Self‑nominations are now open for the 2026 AUSU General Election. Undergraduate students interested in serving on AUSU Council are invited to submit a nomination package during the nomination period:
March 17–30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MT
Elected Councillors serve a two‑year term and help shape services, advocacy, and student representation at Athabasca University.
The voting period will run from April 10–14, 2026.
To learn how to submit your nomination, review eligibility requirements, and see all mandatory steps, visit our Elections page.
If you have questions, contact the Chief Returning Officer at elections2026@ausu.org.
New Lunch Support for In-Person Labs in Athabasca (One-year Pilot Program)
Students attending in‑person science labs in Athabasca will now receive free catered lunches for the full duration of their lab, thanks to a new partnership between AUSU and AU’s Faculty of Science and Technology.
What students can expect
Fresh, nutritious lunches will be provided each day of the lab. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Why this matters
Students have shared that accessing meals during lab weeks can be challenging and expensive, especially for those travelling from out of town or out of province. This initiative helps reduce stress, supports well‑being, and creates a welcoming space for students to connect with one another. For many AU learners, labs are one of the rare opportunities to meet classmates face‑to‑face, and shared meals will help make those moments meaningful and memorable.
Help shape the future of the program
All lab participants will receive a short AUSU survey to share their experience. Your feedback will help determine whether this program continues beyond the pilot year.
Notice of Special Resolutions of Council Second Reading
This notice is to inform AUSU members that the first readings of the following resolutions have both passed unanimously.
Resolution #1 – New Bylaws Approval
BIRT AUSU Council approves the amended Bylaws as presented.
Resolution #2 – Strategic Plan Approval
BIRT AUSU Council rescinds the 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and replaces it with the new 2025–2030 Strategic Plan as presented.
AUSU extends sincere thanks to all students who took part in the engagement opportunities and shared their perspectives throughout this process.
A second reading is scheduled for February 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (MT).
Students who wish to attend the Council meeting may register by emailing ausu@ausu.org with their full name and student ID.
CASA: Join the Movement to Protect Student Financial Aid!
Help us tell the federal government: don’t cut student financial aid during a cost-of-living crisis.
The federal government has yet to confirm whether the temporary increase to the Canada Student Grant (CSG) from $3,000 to $4,200 will be extended after July 2026. This vital support helps over 700,000 students across Canada manage rising tuition and living costs.
Without a commitment to extend this support, funding could drop back to $3,000, effectively a $1,200 cut each for thousands of students.
Students deserve certainty and stability to focus on their education.
This notice is to inform AUSU members that Council will be considering two special resolutions with the following wording:
Resolution #1 – New Bylaws Approval
BIRT AUSU Council approves the amended Bylaws as presented.
Resolution #2 – Strategic Plan Approval
BIRT AUSU Council rescinds the 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and replaces it with the new 2025–2030 Strategic Plan as presented.
A survey link has been sent to all current students via email to collect feedback. The survey includes links to the proposed Bylaws, the accompanying rationale for the changes, and the proposed 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. The survey will close on January 26, 2026 at midnight (MT).
A first reading of both resolutions is scheduled for February 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (MT). A second reading is scheduled for February 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (MT).
Students who wish to attend either or both Council meetings may register by emailing ausu@ausu.org with their full name and student ID.
Your feedback matters and will help guide Council’s work.
The holiday season has arrived and we’re excited to share some festive cheer with all our members. To celebrate the holidays, AUSU is hosting a four-day giveaway from December 21-24th. Each day members will have the opportunity to win gift cards redeemable at a number of popular stores such as Amazon, DoorDash, Apple, Google Play and more.
To participate, we encourage you to follow our Instagram page and keep an eye out for each giveaway post. This is our way of saying thank you to our members for an incredible year!
Exam Concerns:
We have heard many concerns from students about the recent outage related to AU’s MuchLearning platform, and the issues it has caused with prescheduled exams. Thankfully the university confirmed to us today that the platform is fully operational, and exams will proceed as normal.
If you were affected by the outage or need further guidance, you may contact examunit@athabascau.ca.
