Team

Executive Comittee

Delphine Robitaille

Vacant

President

she/her

president@seuo-uosu.com(613) 783-1380 ext. 490

Office Hours: Tuesday 15:00 – 17:00 & Thursday 15:00 – 17:00

Hi! I’m Delphine, and I’m your Student Union President. I’m a third-year student in the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences program with a minor in Political Science. When I’m not buried in readings, I love books, travelling, meeting new people, and discovering restaurants. I was born and raised in Montreal, and I moved here for my studies in 2021. I’ve been involved with UOSU since 2022, working as a Clerk and later as the Chair of the Board of Directors. I’ve met many of my closest friends through my involvement in UOSU and student life! I’ve been involved with IPPSSA (the International, Political & Policy Studies Student Association), Model Parliament and several clubs. I have worked for the House of Commons administration for the past two years, which has fuelled my passion for politics and the democratic process. I have also been a member of Library and Archives Youth Advisory Council.

Throughout my academic journey, I have witnessed the transformative power of unity and collective action. Our student community has stood together through obstacles, celebrated wins, mourned losses, fought for their rights and to be heard. I am committed to doing just that: ensuring that each voice is heard, and every perspective is valued. As Student Union President, I pledge to advocate for the interests and well-being of every student. Students are struggling, and I truly believe that the Student Union can help alleviate the hardship and challenges and be a force for change. I believe in passion, honesty, and dedication, and I am determined to build upon my experience and knowledge to champion a strong, and visible Student Union that addresses the needs of our community.

Being the UOSU’s first female president means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for the women who came before me and created the space for us to hold leadership positions in student government.

I would love to hear your ideas, concerns and thoughts. Feel free to come to my office hours or to send me an email!

The President is the chief spokesperson for uOttawa undergrads and the overall leader of the UOSU. They ensure student voices are heard loud and clear by the University administration. Responsible for the management and supervision of the Union’s affairs and operations, they are also expected to lead collaboratively and provide support to the other members of the Executive.

Management and Human Resources

  • Chief Executive Officer of the UOSU
  • Strategic direction of the organization
  • Fulfillment of UOSU’s mandate
  • Project and crisis management
  • Institutional knowledge and transition

With the Operations Commissioner:

  • Supervising the Executive Director
  • Managing the Union’s human resources
  • Signing officer (contracts and payments) and oversight of financial administration

Relevant Staff

  • Executive Director
  • HR Manager
  • Director of Finances
  • Deputy Commissioner (Governance, Data Management, and Administration)

Relevant Committees

  • Finance Committee
  • Internal management committees

Governance

  • Chair of the Executive Committee
  • De facto Chair of the Board of Directors
  • Ensure compliance with the Constitution and policies
  • Coordinate General Assemblies
  • Support and accountability to the Board of Directors
  • Liaison with legal counsel

Relevant Staff

  • Executive Director
  • Deputy Commissioner (Governance, Data Management, and Administration)
  • Deputy Commissioner (President)

Relevant Committees

  • Governance Committee (Chair)
  • Nominating Committee for the Chair of the Board of Directors

Spokesperson and Communications

  • Official representative and media liaison
  • Overseeing all communications to the student body
  • Relations with external organizations funded by the UOSU

Relevant Staff

  • Director of Communications & Administration

Relevant Committees

  • Ad-Hoc Communications and Engagement Committee (Chair)

Representation and Leadership

  • Maintain relations between the UOSU and Recognized Student Governments (RSGs)
  • Supporting Commissioners

With the Advocacy Commissioner:

  • Lobbying and campaigning government
  • Maintain relations between the UOSU and the uOttawa administration
  • Campaigns and advocacy to the uOttawa administration

Relevant Staff

  • Deputy Commissioner (President)

Relevant Committees

  • President’s Round Table (Co-Chair)
  • Ombudsperson’s Advisory Committee
  • Library Advisory Committee

Imani Bunzigiye

Vacant

Equity Commissioner

they/she

equity@seuo-uosu.com613-783-1380 ext. 440

Office Hours: Monday 10:00 – 12:00, Friday 10:00 – 12:00

Hi, my name is Imani Bunzigiye and I am a second-year Civil Engineering student. My involvement with the Student Union began with my participation in UOSU drop-in spaces, such as the Pride Centre. Last summer, before starting my current position, I helped coordinate 101 Week with the Student Life team. My experience in student leadership has been incredibly rewarding and has helped me feel less alienated as a Black queer student. 

My strong commitment to the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity (EDI), along with my background, has informed my work within the Equity Office. I am particularly dedicated to improving academic conditions for disabled students to ensure a fair and safe learning environment for everyone.

The Equity Commissioner stands up for marginalized students. They build equity on campus, both within the UOSU and at the University at large. Through campaigns and lobbying, they are an additional voice at the table for equity-seeking communities, and fight discrimination at the University of Ottawa.

