Meet Your Team
The UOSU executive team, led by the President and six Commissioners, manages the day-to-day operations of the UOSU. The executives are elected in the spring and work full-time throughout the year.
Executives
DELPHINE ROBITAILLE
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
Greg Coleman
Interim Operations Commissioner
he/him
operations@seuo-uosu.com
613-783-1380 ext. 460
Office Hours: n/a
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.
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
- 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
- Administrative tasks
- Systems management
- Signing officer (contracts)
Relevant Staff
- Deputy Commissioner (Governance, Data Management, and Administration)
Relevant Committees
- Governance Committee
Daphnée Veilleux-Michaud
Francophone Affairs Commissioner
she/her
francophone@seuo-uosu.com
613-783-1380 ext. 450
Office Hours: n/a
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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)
Sanjida Flora
Advocacy Commissioner
she/her
advocacy@seuo-uosu.com
613-783-1380 ext. 470
Office Hours: n/a
Hey there! I’m Sanjida, and it’s an honour to be your Advocacy Commissioner. I am a Bangladeshi-born Canadian immigrant. Originally landed in Scarborough, my first love was Danforth, ON. I grew up in Thunder Bay, ON, a northern community that informs my advocacy and emboldens me to pursue truth and reconciliation. I am my values, and so it’s only right to introduce you to them as well: justice, truth, humility, kindness, equity, accountability, (the Oxford comma) and inclusivity are my non-negotiables.
I am a fifth-year student in the French dual degree program of Political Science and Common Law (J.D.). With four years at uOttawa behind me, I have occupied many corners of campus: I have spent three years at the Fulcrum Publishing Society in a variety of roles; three years at both campus fitness centres; two years with the Human Rights Research and Education Centre on campus; and a summer at the Programme de Pratique du Droit. Similarly, I have a long history of advocacy work behind me. I have represented Northern Ontario on the Minister of Education Student Advisory Council, Ontario Student Trustees’ Association, MP Don Rusnak’s Youth Constituency Council, and the Northwestern Ontario Secondary Schools Student Association. Of course, I am more than my professional experience: I am an artist, a dancer of Bhangra and other styles, a fantastic home-chef, a reader of all things love, and voted funniest at French camp in 2017.
I can’t express to you enough how innate advocacy is to me. I am a disabled woman of colour and an immigrant: to choose advocacy is a privilege I did not have. I know that’s a truth many marginalized people share. I know how much injustice is baked into culture and systems because I’ve felt the backlash of it, and I know that other U of O students do every day. I aspire to help lift the burden of advocacy off the victimized, to the highest capacity I can. I hope to amplify student voices through consultation to accurately advocate for our diverse student body.
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.
- 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
- 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
IMANI BUNZIGIYE
Equity Commissioner
they/she
equity@seuo-uosu.com
613-783-1380 ext. 440
Office hours: Monday 10:00 – 12:00 & Friday 10:00 – 12:00
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.
- 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
- 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
*vacant*
Student Life Commissioner
n/a
studentlife@seuo-uosu.com
613-783-1380 ext. 480
Office Hours: n/a
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.
- 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
- 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)
- 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
Management
MERISSA COWELL
Labor Relations and Human Resources Advisor
she/her
hr@seuo-uosu.com
613-783-1380 ext. 410
NADIA BOUTKHIL
Director of Equity and Community Services
she/her
dir-equity@seuo-uosu.com
613-783-1380 ext. 390
