Fostering Community at Renison through RASC

By Caitlyn Yelle, Student Experience Peer Leader and RASC President

The Renison Academic Student Committee (RASC) is a student leadership committee comprised of undergraduate students and peer leaders at Renison who provide service-learning and student leadership opportunities to all Renison students. The committee seeks to enhance the Renison student experience through events that connect with our community and advocate for student needs while at university.��

My RASC journey did not start this year, I was a member of RASC during the 2023-24 school year. During that year I learned a lot from the previous president and the other members of RASC, from working together at events to dropping off clothing donations to the Working Centre, I could not have been president without their help and kindness.��

Through RASC, I have connected with so many amazing people who have made being President easy and very fun! Although our meetings were on Mondays at 9 a.m. during the fall term, I could not have imagined a better way to start off my week and connect with my peers. I could not have done this without them, and I appreciate my crew SO much!

Although I have worked with a great group of individuals I also have connected with many staff and faculty at Renison. The Student Experience and Housing Team has supported me tremendously with both RASC ideas and outreach as well as personal support! Their help and support have made all the difference in RASC’s outcome this year and for that, I am extremely grateful.��

During the past few months with recent changes at Renison, we have been able to connect more with the Chair of SDS, Dr. Denise Marigold, and the President of Renison, Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry. As students we have advocated for transparency and input into changes at Renison, and with their kindness we hope to develop more of a connection in the future with both RASC and the rest of the student body so that our needs are being met.��

In September, RASC started off with the annual breakfast catered by Mel’s Diner, this allowed us to connect with the new students before the school year kicked in while eating some yummy food. Connecting with the study body, especially those who lived off campus, was the most important aspect of RASC goals and starting off the year with this event allowed me to sit down and build relationships.

During this month I also met the members of RASC that I would be working with for the next 8 months, I cannot stress how valuable working with them was and how far we have come from September.

In October, we had our reoccurring Chill with RASC which was a great time to take a break from studying, enjoy some snacks and make some new friends. This was one of our ways to connect with the student body at Renison and make some valuable relationships. Also, before reading week, we had Pizza with Profs where SDS students can connect with their professors and academic advisors more casually and develop deeper connections.

Also, we had our Krispy Kreme fundraiser for the Renison Student Urgent Needs (SUN) Bursary. This is an important bursary that gives temporary financial support for Renison-registered students or those living in Renison residences. We were able to raise $1203.95!

On Halloween, we had our annual Trick or Eat event where we went to the neighbourhood nearby to collect food for students who may be facing food insecurity.

At the end of the Fall term, we had a new event, “Refuel and Meditate”, where we had yummy snacks and drinks while also trying a few types of meditation with our Chaplain, Rev. Scott McLeod, who is an amazing support here at Renison. This event was perfect to have right before exams when stress levels are high and taking a break and taking some time for self-care is key.

In the Winter term, we had many exciting events such as Refuel with RASC where we set up in the Atrium and give students free drinks and snacks as they are heading to class, the library, or the many other things that us busy students do. Being fueled is always important when doing well academically and we want to make sure every student can do that!

In March we had our annual Book and Bake Sale, which is also for the SUN Bursary. Before the event, we asked for book donations for the event, and we were able to raise $366. We also had our Letter Against Isolation event where we wrote to seniors at a retirement home in Ontario who may be facing isolation. Through these letters of love, hope, and joy we were able to send them to those who needed it the most!

We finished off the school year with our DIY study kits where students can pick from a variety of pens, resources, snacks, and fidgets to assist them in their upcoming exams.

During the 2024-2025 school year RASC was able to foster connection with students here at Renison through fun events and service-learning opportunities. We were able to contribute to student life and am happy I was able to do it with an amazing team this year. Thank you!

I wanted to give a thank you and shout-out to Stefany Kraft, a Student Experience Coordinator here at Renison. We could not have been able to do this without you and your support. All the events we have done as RASC are from her amazing planning, she is truly the best!

I encourage those who are interested to join RASC as it is a great way to get involved and have your voice heard on ways to foster community here at Renison.