My name is Ryan Lindblad and I am your VP External. Last year I had the
pleasure of sitting on the ULSU General Assembly as an Arts and Science
Representative, and it has been the most rewarding experience I have had since
arriving here. Serving on the General Assembly has only made me want to become
more involved with the ULSU going into the next academic year, and has also
made me want to take on a larger role. When first coming to the University I
was more focused on simply doing well in my classes and enjoying my new circle
of friends, but I was not the most involved student outside of the classroom.
Serving as a Arts and Science Representative last year introduced me to so many
new people that I have worked with, and also taught me so much about the ULSU
that I didn’t know. Once my foot was in the door, I went from being a rather
unengaged member of the University, to someone who was looking for
opportunities to get involved, as it has been such a gratifying experience to
become a more engaged member of the university community.
Initiatives
I ran for this position because I have always had a passion for politics,
advocacy and representation. Being th VP External is allowing me the
opportunity to serve on behalf of my fellow students to ensure that we are
heard and can fight for what we need.
One of my most important priorities includes avoiding another increase in
student tuition, which the school could go through with again. Just as the
University increased tuition 7% in this last year, they have the opportunity to
increase it by the same amount again. The possibility of a 14% increase in
tuition over 2 years is simply far too high for some Students to be able to
accommodate, and avoiding this possibility would be one of my highest
priorities. Another Initiative of mine is to lobby for an increase in mental
health services on campus which have been experiencing cuts under the current
provincial administration. For many in our community these services are
essential to their success at the university and the cutting of these programs
can be devastating. Lastly, increasing the availability of financial aid to
struggling students is yet another topic which I would focus on addressing
during my advocacy and lobbying work, as these programs extend past what we see
on campus and can be essential to assisting in a struggling students personal
life as well. I believe that an education system should operate on the basis of
allowing students with talent and intelligence the ability to thrive in
university. Watching economic status become a factor that could limit a
student’s capabilities of continuing or entering university, is something I am
greatly concerned with.
Working alongside our counterparts in CAUS and CASA is also of great importance
as I believe unity and cooperation with other post-Secondary institutions is
the most productive path forward to accomplishing these goals.
Tel: (403)-329-2780
Email: su.external@uleth.ca
Executive Action Plan
EC Reports 2021-2022 - VP External
