REGINA — The University of Regina (U of R) has taken further action against the University of Regina Students’ Union (URSU)
In a statement posted on Friday by U of R president Dr. Jeff Keshen, the school has terminated its main lease agreement with URSU.
This means URSU leadership has been required to vacate their offices and commercial spaces, which they occupy on campus.
These spaces include URSU's office space, the multiple-purpose room, and the Lazy Owl.
Keshen said the Lazy Owl, a venue space, will remain closed until further notice.
As for the multi-purpose room, it will remain open under the management of the university’s hospitality service.
The action taken by the U of R directly relates to the university “losing confidence” in URSU after concerns in their 2024 financial statements weren’t addressed.
This move doesn’t impact other tenants. ”Extreme Pita and Gong Cha, Campus Dentist, the Carillon, the Women’s Centre, UR Pride, the Regina Public Interest Research Group (RPIRG), Engineers Without Borders, and World University Service of Canada (WUSC) – will continue to operate in their premises,” said Keshen.
Starting in the fall, the U of R will not be giving funds to URSU. A process has been in place to ensure student services, including health and dental benefits, U-pass, continue without any disruptions.
The University will also ensure funds are provided for student groups and associations that rely on student fees.
“The University remains committed to working with student leadership that demonstrates a commitment to good governance and sound financial management in the best interest of students. We encourage students to get involved and to make the changes necessary to result in an effective and accountable student representative organization,” said Keshen.