AwardsUpdates:
The Fall 2025 Awards Season was filled with incredible submissions, and we were thrilled to review the work of our talented students. Each entry showed the drive, persistence, and resilience of AU students, and demonstrated the impact AU students have on the wider community. All winners have been notified for this season.
If you haven’t seen the Spring 2025 winnersand their inspiring stories on our website yet, be sure to check them out.
Additionally, the incredible winning submissions of the Spring 2025 Storyteller Awards are found here. These highlight the creativity, talent, and originality of our members, truly celebrating diverse student voices.
Looking Forward to the New Year
As 2025 comes to a close, we want to thank all our members for their support over the past year. AUSU looks forward to advocating for and supporting all our students in the year ahead. We cannot wait to continue working hard to improve your student experience.
AUSU is excited to announce that our Fall Awards are now open for application from October 1st to October 31st, closing at midnight MT.
We offer a variety of awards and scholarships that celebrate the resilience, achievements, creativity, and educational journeys of Athabasca University students. AU students are truly like no other and we’re honoured to support them through these opportunities. To learn more about our awards, read our policy 7.02.
Academic Excellence Award ($1000): Awarded to the students with the highest academic achievement, based on their overall GPA.
Faculty Scholarships ($1000): Recognizes students making impactful contributions academically or professionally within their AU program. This is available for all students in the faculties of Humanities, Science and Technology, Health and Business.
Resilient Scholar Award ($1000): Celebrates inspiring students who have shown resilience and academic success after facing significant challenges or barriers.
AUSU Community Impact & Engagement Award ($1000): Recognizes meaningful volunteering within local communities or the AU student community.
Returning Student Award ($500): For students who have returned to post-secondary education after a minimum of five years.
Storyteller Award ($500): Students are invited to share their AU journey through original artwork, stories, videos, or other creative media.
HOW TO APPLY:
Registerand create an account using your AU student email address.
Select the “Awards, Scholarships, or Bursary” category.
Choose the award you want to apply for.
Review the requirements for your selected award.
Complete the questionnaire and upload all required supporting documents.
Click Submit. Your application will not be received unless it is submitted.
You will receive a confirmation email. If not, please contact us at president@ausu.org
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, recognize the survivors and their families, and acknowledge the intergenerational impacts of the residential school system.
The orange shirt is a symbol of what was taken from Indigenous children and communities – their culture, identity, and dignity. By wearing orange, we declare that Every Child Matters. Through this, we honour the past, support the present, and commit to a better future.
At AUSU, we encourage everyone to take this day to reflect on this history, learn from Indigenous voices, and prioritize their wellbeing and healing.
Learn More & Participate:
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR): nctr.ca
• Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association: anfca.com
Foodbank & Fall Awards:
If you are in need of food assistance, we’re here to support you. AUSU’s Food Assistance Program offers help when it is needed most. Apply here and learn more about our program.
And, we have some exciting news: AUSU’s Fall Awards open in two days! Beginning on October 1st, 2025, all AUSU members are encouraged to submit applications to be recognized for their achievements. Members will receive an email as soon as applications are open. We cannot wait to see the incredible submissions this season!
AUSU is proud to announce that the Student Food Assistance Program is now open and operating under a new, equity-focused model.
This program supports Athabasca University students experiencing food insecurity. We’ve made important changes to ensure the process is fair, accountable, and respectful of your circumstances.
🚫 No More Draws. No More Guesswork. No More Gaps.
We’ve listened to your feedback and redesigned the program to better serve our members:
No More Random Draws Every application is now reviewed using a structured, equity-based scoring system. Support is provided based on demonstrated need—not chance.
No More One-Size-Fits-All Support Assistance amounts now range from $100 to $250, depending on household size and level of need.
No More Unverified Claims AUSU may request documentation to verify application details. This protects the integrity of the program and ensures resources go where they’re needed most.
Useful Data Collection The new system collects anonymised data to help AUSU better understand student needs and improve future services.
Privacy and Data Use Statement
All data collected through this program is confidential and will be used solely for program evaluation by the Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU). Individual identifying information will not be shared publicly. Data will be aggregated and analysed to identify trends and improve student support services.
