Postsecondary costs spiralling - September 3, 2024

"Being a student is the most difficult it has been in years." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - Edmonton university students back to school under rental housing crunch - September 3, 2024

"The U of A plans to increase their population. The city plans to increase their population. If we don't address this, it's going to keep becoming a bigger issue." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - High post-secondary expenses leave Alberta college students in a pinch - September 2, 2024

“Once you are putting money into these students, once they complete their degrees, they are going to give back to Alberta’s economy. They will work and give back to the community." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Article - The Myer Horowitz Makeover - August 29, 2024

'At the University of Alberta standing centre stage inside the newly renovated Myer Horowitz Theatre, Marc Dumouchel recalls taking a water balloon to the face in this exact spot 34 years ago during a student election forum. “I thought it was the best possible thing that could have happened to me."'

Article - Post-secondary students skipping meals, dodging scams amid housing crunch - July 10, 2024

'Eleven per cent of University of Alberta students in Edmonton are skipping meals more than twice a week (another 13 per cent skip at least one meal a week), and the campus food bank is spending $10,000 on food per month to supply the demand, twice what it was last year, according to Abdul Abbasi, the vice-president of external relations for the school’s student union. A survey conducted by the union also found another 17 per cent of students had unstable housing situations in the last year, including evictions, homelessness and even sleeping in campus common areas because they have no place else to go.'

Article - U of A to disclose, review investment policies after student and staff pressure - June 18, 2024

"This is a crucial step forward and a first step toward transparency. There's still much work left to rebuild the lost trust with students." — Abdul Abbasi, UASU VP (External)

Radio Interview - CBC Alberta at Noon - May 25, 2024

"People are concerned that their freedom of expression rights are not being respected...there's a deep skepticism about the University's reasoning." — Lisa Glock, UASU President

Article - Staff, students want independent investigation into police removal of U of A protesters - May 23, 2024

'Representatives of the University of Alberta Students' Union and various staff associations said they met with university leaders Wednesday and demanded a third-party investigation...Students' union president Lisa Glock said the union is working toward creating a mechanism for students' demands to be heard..."We want to analyze it, see why things happened and learn from it."'

Article - Intervention policière à l’Université de l’Alberta : des réponses sont demandées - May 23, 2024

'Quant aux étudiants, la présidente de leur syndicat, Lisa Glock, confie avoir reçu <<beaucoup de courriels>> de la part de membres se disant préoccupés par les événements.'

Article - Anger growing over how U of A, Edmonton police dismantled pro-Palestinian protest - May 14, 2024

"Freedom of expression is at the core of who we are as Canadians, frankly. Everyone has the right to speak their mind, protest peacefully." — Lisa Glock, UASU President

Radio Interview - 630 CHED - May 14, 2024

Article - The number of Alberta post-secondary students relying on provincial loans is ballooning - March 26, 2024

"We're seeing year-over-year increases across the board of food bank usage. We're seeing more students sleeping in cars, more students sleeping in unsafe living environments." — Chris Beasley, UASU VP (External)

Article - Alberta post-secondary students and faculty warn flat 2024 budget will squeeze universities, students - March 12, 2024

'Christian Fotang, University of Alberta Students’ Union president, told Postmedia the budget represents a cut and doesn’t respond to the concerns students have about affordability. “We remain frustrated and angry,” said Fotang. “The University of Alberta is being de-prioritized. The over $200 million in cuts that we’ve experienced since 2019 — those still hurt. We’re still seeing the impacts of that on campus,” he said, pointing to deferred maintenance that is forcing classes to relocate because of things like burst pipes. “It’s putting the university between a rock and a hard place, and we see that trickle down into students skipping meals because they have to choose between textbooks and groceries,” he said.'

Article - Student groups express frustration with new AB budget - March 5, 2024

"Student groups in Alberta are saying that the recently announced provincial budget will not help students facing the affordability crisis."

Article - Affordability measures won't make student life more affordable, says U of A student union - March 1, 2024

'Chris Beasley of the University of Alberta Students' Union said the $69 million in available student grants is not enough to help the student population. "Yesterday's budget was a disappointment for all of the students that were experiencing a profound affordability crisis and were hoping for affordability relief," Beasley said.'

Article - Edmonton chamber, U of A union concerned about Alberta pharmacare decision - February 28, 2024

'"For the students who are already struggling to afford textbooks and to stay in school, I think anything that could make life cheaper or more affordable is a welcome sign," said Chris Beasley, the union's vice president external..."The solution to this is going to come when students can afford the medication that they need," Beasley added.'

Article - The Second Black President of University of Alberta Students' Union in over 116 years - February 2024

'He strives to promote the participation of Black students in leadership, and advocacy opportunities on campus. Black students have expressed the impact of seeing a peer in such a position of influence. Fotang has observed that more work needs to be done to bring more underrepresented voices to student governance and advocacy.'

Video Interview - Interview with University of Alberta Students' Union Vice-President External Chris Beasley - January 25, 2024

2023

Article - University students fall through cracks as costs multiply - December 20, 2023

'While tuition costs increased, the province cut $220 million in the U of A’s funding, said Chris Beasley, vice-president external of the University of Alberta Student’s Union....Research conducted by the University of Alberta Students’ Union estimates international students spent $1.8 billion in the Alberta economy in the 2022-2023 academic year.'

Article - Student leaders advocate for housing diversity as Laurent Tower opens - October 12, 2023

"A lot of students will quite happily pay those prices for that access, but a lot of students won’t be able to either. And so the question is, how do we encourage different kinds of density in areas around the university at different price points for different students?" — Chris Beasley, UASU VP (External)

Article - The University of Alberta’s $1.4 million-dollar Nazi problem - October 4, 2023

"By examining this list and old issues of the annual CIUS newsletter, with assistance from concerned scholars and the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU), the Progress Report was able to identify an additional $1,424,700 in endowments and donations dedicated to 11 Waffen-SS veterans and one member of the Nazi-collaborationist Ukrainian Insurgent Army."

Article - University of Alberta 10-year plan includes strategies to boost enrolment, improve ranking - September 19, 2023

'Christian Fotang, president of the University of Alberta Students Union, said students are concerned about the quality of education and services like clinical and mental health support being affected. “I want to make sure the quality I got (as a student) gets maintained and is increased in the future,” he said.'

Article - University of Alberta unveils strategic plan to boost enrollment by 35% in next decade - September 19, 2023

'Christian Fotang, president of the University of Alberta Students' Union, said his group wants to ensure students' needs are adequately serviced if numbers swell because of the school's "very ambitious plan...We have to make sure that experience — whether it's with housing, whether it's with academic support — that they have those things there for them," Fotang said.'

Article - Edmonton post-secondary students navigate higher costs, lower availability of housing as school year begins - August 29, 2023

"And they’re having to choose between food, between rent and you’re seeing some students choose food but as a result sleep in their cars or in unsafe situations. And as that happens, there are going to be more and more students competing for the rental supply and housing supply." — Chris Beasley, UASU VP (External)

Article - University of Alberta, NAIT expect record-high admissions for international students - August 23, 2023

"They don't have a family friend that they can move in. They can't move back in with their parents. International students are not causing the housing crisis. They're merely the most visible victims of it." — Chris Beasley, UASU VP (External)

Video Interview - U of A students’ union sounds alarm about lack of housing - August 10, 2023

"About eight hundred students total on our campus are couch-surfing, or they're sleeping in stairwells, or they're sleeping in cars." — Chris Beasley, UASU VP (External)

Article - An Open Letter on the Hate-Motivated Attack at the University of Waterloo - July 14, 2023

"The June 28th attack in a gender studies classroom at the University of Waterloo is an urgent reminder of the need for safer campus communities, free from violence and the threat of violence."

Article - U of A approves tuition hikes despite student protests - March 24, 2023

'Joannie Fogue, vice-president of student life with the students' union, said the hikes will further drive students into financial precarity. "...we're going to see more client food bank numbers going up and students facing food insecurity, as well as we've also seen a rising number in students facing homelessness."'

