What Is The RSU? 

Your Union, Your Voice

Our mission is to empower students and build community on Ryerson’s campus by advocating for your rights, supporting student groups, events and initiatives, and providing discounted services to save you money!

 The RSU is here for you. A platform to encourage collaboration, engagement and empowerment — we are your trusted allies, a resource students can depend on for timely and accurate representation now and in the future. 

Our Three Pillars

Building Campus Life

The RSU is the hub of activity on campus! We know that there’s more to being a student than going to class – that’s why we organize weekly free events for all students, including pub nights, carnivals, karaoke nights, coffee houses, and more.

In addition, the RSU funds and supports over 150 Student Groups, Course Unions, and Graduate Student Associations. These groups are social, cultural, religious, and interest-based groups. Get involved with a campus group to make the most out of your Ryerson experience!

Advocating on Behalf of Students

As students, it’s often hard to navigate through the University’s policies and procedures, and sometimes our concerns are lost. The Students’ Union works to advocate on your behalf, raise your concerns, and make student life easier. The RSU offers free legal and advocacy services for students, and makes every effort to address problems you may be experiencing – whether financially, academically, or in your personal life.

We also know that as students, we have the voice to make change. Ontario has the highest tuition fees in the country, and we’ve seen our tuition fees go up by 71% over the last 6 years. By working together and organizing campaigns and initiatives, we can make change and win major victories for students. Victories such as the fall reading week, permanent closure of Gould Street, and the discount student metropass are all examples of the things we’ve won when we work together.

Providing Cost-Saving Services

Being a student is expensive, so the RSU works to save you money by providing discount and cost-saving services. By pooling our resources, we provide a range of services to make your life easier. Services such as the Members' Health & Dental Plan, Discount TTC Metropass, Used Book Room, CopyRITE Printing Service, Member Services Office, Tax Clinic, Legal Service, Academic Advocacy, Graduation Photos, Campus Lost & Found, Members' Handbook & Dayplanner, Computer Lab, and International Student Identity Card (ISIC) are some of the benefits of membership in the Students' Union. 

Decision Making Structure

General Membership Meetings

The highest level of decision making for the Students' Union is the general membership meeting. There are two general membership meetings per year – one in the fall semester and one in the winter. All members are encouraged to attend and participate.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall administration of the Students' Union. Directors meet on a monthly basis to ensure that the campaigns and services of the RSU are operating effectively. Directors' terms run from May 1 to April 30 of each year. All members in good standing are eligible to be nominated for the Board of Directors.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the RSU. The Executive team meets to ensure the direction from the membership and the Board of Directors is being executed. The term of office for Executive members is May 1 to April 30 of each year. All members in good standing are eligible to be nominated for Executive positions.