Monday, May 21st
5:00-7:00 pm
Registration
Description: Upon arrival at the Four Points hotel in Gatineau, delegates can come register for the conference, and meet CASA staff and other attendees in this reception. CASA home office staff will have the registration table set up in the lobby of the Four Points Hotel.
7:00-9:00 pm
Social Ice Breakers
Food and refreshments provided
Description: This will be your first chance to meet and socialize with other CASA delegates from across the country. We encourage you to wear your school or association clothing if you have some!
Tuesday, May 22nd
8:00-9:00 am
Breakfast
Coffee and a light continental breakfast will be available
9:00-9:30 am
Elder Opening and Introduction
Description: CASA welcomes new and returning delegates to the organization. CASA’s staff and board will run an overview of the conference and what the objectives are. The conference will open with an opening address from a First Nations Elder who will acknowledge the Algonquin People, on whose traditional land the conference is taking place.
9:30-9:45 am
What is CASA?
Description: What exactly is the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA)? This session will give incoming delegates a brief overview of the organization.
9:45-10:30 am
Code of Conduct
Description: During this session delegates will be introduced to CASA’s Code of Conduct policy. This will include exploring why we have one, what it does, who and what code of conduct officers are and how best to ensure that all delegates feel safe and welcome during our conferences.
10:30-10:45 am
Break
10:45-11:30 pm
Who is Robert and why do I have to care about his rules? (Introduction to Robert’s Rules of Order and Formal Meetings at CASA)
Description: Delegates will be provided a brief overview of Robert’s Rules of Order and the general functioning of formal meetings of CASA’s members. This will help them understand their role and responsibilities when sitting around a plenary table.
11:30-12:00 pm
Opening Plenary
Description: CASA’s members officially open the conference with an opening plenary session. The minutes from AGM are presented, the agenda is voted on and Code of Conduct Officers are officially selected.
12:00-1:30 pm
Lunch
Not Provided
Description: CASA will provide delegates with a listing of meal options within proximity of the Four Points Hotel.
1:30-1:45 pm
Purpose of CASA
Description: A brief description of why CASA was created and what it provides post-secondary students.
1:45-2:45 pm
Structure of CASA
Description: Overview CASA’s structure and governing documents. This will include a review of the bylaws, operating procedures, staff, board and committees. Delegates should leave this presentation with a general understanding of how the organization is organized and where to look for detailed information about CASA’s operations.
2:45-3:00 pm
Social Break
3:00-4:00 pm
What CASA Does & Your Year At CASA
Description: Overview of the main functions of CASA: Advocacy, Communications, Policy and Research Development. Also an overview of what a delegates' year in CASA looks like.
4:00-5:00 pm
Role of the Federal Government in Your Education
Description: Overview of the role of the federal government in post-secondary education. This session will explore the difference between the provincial role and federal role in education. It will also explore how student can influence the federal government.
7:00-9:30 pm
Blanket Exercise
Description: In this interactive session, participants will be walked through the historical experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Wednesday, May 23rd
8:00-9:00 am
Breakfast
Coffee and a light continental breakfast will be available
9:00-9:15 am
Day 2 in Brief
Description: CASA's Executive Director will provide an overview of the day’s sessions.
9:15-11:00 am
Discussing Student Issues that Matter to You
Description: This facilitated discussion will allow delegates to brainstorm on issues of importance to them in the area of post-secondary education. A mix of silent discussions and group discussions will allow for a productive issue-based exchange.
11:00-11:15 am
Break
11:15-12:00 pm
Past Work, Wins & Where We're At
Description: Delegates will be provided an overview of some of CASA's past work and successes, as well as the organization's ongoing advocacy efforts.
12:00-1:30pm
Lunch
Not Provided
Description: CASA will provide delegates with a listing of meal options within proximity of the Four Points Hotel.
1:30-2:30 am
Guest Speaker: Abacus Data
Description: Abacus Data will present polling data on post-secondary education priorities.