📝 How to Apply
We’ve moved the application to the same secure platform used for AUSU’s Awards and Bursaries program.
The Food Assistance Program operates on a scoring-based system with a fixed issuing schedule. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and processed monthly. Allocations are issued at regular intervals based on available resources and applicant scores.
Applicants who are not selected during a given issuing cycle will be automatically placed on a waitlist, which remains active until the end of the fiscal year. These individuals do not need to reapply unless their household circumstances change significantly or they wish to update their application to improve their score.
Applicants who are selected and receive a food assistance card may reapply later in the fiscal year if their circumstances change or if they require continued support. All applications — whether new, returning, or waitlisted — are reevaluated during each issuing cycle.
At the end of the fiscal year, the waitlist is cleared and a new application cycle begins. Applicants must reapply to be considered for assistance in the new fiscal year.
New Accessibility Survey Launched:
In our mission to transform the educational experience at AU, we are continuing to listen and hear the voices that matter the most – our membership. Over the past month, we’ve conducted several surveys, including our Indigenous Consultation Survey (as part of Phase 1 of our Membership Consultation) and the Student Financial Aid Survey. Thank you to all who participated, you are shaping our advocacy.
With this in mind, we just launched a new survey for students with accessibility accommodations on July 29th. We want to hear about your experiences at AU, because your feedback will help us identify gaps for students with accommodations and create transformative change.
This survey has been emailed to all students, and is open until midnight on August 19th MT. All participants have an opportunity to enter to win a $50 gift card! If you have not received a link to your AU email with the survey, please contact president@ausu.org.
🤝 Our Commitment to You
AUSU is committed to supporting students with compassion, confidentiality, and fairness. These changes reflect our dedication to equity, transparency, and responsible stewardship of member resources.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at president@ausu.org.
Thank you for being part of a student community that cares.
Many smiles were captured at our photo and video booths at Athabasca University’s Convocation, where graduates had free professional photos and 360 videos. Above is a few highlights featuring the AUSU President Jan Lehmann and several of the amazing graduates.
Congratulations to all who graduated and who attended Convocation virtually or in person, it was truly inspiring to see so many walk across the stage with their hard-earned diplomas!
Indigenous Consultations:
We greet you in unity.
AUSU has launched the Indigenous Students Engagement & Advocacy Survey as Phase 1 of our Membership Consultations. We want to hear your voice to better understand how AUSU can support, represent, and uplift Indigenous students.
This survey has been emailed to all students, open until midnight on July 20th. All participants have an opportunity to enter to win a $50 giftcard! If you have not received a link to your AU email with the survey, please contact president@ausu.org.
Provincial Funding Survey
We have also launched a survey for students receiving provincial funding for tuition. Your feedback will drive real change and supportfor AU students like you. This survey has been sent out to all students, open until midnight on July 20th. Participants will also have an opportunity to enter to win a $50 giftcard! If you have not received a link to your AU email with the survey, please contact president@ausu.org.
Awards Judging:
All winners have been contacted by our office, and will be shared on our platforms soon. Thank you to all who participated, it is clear that our incredible membership is like no other!
Help shape the future
With your ongoing support and feedback, we can work together to make a difference in your educational experience at Athabasca University.
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who applied for the AUSU Seasonal Awards and Scholarships!
We’ve seen an incredible increase in applications this year, showcasing the inspiring ambition and dedication of so many students in our community. Over the next two weeks, AUSU’s Awards Committee will continue their hard work in processing and reviewing applications.
We appreciate your patience during this process. All winners will be contacted directly by our office!
On another exciting note, Convocation is just around the corner!
Athabasca University will be hosting Convocations on June 5th-6th. We’re thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduating students in Athabasca. Your hard work, perseverance and dedication have led you to this milestone, and AUSU is here to help make your convocation like no other.
AUSU is excited to present our Graduation Memories Experience at Convocation featuring:
🎥 360 Video Booth – Step inside and record immersive, interactive videos to relive your graduation from every angle.
📸 Photo Booth Experience – Strike a pose for high-quality images in our professionally lit, beautifully designed photo booth.
✨ Instant Keepsakes – Choose print or digital downloads, making it easy to treasure your convocation memories and share them online. Graduates will receive a private password to access, download, and share photos free for six months.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you and see the excitement of this milestone reflected in every smile, laugh, and moment shared. Whether you’re graduating this year or cheering on your fellow students, we hope you’ll join us in making this occasion special.
Digital Yearbook:
Our friends at the Athabasca University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA) are extending an invitation to all AU graduates, both undergraduates and graduates, to join the Convocation 2025 Digital Yearbook, including complimentary pins and other exciting keepsakes.
Congratulations to the graduating class – your future is bright, and we’re honoured to celebrate with you 🌟
Spring has sprung, and so has our Spring Awards Season! In line with our mission of transparency, AUSU is excited to share our achievements from the past month and our goals for the upcoming two months.
Our Accomplishments last month:
We launched a new and more accessible website.
Revamped and successfully rolled out the Spring 2025 awards season through a new platform, along with a brand new awards policy.
Initiated a partnership with AU’s Faculty of Humanities to research better support for accommodative students at AU.
Our goals for the next two months are to:
Open phase 1 of consultations with our students.
Refine our councillors’ portfolios to better serve and support your needs.
Work towards securing health and dental benefits for our membership through a referendum.
Launch an updated social media platform for students to connect.
We appreciate your continued support during this process, and are committed to making your educational experience at Athabasca University memorable. If you have any questions or require further details, please feel free to reach out!
Reminder: our Awards and Scholarships are still open for application until April 30th!
Click here to access our Spring 2025 Awards and Scholarships, along with our year-round bursaries (Including our travel, computer and emergency bursaries).
I am a mother of four, an entrepreneur, and a full-time student in my third year Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences major and Psychology minor. I immigrated to Canada 14 years ago. Fluent in many languages, with a passion for advocacy, continuous learning, and harnessing the power of past trauma to create growth in myself and others. I serve my community by volunteering on various boards such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Crisis Association and I am currently serving as the vice-chairperson of the latter.
Through my journey at Athabasca University (AU), I have experienced some significant knowledge and service gaps that created obstacles to my progress, and I have grown in my understanding of the many barriers that other students have faced and are still facing. My focus is on working through the current issues to reduce barriers to learning, advocating for fellow students in every available opportunity, while also educating students on the many undergraduate services and solutions available and how to access them.
Feel free to book an appointment with me below:
Hi, Athabasca University (AU) undergraduate students!
My name is Melanie Rousseau, and I am working toward an undergraduate science degree to enhance my advanced chemistry diploma background. If I am not studying or working at my job in a chemistry lab, you will likely find me training for my next half-marathon race or baking a new dessert recipe to try. I have a passion for uncommon animals and nature and hope to explore more of the United States in the next few years. For now, I continuously strive to merge some of the lines between traditional and online education that allow me to connect with other students abroad who have similar learning goals.
However, I believe that we need to glorify our differences to accommodate more options in our AU educational journeys such as method enhancement of course delivery via live lectures, expansion of courses offered in each subject with consideration for home labs, exam platforms available, tuition cost, or transparent breakdowns for what our tuition money goes towards.
It is my absolute privilege to advocate for you all on the Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU) Council and I aim to exceed the needs that our educational goals require. Looking forward to connecting with many of you soon.
My name is Diana and I am in the BPA majoring in human services. Today, I proudly stand as the first Latin American woman elected to be VPFA. This milestone isn’t just about me, it’s about amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, this is a win for my whole community!! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to advocate and raise my voice loud and clear for all students at AU.
I also have a part-time job as a community organizer with a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for migrant workers and their families. I have been working with marginalized communities for the past three years and want to further my education to bring awareness to migrant issues within the Latin American community. I want to continue to advocate for equity for all.
At my previous post-secondary, I served for one year as a students’ representative where I learned the invaluable lesson that every single voice deserves to be heard. As a single mother juggling education, my jobs, and household duties, I know the effort we put in to achieve our goals. I look forward to the next two years of being a council member, I will give it my best shot.