Equity at uOttawa

  • Campaigns and representation
  • Relations with the uOttawa Human Rights’ Office
  • Support for survivors of Gender-Based and Sexual Violence
  • Relations with student groups from a marginalized and equity-seeking community
  • Support for students from a marginalized and equity-seeking community
  • Administer the Equity Fund

Relevant Staff

  • Deputy Commissioner (University Affairs & Equity)
  • Women’s Resource Centre
  • RISE Centre
  • Pride Centre
  • Multi-Faith Centre
  • Centre for Students with Disabilities
  • International House
  • Food Bank

Relevant Committees

  • Equity Committee (Chair)
  • Advocacy Committee
  • Equity Round Table (Chair)
  • Standing Committee on the Prevention of Sexual Violence
  • uOttawa Working Groups on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence

Equity at UOSU

  • Ensure inclusive and non-discriminatory working environment
  • Equity complaints and accountability
  • Internal equity audits
  • Ensure compliance with equity mandate and relevant policies

Relevant Staff

  • HR Director
  • Deputy Commissioner (University Affairs & Equity)

Relevant Committees

  • Equity Committee (Chair)
  • Internal management committees

Daphnée Veilleux-Michaud

Vacant

Francophone Affairs Commissioner

she/her

francophone@seuo-uosu.com613-783-1380 ext. 450

Hi gang! So, let me introduce myself, my name is Daphnée and I’m your new Interim Francophone Affairs Commissioner!

So, a bit about me, I’ve been studying conflict studies and human rights since 2019, and like many other commissioners before me, I was very active in my student association. I organized the 101 Week for CHRA and served as their VP of Social Affairs Francophone throughout last year. I’ve also been involved in many different clubs and projects across campus over the years, and I’ve quickly made a name for myself as a fierce francophone activist. One of my proudest achievements is that every Francophone Affairs Commissioner that has served the Union knows my name. Some of the projects I’ve worked on include solidifying the bilingualism test in our Constitution and changing the Positions Book to reflect and celebrate Francophone diversity within the Union. I’ve also been consulted on several occasions on amendments and movements affecting the French-speaking community through the various clubs and RSGs. Another interesting fact is that I’m from Northern Ontario, more specifically from a small town called Sturgeon Fall. I come from a long line of Francophone activists. My pride as a Francophone was inspired by the fight led by Franco-Ontarians for their language rights, and it’s thanks to their efforts and sacrifices that I’m able to study in French today. I’m very proud to call myself a Franco-Ontarian, because for me, this represents more than my identity, it’s a commitment. A commitment to continue these battles so that the next generation can embrace their francophonie. Whatever it looks like. However they want. I hope to prove myself trustworthy. I want to create a union where Francophone and Francophile students are not a second thought, and I hope you will join me in this endeavor. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or visit me during my office hours!

The Francophone Affairs Commissioner defends the interests of Francophone students at the world’s largest bilingual (English-French) university. They oversee programming for Francophone students, ensures that the services and programs of the Union are bilingual, and protects Francophone rights.

Programming

  • Events and activities for Francophone students
  • Community-building for Francophones and Francophiles
  • Administer the Francophone Affairs Fund

Relevant Staff

  • Bilingualism Centre

Relevant Committees

  • Francophone Affairs Committee (Chair)
  • Francophone Affairs Round Table (Chair)
  • Student Life Committee
  • Clubs and Services Committee

Internal

  • Active offer and bilingual access of services, activities, and documents
  • Compliance with bilingualism mandate and relevant policies
  • Bilingualism-related student complaints

Relevant Staff

  • Bilingualism Centre
  • Translators

Relevant Committees

  • Francophone Affairs Committee (Chair)
  • Internal management committees

Advocacy

  • Relations with the Office of the Vice-President, International and Francophonie
  • Spokesperson for Francophone students and media liaison
  • Relations with Francophone student groups and organizations
  • Student representation on University Committees
  • University-level policy review, lobbying, campaigns for Francophone students
  • Bilingualism-related student complaints

Relevant Staff

  • Bilingualism Centre

Relevant Committees

  • Francophone Affairs Committee (Chair)
  • Francophone Affairs Round Table (Chair)
  • Council on French Services and Programs

Greg Coleman

Vacant

Interim Operations Commissioner

he/him

operations@seuo-uosu.com613-783-1380 ext. 460

My name is Greg, and I’m proud to serve as Operations Commissioner for the Students’ Union! I grew up in Connecticut and moved to Ottawa from the United States in 2021 for new opportunities and to improve my French, and I’m now a fourth-year economics student. This is my first position with UOSU, but we may have met on campus or in town if you attended events hosted by some of uOttawa’s political clubs or the Economics Students Association, canvassed for folks like Laura Shantz or Joel Harden, or stayed up late researching monetary policy with me for the Bank of Canada Governor’s Challenge. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me writing, visiting the OAG, or at a concert across the river at Le Minotaure.

