The University of Regina’s Students’ Union (URSU) could soon dissolve.
According to their website, URSU is holding a special general meeting on September 24 at the Atlas Hotel in Regina.
“The sole purpose of this meeting is to consider and vote on a special resolution to dissolve URSU,” states the meeting’s details.
To pass its dissolution, URSU will require at least two-thirds of the total vote from student union members.
“If the resolution does not pass, the matter of dissolution (or any substantially similar proposal) cannot be reconsidered for six months following this meeting,” notes the meeting report.
If URSU’s resolution passes, student union members would “release the URSU board of directors, executives, management, and staff from liability relating to URSU’s operations and dissolution, provided actions are taken in good faith reliance on this resolution, and legal advice.”
SaskToday reached out to URSU for comments on the matter, but no response has been given.
At a media event on Thursday, U of R president Dr. Jeff Keshen questioned the length of time for another vote if the initial one doesn’t pass.
“I don’t think that’s kind of the way democracy works. Someone can actually call another vote if one fails.”
Keshen also said removing any responsibility of URSU per their dissolution could be another legal issue.
The URSU first made headlines back in April after its responsibility for collecting student fees was revoked by the university.
At the time, the university said the decision was made from concerns brought forward from URSU’s 2024 financial statements.
URSU later took legal action against the university for allegedly withholding student fees for the 2025 winter semester.
In court, a judge dismissed URSU’s injunction against the U of R, finding the university established a real risk if student fees were to be transferred to the students’ union.
Shortly after this news, Keshen announced the U of R had terminated its lease agreement with URSU.
URSU leadership was required to vacate their offices and commercial spaces, which they occupy on campus.
Going forward, Keshen said the university has no desire to run a students’ union.
“That’s something the students should be doing. They should be an independent organization, they should be vigorous, [and] they should be open to being able to criticize administration.
“However, they are also operating with student funds, and they do have a legal fiduciary responsibility to use those funds responsibly.”
As for university students having issues accessing any resources previously overseen by URSU, which includes health and dental benefits or the U-pass, Keshen hasn’t heard concerns on that.
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