I am a dedicated and hard-working Athabasca University (AU) student in my third year of a Bachelor of Arts – Psychology major. I am also a committed partner to a phenomenal individual who encourages my every step. We have three amazing children together, two grown and out on their adventures, with our youngest homeschooling alongside my studies. My two older children and I struggled through traditional education, unaware our inabilities were not solely of our own doing. Designing and facilitating an individualized education for our youngest permits their academic empowerment, much like AU’s approach has for me.
I decided to return to post-secondary studies after nearly two decades, seeking a more cognitive approach due to my declining physical ability to work with children. As an AUSU Counsellor, I work to impact the lives of adults who will, in turn, significantly influence and reach more children. My unique perspective from life experiences and love for research contribute to my propensity to find more eclectic, out-of-the-box solutions for many issues. These developed attributes assist me in helping fellow students as an AUSU Counsellor.
I am honoured to serve on the Council of the Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU).
As an African-Canadian immigrant and passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, I am dedicated to representing and supporting the diverse community of Athabasca University (AU) undergraduate students.
With a background in engineering and healthcare, along with seven years of experience in the disability field, I bring valuable skills in leadership, problem-solving, and community engagement. Throughout my career, I have led various initiatives to foster inclusivity, from organizing awareness campaigns to implementing accessibility measures, and I take pride in the positive impact I’ve made within my community.
I am committed to ensuring that AU and AUSU remain welcoming and supportive environments where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Outside of AUSU, I serve on the boards of (CLCA) and (ICAC), which continue to fuel my passion for advocacy and community service. I envision a future where diversity is celebrated, and every student feels empowered and valued.
I am Annette Karien, (She/Her),
a second-year BSc biological sciences student, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. My background comprises primary healthcare, health and safety, and public health promotion.
My goal is to effectively help build a more connected community for all Athabasca University (AU) undergraduate students by sourcing and promoting available resources to improve the welfare of students. The aim is to grow the student environment that nourishes the successful completion of our studies.
It is an honour to serve you as an Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU) Councillor.
I would first like to say that I am elated to be serving alongside amazing fellow Athabasca University (AU) undergraduate students. I’m enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program (psychology major, philosophy minor), and am planning for law school upon completion.
I’ve chatted with tutors, course coordinators, and students, and have gained an understanding of courses outside my expertise. I’ve also been involved in grassroots advocacy with Results Canada, an organization with the ultimate goal of ending extreme poverty globally. I have spoken with Members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers, with combined efforts contributing to positive results in federal international aid towards health and education.
I fully intend to advocate for YOU. No problem is too small or too big. My main goals are creating solutions concerning affordability and accessibility. I’d love to work towards reducing tuition costs and providing easier-to-access resources for students with disabilities.
My name is Faustina Arsenault, and I am in the Bachelor of Professional Arts Program majoring in Communications Studies at Athabasca University. I’m Métis (proud Mi’kmaq descendant) with a Library and Information Technology diploma and previous experience as an elementary school librarian.
As a student who uses accessibility accommodations to study, and your advocate for accessibility at AUSU, I strive to promote student well-being by advocating for the removal of barriers and enhancing accessibility services as well as alternative materials at AU.
Please contact me at farsenault@ausu.org if you have any accessibility related questions or concerns!
Graduation Memories
Celebrate your milestone in an unforgettable way. Our Graduation Memories experience is tailored to capture the joy, excitement, and emotion of your convocation day with cutting-edge technology. Here’s what we offer:
360 Video Booth: Step into our immersive booth to record an all-encompassing view of your special day. This dynamic setup captures every angle, allowing you to relive the radiant energy of graduation with interactive, shareable videos.
Photo Booth Experience: Create stunning, high-quality images with our professionally lit and creatively designed photo booth.
Instant Keepsakes: Choose between immediate printed photos or digital downloads. With this service we aim to ensure you can take home tangible mementos while effortlessly sharing your experience online.
