A student union is essentially a student-led collective that acts to represent the voices of all the students at their university. They listen to the student body—their wants, needs, and problems—and work to find solutions that support them in achieving success. Student unions are independent and self-governing entities, from their university and act to serve in the best interests of students.

At Ontario Tech University, the Ontario Tech Student Union’s mission is to enhance the student experience by providing services and amenities that support physical and mental wellbeing, collaborative spaces to pursue passions and nourish development, and improve student life through advocacy and student leadership.

This means that we work with students and university administration to resolve problems, voice concerns, and contribute to policies that improve governance and relationships between students and the university.

Student unions are often affiliated with larger provincial or national bodies that help and support them, or work together to lobby the government on behalf of all students at large. The OTSU is a member of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA), which represents the interests of over 160,000 post-secondary students across Ontario.

What does my student union do?

In short, a lot. We provide the student health plan, which includes dental, vision, mental health, and paramedical coverage (think counseling, chiropractic, or dieticians). We also administer the club and society system, which encourages and facilitates peer mentorship and skills development; offer an esports program; host fun and interactive events; and launch support initiatives such as Career Closet, which provides free professional attire, the Period Project to provide free menstrual products, and we offer financial awards.

In addition to our services, the OTSU leads advocacy initiatives that aim to improve student life at Ontario Tech. We do this by raising your concerns through our council and committee memberships, on-campus awareness campaigns, and partnering across campus to provide opportunities.

More broadly, the OTSU is a member of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, which represents the interests of over 160,000 post-secondary students and uses student-driven, evidence-based policy recommendations to influence provincial legislation and policy.

Who leads the student union?

The OTSU is run by student leaders and a full-time staff. At the top there is a Board of Directors composed of elected student representatives (one from each faculty) who are responsible for strategic direction, legal compliance, and budgetary approval. They also oversee executive projects, monitor services, and establish governing policies for the organization.

Below the board are the student executives, which consists of the President, VP Downtown, VP Student Affairs, and VP Student Life. They act as the primary advocates for the student body by gathering feedback, collaborating on projects, and representing student interests to university administration and external provincial student associations.

The full-time staff and managers handle day-to-day business operations, including finance, marketing, human resources, and event planning. They directly administer student services, support board and executive projects, and manage student clubs and societies.

How can I support my student union?

We’re so glad you asked! There are many ways to get involved with student advocacy! You can join one of our committees, which help inform and guide decision-making, you can volunteer to help at or help promote our events, you can work part-time as a customer service rep or as one of our student roles in finance, marketing, clubs and graphic design, or you can represent your faculty by sitting on the OTSU Board of Directors.

By far, though, the best way to make a positive impact on campus and support your cohort at Ontario Tech is to run in the OTSU elections. If successfully elected, you will have the unique and rewarding challenge of taking the conversations, concerns, gripes, and ideas you hear from other students, and converting them into actionable steps that future students can use to build a more successful, supported, and engaged student body at your university.

Saying 'yes'

Being a part of your student union is a chance to be part of something larger—to serve your classmates and friends in a way that no other role on campus can. It’s an opportunity to bring your insight and perspective, and contribute to the overall wellness and sustainability of a student-centred experience at Ontario Tech.

As a student union executive, you’ll get to meet with the decision and policy makers, heads of university departments, senior administration, and a host of other people whose voices help shape our campus and the services and supports students receive.

And it starts with a simple ‘yes’. Say ‘yes’ to taking action, and ‘yes’ to supporting students.

Your OTSU

Empowering Students. Enhancing Experiences.