Empowering Carleton’s Undergrads: CUSA’s Advocacy Mission
At CUSA, one of our top priorities is amplifying the voices of all undergraduate students at Carleton University. We believe in using our platform to uplift opinions and important issues to the university administration, Municipal, Provincial, and Federal governments.
Transit
2024/25 Priority
What we heard: concerns with the delay of the Trillium Line opening to Carleton Station, lack of communication and accessibility, problems with U-Pass services, and safety during off-peak hours.
What we are advocating for:
- Clear Consultation: Push for regular, transparent updates from OC Transpo & city councilors to students —covering route planning, accessibility changes, construction, delays, and Line 2 opening.
- Boost Service Frequency: Collaborate with stakeholders to reverse cuts on key routes (2, 7, 10, 111) affecting students.
- Fair Fares: Simplify EquiPass access for eligible students and advocate for free/reduced fares on major routes.
- Sustainable Transit: Promote bike-friendly city planning & transit-specific infrastructure like bus lanes.
- Reliable Schedules: Call for more buses during off-peak times and expand night-stop services in student areas.
Accessibility
2024/25 Priority
What we heard: parking issues, limited accessible spaces, maintenance concerns with roads, sidewalks, and tunnels.
What we are advocating for:
- Parking Review: Partner with Carleton Parking Services to assess student parking needs, capacity, and access issues.
- Accessible Spaces: Collaborate with the PMC and the Accessibility Institute to expand accessible spaces.
- Campus Accessibility: Address accessibility concerns with Carleton Operations by reviewing elevators, sidewalks, and other areas needing improvement.
- Accessible Ottawa: Advocate for better off-campus accessibility for students in the NCR
- Resources: Create an accessible list of campus services and referrals for student support.
Cost of Education
2024/25 Priority
What we heard: concerns about rising tuition for international students, would like more scholarships and student loan opportunities, cost of textbooks and supplies.
What we are advocating for:
- Tuition Guarantee: Push for a fixed-rate tuition model for all students, including international students, to ensure predictable costs throughout their education.
- Scholarships: Advocate for more scholarships for high-cost programs like Science, Engineering, and Technology.
- Canada Student Grants: Push to double the grants for full-time students with dependents and increase grants for students with disabilities.
- Tax Credits: Call for the return of education tax credits and introduce new ones for students in extracurricular activities.
- End the International Cap: Support lifting the cap on international student enrollment
Housing and Affordability
2024/25 Priority
What we heard: rent prices significantly increasing, food costs are too high, limited affordable housing near campus.
What we are advocating for:
- FHSA Loan Matching: Support matching contributions that reduce student loans when funds are added to a First-Home Savings Account (FHSA).
- Tenant Rights: Advocate for stronger anti-renoviction laws in Ottawa and harsher penalties for landlords who violate tenant rights.
- Affordable Housing: Push for mixed-use zoning and more “Missing Middle” housing options to address student housing shortages.
- Universal Basic Income: Support research and proposals for a nationwide UBI program to help students afford essential services.
- Rent Stabilization: Back provincial efforts to stabilize rent, ensuring fair prices for all tenants.
Climate and Sustainability
2024/25 Priority
We’ll lead on-campus initiatives to promote student action, advocate for improved recycling systems in residences, and support a Fossil-Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
EDI and International Student Support
2024/25 Priority
We aim to improve resource access, advocate for culturally inclusive healthcare, promote intercultural learning, and encourage more EDI-focused leadership roles.
Indigenous Support and TRC
2024/25 Priority
We will develop a comprehensive Indigenous Action Plan with specific Calls to Action, advocate for increased funding for Indigenous Language programs, and enhance training for CUSA staff on the legacy of residential schools.
Research Opportunities
2024/25 Priority
We will advocate for increased provincial funding for research grants. We have also established the CUSA Think Tank, a volunteer research team that allows students to develop research skills in collaboration with our Advocacy Team.
Sexual Violence Prevention
2024/25 Priority
We’ll partner with health services to raise awareness, represent students in reviewing the Sexual Violence Policy, connect students with legal resources, and improve access to emergency contraception on campus.
Student Healthcare
2024/25 Priority
We advocate for quick, affordable student healthcare, shorter wait times at campus clinics, inclusion in mental health strategies, and streamlined documentation for academic accommodations.
The Advocacy Team