Social Connection: Our Graduation Memories service not only captures your special moments but also provides a fun space for connecting with fellow graduates and sharing the celebration.
We’re excited to see everyone at convocation! Your hard work and incredible achievements deserve to be celebrated.
Volunteer Engagement
At AUSU, we believe that volunteering is more than a way to give back—it’s a journey of personal growth, leadership development, and community connection. Our Volunteer Engagement platform is dedicated to empowering AU undergraduate students to contribute their passion, skills, and energy across a wide range of initiatives. Whether you’re interested in policy research, event coordination, academic support, or community outreach, we provide meaningful opportunities for you to make a difference on your campus and beyond.
What We Offer:
Training and Professional Development: Benefit from comprehensive training programs and hands-on experiences that not only enhance your resume but also equip you with real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and project management.
Community and Networking: Join a passionate community of like-minded peers and industry professionals. Our volunteer network serves as a launching pad for future career opportunities, mentorship, and lifelong friendships.
Impact and Recognition: See the tangible results of your contributions. From helping fellow students overcome challenges to shaping AUSU initiatives, every volunteer effort is recognized and celebrated in our community.
Join Us:
Get involved with AUSU’s Volunteer Engagement program and unleash your potential as a leader and change-maker. Stay tuned for upcoming volunteer opportunities, training sessions, and special projects announced through our student channels.
Student Policy Papers
At AUSU, we harness the power of evidence-based analysis to spark transformative change. Our Student Policy Papers platform is a dedicated space where AU undergraduate students dive deep into critical policy issues—ranging from education and healthcare to social justice and environmental sustainability. More than just academic exercises, these papers serve as strategic tools designed to call on the government for meaningful reform.
This initiative is proudly spearheaded by our Strategic Engagement and Research Committee, which not only curates and supports the development of these papers but also ensures that they contribute directly to driving policy change.
What You’ll Find:
Rigorous Analysis: Delve into comprehensive investigations that explore the pressing challenges of today. Each paper is thoroughly researched and grounded in data, providing a solid foundation for understanding complex policy issues.
Actionable Proposals: Beyond analysis, our policy papers put forward innovative recommendations. The creative and practical solutions offered are meant to inspire public debate and encourage government action.
A Platform for Advocacy: These papers amplify student voices, creating an influential platform that holds policymakers accountable while fostering a connection between academic research and real-world impact.
Opportunities for Involvement: Participation in this initiative is open to all passionate AU students. Opportunities to contribute—whether through research, writing, or the peer review process—will be announced as part of our ongoing commitment to strategic engagement and research.
By merging scholarly insight with civic engagement, AUSU’s Student Policy Papers aim to empower you as future leaders and change-makers. Stay tuned for upcoming calls for participation and join us in shaping a more informed, responsive government.
Leadership & Personal Development
At AUSU, we believe that leadership is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment—one that extends well beyond holding a title. Our Leadership & Personal Development initiatives are specifically designed to help AU undergraduate students build the essential skills, confidence, and networks needed to lead both on and off campus.
Our Offerings Include:
Mentorship & Coaching: Connect with experienced leaders and alumni who provide one-on-one guidance, career insights, and advice to help you navigate your academic, professional, and personal growth.
Interactive Workshops & Seminars: Participate in sessions that cover public speaking, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and effective communication. These workshops are tailored to enhance your leadership abilities while also honing your interpersonal skills.
Networking Events: Engage in regular virtual meetups with industry professionals, campus leaders, and peers. These events facilitate meaningful connections and offer a platform for sharing experiences and opportunities.
Personal Branding & Confidence Building: Learn how to craft and communicate your unique personal narrative through specialised seminars on interview techniques, resume crafting, and self-promotion. Build the confidence needed to take on leadership roles with authenticity.
Community Leadership Projects: Take charge of dynamic projects that not only serve as practical leadership experiences but also have a positive impact on the community. These projects are designed to encourage initiative, creativity, and collaboration across diverse teams.
