Francine Tshilumba Vice President External
Bonjour, Hello & Oki everyone! My name is Francine Tshilumba, and
I’m honored to be running for Vice President External in the ULSU
elections. I am a passionate advocate, a dedicated leader, and
someone who believes that student voices deserve to be heard
louder, clearer, and stronger.
As a trilingual Black student, I understand the unique challenges that
many students face, whether it’s affordability, representation, or
access to opportunities. My experience as the First-Year
Representative in the ULSU has shown me how much work still needs
to be done to ensure that every student at the University of
Lethbridge is represented and supported beyond campus. Beyond
advocacy, I believe in accessibility. I want to bridge the gap between
students and decision-makers, making sure that every student knows
their concerns are being heard and acted upon.
I have taken the time to understand ULSU policies, university
governance, and government advocacy strategies to ensure that, if
elected, I can immediately fight for real changes that benefit all
students. From lowering tuition and securing more financial aid to
expanding internship and employment opportunities, I am ready to
take action on the issues that matter most. If elected, I will work
tirelessly to ensure that government officials, external organizations,
and university administrators see students not as statistics, but as
real people whose futures deserve investment and protection.
Students deserve a leader who will not only speak for them but also
amplify their voices where it matters most, at the municipal,
provincial, and federal levels. I am ready to be that leader. This is
more than just a campaign, it’s a movement to ensure that student
advocacy is stronger, clearer, and more effective than ever before. I
am ready to fight for you, and I ask for your support in making this
vision a reality.
Vote Francine Tshilumba for VP External and let’s make student
advocacy louder, clearer, and stronger, together.
What do you know about the position you are running for?
What are some of the initiatives you would like to implement if you are elected?
As Vice President External, my mission is to amplify student voices where it matters most,
at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. I will fight for affordable education,
expanded opportunities, and stronger student advocacy beyond campus.
My Priorities:
1. Lower Tuition & More Student Funding
The cost of education should not be a burden. My goal is to work to ensure that tuition
increases are challenged, student fees remain fair, and financial aid options are expanded
to support those who need them most. My goal is to Advocate for lower tuition and
reduced student fees through CAUS & CASA lobbying efforts, push for increased
government grants & scholarships to reduce student debt & ensure more financial
transparency so students know where their money is going.
2. Stronger Student Representation in Government
Students deserve a seat at the table when decisions affecting our future are made. I will
advocate for direct student participation in key policy discussions at both provincial and
federal levels; which is to: fight for student concerns to be prioritized in government policy
discussions & mobilize students through town halls, petitions, and public campaigns.
3. More Internships & Job Opportunities
It’s not enough to graduate with a degree, students need real-world experience. My goal is
to fight for more co-op placements, paid internships, and work-integrated learning
programs to bridge the gap between education and employment. To do that my goal is to:
build partnerships with businesses & organizations to expand paid internships, advocate
for work-integrated learning programs that bridge academics and careers & push for
stronger student protections & fair wages in student employment.
4. Support for Marginalized & International Students
International students face unique challenges with tuition, work limitations, and
immigration policies. My goal is to increase awareness and push for policies that create a
more supportive environment for them to thrive. To do that my goal is to push for more
scholarships & resources for underrepresented students, advocate for expanded work
opportunities & immigration support for international students & Ensure EDI (Equity,
Diversity & Inclusion) is prioritized in all external advocacy efforts.
This election is about real action, real advocacy, and real results. Vote Francine Tshilumba
for VP External, and let’s make student advocacy louder, clearer, and stronger, together.