SGAAGÉ ADVOCACY
Policy Papers & Publications
Explore policy papers and publications featuring contributions from SGA representatives, bringing Laurentian students’ perspectives to provincial advocacy.
Policy Papers
OUSA policy papers are written by students, for students. They identify challenges in Ontario’s post-secondary education system and propose recommendations that guide OUSA’s advocacy with the provincial government. As a member association represented on OUSA’s Steering Committee, the SGA helps bring Laurentian students’ perspectives to this work. Twice a year, delegates from member associations come together to debate and approve policy papers on issues such as tuition, financial aid, accessibility, and student support.Explore the papers below to learn how SGA representatives have contributed to policies that advocate for a more accessible, affordable, and equitable post-secondary education.
Exploring barriers to student financial aid and recommendations for fairer OSAP eligibility, clearer funding processes, and support that reflects students’ education and living costs.
SGA contributors
Staysha Kasunich (President)
Emma Godin (Associate Vice President Policy and Advocacy)
This paper addresses the challenges rural and northern students face in accessing post-secondary education, including transportation costs, limited internet access, and gaps in campus services. It advocates for stronger infrastructure, travel assistance, inclusive campuses, and improved access to health care and learning opportunities.
SGA contributor
Zarreen Brown (President)
This paper explores how technology can support accessible, affordable, and high-quality education. It addresses reliable internet access, technology costs, accessible course materials, student privacy, and online assessment, while calling for stronger support for students and instructors.
SGA contributors
Avery Morin (Vice-President Education)
Cailean Thompson (Associate Vice President Policy
and Advocacy)
This paper examines tuition affordability, transparency, and fairness for domestic and international students. It recommends stronger public funding, clearer information about education costs, meaningful student involvement in university budgets, and fairer tuition payment and late-fee practices.
SGA contributor
Ana Tremblay (Vice President Education)
Educated solutions
First published by OUSA in 2004, Educated Solutions is a publication exploring the challenges facing Ontario’s university students. It brings together student voices and perspectives from individuals and organizations working to improve post-secondary education. Through contributions from SGA representatives, Laurentian students’ experiences and concerns become part of this provincial conversation. Explore the articles below to discover their perspectives and proposed solutions.
This article examines the financial and accessibility challenges of mandatory unpaid placements, drawing on research and experiences shared by Laurentian students. It highlights the need for placement compensation, bursaries, and travel support for students in rural and northern communities.
Authored by:
Bhoomi Balkishan Agrawal
Interim Vice President Advocacy
This article explores how Laurentian Online makes university more accessible for students balancing work, family responsibilities, disability-related needs, and geographic barriers. It highlights flexible learning, quality course development, and the importance of including online students in university services and support.
Authored by:
Zareen Brown
President
This article explores the connection between French-language post-secondary education and access to French-speaking professionals and services in Ontario. It calls for stronger French-language programs, expanded remote learning, and more accessible learning materials, particularly for northern and Francophone communities.
Authored by:
Ana Tremblay
Vice-President Education
In this interview, Roch Goulet shares his experience as a Laurentian concurrent education student, discussing unpaid placements, professional connections, and career preparation. His contribution highlights the value of practical learning and the need for more placement opportunities relevant to students’ fields.
SGA Contributor
Roch Goulet
President