Student union

Join the WLL student union

World Languages and Literatures Student Union

Who we are

The World Languages and Literatures Student Union (WLLSU) is the official student union for the SFU World Languages and Literatures Department. We are a group of SFU students who are keenly interested in literature from around the world and are passionate about exploring and learning various global languages.

Does this sound like you? If so, WLLSU is the place for you! We enjoy meeting like-minded people with similar interests and new members are always welcome at every WLLSU meeting and event.

What we do

We are dedicated to promoting, representing, and advocating for students’ interests within the Department of World Languages and Literatures, the University, the Simon Fraser Student Society, and the larger community. Our union meets regularly to organize academic, social, and recreational activities for members of the union and all World Languages and Literatures students.

In the past, such events have included writing workshops, origami-making parties, Bob Ross paint nights, and author visits. We have also collaborated with various Unions across campus, including the English Student Union and Humanities Student Union, and work with the Lyre magazine, a literary magazine run by SFU WLL students. We regularly undertake projects, activities, and initiatives to benefit the membership and the World Languages and Literatures department as a whole.

The largest event that the World Languages and Literatures Student Union holds is the annual World Literature Student Conference. The World Literature Student Conference is an academic conference that provides SFU students of all programs and faculties the opportunity to present their research on a topic that relates to the given theme of that year. Students selected to speak at the conference receive ample training in advance to improve their public speaking skills and deliver the most effective presentation possible. Following the conference is a soirée with food and entertainment for all conference attendees. This conference is the largest such event in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain public speaking experience or to join the student team dedicated to bringing this event to life.

Why you should join

Benefits of joining the WLLSU include having a voice in the development of SFU World Languages and Literatures, getting to know your professors, obtaining valuable resumé building material, and learning to work effectively in an organized group setting. Above all, the WLLSU is a group of friends who support each other and create a sense of belonging amidst the often-overwhelming experience of being an Undergraduate student. We always want to meet new people, and hope to see you at our next event or meeting!

Want to know when we’re meeting next?

We post all of our event and meeting information to our Facebook. You can also keep up with what we’re doing on Instagram.

Roles

President

The President chairs Union meetings and assures that all Union business is moving according to plan and in accordance with the WLLSU Constitution. The President is the spokesperson for the Union, and acts as the primary liaison between the Union and the Program, Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), and University on important matters. Finally, the President has signing power, and signs all formal Union correspondence.

Vice President of Operations

The VP of Operations works closely with the President to oversee the operations of the Union. They are in charge of coordinating the schedules of executive members, planning meetings, and assisting other Executives with special projects and initiatives. Additionally, they assume the duties of the President should the President be unable or unwilling to carry them out, or should the Presidency become vacant.

Executive Administrator

The Executive Administrator maintains Union records, including the minutes of the General Assembly, the Constitution, and other related documents. They record, reproduce, and distribute meeting minutes to members. Furthermore, they compile and maintain executive, representative, and membership lists. They are additionally responsible for maintaining relevant documents for the Union, and communicating between WLL professors and staff about Union-related initiatives and events.

Treasurer

The Treasurer maintains all financial records of the Union, conducts both short and long term financial planning on behalf for the Union, and is responsible for all monies received and disbursed by the Union. They also have signing power over financial documents of the Union. The Treasurer typically carries this role throughout the Union, the World Literature Student Conference, and the Lyre Magazine.

Social Media Coordinator

The Social Media Coordinator is responsible for the promotion of the Union on various social media endeavours. They are responsible for organizing and executing any online promotional campaigns for the Union. The Social Media Coordinator is in charge of the Union Facebook page. They must also work with the Social Media Coordinators of other DSUs and work on cross-promotional plans.

Creative Director

The Creative Director is responsible for arranging all graphic media and promotional material for Union events and meetings. They are also responsible for developing and maintaining all Union logos and merchandise designs.  The Creative Director must coordinate with the other Executive members to help promote the activities, events, and meetings of the Union.

SFSS Forum Representative

The SFSS Forum Representative promotes the interests of the membership at SFSS Forum meetings. They liaise between the SFSS and the Union, and help ensure that the Union is acting in compliance with SFSS regulations. Additionally, they report on activities and initiatives of the SFSS Forum to the Union at meetings. The SFSS Forum Representative is the only paid position on the Union.

FASS DSU Rep

The FASS DSU Rep (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Departmental Student Union representative) is responsible for representing the interests of the WLLSU at all FASS DSU meetings. They act as the primary liaison between our Union and other unions within SFU’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Furthermore, the FASS DSU Rep is responsible for volunteering on planning committees of FASS-wide events, such as FASS Frosh, and subsequently reporting such event information back to the rest of the Union.

The 2019/2020 WLSU executives

President: 
Mizuki Giffin

VP of Operations: 
Kayla Tso

Treasurer: 
Koko Kerbis

Lower Division Representative: 
Anastasiia Lebedenko

Art/Creative Director: 
Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson

Social Media Coordinator: 
Kristina Kamukai

WLLSU monthly newsletter

Do you love world literature? Passionate about global languages? We make a newsletter every month, and it's now available to everyone (for free!), even if you're not a student at SFU! 

Subscribe now

Follow and contact us

 @SFUWLLSU

 @SFUWLLSU

 wl-pres@sfu.ca