Levy petition success and next general meeting

WUSC at Trent University is very excited to announce that we succeeded in getting enough votes in last week’s petition for the levy increase. Not only did we receive enough votes, but we surpassed our target of 700! The more than 1000 signatures collected came from Trent University students who support the Local Committee’s on-going efforts to sponsor two students next academic year. Thanks to all those who signed the petition and those hard-working members who accepted responsibility for collecting signatures. We could not have done it without you! Drawing from the success of this petition, we can now move forward to the next stage – that is, campaigning for the levy increase in the March 2010 elections. Our strategy for the campaign will be discussed in the next General Meeting to be held at 5:00pm on Friday, January 29th, in room 208 of LEC. General meetings are intended for all local committee members and prospective members are invited to attend.

Vote for levy increase, help to sponsor two SRP students

WUSC at Trent University is one of the levy groups on the Trent University campus. What this means is that our organization “[receives] direct funding from a student fee that is charged to each full-time undergraduate student with their tuition and ancillary fees” (ref. TCSA). Funding from the levy goes toward assisting the SRP within WUSC at Trent University in sponsoring a new student every year. During the TCSA elections in March 2010, the local committee hopes to request an increase in the levy so that we can sponsor two students for the next academic year. If successful, two students from countries abroad will have the opportunity to obtain a tertiary-level education in Canada. However, as with all requests of this nature, the TCSA needs to see that a certain proportion of the student body agree with this levy increase prior to funds being collected. Here is where we need your help.

Between now and Thursday, January 21st, WUSC members will be going around to collect signatures from students. Should we collect 700 signatures we will be eligible to make a levy request during the March 2010 elections. As a Trent University student, we hope you will support us after witnessing all of the great things that WUSC and its partner organizations are doing through education.

Here are a few things you should know before providing your signature:

1. WUSC at Trent University’s levy is non-refundable,
2. Only full-time undergraduate Trent University students can sign,
3. Student information is cross-checked with current enrollment register,
4. Students cannot sign more than once.

Also be reminded that we will also appreciate your vote for the levy increase at the March 2010 elections. Thank you!

Assist Haiti relief through monetary donations

The news about the devastating earthquake in Haiti that took place on the evening of Tuesday, January 12th, 2010, in the region near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has been flooding media headlines for the past few days. This unfortunate tragedy, which has claimed the lives of countless individuals, is a sad reality for everyone. In response, many countries in the immediate region and around the world have volunteered and donated a tremendous amount of resources focused on rescue efforts. While some of us may not be traveling to Haiti to assist the relief effort, we can still assist financially. You have probably encountered a variety of ways in which you can send a donation to help. If you have not already heard, however, the CECI has also established an Emergency Haiti Campaign. It is just another means through which your contribution can go towards providing aid to this nation.

CECI Donation Page

This update is intended for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect a preference by WUSC at Trent University or WUSC in general in these relief efforts. You are free to donate to any organization of your choice and are encouraged to first consider those within your community or with whom you are most familiar. Please also continue to pray for the families who have lost loved ones.

Executive meeting on 18-JAN-2010 and other important news

Our next WUSC at Trent University meeting for committee executives will be held on Monday, January 18th, 2010, at 5:00pm in the LEC Pit. If you hold an executive position within the Local Committee, you are expected and encouraged to attend this very important meeting. During this meeting, we will be talking about Better World Books and next year’s intern.

Other Notices

Referendum Web Training Postponement – The next web training session that is being provided by WUSC in Ottawa will be held this Wednesday, January 13th. Members are asked to contact our Local Committee co-chairs via e-mail as soon as possible if they are interested in attending this seminar.

WUSC Local Committee Get-together – WUSC staff will be holding a get-together for regional Local Committees at the University of Toronto New College campus on Saturday, January 23rd, and Sunday, January 25th, from 8:30-4:30pm and 8:30-2:30pm on the respective days. Matters to be dealt with include the SRP and the various Uniterra campaigns. At least one prospective Local Committee executive member and an existing executive member of WUSC at Trent University are encouraged to attend. Please contact our Local Committee co-chairs via e-mail for more information and to obtain forms that require completion prior to attending.

TCSA Referendum Petition Deadline – Petitions are due on Thursday, January 21st. Those members within the Finance Committee are kindly asked to obtain details on what WUSC at Trent University needs to do for this referendum petition.

Merry Christmas from WUSC at Trent University

WUSC at Trent University would like to wish you a Merry Christmas for 2009. Remember, this is the season to spend time with family and friends. If you will be traveling around this time, please be safe. If you will not be able to visit your family during this Christmas, try locating some friends who would be more than happy to invite you to their homes. Remember to get lots of rest because the new semester, with all of its heavy demands, is right around the corner. WUSC will also need your energy and enthusiasm during next year’s activities. Again, Merry Christmas! We look forward to seeing you in 2010!

In other news, the WUSC at Trent University website is undergoing some changes as you probably noticed. Nothing is complete as yet, but everything should be done before the end of January 2010. A few of the changes include improved loading speed, better content layout and better visual appeal.