History
Originally incorporated on July 16, 1992, the organization became the Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU) in 1994. The first AUSU election in September 1992 paved the way for hundreds of student leaders to get involved by representing their peers and advocating for Athabasca University (AU) students at the institutional, provincial, and federal levels.
AUSU is an independent, student-run organization representing undergraduate students at AU. It serves more than 32,000 members in home-study locations across Canada and internationally. In any given month, our membership averages between 21,000-23,000 active students. AUSU supports students through various online programs, including the AUSU Awards and Bursaries Program, Virtual Food Assistance Program, Student Advocacy, and more.
AUSU is a virtual organization run by an elected council of up to ten active AU undergraduate students. Its mandate is to provide AU undergraduate students with advocacy and services, foster the student community, and enhance distance education at AU.
AUSU has a strong, vibrant, and powerful student voice, and is an important part of the AU community. Currently, AUSU represents more than 32,000 AU undergraduates from every province and territory in Canada and countries around the world. It keeps students at the heart of the organization and fosters a strong culture of belonging, integrity, reconciliation through unity, intentionality and visionary leadership.
Legacy of Digital Innovation
The Athabasca University Students’ Union holds a unique place in post-secondary history as the world’s first student council to operate entirely online. Today, AUSU collaborates efficiently with stakeholders, government bodies, and student network channels to build an influential student movement and promote the future of open, accessible, and flexible higher education.
Membership
AUSU Active Members are AU undergraduate students currently enrolled in at least one 3-credit Athabasca University course and have paid the AUSU membership fees associated with that registration. Students pay $4.50 per credit toward a student union membership. Your membership ends on the end date of your course, including extensions or when your final grade is posted. If you purchase a course extension, AUSU extends your membership for free. You need only be in one course to have full membership, though some of our awards have a minimum credit completion requirement.
With an active membership, students can access all AUSU services. In addition, an AUSU Active member in good standing may:
- attend regular AUSU Council meetings online;
- attend and vote at any AUSU election; and
- run in any AUSU elections for a position on the Student Council.
Please note that AU Graduate Students are represented by the AU Graduate Students’ Association.