2:30-3:15 pm
Guest Speaker: Quebec Student Union
Description: The Quebec Student Union and CASA have a partnership agreement that sees both groups come to the federal government with shared advocacy priorities. This presentation will provide delegates an overview of the relationship and its benefits.
3:15-3:30 pm
Social Break
3:30-4:30 pm
Guest Speaker: Utile – Student Housing
Description: A representative from Utile – a not-for-profit dedicated to developing student run co-ops – will talk about the challenges facing students when it comes to housing. They will also discuss potential roles for the federal government to play in addressing this pressing issue.
4:30-5:15 pm
Guest Speaker: Our Turn
Description: Presenters from Our Turn will provide attendees with an overview of their work on campus sexual violence.
7:00-9:00 pm
Escape Room Challenge
Description: Delegates will be placed in teams and locked in a room, with only your wits and a few clues to help you escape.
Thursday, May 24th
8:00-9:00 am
Breakfast
Coffee and a light continental breakfast will be available
9:00-9:15 am
Day 3 in Brief
Description: CASA's Executive Director will provide an overview of the day’s sessions.
9:15-10:15 am
Advocacy and Government Relations Training
Description: Professional advocates will provide training on advocacy and government relations. The session will focus on the work that delegates perform in their roles at CASA and in their own institutions.
10:15-10:30 am
Break
10:30-12:00 pm
Advocacy Practical Training
Description: Following the morning training session, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in mock lobbying. During this session, CASA presents a practical component to advocacy by teaching effective lobbying techniques, including how to handle challenging situations and how to clearly convey your message.
12:30-1:30 pm
Lunch
Not provided
1:30-2:30 pm
Guest Speaker: Canada Student Loans Program
Description: The Canada Student Loan Program (CSLP) will present an overview of the federal student assistance system. This presentation will provide delegates an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the rules that govern student assistance in Canada and will prepare interested delegates for policy development in this area.
2:30-2:45 pm
Social Break
2:45-4:00 pm
Themes Selection Process Discussion
Description: Every year CASA’s members must come together and decide on their priorities for the year. The process for this is called the Themes Selection Process and it will be covered in detail during this session
4:00-5:00 pm
Policy Development at CASA
Description: CASA’s staff will provide an introduction to policy development. This session will provide delegates with the tools to begin thinking about how they can create solutions to the problems they have identified on campus. This session is designed to introduce the topic, and more significant training will be provided to all of the policy-focused committees.
7:00-9:30 pm (approx.)
Board of Directors Update and Board of Directors Elections
Description: The outgoing Board will give a final update to the membership and present ongoing projects they have been working on. The membership will then elect a new Board of Directors.
Friday, May 25th
8:00-9:00 am
Breakfast
Coffee and a light continental breakfast will be available
9:00-9:15 am
Day 4 in Brief
Description: CASA's Executive Director will provide an overview of the day’s sessions.
9:15-10:00 am
Financial Update
Description: In this presentation, the outgoing Executive Director will give an update of 4th quarter actuals (financial statements).
10:00-10:15 am
Social Break
10:15-10:45am
Introduction to Highrise & Basecamp
Description: CASA uses digital infrastructure tools, called Highrise and Basecamp, to help with communication and storing information. This session will prepare delegates to make use of these tools in the course of their work with CASA.
10:45-11:15 pm
CASA Committees
Description: In this session, delegates will be introduced to the standing committees of CASA and will be briefed about how they function and what to expect as a member.
11:15-12:00 pm
From Here to Policy and Strategy Conference
Description: This session will inform delegates of the dates of the next conference, what we will be discussing/deciding at the conference, what will be occurring at the membership level from May to July, and how to prepare in advance of this conference, as well as the rest of the year.
12:00-1:30 pm
Lunch
Not provided
1:30-5:00 pm (estimated)
Closing Plenary
Description: Delegates decide on CASA business. Delegates will also elect permanent members to CASA’s standing committees and will attend to other business outlined on the plenary agenda.
Note: It is possible that closing plenary may run later into the evening. Please plan travel accordingly.