Radio Interview - U of A students are asking for more campus security - March 2023

Article - University of Alberta students troubled by rise in security incidents on campus – 225 in January alone - February 21, 2023

“What we hope to see is better collaboration between the city government, provincial government, us as a student union, and the university in terms of addressing those safety concerns around transit stations." — Christian Fotang, UASU VP (External)

Article - University of Alberta students call for more action over security incidents - February 20, 2023

"Students don't want campus to be over-policed or militarized but they do recognize that the presence of peace officers improves the perception of safety in and around transit centres." — Christian Fotang, UASU VP (External)

Video - Alberta reducing student loan interest rate, doubling grace period, capping tuition hikes - February 16, 2023

Article - UCP to cap post-secondary tuition growth at two per cent beginning in 2024-25 - February 16, 2023

'Abner Monteiro, president of the University of Alberta Students’ Union, told Postmedia the union welcomed the measures, but noted domestic tuition for students at the U of A has risen between 29 per cent and 74 per cent in some programs since 2019. With the university still considering a proposed 5.5 per cent tuition hike for the coming school year, Monteiro said the cap will come too late. "Students honestly can’t wait two years before they can see change."...The students’ union estimates that for every 16 cents given out in Alberta through needs-based grants, the province is offering a dollar in student loans — a ratio Monteiro said is poor compared to other provinces and a cause for concern.'

Article - Alberta caps tuition hikes for post-secondary students starting in 2024-25 - February 16, 2023

"After three years of seven per cent increases, and brutal, exceptional tuition increases that have happened here at the University of Alberta, we're also hoping to see more investments being put toward things like more non-repayable aid and grants that are needs-based, as well as recognizing the fact that students right now are struggling." — Christian Fotang, UASU VP (External)

Article - Local food banks struggling to adjust due to record demand - February 16, 2023

"Cost of living is going up, tuition is going up, [there are] so many increased costs for students. You can kind of understand and start to see why there’s an increased usage." — Abner Monteiro, UASU President

Article - Alberta government says universities must provide yearly reports on free speech - February 3, 2023

"We urge Minister Nicolaides and other decision-makers to refocus their priorities, listen to students, and work on food insecurity, mental health, sexual gender-based violence prevention & response, rising tuition and cost of living. We’ve expressed these concerns to the Minister and need them to reprioritize their efforts to support affordability measures for students." — Abner Monteiro, UASU President

2022

Article - How the elimination of interest on federal student loans could give graduates a boost - November 24, 2022

'Christian Fotang, chair of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and vice-president of external affairs at the University of Alberta’s student union, said he is pleased with the federal government’s decision, and is hoping they go even further. In the early days of the pandemic, Ottawa doubled the Canada Student Grant from $3,000 to $6,000 for full-time students. With this measure set to end by July 31 next year, CASA is calling for the permanent doubling of the grant. “During a conversation with a student, they mentioned that the doubling of the Canada Student Grant made the difference for them being able to make it through the semester,” Fotang said.'

Article - Canada to allow international students to work more hours due to labour shortage - October 7, 2022

"Allowing international students to work more off-campus hours will help students afford their education and increase educational experiences." — Christian Fotang, UASU VP (External)

Article - University of Alberta Campus Food Bank continues to face high demand - September 11, 2022

“One student — if I can share a quote — they said they can barely afford groceries. They’ve been cutting down on how many meals they can eat in a day and how big those are just so they don’t have to eat as often — and most of what they are eating is ramen and cereal." — Abner Monteiro, UASU President

Article - Influx of U of A students seeking mental health supports expected in fall - August 23, 2022

'Joannie Fogue, vice-president student life, says access difficulties are especially felt on satellite campuses — Faculté Saint-Jean and Augustana — and she's heard of students waiting weeks or even months to talk to a therapist. Accessing culturally appropriate services fitted to a student's identity is also a concern. "I do think it would probably just get worse because we're now going back to on campus," Fogue said. At the end of the last school year, the students union surveyed 1,301 students. Around a third reported "constant severe stress" and another third said stress had a major impact on their mental health that semester.'

Article - 'Caught off guard': Low-income students in Alberta scramble to go back to school with lower grants - August 6, 2022

'"Students can't plan ahead for their semester," Monteiro said. The change also makes the cost of living more unaffordable for low- and middle-income families, amid rising inflation and ongoing tuition hikes, Monteiro added.'

