The Students’ Union is an independent, self-governing student society associated with St. Jerome’s University. The Students' Union operates collaboratively, on behalf of its members, with the Administration, Faculty, and Staff at St. Jerome's University to enhance the overall student experience. We serve to represent all St. Jerome's University registered students who pay Union fees and any other paying members. The Students' Union works to facilitate and instill a sense of community within St. Jerome's, as well as supporting the students of St. Jerome’s through investments in the community.
We offer a variety of services to our students at St. Jerome's University including the Farmer's Basket and Union Clubs. We also enhance the student experience through volunteer opportunities and catered events. We encourage students to approach us about their questions and concerns regarding the St. Jerome's community so that we may advocate on their behalf through our committee and board channels at the university.
Meet the Students' Union team
The St. Jerome's University Students' Union is here to support your experience as a student at St. Jerome's and the University of Waterloo. We look forward to connecting with many students at the university so that we can share your concerns at St. Jerome's Board of Governors, WUSA Council, St. Jerome's Senate Council, and Committee meetings. You can learn a little bit about us below to help you recognize us and reach out and talk to us when you see us on campus.
You can always stop by our office (located in Sweeney Hall, Fireplace Lounge) to chat or share your ideas, reach out using our president's email address at pres.sjusu@gmail.com, or connect with one of the other members of our executive listed below. Keep an eye on our social media accounts, particularly Instagram - @sjustudentsunion, to find out about upcoming events!
President Internal
Tracy Liu
She/her
E: pres.su@sju.ca
Hey SJ! My name is Tracy, and I am in my third year studying Psychology with minors in Human Resource Management and History. I am honoured to serve as your 2025–2026 Students’ Union President. In this role, I am committed to ensuring that the voices of all St. Jerome’s students are heard by leading The Union, representing our community within the University and beyond, and advocating for your ideas and concerns. Together, I look forward to building a supportive environment that fosters growth, well-being, and success.
Fun fact: I love building gundams.
Vice President Internal
Shayera Ayesha Dissanayake
she/her
Hey everyone! My name is Shayera, and I’m going into my 3B term for Recreation, Leadership and Health. As your VPI, I will support policy and advocacy initiatives important to SJU students while managing internal documentation and overseeing the human resource operations of the Students' Union.
Fun fact: I can do a backflip.
Vice President Finance
Joanne Selvanayagam
She/her
Hey everyone! My name is Joanne, and I’m in my fourth year studying Legal Studies and Business. As your Vice President of Finance, I oversee the union’s budget and collaborate with the Finance Department to manage funds responsibly while supporting projects that reflect our students’ needs.
Fun fact: Orange Pekoe is my go-to tea.
Vice President Academic
Ariana Moreno Tanaka
She/her
Hey SJ, I am your Students' Union Vice-President, Academic for the 2025-2026 year! I am in my second year studying psychology. I advocate for student academic life at St. Jerome’s University and The University of Waterloo. Please always feel free to reach out to me through email or stop for a chat if you see me around SJ.
Fun Fact: I love playing any sports as long as they are on a team.
Communications Officer
Emmelia Pitt
She/her
E: co.su@sju.ca
Hi everyone! My name is Emmelia and I am in my second year. I am majoring in Political Science with minors in History as well as Russian and Eastern European Studies. As your Communications Officer, I will be overseeing the Instagram account and other promotional materials you may see.
Fun fact: I really like doing Lego.
Project Manager and Administrative Officer
Erin Walshaw
She/her
E: ao.su@sju.ca
My name is Erin, and I’m a second-year Computer Science student. As PMAO, I’ll be responsible for SJU’s clubs, networking with campus stakeholders for collaborations, identifying new opportunities to strengthen the SJU community, and organizing exciting events such as the Gala. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone over the next year!
Fun fact: I am in the top 1% of Ed Sheeran listeners on Spotify.
Students' Union services
The Students' Union of St. Jerome's University aims to provide a variety of services in addition to its traditional advocacy role for students. We are proud to offer programs and services that have proven to be in need at the St. Jerome's campus. You can view the current programs and services that we offer below. If you would like to propose or work with the Students' Union to implement a new program or improve an existing one, send an email to the Communications Officer.
SJU Health Humanities Student Society
Follow us for updates, events, and everything at the intersection of health, culture, and the human experience. To learn more, visit our Instagram!
Union clubs
Each semester the Students' Union accepts applications for students of St. Jerome's University to launch their own clubs. Each club becomes a subsidiary of the Students' Union. We aim to support clubs financially and through active mentorship. The purpose of the clubs program is to empower students to create opportunities for themselves and fellow students; to target passionate niches in the community not currently fulfilled by existing St. Jerome's leadership groups. You can view our current clubs below. If you would like to start a Students' Union club, send an email to the Project Manager and Administrative Officer to get started.
SJU Book Club
Visit our registration form to join!
The Students’ Union’s book club meets bi-weekly to discuss pre-selected novels in a cozy and friendly setting!
Join us to make some friends, discuss your favourite reads, and take a well-needed break!
Events
Wine and Cheese Night
The Wine and Cheese night is an annual Students’ Union event that brings together SJ upper years for a night of tasty charcuterie and drinks! Keep your eye out for next year's Wine and Cheese!
Green and Gold Gala
The St. Jerome’s Green and Gold Gala is an annual social event that is planned and put on by your Students’ Union. The annual event, which includes a dinner, social, awards ceremony, and dance, is held to recognize exceptional student leadership and to celebrate the St. Jerome's community. The 2025 Green and Gold Gala will be our 12th annual and is expected to occur late in the Winter 2025 term. Keep your eye out for tickets and our theme announcement. You don’t want to miss this event!
Town Halls
Students’ Union host town halls to hear from the community and bring people together to discuss ideas, comments, and concerns about their experience at St. Jerome's University. It’s a great chance to get some food, meet some awesome people, and have your voice heard. Students’ Union tries to host at least one Town Hall a term. Keep your eye out for announcements about our next one!