Each initiative is crafted to empower you to explore your strengths, overcome challenges, and define your own path to success. Whether your ambition is to excel in your career or to make a lasting impact within your community, AUSU’s Leadership & Personal Development programs provide the foundation for your growth and journey as a leader.
Extra Resources Hub
Empowering Your Journey Beyond AUSU
At AUSU, we recognize that successful student life extends beyond campus services. Our Extra Resources Hub curates a diverse collection of outside links and tools to support your academic, professional, and personal development. Explore trusted resources designed to help AU students overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
You will find:
Career & Professional Development: Discover job boards, internship portals, online career counseling, resume-building platforms, and interview preparation resources tailored for emerging professionals.
Health & Wellness Support: Explore external counseling services, mental health organizations, and wellness programs that support both emotional and physical well-being.
Financial Assistance: Find scholarship directories, bursary listings, financial literacy guides, and information on student loans to manage your education expenses.
Community & Social Engagement: Connect with volunteer networks, mentorship platforms, and social forums that broaden your community involvement and networking opportunities and more…
If you come across a valuable resource not yet featured here, let us know. We welcome your recommendations to help the entire AU community benefit.
Community Building Initiatives
At AUSU, we understand that connection and collaboration play a vital role in a student’s journey. Our Community Building Initiatives are designed to create vibrant, inclusive experiences where AU undergraduates can forge lasting relationships and expand their academic, social, and professional networks.
Our Initiatives Include:
Virtual Social Events: Regular online meetups, game nights, and themed discussions that break the ice and help students bond over shared interests.
Interest-Based Groups: Formation of clubs ranging from academic subjects to personal hobbies, enabling students to connect with peers who share similar passions.
Peer Mentorship Programs: Structured mentorship opportunities where experienced students guide newcomers, easing the transition into university life and providing trusted support.
Collaborative Projects and Volunteer Opportunities: Hands-on initiatives that promote teamwork, leadership, and community impact by uniting students around shared goals.
Advisory Groups: Dedicated forums where students, alumni, and community leaders come together to share insights, provide feedback, and help shape the future direction of our programs. These advisory groups empower students by giving them a voice in decisions that affect their campus experience and personal growth.
By nurturing these diverse connections, our Community Building Initiatives create dynamic spaces where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to excel.
Student Savings
Direct2U Pharmacy Savings
AUSU is excited to connect AU undergraduate students with great pharmacy savings in partnership with the Direct2U Virtual Pharmacy, now with preferred pharmacy pricing, free delivery in Canada, and discounts on purchases through the DrugSmart Pharmacy platform.
Preferred Pharmacy Pricing!
Free Delivery in Canada!
Once you create your account and your information is verified, you will be eligible for preferred pricing and benefits. These include:
15 DrugSmart Circle points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases (what is this?)
a 5,000-point DrugSmart Circle sign-up bonus that can be redeemed for $10 off your next purchase
Transferring your prescriptions from another pharmacy is easy to do and completely free. Simply provide the phone number of the pharmacy you’d like to transfer from, and DrugSmart Pharmacy will contact them to complete the process for you.
AUSU has teamed up with FYidoctors to bring tremendous preferred partner savings on eyewear to our student membership!
FYidoctors has over 370 locations across Canada, and growing! They were founded by some of Canada’s most reputable and respected optometrists who believe that patients should come before products and that eye care should be their primary focus.
FYidoctors is offering the following discounts to our student members:
20% Off: Complete pairs of glasses and sunglasses.*
10% Off: Any contact lens box
10% Off: Online eyewear purchases (use code at checkout)
*Regular priced optical frames and lenses. Sunglasses can be prescription or non. Excludes RayBan Meta products.
How to Access the Discount
Step 1: email president@ausu.org to request the FYidoctors Partner card.
Step 2: present the Partner card and your student ID at FYidoctors during purchase.
Step 3: enjoy the savings!!
Student Price Card (SPC)
AUSU is thrilled to offer AU undergraduates a chance to save more with the Student Price Card—take advantage of exclusive student discounts today.
The Student Price Card, also known as the SPC Card, is a student loyalty program in Canada offering discounts and deals on things like clothes, food, travel, and more. Show your SPC Card at participating locations and receive instant savings every time you shop.
