If you have a chai or coffee nearby, feel free to grab it, as this might just be the year-end Chai with Bilal update on what has honestly been a wonderful year for your Student Union Society.
As the Fall semester wraps up and exams are finally behind us (almost), I wanted to take a moment to reflect on everything we have accomplished together. This year has been busy, meaningful, and at times challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. None of this happens without students showing up, speaking up, and staying involved.
Let’s look at what we’ve been up to in 2025:
Advocacy
Advocacy has been a big part of our work this year and something I am really proud of.
Advocacy has been a big part of our work this year and something I am really proud of.
On the local level, we continued our work on FVX Route 66, including hearing directly from you through our transit survey. Your feedback helped strengthen our advocacy and ensured student voices were front and center in these conversations. To find out more about the work on FVX 66, please visit our recent press release: https://ufvsus.ca/s/Fall-25-FVX-Elections-Referendum.pdf
On the federal side, both Gurpreet (VP External) and I were involved with CASA, where we participated in a highly successful federal advocacy week in Ottawa. Over 30 student unions from across the country came together to meet with Ministers, MPs, and key stakeholders.
Together, we advocated on five main priorities that students across Canada care deeply about: Housing, Student Grants, Apprenticeships, International Students, and Employment.
This was followed by a provincial lobby week, during which eight student unions from across British Columbia came together to advocate for student issues collectively.
Alongside this work, we continued to push forward on the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative with UFV to ensure awareness and meaningful implementation. Currently, around 27% courses at UFV are identified as ZTC courses, which essentially means no additional cost! We also shared surveys, including the International Student Survey, to better understand your experiences and make sure our advocacy reflects what you are actually going through.
Governance
Governance may not always be the most visible part of SUS, but it plays a massive role in how everything functions.
This year, we devoted a significant amount of time to refining our policies and procedures, making them more transparent, more practical, and easier to follow. The ultimate goal has been to ensure there are clear guidelines and a smoother experience for everyone involved.
We are also focused on board engagement, helping students better understand who their Student Representatives At-Large are and how they represent you. Along with that, we have been ensuring we are well set up for the new year, including planning a tax clinic to help students navigate tax season with less stress.
Engagement
This is arguably the most fun part. This year, it was not just about hosting events. You guys showed up and that made all the difference.
From Bunny Yoga, Silent Disco, Health and Wellness Week, Baker BBQs, Games Nights, Backyard Flix, LNAP, and KICKBACK 005, the level of student engagement has been fantastic. These moments remind us why taking breaks, spending time together, and building community on campus really matter.
This section would not be complete without mentioning our Clubs and Associations. They are a massive pillar of student life at UFV and do incredible work to ensure engagement extends beyond SUS events. This year, we also hosted our first-ever Clubs and Associations Gala to celebrate the fantastic work they do. If you have not found a club that feels right for you yet, you can always start one.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
This year also marks 30 years of the Student Union Society, and likely the last time I will have the opportunity to say that. Thirty years of student leadership, advocacy, and community is something worth celebrating. The SUB has been around for 10 years, and it continues to be a space where students, staff, and board members bring out the best of SUS.
I want to say a genuine THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to this organization. Student leaders, board members, staff, and volunteers all play a role. Most importantly, students make this happen. You are the reason SUS exists and a key part of this journey.
I am genuinely optimistic about the future and believe that genuine student leadership will take this organization to even greater heights.
Lastly, Congratulations on making it through exams and the Fall semester. It has been stressful and exhausting, but you made it through and I promise it will be worth it.
I also want to acknowledge the recent flooding in the Fraser Valley and the disruption it caused for many students. If you have been impacted and need support or resources, please reach out to UFV or SUS. We are here to help.
Thank you for an incredible year. Take care of yourselves, enjoy a well-deserved break, and I look forward to seeing you in 2026!
Bilal Faisal Faheem
President, UFV Student Union Society