The first day of #UFest was a success, with our Tri-Campus Parade and Clubs Carnival warming first years to our campus. We would like to thank all our organizers, orientation coordinators, and sponsors who made this event possible.
Stay tuned for our Street Festival next week!
"The optional fees are those which fund everything that's made the #UofT community that I love so lively for so long." In her latest post @lifeatuoft blogger Francesca discusses the Student Choice Initiative & why opting in was an easy choice: https://t.co/ToN7J6QjMy #ChooseUofT
Opinion: "Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we ChooseUofT, because the student experience that we take for granted will never be the same if we do not." https://t.co/Tjx4mwfLak
Under the SCI, various service groups face cuts to their funding.
Students for Barrier-free Access (SBA) is a non-profit student led disability justice organization on campus that centres the leadership of disabled people.
#ChooseUofT
Student societies provide essential services that benefit all students.
However, they also fund fun clubs/socials.
Whether it be the Lit at Trin, or the Lady Godiva Memorial Band for Eng, many feel these groups are what makes their time in undergrad special.
#ChooseUofT
If you'd like to get involved with our campaign for the winter term, please email [email protected], or send us a message on one of our social media pages. We hope to play an active role in protecting our vibrant campus community here at UofT.
The Architecture & Visual Studies Students' Union (AVSSU) also has fees deemed "non essential" under the SCI.
The clubs levy, Shift magazine levy, social events levy, and studio space upkeep fees, all crucial to the undergrad experience, are in danger.
#ChooseUofT
Funding for the University of Toronto Sexual Education Centre (SEC) is also deemed “non essential” under the SCI.
SEC provides safer sex supplies, peer support, access to the SEC library, and referral services. They also hold an annual Sexual Health Awareness Week.
#ChooseUofT
The Faculty of Music Undergraduate Association (FMUA), also have fees deemed as “non essential” under the SCI.
Funding for the Special Projects Fund (SPF), and Individual Grants Applications (IGA), provide finiancial support for extracurricular experiences.
#ChooseUofT
Students belonging to the Faculty of Arts and Science pay fees to ASSU.
These cover various scholarships and bursaries, including a collaboration with Plan International- an international organization dedicated to advancing children's rights and equality for girls.
#ChooseUofT
Service groups are also impacted by the Student Choice Initiative, such as Bikechain.
Bikechain is an on-campus educational bicycle shop offering a wide range of services to students such as free bike rentals, workshops on bicycle safety/repairs, and more.
#ChooseUofT
@ChooseUofT Don't forget the $3.29 to Downtown Legal Services, where students work to represent other students and the broader community in criminal proceedings, immigration proceedings, in front of university tribunals, and so on. And they do it for free. "Non-essential", apparently.
The SCI threatens the livelihood of student societies in the professional faculties as well.
The Students’ Law Society (SLS) fee is now considered optional, which covers funding for all law student run clubs, events, a weekly newsletter, and so much more.
In addition to student societies, campus publications, integral to the cultural ecosystem, are also at risk of being defunded.
Whether it be the Strand at Victoria College or the UC Review, these organizations provide vital information to students on campus.