MSU Advocacy

MSU Advocacy The MSU's advocacy efforts are a core pillar of our organizational function.

Through the Education Department, students lobby to the University, city, province, and country to implement changes that will benefit the post-secondary student experience. The McMaster Students Union's advocacy efforts are a core pillar of our organizational function. Through the Education Department, students lobby to the University, city, province, and country to implement changes that will be

nefit the post-secondary student experience both inside and outside the classroom. This is done through writing policy to identify the MSU's positions on certain topics, writing reports and submissions to the University or government, in-person lobbying, or running advocacy campaigns. The Education Department is staffed with the VP Education, AVP University Affairs, AVP Municipal Affairs, AVP Provincial & Federal Affairs, and research & project assistants. 3 SRA Standing Committees also fall under the Education Department, each supervised by an Associate Vice President (AVP). The SRA University Affairs Committee conducts research, writes policy, lobbies, runs campaigns, and carries out projects relating to McMaster University and how it affects students.

As summer approaches, student advocacy doesn’t stop. With recent OSAP changes and other important issues expected to com...
04/27/2026

As summer approaches, student advocacy doesn’t stop. With recent OSAP changes and other important issues expected to come up throughout the year, it is important that students continue to make their voices heard by reaching out to local representatives.

To help make that process easier, we have created an Open Letter Template that students can use to email their MPs and MPPs on issues that matter to them and their communities.
Through the link in our bio, you can download:

1. An editable Open Letter Template
2. A guide on how to write an effective open letter

Whether you are writing about financial aid, affordability, student supports, or another issue impacting students, this resource is designed to help you take action and advocate directly to decision-makers.

Visit the link in our bio to download the template and start writing.

The Your City Survey has been tracking the student experience in Hamilton since 2011, helping us understand how student ...
04/21/2026

The Your City Survey has been tracking the student experience in Hamilton since 2011, helping us understand how student perspectives have changed over time. This year marked the first post-pandemic survey and saw a record 509 responses, making it our most comprehensive yet.

The 2024 survey explored student experiences with housing, transit, harm reduction, policing, and employment. Its findings continue to shape our advocacy with city leaders, community partners, and the university as we work toward a Hamilton where students can thrive.

The message is clear: when students have access to affordable housing, reliable transit, safety, and job opportunities, they are more likely to stay in Hamilton after graduation. Right now, less than half are considering doing so. Through this work, we are advocating for a better Hamilton that students want to call home.

To view to report for yourself check out the link in our bio!

Looking for MENTEES and MENTORS! 🫂🩵🤝 Are your identity and community central to how you lead and wish to support others?...
03/02/2026

Looking for MENTEES and MENTORS! 🫂🩵🤝

Are your identity and community central to how you lead and wish to support others? Through the Diversity in Governance Mentorship Program, student leaders mentor first-year students who share similar interests, backgrounds, and experiences—helping them envision what student governance and leadership can look like in the McMaster Students Union (MSU) and other campus organizations. Through this opportunity, new students struggling to picture themselves in university leadership are provided a platform to explore community engagement and identity-informed advocacy.

Created by the MSU Governance & You Committee

03/02/2026

Heh Marauders,

Last week MSU President Piper Plavins spoke out following the recent OSAP loan ruling passed under Doug Ford’s government, at a press conference called by MPP Watts regarding changes to OSAP, at queens park. Increasing loans to 75% and decreading Grants to 25%.

These changes impact how students access and repay financial support. For many, this could mean taking on more debt, facing increased financial stress, and feeling uncertain about their future. Education should open doors, not create barriers.

This isn’t just about policy, it’s about real students, real families, and real futures.

Now more than ever, we need to come together. Speak up. Share your story. Contact your representatives. Stand in solidarity with your peers. When students unite, our voices are impossible to ignore.

Your education matters. Your future matters. And your voice matters.

Postsecondary is changing in Ontario and students are being asked to carry more of the cost. 🎓📉Recent provincial changes...
02/27/2026

Postsecondary is changing in Ontario and students are being asked to carry more of the cost. 🎓📉

Recent provincial changes to the postsecondary system — including shifts to student financial aid and the direction of tuition policy — signal a bigger trend: when public investment doesn’t keep pace, the burden gets passed to students and families through higher costs and more debt.

Education is a public good. It shouldn’t feel like a private luxury.

