SUS Election: Vice President External

The University of the Fraser Valley Student Union Society (SUS) is a BC Not‑For‑Profit Society representing and serving UFV students. The Society manages the Student Union Building and facilitates services such as the UFV U‑PASS, food services, and the student health and dental plan. SUS also provides support to an active community by organising events and provides wellness and developmental programming.

As the official representative body of UFV students, our mission is to be an inclusive community that provides high‑quality, accessible programs and services. We are the unified voice advocating on behalf of student interests in the UFV community, ensuring each student has opportunities to thrive.

Work Schedule:

Minimum of 30 hours per week

Reporting to:
Board of Directors

Location:

Abbotsford Campus

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Vice President External is a public-facing role involved in student advocacy and policy development within UFV. This role is SUS’s representative to the municipal, provincial, and federal government and collaborates directly with various partners in advocacy organizations and  the role of an advocate for the interests of UFV students, the Vice President External also sits on various committees within UFV pertaining to academic, governmental, and career development issues.

The position must be filled by a current student of UFV who will be enrolled in at least one for‑credit course in the Fall and Winter semesters.

Note:

This is an intensive and demanding role, which requires complete commitment for the entire term of office, and may require travel time away from home and classes. It is strongly recommended not to take more than 1‑2 classes (3‑6 credits) per semester.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL
The Vice President External has responsibility for a variety of functions, including but not limited to the following:

Representing SUS on various University committees connected with academic, career development, or governmental policy issues;

Representing SUS to national and provincial student advocacy groups, government officials, and local community groups regarding student issues;

Acting as a liaison between SUS and the UFV Provost & Vice President Academic and other academic staff;

Maintaining awareness of current issues and developments regarding academic and non‑academic matters relevant to SUS, both at UFV and in the larger post‑secondary environment;

Managing the consultation and development of advocacy campaigns;

Managing and serving as the project lead and default host to the Know Your Rights video Series;

Ensuring that students have an avenue to address any concerns they might have during their post‑secondary career;

Researching new emerging university pedagogical approaches, university governance issues, student financial aid strategies, and community issues affecting students, and recommending policy positions to be considered by the Executive and Board;

Advocating for transparency and reduction of tuition and student fees where appropriate and the appropriate allocation of university resources to best serve student’s academic and career development;

Advocating on behalf of the specific interests of international students and Indigenous university students to UFV and the various levels of government;

Serving as an active member on the national student advocacy group, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA);

Researching provincial student issues and provincial advocacy opportunities, and taking part in provincial advocacy initiatives;

Representing the interests of students at all times, with specific responsibility for non‑academic issues of UFV and;

ADMINISTRATIVE

Performing other duties, as may be required for the Society to fulfill its values, mission, vision, and goals within the strategic plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE
The Vice President External, in conjunction with other Executives, holds responsibility for a variety of functions, including but not limited to the following:

Represent the interests of students at all times, with specific responsibility for non‑academic issues of UFV;

Uphold the Society’s bylaws and other…