For the most part, students enjoy their experience at TRU. We have great faculty and staff, and a welcoming campus. And beyond our campus, we live in a wonderful community. Of course, there are bound to be instances of conflict. When students encounter these situations, the Students’ Union is committed to providing guidance and assistance. The Member’s Advocate is your source of information regarding your rights and responsibilities as students, tenants, workers, and individuals in our society. Whatever issue you confront, the Advocate will help you navigate towards a positive solution.

As students we hold a certain position within the university. Because we here for only a few years and because many of us are new, we may find ourselves unsure of how to address issues that we may face, such as grade appeals, harassment, and so on. But while we may pass in and out of these doors quickly, our rights as students remain.

To ensure that we can all exercise these rights, the TRUSU Member’s Advocate is available as a source of knowledge of and experience with the procedures and resources that exist in solving problems at TRU. The Advocate can help you in a number of ways. Foremost, you will have access to all the information about the options that you have and the rights you can assert. Further, the Advocate will either direct you to the appropriate resources and services or, if you wish, will accompany you in meeting with the appropriate individuals to achieve a solution.

Your Students’ Union also knows that you don’t spend your whole life on campus. We are not just students, but also tenants and employees. That means that we have rights and responsibilities in the broader community as well. The Member’s Advocate is also knowledgeable about rights in these areas and can provide guidance in resolving any disputes you may have with landlords or employers.

Finally, so that you can assert your rights and access the support for maintaining them at all times, the Students’ Union has created a “Student Rights Handbook” that contains information useful to you in your university experience.

These are the ways in which TRUSU stands up for each and every member. To make an appointment with the Member’s Advocate, or to receive a copy of the Student Rights Handbook, visit the Members’ Services Desk in the Independent Centre.