About AéDSA
The International Development and Globalization Student Association (AÉDSA) is a Registered Student Government (RSG) in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa. Representing all full-time and part-time undergraduate students in "International Development and Globalization", "International Economics and Development", and "droit civil et B.sc.soc. spécialisé en développement international et mondialisation", the AÉDSA acts as a liaison between students and the university, a support network, and an opportunity to make connections with others in the program. The AÉDSA is a student-powered organization whose executive is elected by the student body. As an association, our objectives including:
- Promoting our students interested to FSS, SIDGS and the University Administration
- Support student involvement in campus activities, as well as professional and academic organizations
- Develop a sense of community and belonging within the represented programs
- Promote fair and equal rights of all students
- Maintain a high level of integrity and decorum which shows respect for the AEDSA and all affiliates
- Work in collaboration with existing UOSU services such as the Feminist Resource Centre, Pride Centre, Bilingualism Centre, International House, Sustainable Development Centre and other UOSU services
- Conduction administrative efforts independently from the UOSU
Our History
The International Development and Globalization program was first offered by the University of Ottawa in 2008, with a cohort of only 20 students. These students were represented by the Political Science Student Association (PSSA) and formed the DVMEIL Committee to serve the needs of DVM and EIL students (International Studies and Modern languages) within the association. After gaining momentum in 2005, the DVMEIL Committee organized an unofficial referendum in order to separate from the PSSA. After the referendum passed overwhelmingly, the PSSA cut all funding to the committee and no longer recognized it as official.
The clear divide between PSSA student leaders and student leaders in the DVM program led DVM students to push for an official separation referendum recognized by the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) in January of 2007. The referendum had a lot of support, but failed by merely 2 votes of the total 186 cast. The results of this referendum were further controversial due to discrepancies between the voters list and the number of ballots cast, but the SFUO rejected all student appeals. Later, in September of 2007, the PSSA changed its name to the Political, International and Development Studies Student Association (PIDSSA) under pressure from the DVM movement and in order to entice DVM students to remain a part of the association in the future.
After seven more years in an increasingly more positive relationship with PIDSSA, DVM students decided that since they had become Canada’s largest international development program, with nearly 900 undergraduate students, it was time to separate from PIDSSA so as to better focus on the specific needs and interests of the DVM student population. In February of 2014, DVM students voted on this referendum and decisively supported the movement with an overwhelmingly large voter turnout and 79% of all votes in favour of separation.
With the new independent Development Student Association (DSA) now set to begin its first mandate on May 1st, 2014, DVM students rushed to the SFUO office to nominate themselves for executive positions. With only six executive positions available, a surprising total of 16 candidates presented themselves for the DSA’s first election. After days of campaigning, postering, class talks, a debate and a candidate meet-and-greet, students voted for and elected their very first executive team. After selecting directors to complete the DSA team, the new student leaders set-off to prove just how much an independent DVM student association could accomplish.
The clear divide between PSSA student leaders and student leaders in the DVM program led DVM students to push for an official separation referendum recognized by the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) in January of 2007. The referendum had a lot of support, but failed by merely 2 votes of the total 186 cast. The results of this referendum were further controversial due to discrepancies between the voters list and the number of ballots cast, but the SFUO rejected all student appeals. Later, in September of 2007, the PSSA changed its name to the Political, International and Development Studies Student Association (PIDSSA) under pressure from the DVM movement and in order to entice DVM students to remain a part of the association in the future.
After seven more years in an increasingly more positive relationship with PIDSSA, DVM students decided that since they had become Canada’s largest international development program, with nearly 900 undergraduate students, it was time to separate from PIDSSA so as to better focus on the specific needs and interests of the DVM student population. In February of 2014, DVM students voted on this referendum and decisively supported the movement with an overwhelmingly large voter turnout and 79% of all votes in favour of separation.
With the new independent Development Student Association (DSA) now set to begin its first mandate on May 1st, 2014, DVM students rushed to the SFUO office to nominate themselves for executive positions. With only six executive positions available, a surprising total of 16 candidates presented themselves for the DSA’s first election. After days of campaigning, postering, class talks, a debate and a candidate meet-and-greet, students voted for and elected their very first executive team. After selecting directors to complete the DSA team, the new student leaders set-off to prove just how much an independent DVM student association could accomplish.
AEDSA Executive Leadership
Each year, AEDSA holds an election for the entire Development Student Body to determine the incoming leadership team that operates AEDSA for the academic year. This team comprises of over 15 student leaders in International Development at the University of Ottawa that focus on increasing student voice, hosting events and creating networking & real-life opportunities that link International Development curriculum to the real world. Learn more about your Executive Leadership team for 2023-2024.
|
Leah Smith, President
|
Association des étudiants en DéveloPpement International | Development Students' Association (AÉDSA)
FSS 2039 - 120 University Private
Ottawa, ON K1N 9A7
University of Ottawa
FSS 2039 - 120 University Private
Ottawa, ON K1N 9A7
University of Ottawa