The Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) held a Special Members Meeting on Sept. 26. The meeting confirmed a quorum and welcomed in-person and virtual attendees, setting the stage for a discussion on recent activities and plans for the future.

FSU President Siddharth Singh opened the meeting with an overview of the union's summer initiatives, noting the distribution of over 150 exam care kits to support students. He announced plans to recruit 30 new members to the Red Squad, underscoring a growing commitment to the volunteer program. Additionally, Singh reported that 173 Class Representatives had signed up across 12 schools, alongside a significant increase in club funding to $750.

Singh highlighted the success of Orientation Week, which featured various events, including barbecues, movie nights, and karaoke.

'As you know, Orientation Week was a blast. We had extraordinary events at the main campus, like…the barbecue, movie night, and karaoke night, Falcon Awesome street party,' he said.

In a move to enhance student services, Singh announced that the FSU voted to purchase additional licenses for the Grammarly Library version and to upgrade audiovisual equipment and labs by next year. He also revealed new pricing for meals at Oasis and Out Back Shack.

'For example, Oasis poutine was $6 for four ounces. Now it's $9 for eight ounces. So, we have increased the quantity.'

Singh concluded his remarks by mentioning the rebranding of Fanshawe Fuel Esports, which aims to bring the Esports department into a new era.

The FSU’s Financial Controller, Scott McLachlan, provided insights into the fiscal year ending April 30. He reported a substantial increase in current assets from $2.9 million to $3.36 million and a nearly $3 million rise in capital assets.

The long-term debt is $1.3 million, with plans to settle within five years. McLachlan noted that while the net cash change was negative due to increased investments and significant capital purchases, anticipated future projects will generate positive cash flow. The income statement revealed net student fees (excluding bus pass income) at $9.4 million, contributing to a total revenue of $13.1 million when including other sources of income.

Total expenses reached $11.7 million, resulting in a surplus of approximately $1.4 million.

'We invest that money back into the funds to be used in the future for capital and other needs that may arise at the end of the year, as well as net assets for the year,' McLachlan said.

A motion to accept the audited financials was made, seconded, and unanimously approved without opposition.

The meeting continued with proposed amendments to FSU by-laws, presented by Executive Director John Riddell.

Key amendments included the addition of definitions to clarify terms, a distinction between corporate officers and signing officers, and a reduction in the threshold for a valid referendum from 20 per cent to 10 per cent of eligible voters to align with industry standards.

Further changes established a minimum of three and a maximum of eight directors on the Student Administrative Council and clarified eligibility requirements for directors and executive positions. A new provision allows the board to fill vacancies but prevents a majority of directors from being appointed solely by the board without member elections. Additionally, the policy defines an honorarium based on attendance and participation while adjusting the minimum number of required meetings from five to four per semester, recognizing summer meetings.

The board approved the proposed amendments, pending confirmation from members, before adjournment.