March 28, 2025

As students, we are focused on completing assignments, attending lectures, and surviving exam season, but what about the policies that dictate our academic experience? Everything from evaluation methods to course availability has a direct impact on our education, so it is important to get involved so that we have a voice in the decision-making process. If you have no experience in student governance, take this article as your sign to participate and stay informed!

There is a common misconception that student politics is only for those who strive to enter political fields. It’s not. It is designed for everyone! Whether you are passionate about arts education, accessible learning accommodations or innovative assessment schemes, student politics provides a platform to advocate for meaningful and lasting change.

At Carleton University, the Carleton Academic Student Government (CASG) is one of three student-led governments on campus, so there are many opportunities to get involved. CASG is a non-political organization that is the voice of all things academic; dedicated to representing undergraduate students on academic issues. Recognized as the student wing of the Carleton administration, CASG operates under the Senate; the highest decision-making academic governance body at Carleton. This position enables CASG to effectively voice student concerns and have a direct influence over policies that impact students' academic experience.

CASG works hard to ensure that students' concerns are heard and that policies are reflective of students’ needs. Whether it is advocating for compassionate grading, course transparency, or launching the Academic Concern Intake Form, CASG strives to give students a voice in their education. However, students must actively engage to make a meaningful and lasting impact. 

In CASG’s September election, only 6.75% of eligible FASS and FPGA students cast their vote, showcasing the huge gap in student engagement. Additionally, 12 of the 17 available seats in the Faculty of Science remain vacant 6 months after the election. While CASG worked tirelessly to increase Councillor recruitment by 163% in just one year, momentum is needed to strengthen participation and stimulate interest in student governance. In response, CASG’s Student Voices Committee has written this article to showcase the organization’s impactful initiatives and inspire more students to play an active role in shaping their education. 

One of the primary reasons to engage with student politics is the opportunity to advocate for policies that directly impact our education. Grading transparency, course availability, academic accommodations and student opportunities are all critical issues that require student representation. Without active participation, decisions affecting students may be made without adequate student input, leading to policies that do not align with students' academic needs.

For example, this year Carleton University reduced the number of contract instructors (CIs) to respond to the institution's growing financial deficit; this was done without student input. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is the most affected faculty, which will see a projected 50% cut to its CIs. As a result, courses will be cut, class sizes will increase and the quality of academic support students receive will be impacted as remaining faculty carry heavier workloads. As students, it's important that we defend our education because we deserve to receive the level of education that we were promised when we chose to attend Carleton.

Beyond holding the university accountable, involvement in CASG offers students practical experience in policy analysis, event coordination and finance management through advocacy initiatives. Students gain firsthand knowledge working to manage the budget, coordinate elections and write policies which cultivate skills like leadership, confidence, advocacy, collaboration, negotiation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the list goes on. These skills are transferable to any future career, which will serve students well as candidates in the job market.

By engaging with various academic initiatives, CASG provides students with the opportunity to build a diverse network. The organization brings together students from every discipline on campus, promoting a community that shares a commitment to improving the academic experience at Carleton. Inclusivity and representation are among the organization's core values, which help ensure that all students' voices are heard. 

Participation in student governance not only enriches the university experience but also works as a means to create lasting change while developing valuable skills. Whether you are advocating for student rights, improving academic policies or building a more inclusive learning environment, student politics is essential for driving change. Your voice matters, so why not use it?

If you are interested in learning more about CASG’s advocacy projects or would like to submit an idea for the next Student Voices article, please reach out to vpacademic@casg.ca.