Letter from the New U Conference Chair

Good Job Student Leaders,

No doubt it has taken a lot of work to get to become a student leader at a University of Toronto and even if it was easy it is time for a rude awakening because the challenges have just begun.

Each year students take on these positions with very little transition, training or comprehension of their full roles and responsibilities.  This creates unnecessary tension and conflict for those individuals that each union or council is trying to represent. To alleviate such issues Student representatives, staff, colleges, and faculties throughout U of T coordinate The New U Student Leadership Conference. The conference program will include a variety of workshops, discussions, and featured speakers who will help you build skills and connect with constituents, stakeholders, and other student organizations. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to meet one another, network, and establish relationships for future cooperation.

Traditionally New U has been held during the first week of June, however from past experience and current feedback from councils and unions we have found this to be a very inaccessible time for student leaders transitioning. The work of connecting and transitioning materials is key to success of all student organizations and recognizing these process are in progress we are honoured to be hosting this year’s conference and changing this to better suit student leaders needs. As the chair of this year's steering committee I hope you can join me at University of Toronto Scarborough from Friday, June 17th to Sunday, June 19th. 

This later date may potentially allow us to have programming for New U in our brand new Instructional Centre. The University of Scarborough is constantly growing and reshaping and we are excited to share our campus and perspectives with everyone this year as the host. We really want to shake things up and try to get everyone focused and reared up on engaging with their constituents. The ideas and unique perspectives we can all bring to the table will help each leader in their individual jobs but to help in doing what is key to any student organizations which is building community and creating strong change through collaborations and unity.

Just to give everyone a little information about the most important thing. The cost. This year’s conference is $75 per participant (with a $25 refund if you attend the entire conference), and it includes all meals, program materials, and two night's accommodation in UTSC Residence. If the registration fee presents a problem for your organization, you can request a waiver by contacting us through the conference registration page.

Registration is available on-line at http://uoft.me/10i. The deadline for registration has been extended until Friday June 3rd, 2011. Register as soon as you can, as there are limited spaces.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I want to see after 3 years of observing NUSLC how we can tackle major concerns revolving around U of T student community. To create change and to leave a legacy is something all of us need to strive towards and that means working together aligning our common goals and achieving them.

Tell me how YOU are going to contribute?

Yours Truly,

Pagalavan Thavarajah
p.thavarajah@gmail.com
Chair, “New U 2011”
President SCSU, 2011-2012