University of Regina has terminated its fee-collection agreement with the University of Regina Students’ Union (URSU) following months of escalating disputes over financial mismanagement, leadership conduct, and clashes with student-run service centres.
Effective August 31, the decision marks a dramatic rupture in campus relations and leaves student representation in limbo.
President Jeff Keshen announced on Wednesday that the university lost confidence in URSU’s ability to manage funds or represent students after it failed to address concerns raised in its 2024 audited financial statements.
According to Keshen, the university had offered governance and financial support, but URSU did not act on recommendations.
“This is a decision we do not take lightly,” said Keshen, adding that core services like health plans and academic advocacy will continue in fall 2025, with the university handling fee collection.
URSU’s troubles extend beyond finances.
The union faces mounting criticism over recent moves to defund the campus Women’s Centre and UR Pride Centre.
URSU claimed that both centres breached compliance agreements by failing to submit financial reports, hold elections since 2022, or maintain regular operations.
The cuts, announced in February, sparked protests with students accusing the Pakistani student-dominated URSU of targeting marginalized groups with their fundamentalist Muslim beliefs.
Tensions boiled over on March 17 when newly elected URSU President Hazma Rehan and Vice-President of Student Affairs Razan Raza were captured on video disrupting the Women’s Centre’s annual general meeting.
Attendees reported shouting, accusations of “invalid” procedures, and attempts to adjourn the gathering.
The Women’s Centre’s coordinators called the incident an “attack on student autonomy.”
URSU declined to comment on the March incident but defended the funding cuts in an earlier statement, insisting centres must follow “basic governance standards.”
The union also acknowledged the university’s financial concerns, stating it hoped to negotiate a solution that preserves student independence.
Keshen emphasized the university respects student unions autonomy but said accountability is non-negotiable.
“The University remains committed to working in good faith with a student union that demonstrates a commitment to good governance and sound financial management,” said Keshen, pointing out that students are exploring ways to reshape their representation.
The fallout has left many confused.
URSU fees, which fund services like transit passes, food banks, and clubs, will no longer be collected after spring/summer 2025.
University officials said transition plans will be shared in the near future.
Meanwhile, URSU insists it will continue operations “as usual” while reviewing its options.
The university’s decision follows a rocky year for URSU, including historically low voter turnout in its 2025 election and a lawsuit from a former employee alleging wrongful dismissal.
Auditors also flagged multiple “irregular expenditures,” though details remain undisclosed.
Keshen urged students to drive any changes to representation, calling it a “critical moment” for campus democracy.
“We are aware that steps are being taken by URSU’s student members that may result in changes to how student views are represented at the University of Regina,” said Keshen.
“It is critical for that process to be driven by and for students and we hope that it leads to a sustainable path forward to an effective and accountable student representative organization.”