On April 7, 2011, as Chair of the GSU Housing Committee, I organized a meeting with the GSU Housing Committee members and the Vice Provost Students, Jil Matus, and her staff. The topic was student family housing and specifically the state of theCharles St, residences. The meeting was attended by members of the GSU housing committee, Anton Neschadim from the GSU executive, and representatives from the Charles St Tenants’ Association. The meeting was a follow up to the GSU executive meeting with President Naylor in October 2010 and a partial response to the January 25, 2011 GSU Council resolution calling on the University of Toronto administration to undertake a feasibility study regarding the replacement of the two student family housing buildings at 30/35 Charles Street West. Toward the end of the April 7 meeting, the Vice Provost – Students asked the GSU executive to suggest terms of reference and composition for a work group on family housing.
The GSU housing committee representatives supported improving and expanding affordable student family residences. As a result,, the GSU council unanimously approved a motion to provide terms of reference for a Family Housing Work Group and to ask the university administration to cooperate with the work group.
This summer, university maintenance staffs completed some short term repairs to the two residence buildings but much more needs to be done.
A report of our work group’s progress is now expected at the University’s Student Housing Advisory Committee on March 5, 2012.
Your student union needs your skills. There is an important role for volunteers to help the work group and one more full time GSU representative spot is available.
Interested parties should contact me at: bobatlarge@utgsu.ca