SSU Board of Directors Update
Check out what your Board of Directors has been up to this December!
December was a busy and reflective month for your SSU Board of Directors as we wrapped up the Fall semester and prepared for the year ahead. With the holiday break fast approaching, the Board remained focused on governance, financial sustainability, and ensuring student voices continue to guide our work.
On December 8, the Board held its final meeting of the year and approved several important items. Amendments to the Election Policies were passed to align them with current practices, clarify unclear terms, and clearly outline sanctions and the appeals process. These updates will make it easier for students running for the Board of Directors to understand the election process and participate with confidence.
The Board also approved the mid-year 2025–26 operating budget revision, which reflects updated revenue and expense projections. While revenue is expected to be slightly lower than anticipated, adjustments were made without impacting student services. This proactive approach supports long-term financial sustainability while carefully managing a modest operating deficit. We are grateful for the leadership of Interim Managing Director Hanh Ngo in guiding these responsible and forward-thinking decisions.
Several key committees were also formed at the December Board meeting. The Ancillary Fee Committee, made up of Board Directors Navdeep Kaur, Aryan Patel, and Cheshta Khurana, alongside Hanh Ngo as SSU Chair, will work as a joint SSU–College committee to review all ancillary fees for the 2026–27 year and prepare proposals for final approval by the Board of Governors. The College Partnership Committee, consisting of Board Directors Peter Kyadondo, Austin Sharpe, and Cheshta Khurana, along with SSU staff, was also established to formalize the ongoing partnership between the SSU and the College and help define shared priorities. Their first meeting will take place in the new year.
Another highlight from the December Board meeting was the renewal of Student Executive Director Samiya Khan for another year. Over the past eight months, Samiya and the Executive Student Team have made meaningful contributions to student advocacy, programming, and initiatives that prioritize student needs across all campuses.
On December 11, the Policy Committee met to continue updating Board policies, particularly those related to the Managing Director now reporting directly to the Board. Establishing clear policy language around this reporting structure and the Managing Director hiring process will help future Boards to navigate these responsibilities more effectively. This work will continue into the new year.
On December 15, the Finance Committee met and received an update confirming that the organization remains financially stable. While revenue is slightly behind the previous year, spending remains below budget, helping offset the difference. Finance-related policies, including reserve and fund policies, were updated to clearly define fund types, appropriate usage, and approval thresholds, thereby strengthening transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. The Ancillary Fee Committee also received training that day and held its first official meeting on December 17.
December also marked the Board’s first meeting with LURA Consulting, led by Project Manager and Writer Geoffrey Mosher. This introductory session outlined project objectives, expected outcomes rooted in meaningful student engagement, the overall timeline, and the hiring of three student ambassador positions to support the development of the SSU’s next Strategic Plan. We are excited to work with LURA and support this important initiative in the new year.
Student engagement remained a priority throughout the month. For the first two weeks of December, the Board continued Board Office Hours with a new theme: SSU Student Services & Accessibility. During these pop-ups, students were invited to complete a short survey sharing which SSU services they currently use, which services they are interested in using in the future, and what resources or supports they wish were available on campus.
This structured approach to collecting feedback enables the Board to identify common themes and gain a deeper understanding of student needs. As we move into the new year, Board Office Hours will continue. We encourage students to stop by, share their feedback, ask questions, and help shape their student experience, while also grabbing some snacks and SSU swag.
As we close out the Fall 2025 semester, the Board is proud of the progress made over the term. From reviewing and updating bylaws, policies, and election procedures, to approving audited financial statements and budget adjustments, the Board focused on strengthening governance while maintaining the services students rely on. Office Hours throughout the term centered on health and dental coverage, food insecurity, housing security, and SSU services, allowing Directors to connect directly with students and better understand their priorities.
The selection of LURA as the consulting partner for the next Strategic Plan was a major milestone, ensuring students will have meaningful opportunities to shape the SSU’s future. Committee work, including the formation of the Ancillary Fee and College Partnership Committees, further strengthened collaboration and accountability. The renewal of Student Executive Director Samiya Khan also recognized the exceptional contributions of the Executive Student Team in enhancing student advocacy and programming.
Over the fall term, the Board gained deeper insight into the day-to-day realities students face, particularly around affordability, housing, food access, and service accessibility. Structured surveys and focused engagement sessions showed that collecting feedback in more organized ways leads to clearer priorities and more effective advocacy. To improve accessibility and equity for Directors and students alike, the Board also rotated meeting locations across campuses and alternated meeting days, making it easier for students to attend meetings in person.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Board is excited to build on this momentum. Our focus will include supporting the launch of the Strategic Plan Working Group, continuing committee work to strengthen governance and financial sustainability, and maintaining Board Office Hours as a key channel for student feedback. With insights gained throughout Fall 2025, we are committed to turning student feedback into actionable initiatives and improvements across all campuses.
As always, thank you for staying engaged and helping shape the direction of your student union. We’re students just like you, and every question, concern, and idea you share helps us advocate more effectively on your behalf. Stay tuned for more updates! We look forward to seeing you on campus in the New Year. Happy Holidays! 🎄
- Your SSU Board of Directors