About the CSA

The Central Student Association is your undergraduate student voice on campus and is a semi-autonomous, not-for-profit organization. We advocate for and represent your collective interests, bringing the student voice to decision-makers on campus and in our community. We also provide a number of programs and services to enhance your student experience and save you money. The Association consists of an elected Executive, a Board of Directors, permanent and student staff, and volunteers.

Our Mandate

The CSA is run by students for students. We:

• Represent and amplify the voice of undergraduate students at the University of Guelph, particularly to decision makers;
• Provide practical services that improve students’ lives and save them money;
• Contribute to a positive atmosphere of acceptance, inclusion, belonging and safety on campus;
• Support students to organize around issues they care about, including through clubs and campaigns;
• Organize events that make university life even more fun;
• Create rewarding employment and volunteer opportunities for students as a result of being a student-run organization; and
• Serve as a central coordinating body for undergraduate student association representatives.

Our Indicators of Success

The CSA knows it is doing a great job when:

• Students want to engage with the CSA. They know what the CSA does and are to be involved;
• Executive members represent students accurately and confidently, based on knowledge of what students want that comes from having consulted meaningfully with them;
• The CSA provides services that students use;
• Advocacy on students’ behalf is effective in achieving its goals; and
• The CSA has structures and active processes in place to ensure accountability.

Our Approach

The CSA is committed to:

• Proactive engagement with students;
• Representing all students accurately and effectively;
• Staying relevant and valuable to students;
• Excelling at communication;
• Behaving in a constructive and professional manner;
• Paying attention to the unique history and culture of this university;
• Modelling organizational excellence, including unified leadership and trusted financial management; and
• Promoting acceptance, inclusion, safety and a sense of belonging at the University of Guelph.