Since getting involved with RASC back in 2020, it has easily become one of my favourite aspects of the university experience. It has been both a lot of fun and an important learning experience for me. I have been able to connect with other students at Renison and be part of a strong and supportive community. Through RASC, I met some amazing people who I am lucky to call my friends! Likewise, joining RASC has helped me to learn more about the Renison community. It has led me to discover additional leadership opportunities at Renison such as co-op and peer leadership roles.
Some of my previous roles on RASC have included first-year representative and Administrative Officer. This academic year, I have been honoured to serve as the President of the Renison Academic Student Council (RASC). I worked alongside the wonderful Vice-President, Evelyn Steunenburg, to lead an incredible group of students.
Our goal this year was to foster the community ties and social connections that many of us missed out on during the pandemic by hosting a variety of engaging in-person events.
Throughout the year we hosted many events. From rejuvenating with free snacks to unleashing everyone’s inner artist, we did it all!
In September, we welcomed students back with our annual RASC breakfast, catered by Mel’s Diner. We served bacon, scrambled eggs, French toast, potato wedges, and some refreshing beverages. Believe it or not, this was the first time since the pandemic that we were able to host this delicious event.
Then in October, we joined the SDS community for Pizza with Profs. SDS students and their professors hung out in the cafeteria for some pizza and casual conversation. In October, we also partnered with the Student Experience and Housing team to host the Thrive Clothesline event. Renison students were able to come by our booth in the cafeteria to decorate t-shirts to share ways that they promote positive mental health. Some popular answers were listening to music and journalling.
Finally, we ended the fall semester with DIY Study Kits. RASC members stood in the atrium and handed out premade kits that included candy, chocolate, tea, cue cards, and a decorate-your-own craft bag.
In the Winter 2022 term we said goodbye to some of our graduating RASC members! This included our Vice-President, Evelyn. We are so thankful for all of Evelyn’s hard work. Although she was greatly missed throughout the Winter semester, the Student Experience and Housing peer leader team was lucky to be able to invite her back as a panelist for their SDS Alumni Ask a Grad event.
Every year, RASC raises money for a meaningful cause! This year we decided to support the Renison Student Urgent Needs (SUN) Bursary.
Every year, RASC raises money for a meaningful cause! This year we decided to support the Renison Student Urgent Needs (SUN) Bursary. This bursary goes to supporting members in the community who may be experiencing a financial need. RASC recognizes the importance of this bursary to the Renison community. It is a cause that we hold near and dear to our hearts and we hope to continue supporting it in the future.
One of our fundraising initiatives for the SUN bursary that took place in February, was the two-day RASC Book and Bake sale. The Lusi Wong Library donated a large collection of books for us to sell. We also sold some baked goods such as brownies, coffee cake, cookies, and cupcakes, which were provided by Renison Food Services.
On February 14 we hosted Valentine's Day with RASC. We handed out personalized cards and invited folks to come out and make a craft for a local elder care home in Waterloo. The crafts turned out beautifully and the elder care home was thankful for the kind surprise!
Speaking of surprises, on Random Act of Kindness Day Renison gave away some stunning flowers in the Atrium!
In March, we supported the Racialized Students of Renison (RSOR) with their panel discussion and anti-racism workshop by donating food (provided by Renison Food Services) and helping to amplify the voices of BIPOC students and individuals at Renison. It was an honour to support our fellow student leaders and racialized students as they demanded a necessary change in the system.
Later in the month, since we received such positive feedback from our Pizza with Profs event, we decided to host another prof-student engagement event called Poutine with Profs. The theme of this event was St. Patrick's Day. Both students and professors have had positive experiences with this event and have enjoyed getting to know each other over the course of the year.
In March of this year, we also held our first-ever Krispy Kreme fundraiser. This was our second SUN Bursary fundraising initiative of the year. And while everyone enjoyed the sweet taste of donuts, RASC announced that we had raised a total of $694.00 from this initiative.
Both of our fundraising initiatives this term was very successful! Overall, we raised $1,238.65. This was made possible by individuals like yourself who made donations and spread the word about our events.
We wrapped up the term in April, with a Paint and Plant event. Students decorated ceramic pots and planted wildflower seeds in them. For those of you who participated in this event, make sure to snap a picture of your plant’s growth journey and share it with us by tagging @RenisonExperience on Instagram.
Lastly, one of our recurring initiatives throughout the year has been our weekly Refuel with RASC events in the Renison Atrium. We would give away free snacks in the hopes of making a positive impact on people’s day. Some of our most popular ones include cheese and crackers, milk, cookies, and even Dunkaroos!
As you can see, the Renison Academic Student Council has hosted a lot of fun, engaging, and insightful events this year. I want to say thank you to the incredible team of students that have made up RASC this year. Each one of you has been vital to our ability to host events and build community. You are all friendly, kind, hardworking, and dedicated leaders. I will always remember the vibrant community and the memorable friendship that we have formed this year.
Finally, I want to give a huge shout-out to Stefany Kraft, the staff member involved in supporting RASC, as well as the rest of the Student Experience and Housing Team for helping to make our events possible. All your hard work and dedication towards enhancing student experiences has been a key part in making RASC such a positive experience for us all!
2022- 2023 Renison Academic Student Council Members:
- Sarah Malik, President
- Evelyn Steunenberg, Vice-President (Fall 2022)
- Jennifer Bradley, Administrative Officer
- Maya Ghion, Co-op Representative
- Jared Cubilla, Student Life Representative (Fall 2022)
- Vicky Ikeno
- Tisa Mushani
- Sowda Omar Farah
- Alex Gresel-Campbell
- Michelle Mutongi
- Mikayla Pereira
- Cloe Huang
- Mackenzie Harris (Fall 2022)
If you have any questions about RASC or would like to be a part of this amazing team next year please reach out to Sarah Malik, s85malik@uwaterloo.ca.
Written by Sarah Malik, RASC President