Start a Sponsoring Committee

WUSC Local Committees on campus play a vital role in the Student Refugee Program (SRP). By committing to sponsor a student refugee, they are responsible for providing financial and social support for the first 12 months from the time the sponsored student arrives in Canada. 

Some roles and responsibilities of sponsoring Local committees include:

• Negotiating with their college or university administration to reduce or waive the sponsored student's tuition, residence and meal plan fees
• lead campaigns to introduce or increase levies on tuition fees to support the SRP
• solicit other donations and in-kind contributions
• welcome the sponsored students when they arrive and help them adjust to life in Canada
• assist the student in registering for courses and accessing campus, health, and other services

Before deciding to become a Sponsoring Committee, WUSC strongly recommends that you to identify a faculty/staff advisor to help guide you. Advisors help ensure the long-term sustainability of the SRP by providing guidance and continuity to your committee from year to year.

1. If one doesn't already exist on your campus, start a WUSC Local Committee.
2. Assess your financial capacity to sponsor a student refugee. 
3. Approach other students as well as faculty and staff to determine the level of interest in the SRP on campus.
4. Create your fundraising strategy and begin planning your SRP Awareness Activities.  
5. Develop your sponsorship plan

We offer many resources to help new and existing Local Committees get involved in the SRP.