The University of Regina and the U of R Students Union held a town hall Wednesday

The town hall gave students an opportunity to speak directly with the leaders of the university, including President Vianne Timmons and Provost Thomas Chase about the future of the U of R and ways to improve it in the long ans short term.

URSU President Victor Oriola said this is an opportunity to be open and transparent with students on various things happening at the University.

“What this means for a student is the people who make the decisions that matter are significantly more accessible than they would otherwise have been if not for the existence of an event like this.”

Oriola said it’s extremely important to hear directly from students about issues they face.

“The student union exists to represent the students and I personally exist to speak on behalf of the students,” Oriola said. “That should not negate or remove the place for the students to themselves come Personally and express what it is they care about to the people who are able to affect changes in that regard.”

Timmons said it’s important to share information in relation to the cost and use of tuition.

“We want to be transparent and open with them about why they pay tuition, why we have to give a tuition increase each year, and where there tuition money goes, and help them understand all of the services that we put in place to support them to be successful.”

Timmons adds she would be open to holding a similar event for students to express their concerns.