MUNSU aims to improve visibility

Memorial University’s Students' Union has high hopes for the coming school year. A brand new executive is currently outlining agenda for 2010-2011, and is aiming to improve MUNSU’s visibility on campus and reconstruct a positive image of the Union.

At the forefront of MUNSU’s agenda is continuing the tuition freeze. They plan to begin the campaign starting in the fall semester, and will be pushing the issue after the new year. The tuition freeze was first implemented for two years in 1999, and was reinstated in 2008, but is slated to expire next year.

Executive Director of Advocacy Michael Walsh believes the campaign won’t be an easy one. “This could be difficult.” he said. “Motivation is the hardest part. We have to educate students.”

MUNSU plans to improve relationships with residences and work closely with student groups. They will also ensure that the administration follow through on initiatives regarding the Aboriginal Task Force.

Most importantly, the Union hopes to improve its overall visibility on campus. By utilizing social networking mediums Facebook and Twitter, MUNSU would be providing students with easy access to vital information on the Union and constant updates on activities and events. Work reports by the executive are also slated to be posted online and frequently updated.

“The students need to be aware of what [MUNSU] actually is,” Walsh explained, “and what it actually does. They have to know it is not just about events and the Breezeway.” He went on to say that Executive Director of External Relations, Communications and Research Jessica McCormick is focusing on improving accountability, outreach, and transparency for the Union.

Part of this is in response to the tarnished image MUNSU garnered last year. The huge monetary loss incurred by the sparsely attended Snoop Dogg concert and allegations of reckless spending by the executive on their issued credit cards created discontent amongst the student body.

The overall structure of the executive, which is unilateral with an almost non-existent system of checks and balances, was blamed in part for allowing these excesses. This year, MUNSU has not changed the structure of the executive.

“There is no clear solution for this yet,” said Walsh. “Right now we are keeping each other on our toes, but a change in structure would be nice for the future.”

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