Dear Board Chair and Members of the UOSU Board of Directors,

I am writing on behalf of the student clubs at the University of Ottawa to express our deep concerns regarding the proposed UOSU club funding in the upcoming budget and the apparent lack of transparency in the budget approval process.

As active members of various student clubs on campus, we have been disheartened to learn about the substantial budget cut that is being proposed for the current academic year. The drastic reduction in funding, from $355,000 last year to a mere $125,000 this year, has raised serious questions about the future viability and vitality of our clubs. The student clubs are a fundamental aspect of campus life, contributing to the development of skills, fostering a sense of community, and providing students with opportunities for growth and engagement outside the classroom.

These clubs serve as platforms for students to explore their interests, engage in extracurricular activities, and build meaningful connections. The proposed budget cut not only jeopardizes the diversity of activities and events that clubs can organize but also hampers our ability to create an inclusive and vibrant campus culture. Such a significant reduction in funding threatens to diminish the enriching experiences that have become integral to our university journey.

Furthermore, we would like to bring to your attention the concern regarding the lack of transparency in the budget approval process. The sudden announcement of this budget cut, seemingly at the last minute, has left many of us feeling blindsided and excluded from decisions that directly impact our campus experience. As stakeholders in the university community, we believe that transparency and inclusivity should be at the forefront of decision-making processes, especially those related to budget allocations that affect student life.

We respectfully request the following actions:

Reconsider the Budget Proposal: We urge you to reevaluate the proposed club funding cut and consider the substantial impact it will have on student clubs and campus life. We believe that investing in these clubs is an investment in the holistic development of students.

Enhance Transparency: We request a more open and transparent communication process regarding budget decisions. Timely sharing of budget proposals, discussions, and opportunities for student input will enhance our understanding and engagement in the decision-making process.

Collaborative Discussion: We request an opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with the UOSU board to discuss the concerns and perspectives of student clubs. Our input can contribute to informed decisions that benefit the entire student body.

We believe that by working together, we can arrive at solutions that support the diverse interests and needs of students while preserving the essence of our campus community. We sincerely hope that you will consider our concerns and take action to address them.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to a positive response and an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue.