URSU Demands Delay as U of R Eviction Takes Effect Immediately

URGENT UPDATE: The University of Regina Students’ Union (URSU) is fighting for more time after the University of Regina (U of R) terminated its lease with no prior notice. Students’ union leaders were ordered to vacate their office space immediately, leaving them just until Wednesday to collect their belongings.

Just moments ago, URSU Vice President Jwalant Patel revealed that he was blindsided when U of R security officers arrived at the union’s office last week. They handed him an eviction notice and demanded he leave within just five minutes. “We were given no notice about this,” Patel told CBC. “Just imagine, even landlords in Regina provide a 15-day notice.”

The university’s abrupt action leaves URSU with only three days to clear out, significantly disrupting operations. The eviction was announced on Friday, with U of R President Jeff Keshen stating it was due to a “loss of confidence” in the union’s ability to represent students.

URSU’s office on the second floor of the Riddell Centre, which included the popular Lazy Owl bar and restaurant, is now closed indefinitely. The university confirmed that bookings for the multi-purpose room will be handled by its hospitality services team moving forward.

Patel expressed deep concern about the implications for students, particularly as the new school year approaches. “It’s really saddening and heartbreaking,” said U of R student Pall Agarwan, who emphasized the vital student services that URSU provided, including subsidized transit passes and health benefits.

Patel has sent an email requesting that U of R rescind the eviction or allow URSU to remain until the end of August. He stressed the difficulty of moving out in such a short timeframe and is awaiting a response from the university by the end of the day.

In a statement, U of R assured students that core services such as health coverage and the U-Pass transit program will remain operational. However, students like Hunter Rul worry about the absence of representation on campus. “It has always been nice to know there was representation,” he said, fearing a loss of support for students, especially international students who rely heavily on these resources.

The situation has sparked intense discussions among the student body, many of whom feel uncertain about their future representation and support systems. As the university prepares for the upcoming semester, the impact of this eviction will be felt across the campus community.

Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.