Article - Alberta government urged to regulate tuition increases for international students - July 17, 2022

"International students face twice the rate of food insecurity compared to domestic students. Also, the amount of harassment or discrimination in the classroom, which results in a lot of international students needing mental health supports and culturally appropriate mental health supports that aren't always available on our campus." — UASU President Abner Monteiro

Article - International students clash with students' union over U of A campus security policy - April 22, 2022

'Rowan Ley, outgoing president of the UASU, said the purpose of the consultations that led up to the policy was to find a balance of perspectives. "It's not about necessarily everyone being happy at the end," he said..."The policy is basically a series of modest proposals for ways we can figure out what's not working as well and make it work better."'

Article - University of Alberta looking to get rid of Humanities building - April 15, 2022

'Christian Fotang, VP external with the U of A Students' Union, said deferred maintenance and student safety have been an ongoing concern for some of the university's infrastructure. Beyond safety, the union's primary concern is whether removed spaces are suitably replaced. "For us, it's about making sure that student spaces aren't being severely hampered as a result of cuts," Fotang said.'

Article - To mask, or not to mask? - March 16, 2022

'The University of Alberta students’ union said it plans to fight the policy, after a survey showed 61 per cent of students want to continue wearing masks.'

Article - University of Alberta drops mask mandate, surprising students and profs - March 12, 2022

'Rowan Ley, president of the University of Alberta Students' Union, said the university's decision is a concern for students in tightly-packed classrooms where it's a challenge to maintain social distancing. "No one is asking for this," Ley said in an interview Friday. Many students signed up for in-person classes because the university declared a mask mandate in place until the end of the semester, Ley said. "So pulling the rug under them like this halfway through a semester is just really unfair," he said. The student union is giving out KN95 masks to anyone who wants one. They also plan to challenge the policy change with senior administrators next week, Ley said.'

Article - Province approves tuition increases at universities in Calgary and Edmonton - March 11, 2022

"It’s unfortunate for me to say, as somebody who loves the U of A, but I just don’t think the value that U of A offers right now can possibly justify these prices." — Rowan Ley, UASU President

Article - University of Alberta students facing steep tuition hikes — as much as double — in a dozen programs - March 9, 2022

"For students who do end up going to U of A, it’ll mean they face huge challenges in their education. It will mean they will have to work long hours, they will have to carry heavy loans and the risk that comes with that." — Rowan Ley, UASU President

Article - University of Alberta, academic staff enter formal mediation after negotiations stall - February 17, 2022

"Cuts are at the root of all the problems that the U of A has experienced in the last three years. The aggressive restructuring which has resulted in thousands of layoffs and has happened too quickly, leaving a lot of students and staff in the lurch, that's a direct result." — Rowan Ley, UASU President

Article - Mask mandates to remain at University of Alberta and University of Calgary - February 11, 2022

'Rowan Ley, president of the students' union at the U of A, said about 500 students responded to a survey about Nicolaides' letter to board chairs. He said 80 per cent were opposed to the minister's letter, but there is some appetite among students for removing restrictions. "The broad consensus is that the mask and vaccine mandates are popular — gathering restrictions less so," he said.'

Article - University of Alberta maintains mask requirements on campus for 'immediate' future - February 10, 2022

'The U of A Students' Union (UASU) believes ditching masks and vaccine passports would be premature. "This is not something most students want," said Christian Fotang, UASU vice president external. "It's not something students asked for. It seems like a solution in search of a problem."'

Article - Grades, mental health suffering as U of A lets online learning standards slip, says student union - February 3, 2022

'"Students are furious and frustrated that the quality of education we have paid for has not been delivered in the last three weeks," said Rowan Ley, University of Alberta Students' Union president. Virtual lectures and online exams have been challenging since the pandemic's start but this term has been particularly problematic with basic standards not being met, Ley said. "We've seen issues like unauthorized, highly invasive and discriminatory online proctoring … and a lack of accessibility measures being taken for students who are stuck in other time zones or have weak internet access, by no fault of their own," Ley said. Among the wide-ranging list of financial and academic concerns cited in a Wednesday news release, the student union said some faculties were posting old lectures online. "Students are upset about paying hundreds of dollars per course just to watch years-old YouTube clips without class engagement," it said.'