The establishment of Chinese Student Union has been delayed

by YunHan Yao

Chinese students are working on setting up a new independent student union at St. Clair College.

A lack of resources and little support from administration are keeping Chinese students from registering their planned union.

Chinese students plan for their organization to address and support a variety of issues, including language barriers, recreation activities and life concerns. Once the union receives official permission, they can proceed with these plans.

Kelvin Cui, the head of the new student union said he came up with this idea in October of 2013. Cui said he is constantly working on the program, but is not satisfied with its progress.

“I have confidence, but it takes time,” said Cui, adding that negotiations with college executives and the Student Representative Council are moving slowly.

The school currently has four student departments including the SRC, mentor department, international student and the alumni sections. These departments serve all students, but Cui said he believes that none of them encourage Chinese students to ask for help.

“When I first came to school I felt confused, I didn`t know where to get help, and I was afraid to talk to local students,” said Cui.

“Many other Chinese students have the same problem. Maybe the new union can help,” he added.

Cui said no one knows how to register a new union at school and get support of the College.

“We have built the union`s structure, and have a management team which includes 20 Chinese students,” said Cui

International Student Office manager, Alex Wu, said he doesn`t think it`s necessary to set up a new union. He said it`s not only Chinese students, but also other international students who can feel confused when they come into a totally new environment.

“How do they know they can`t get help from the departments if they don`t ask?” said Wu. He said the new union may be helpful in some ways, but it may create a barrier between the local students and Chinese students.

Wu said he understands that Chinese students want to be organized and help each other, but he suggests the union members get help from the four existing departments, which have more resources.

“I believe they should participate in those activities, organized by those departments first,” said Wu. Instead of establishing a new organization, he thinks the best way is to join those departments, and not be separate from the college.

“At least not yet,” said Wu. “If the international students need help or assistance, there is where they can get help for sure,” he added.