Board of Directors

Public Statement January 23rd

The Central Student Association wishes to express, in no uncertain terms, its continued and steadfast opposition to the proposed partnership with Navitas, a for-profit corporation, which seeks to privatize a portion of our university's teaching. This decision is not taken lightly. It is a reflection of our profound commitment to uphold the integrity of education, the value of our degrees, and the welfare of our student body. Our university is a beacon of academic excellence and social responsibility, and we believe that any partnership with a for-profit entity like Navitas would severely undermine these values.

Our concerns echo those raised by our campus unions, including UGFA, CUPE 1334, CUPE 3913, OPSEU 231, OSSTF District 35, USW 4120, and USW 4120-1 in their April 2023 joint letter. Together, we stand united in our conviction that such a partnership would:

● Irreparably harm the University’s academic standards and reputation.

● Devalue the high-quality, publicly-funded education we cherish.

● Undermine our university's commitment to internationalization and EDI, especially

impacting students from low-income families.

● Lead to the exploitation of students and their families.

● Exacerbate socioeconomic divides on campus and strain already limited university

resources and facilities.

● Increase precarious employment statuses among our dedicated instructional staff.

The CSA firmly rejects the notion that the values of Navitas align with those of our university community. We are committed to preserving the educational mission of the University of Guelph as a public good, not a corporate commodity. As such, we call upon the University of Guelph Administration, Board of Governors, Senate, and all other parties to reject any deal with Navitas. We urge the university to seek ethical, sustainable ways to achieve its internationalization and EDI goals that align with our core values of equity, inclusivity, and academic freedom. We stand with the numerous other Canadian universities that have considered and rightly rejected similar arrangements, maintaining a commitment to educational excellence and social responsibility. The CSA will continue to advocate fiercely for the interests of our student body and the broader university community in this matter.


Board Structure

The affairs of the CSA are managed by a Board of Directors of up to 35 persons composed of elected and appointed members.

The composition of the Board includes CSA Executive and Directors. The latter group includes 14 At-Large College representatives (elected, two per college), seven College government representatives (appointed), and ten student organization representatives (appointed).

The CSA Board of Directors usually meets on alternate weeks to discuss important issues facing students and how to address them. Board meetings are open to the public.

The Board is supported by non-voting CSA staff including the Board Chair, Policy & Transition Coordinator, and Scribe.

More information on the Board of Directors and other CSA policies and bylaws are found here.

Board of Directors

Each Board member works within the CSA’s welfare, image, and mandate, to defend and protect the rights and interests of students. Board members assume the fiscal and moral responsibilities of being a Director or an Executive Officer for a not-for-profit corporation. They are prepared and informed, ready to participate in all major decisions made by the organization. 

Directors have a huge influence across campus and beyond, making decisions that affect the quality and type of services, events and campaigns (e.g. tuition fees, anti-oppression, etc.) offered by the student association. Directors also help to shape and build the student movement.

→ Interested in joining or have questions? Please email our Policy & Transition Coordinator at csaptc@uoguelph.ca.


Board of Directors - Vacant Seats

The CSA has selected Director seats available to interested undergraduate students!

You are the perfect candidate to fill one of our vacancies if you:

  • Are an undergraduate member of one of the colleges with a vacant Director seat.
  • Want to represent all University of Guelph undergraduate students and your college’s interests on the CSA Board of Directors.
  • Are interested in networking with other student leaders and gaining valuable leadership experience.

Find out which positions are currently vacant and more information by using this link.


How to Submit Your Idea to the CSA Board of Directors

Do you have an idea that fits the CSA mandate, and you want to present it to the Board of Directors? 

Ideas are presented to the Board in the form of Motions.

You can see typical CSA motions by reviewing board minutes here

→ Questions? Please email the Policy & Transition Coordinator at csaptc@uoguelph.ca.


Last Updated:
Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 11:51 AM