The MSU is monitoring these changes, pushing for real affordability measures, and bringing student voices to the table.

How are these changes impacting you this year? Join us at our informational rally today February 27th at the Hub from 3:00 - 4:00 PM

02/23/2026

Hey Marauders 📣

Don’t forget to sign up for our 🍽️ Dialogue & Dine, on:
📆Friday, Feb 27
⏱️12:30–2:30 PM

There’ll be conversation bringing students together with local MPs and MPPs to discuss the policies shaping post-secondary education, affordability, and student life in Hamilton.

There’s only limited seats 🔗Link in Bio for tickets!!🎟️

Hey Marauders 📣Announcing 🍽️ Dialogue & Dine, on:📆Friday, Feb 27 ⏱️12:30–2:30 PMJoin us for an engaging Dialogue & Dine,...
02/11/2026

Hey Marauders 📣

Announcing 🍽️ Dialogue & Dine, on:
📆Friday, Feb 27
⏱️12:30–2:30 PM

Join us for an engaging Dialogue & Dine, a lunchtime conversation bringing students together with local MPs and MPPs to discuss the policies shaping post-secondary education, affordability, and student life in Hamilton.

🎙️ Our Guests are:

MP John-Paul Danko (Hamilton Centre, Liberal) – Federal representative for the riding that includes McMaster University, with a focus on post-secondary education, housing, transit, and cost of living.

MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas, NDP) – A long-serving MPP with deep experience in social policy, education, and community services.

MPP Robin Lennox (Hamilton Centre, NDP) – Brings a provincial legislative lens on education policy, governance, and the impacts of legislation such as Bill 33.

MP Lisa Hepfner (Hamilton Mountain, Liberal) – Engages on affordability, housing, and social supports, including the federal role in student financial aid.

MPP Monica Ciriello (Hamilton Mountain, PC) – Government MPP offering insight into the province’s perspective on education policy and legislation affecting students and institutions.

MP Aslam Rana – Federal representative contributing to the discussion on national policy priorities and their impact on local communities.

✨ Lunch provided. Come prepared to have a meaningful dialogue, more details coming soon!

Don’t miss this chance to connect policy, politics, and student voices.

Hey Marauders📣Wondering what the day looks like?Look no further, because the itinerary is officially here! From keynote ...
02/05/2026

Hey Marauders📣

Wondering what the day looks like?
Look no further, because the itinerary is officially here! From keynote sessions to interactive discussions, we’ve designed a day centered on learning connection and impact.

Come prepared to engage and connect.

There’s a few tickets left!!🔗Link in bio to sign up!

✨ Advocacy Week Recap ✨We kicked off the week with Day 1: UA Day, (Slides 1-7) featuring a full day of boothing that hig...
02/04/2026

✨ Advocacy Week Recap ✨

We kicked off the week with Day 1: UA Day, (Slides 1-7) featuring a full day of boothing that highlighted key University Affairs projects and the teams driving student advocacy on campus.

Day 2: MA Day, (7-11) a huge thank you to city staff and Councillor Maureen Wilson (Ward 1) for joining us, and to all the students who engaged in meaningful conversations around housing, transit, and student retention in Hamilton.

To close out the week, on Day 3: PFA Day (11-18) focused on Bill 33 , special thanks to our incredible panelists for leading such an insightful discussion and helping students better understand the bill, its issues, and the policies restricting universities and grade schools.
Thank you to everyone who participated, asked questions, and used their voice. 💬📣

Hey Marauders📣🚨 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS REVEAL 🚨Join us at Breaking Barriers featuring keynote speakers Nigela Purboo, Founder ...
02/03/2026

Hey Marauders📣

🚨 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS REVEAL 🚨

Join us at Breaking Barriers featuring keynote speakers Nigela Purboo, Founder of the Onyx Initiative, and Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health & Public Health Commissioner. 👏

Come learn, and connect with these speakers this weekend!!

🔗 Don’t forget to sign up today using the link in our bio!!

We’re excited to welcome an incredible group of leaders and experts who will be sharing their knowledge, insights, and e...
02/01/2026

We’re excited to welcome an incredible group of leaders and experts who will be sharing their knowledge, insights, and experiences at our upcoming Breaking Barriers Conference. Sign up and get ready for an inspiring day of discussions you won’t want to miss!

Tickets in Bio

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