June Executive Blog

I found out early on in my AU studies that I am not much of a writer, which is why I switched from a B.Psych degree to a business program. I try to avoid classes with essays as much as possible. But, here I am, creatively writing a blog for AUSU and spending way too much time just trying to decide on a topic. Then I realized that the problem is that I have way too much to write about!

The one thing that has been on my mind the most lately is our upcoming in-person council meeting in Edmonton from June 24-26. I’m not even exactly sure what to call it. We have been referring to it as a council working retreat but as the agenda has been filling up and the multitude of background documents have been collected, I am happy to see that this is going to be way more on the working side, and very little on the retreat side.

Originally, I was not really on board with the idea of this meeting, but I have to admit that I am now realizing how beneficial this will be for AUSU and the impact that it will have on council working as a cohesive group. Councillors have shown unbelievable dedication for giving up a weekend, and rearranging work schedules and personal lives to not only prepare beforehand but to participate in a very intense three days of discussion and brainstorming!

It has been a long time since so many AUSU councillors have worked together in person. Over the past six years, I have been on council with probably 20 or more people, and numerous AUSU staff. To date, I have only met five of those people, and those very briefly. The thought of spending three days with AUSU council and staff is becoming scarier and more exciting each day.

If you are wondering what we are going to talk about, I can tell you that we will be focusing on a variety of areas, including advocacy, goal setting, budgeting, bylaws, policies, and communication. We will also be having a meet and greet at our office on Friday, June 24 and a public council meeting on Sunday, June 26. That’s two chances for anyone in the Edmonton area to come and visit us in-person!

It’s a full agenda, and I look forward to the work we will accomplish and all of the AUSU members that I will meet. If you are interested in coming to meet us, or attending the council meeting (either in person or by teleconference), please contact our office at ausu@ausu.org. If you want to know what we accomplish over the three days, watch our website and newsletters or attend our public council meetings each month for updates!

Kim Newsome
AUSU VP Finance and Administratrion