When you purchase a Student Price Card annual membership, you gain instant access to 450+ unlimited discounts and up to 25% off top brands.
Sound good to you?
Well, it gets better! When you purchase an SPC Card through the AUSU link below, you take advantage of an additional $2.00 savings off the cost of the annual membership. At only $9.99/year, the card pays for itself with one purchase!
We are committed to supporting our members by supplementing the University in bridging the gap between students and their future careers by providing:
Skills Workshops and Development Opportunities: We offer interactive workshops designed to build the essential skills needed for career success and personal growth. Each workshop is led by industry professionals and experienced educators, ensuring that participants gain practical insights and actionable takeaways that they can immediately apply in their careers.
Peer Support: At AUSU, we are committed to building a dynamic community where students can connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support. Whether you’re navigating academic challenges, balancing personal and student life, or preparing for your future career, our Peer Support network is here for you. This safe space encourages open conversation, practical advice, and genuine understanding, ensuring that every student feels heard, empowered, and connected on their journey.
Leadership Opportunities: Holding positions in student associations helps students develop leadership, project management, and organizational skills, which are highly valued by employers.
The Wellness Passport
The AUSU Wellness Passport was created with the idea that wellness is a personal journey. Much like a real passport, it marks the steps you take. As you explore this path to better well-being, you’ll find a variety of activities to engage in. Completing them earns you valuable passport stamps and helps enhance your overall wellness.
The Wellness Passport is thoughtfully designed around the eight dimensions of wellness: social, spiritual, emotional, physical, intellectual, occupational, environmental, and financial. Each section offers a curated selection of eight activities tailored to its specific dimension, with a written resource and an accompanying video, all conveniently hyperlinked for seamless access.
As you explore your wellness journey, check out our additional resource guide for more ideas and valuable information.
We hope that you’ll embark on this journey with us to better your well-being, and we know that a bit of positive reinforcement can increase motivation to get started. So, we’re offering the opportunity to win prizes! Each quarter—January, April, July, and October—we’ll give away three $50 gift cards.
Participating students must complete at least three activities from each wellness section to qualify. Then email your completed Wellness Passport to ausu@ausu.org – we’ll keep track of the entries for a random draw for prizes every quarter!
Food Assistance Program
Food insecurity is a problem many post-secondary students face due to rising tuition costs, living expenses, and insufficient financial aid systems. Students often face significant challenges as they work toward personal growth, academic achievement, and professional success.
Recognising these obstacles, AUSU is proud to offer the Food Assistance Program; a dedicated resource for AU undergraduate students experiencing food insecurity. If you are in need of support, apply here
Awards & Bursaries
AUSU seasonal awards and year-round bursaries are available to qualifying AUSU members* who submit completed applications with all required forms by the appropriate deadline.
To learn more about our awards and bursaries see Policy 7.02. Applications are collected and processed through AwardForce.
*You are an AUSU member if you are currently taking any AU undergraduate course for credit. Your membership ends on the end date of your course, including extensions or when your final grade is posted.
We are also thrilled to partner with AU on another important initiative by sponsoring the AUSU Indigenous Student Award administered by AU and open annually for applications from December 1 to January 15. AUSU Indigenous Student Awards encourage and support Indigenous students at AU as they pursue their academic studies. Learn more about the AUSU Indigenous Student Awards on the AU website here.
Advocacy & Representation
AUSU is dedicated to supporting and empowering the AU student community through comprehensive advocacy services. AUSU offers two main types of advocacy to address the diverse needs of its members: individual student advocacy and external advocacy. Individual student advocacy focuses on providing personalised support to students facing academic or administrative challenges, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected. On the the other hand, external advocacy involves representing the collective interests of the student body to broader audiences, including policymakers and education stakeholders, to drive meaningful change and improve the overall student experience at AU.
Please email president@ausu.org if you have concerns or feedback about things such as:
course problems
academic or exam fees
tutor concerns
any other concerns related to your student life
new course suggestions
any ideas that will improve your academic experience overall