Like many others who have found a calling at UOSU, I’ve seen the importance of organizations that bring people together to make their voices heard, share burdens through solidarity, protect their rights and those of their neighbors, and ultimately create the communities they want to live in. In this office, I’m looking to learn from everyone’s perspective so that our Union can give students value while standing up for their values. At a time when it seems that students are facing more hardships than ever you have my total commitment; I’m at work to ensure that the Union is there for you, that its services are reliable and useful, that your voices are not lost in the crowd, but amplified, and that your dues truly do something for you.

The Operations Commissioner keeps the UOSU running smoothly and transparently. They work with the President, Executive Director, and senior management to direct and oversee the internal operations of the Union, including finances and human resources.

Management and Human Resources

With the President

  • Supervising the Executive Director Hiring, firing and discipline of staff Labour relations Periodical salary review Relevant Staff
  • Executive Director HR Manager Director of Finances Deputy Commissioner (Governance, Data Management, and Administration) Relevant Committees
  • Internal management committees
  • Finance
  • Chief Financial Officer of the UOSU
  • Budget management & revision
  • Audit management & revision
  • Compliance with financial policies
  • Transfer of levies to Recognized Student Governments and external organizations
  • Financial accessibility and literacy
  • Regular financial oversight & risk management, including for UOSU businesses
  • Health and dental insurance administration
  • Signing officer (payments)

Relevant Staff

  • Director of Finances
  • Director of Businesses
  • Comptroller

Relevant Committees

  • Finance Committee (Chair)
  • Funds and Scholarships Committee
  • Money Round Table (Chair)
  • Clubs and Services Committee
  • Student Life Committee
  • Board of Directors of CHUO (Radio)
  • Internal management committees

Internal Affairs

  • Administrative tasks
  • Systems management
  • Signing officer (contracts)

Relevant Staff

  • Deputy Commissioner (Governance, Data Management, and Administration)

Relevant Committees

  • Governance Committee

Vacant

Student Life Commissioner

studentlife@seuo-uosu.com613-783-1380 ext. 480

The Student Life Commissioner works to make your experience at uOttawa a memorable one. They organize social and philanthropic events on campus, such as 101 Week and Relay for Life. They also manage relations with Recognized Student Governments and oversee the administration of funds and scholarships.

Social Events

  • 101 Week oversight, planning, and execution
  • Inclusive event planning
  • Support for student group and UOSU service-led events (i.e. Black History Month)

Relevant Staff

  • 101 Week Crew
  • Temporary Student Staff
  • Director of Communications & Administration

Relevant Committees

  • Student Life Committee (Chair) – Social Round Table (Chair) – Student Life Committee – School Spirit Council

Philanthropy, Funds and Scholarships

  • Shine Day planning and execution
  • Relay for Life planning and execution
  • Funds and scholarships design, promotion, and administration

Relevant Staff

  • Temporary Student Staff

Relevant Committees

  • Student Life Committee (Chair)
  • Funds and Scholarships Committee (Chair)
  • Philanthropy Round Table (Chair)

Campus Life

  • Relations with Recognized Student Governments
  • Wellness and mental health initiatives

Relevant Staff

  • Peer Help Centre

Relevant Committees

  • President’s Round Table (Co-Chair)
  • CHUO Board of Directors

The Advocacy Commissioner is your advocate to people in power. They raise issues faced by students to municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government, through campaigns, lobbying, and more. They also assist the President in engaging directly with the uOttawa administration.

External & Government Affairs

  • Federal government relations
  • Relations with the Undergraduates of Canadian Research
  • Intensive Universities (UCRU)
  • Provincial government relations
  • Relations with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA)
  • Relations with City Council and Sandy Hill community
  • Policy-writing, lobbying & campaign organization

Relevant Staff

  • Deputy Commissioner (External Affairs)
  • Campaigns Coordinator

Relevant Committees

  • Advocacy Committee (Chair)
  • Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA)
  • Undergraduates of Canadian Research-Intensive Universities (UCRU)
  • Sandy Hill Town & Gown

University Affairs

  • Relations with student representatives on the Board of Governors & Student Senate Caucus
  • Student representation on University Committees
  • Relations with professors’ and uOttawa employee unions
  • Campaigns and coalition-building with advocacy-centric student clubs
  • Administer the Campaigns Fund
  • Defend academic and student rights

With the President:

  • Relations with the University of Ottawa
  • University-level research, advocacy projects, and campaigns

Relevant Staff

  • Deputy Commissioner (University Affairs & Equity)
  • Student Rights’ Centre

Relevant Committees

  • Advocacy Committee (Chair)
  • Equity Committee
  • University Affairs Round Table (Chair)
  • Interunion Coalition of the University of Ottawa (ICUO)
  • Council on Undergraduate Studies
  • Nominating Committee for the Council of Undergraduate Studies
  • Nominating Committee for the Senate Appeals Committee

Vacant

Communications Commissioner

comms@seuo-uosu.com613-783-1380 ext. 263

The Communications Commissioner manages the UOSU’s communication strategies, shaping its public image. The role involves overseeing social media and online content, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms. The Commissioner is responsible for keeping students informed and engaged with Union activities, maintaining transparent and effective communication with both students and external stakeholders.

