End-of-year message from Abrar Abdelmahmoud, VPSA of the UWSA

For the past year, I’ve had the immense privilege of serving the student body at the University of Winnipeg as your Vice President of Student Affairs. This role has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It came with its fair share of challenges, but what made it meaningful and transformative was the incredible people I had the honor of working with. 

Working alongside strong-minded, intelligent, and deeply supportive women like Tomiris and Chhavi truly made my term unforgettable. From day one, they uplifted my ideas and stood beside me during both the high points and difficult moments. Their unwavering encouragement made every challenge feel conquerable.  

I’m also incredibly grateful to the UWSA staff for their support, warmth, and collaboration. Ted Turner, our Special Projects Manager, has been a constant pillar for me, a sounding board, a problem solver, and someone who always made time to listen. Binara’s tireless advocacy for students inspired me deeply and reminded me why this work matters. Alex brought life to every idea I proposed, transforming concepts into vibrant campus experiences. And of course, Diksha and Cynthia brought joy and laughter to the workplace, making the office a space of vibrance and connection. 

In my role as VPSA, I had the opportunity to represent students on several important university committees, including the Senate Appeals Committee, the Senate Academic Misconduct and Standards Committee, the Senate Student Services Committee, the Senate Graduate Appeals Committee, and the Academic Integrity Working Group. I was proud to speak up in these spaces and ensure student voices were centered, especially when it came to accessible processes, equitable treatment, and stronger support systems for international students. I advocated for increased collaboration between academic advisors and the student union to foster more connected and transparent services. 

As a member of both Senate and the Board of Regents, I navigated environments that were sometimes intimidating but I never let that deter me or my team from raising student concerns. We spoke out on issues like campus safety, tuition affordability, and inclusive grading practices. Throughout these engagements, I consistently pushed for more transparency from senior administration and emphasized the need for student representation in decision-making spaces. 

One of the most critical aspects of my role was supporting students through academic misconduct cases. Over the year, I worked with more than 50 students, whether by meeting with them individually, attending hearings for moral support, or guiding them through appeal processes for deferred exams, retroactive withdrawals, and incomplete coursework. I’m deeply thankful for the academic advisors, especially Binara, who helped me navigate these situations and always ensured students were treated with care and fairness. 

A highlight of my term was representing the University of Winnipeg at the Canadian Federation of Students’ National General Meeting in Ottawa. Winnipeg’s student population is small within the CFS national network, which makes it even more important to speak up about the unique needs of our students. At this conference, I advocated for free healthcare for international students, reduced tuition fees, and a clearer, more transparent defederation process. Alongside my colleague Chhavi, we pushed for greater CFS visibility on our campus, so students understand both the value and impact of their membership. 

One of my proudest accomplishments was launching the Academic Mentorship Program, a project I had envisioned from the very beginning of my term. As a first-generation immigrant navigating the Canadian post-secondary system without the guidance of family members who had been through it, I often felt alone in figuring things out. I wanted to create a program where students could find guidance, build confidence, and connect with alumni who once walked the same path. The program officially launched on March 26th, and I truly hope it continues to grow and benefit future students. 

To every student who entrusted me with their voice, their concerns, and their hopes—thank you. Being elected as your Vice President of Student Affairs was more than just a title; it was a responsibility I held close to my heart every single day. Thank you for believing in me, for challenging me, and for allowing me to grow through this experience. I am leaving this role with immense gratitude, deeper purpose, and a lasting love for student advocacy. Though this chapter is ending, my commitment to standing up for students will always continue.  

With all my heart, 

Abrar Abdelmahmoud
Vice President of Student Affairs (2024-2025)
University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA)