Delegates: Taj Sharma (SUS VP Internal) and Bilal Faisal Faheem (SUS President)
Date: 22 May 2025 – 23 May 202
In May 2025, two of your UFV Student Union Society executives traveled to Montreal to attend the 2025 Alumo annual Stakeholders’ conference. This national event was organized by Studentcare (now operating under their new brand, Alumo), a key partner in delivering health and dental insurance to post-secondary students across Canada.
The summit brought together student leaders from coast to coast for two days of immersive learning, leadership development, and strategic collaboration. Through expert-led sessions and peer networking, we gained critical skills and insights to help us better support and represent UFV students.
What is Alumo?
Alumo (formerly Studentcare) is one of Canada’s leading student health networks, providing insurance plans, wellness supports, and student-focused services to over 1 million post-secondary students nationwide. Their new identity reflects a stronger focus on equity, innovation, and the evolving needs of student leaders. They also provide the Health and Dental coverage to all UFV students. To know more about them, click here
Conference Highlights: Sessions, Key Discussions & Outcomes
Over two packed days, we participated in sessions that covered everything from insurance strategy and branding to negotiation, burnout, and public leadership. Here are some standout sessions and insights:
Insurance 101
Led by Larissa Chen (Director, Partnerships & Development, Alumo)
This foundational session explained the purpose and potential of student insurance plans. We learned how collective insurance serves as a tool for access and equity, and how student unions can use these plans to better support underrepresented communities.Introducing the Alumo Brand
Presented by Antoine Levasseur-Rivard (Business Director, Branding & Design at LG2)
We got an exclusive look at Alumo’s rebranding process and the story behind the new visual identity. This session highlighted how branding can reinforce student values, identity, and impact.Successful Negotiations
Facilitated by Anna Lichty (Lawyer, RavenLaw LLP)
This session was all about developing effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills. We discussed how to prepare for tough conversations and create win-win outcomes vital skill for student leaders navigating organizational or administrative challenges.
Spokesperson Training for Student Leaders
Led by Catherine Loiacono and Isabelle Verge (TACT Conseil)
A practical and high-energy workshop focused on developing confident public speaking and media skills. We learned how to tailor messages, stay focused under pressure, and effectively communicate as representatives of the student body.
Office Tour & Operations Overview
We also visited Alumo’s headquarters for a behind-the-scenes look at how student health plans and partner services are managed nationwide.
Networking & Roundtable Discussions
Throughout the summit, we connected with student leaders from across the country, sharing best practices and challenges in student governance. These conversations helped build relationships that can lead to future collaboration.
Why It Matters for UFV Students
This summit strengthened SUS’s ability to negotiate better student services, navigate governance challenges, and support student well-being. The training we received directly supports our efforts to improve communication, reduce burnout, and lead more effectively within SUS and beyond.
As Alumo continues to innovate and invest in student-centred services, our engagement ensures UFV students remain at the table, advocating for solutions that reflect the real needs of our student body.
Written by Taj Sharma, SUS VP Internal