Communications

  • Overseeing all communications to the student body
  • Plan and execute communication strategies for reaching students
  • Manage official communications to ensure clarity and consistency
  • Updating the website and providing accurate information
  • Public relations and brand image
  • Develop initiatives to increase student participation
  • Collaborate with student groups
  • Plan events for a vibrant campus community

Relevant Staff

  • Director of Communications
  • Receptionists
  • Webmaster
  • Digital Marketing Officer
  • Translators
  • Zoom Coordinator

Relevant Committees

  • Communications and Engagement Committee (Chair)
  • Communications Round Table (Chair)
  • Advocacy Committee
  • Elections Committee

Outreach

  • Build and maintain relationships with external organizations
  • Coordinate outreach efforts to involve the broader community
  • Communicate effectively with external partners and sponsors

Relevant Staff

  • Director of Businesses
  • Director of Operational Services
  • Director of Equity and Community Services

Relevant Committees

  • Communications and Engagement Committee (Chair)
  • Advocacy Committee

Internal

  • Improve internal communications
  • Maintain documentation and archives
  • Manage SharePoint and oversee IT

Relevant Staff

  • Chair of the Board of Directors
  • Clerk Team
  • IT
  • Deputy Commissioner Internal

Relevant Committees

  • Communications and Engagement Committee (Chair)

Ombudsperson

Philippe Giguere

Vacant

Ombudsperson

he/him

ombudsperson@seuo-uosu.com

Philippe was appointed the first UOSU ombudsperson for a two-year term on May 1, 2024. He is a uOttawa alumnus and has displayed a commitment to fairness and human rights, including as legal counsel at the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

He also brings extensive experience in labour and human rights arbitration and conflict resolution. He has worked closely with complainants, employers and unions in mediations and arbitration to help resolve workplace conflicts and disputes. He has represented clients and the public interest before human rights and labour tribunals and both Federal Courts. He has also worked in a neutral capacity at the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

Philippe is also fluent in French, English and Portuguese.

The Ombudsperson serves as a vital link between the UOSU members and the broader governance structures. This role is designed to uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and justice within the UOSU. Operating independently and impartially, the Ombudsperson addresses systemic issues and provides confidential support and resolution for conflicts and concerns brought forward by students, staff, and other stakeholders.

  • Investigating and proposing solutions to systemic problems within the UOSU.
  • Chairing the Appeals Committee to ensure fairness in the appeals process.
  • Maintaining confidentiality of all parties involved unless express consent is given.
  • Providing regular reports to the Board of Directors on activities, trends, systemic issues, and recommendations.

Executive Office Team

Sydney Williams

Vacant

Student Life Coordinator

she/her

studentlife@seuo-uosu.com

Deborah Duroseau

Vacant

Deputy Student Life Coordinator

she/her

deputy-sl@seuo-uosu.com

Jan K.

Vacant

Human Resources Administrator

she/her

admin-hr@seuo-uosu.com613-783-1380 ext. 450

Minolli Thabo

Vacant

Campaigns Coordinator

she/her

campaigns-coord@seuo-uosu.com

Jack Coen

Vacant

Deputy to the President and Chief of Staff

he/him

deputy-pres@seuo-uosu.com(613) 783-1380 ext. 490

Office Hours: Tuesday/Friday 11:00 – 18:00 & Wednesday/Thursday 11:00 – 14:00

Tessa Macintosh

Vacant

Communications Coordinator

she/her

comms-coord@seuo-uosu.com

Management Team

Meredith Kerr

Vacant

Executive Director

she/her

executive-director@seuo-uosu.com613-783-1380 ext. 400

Andrea Prajerova

Vacant

Director of Programs

she/her

dir-programs@seuo-uosu.com

Merissa Cowell

Vacant

Labor Relations and Human Resources Director

she/her

hr@seuo-uosu.com613-783-1380 ext. 410

Hamza El Hariri

Vacant

Director of Business Development

he/him

dir-business@seuo-uosu.com613-783-1380 ext. 291

Raoul Achidi

Vacant

Director of Finance

he/him

dir-finance@seuo-uosu.com

Josiane Gomez

Vacant

Financial Consultant

she/her

dir-fin@seuo-uosu.com