Dear UFV Students,
As our term comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what a year this has been. To serve as your SUS President has truly been one of the greatest honours, and I am so grateful to have worked with such a dedicated team driven by the mission to serve the greatest student body any student union could ask for. Everything the team has done this year has been driven by your voice, in the service of building upon the student experience here at UFV. I am beyond thrilled at the opportunity to share with you here a few highlights from the 2024/2025 SUS executive team.
1. Expanding the UPASS: More Access, More Flexibility
This year, we made real progress toward including the Fraser Valley Express (FVX66) in the UPASS program, including building our stakeholder relations and meeting with the BC Minister of Transportation and Transit directly to discuss the issue. The FVX66 remains top-of-mind for SUS, and we are proud to say that we are moving in the right direction. In the meantime, we successfully expanded UPASS opt-out eligibility to include students in hybrid courses, making the program fairer and more responsive to different learning models. We also introduced a Summer UPASS Opt-In for students who want to benefit from the UPASS during their summer break, which will be fully available to students starting Summer 2026!
2. Launching the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Program
Textbook affordability continues to be a barrier for many students. That’s why we’re proud to have successfully advocated for UFV to adopt the first-ever Zero Textbook Cost Program. Now, students will be able to see during course registration which classes require additional paid materials, and which use free Open Educational Resources—empowering students to make informed, cost-conscious decisions.
3. Strengthening Clubs and Associations
Clubs and Associations are the heart of student life at UFV. This year, we increased annual funding for clubs active for one year or more from $1000 to $1500 and raised per-event maximums from $500 to $750 to help them grow their impact on campus. We also launched the first-annual C&A Awards Gala to recognize and celebrate the dedication, creativity, and community-building that our students bring to UFV.
4. Supporting Financial Wellness: Tax Clinic & Workshops
We recognize that managing money as a student can be tough. That’s why we launched the very first SUS Tax Clinic in collaboration with the Student Accounting Association—providing free support to help students file their taxes with confidence. In addition, we hosted two Financial Wellness Workshops in partnership with BMO and RBC to help students better understand budgeting, saving, and managing their finances.
5. 2024–2025 SUS Annual Report
These highlights are just the beginning. We’ve captured even more of this year’s work—including updates from every department and service—in our 2024–2025 SUS Annual Report, available now on our website. We encourage you to take a look and see the full picture of what SUS has done this year.
Thank You, UFV Students
This year truly could not have been what it was without you, our students. You are the heart of the UFV community, and it is built by you. Whether you came out to events this year to show your support, shared with us your feedback on your experience, or even simply offered a helping hand to one of your peers, everything we do is building the community that we have. We see you, and we thank you. This year has truly been an incredible step towards progress for all of us students, and it is thanks to you.
Thank you for the honour of representing you. I wish you all the best for your future endeavours, and let’s always continue to build up our community and work for the betterment of each other – together.
Forever in solidarity,
Jayden Hovey
President, UFV Student Union Society: 2024/25