TRUSU Emergency Services

TRUSU Emergency Services

We have been working to ensure services and supports offered through the Students’ Union continue to be there when you need them. We are committed to doing everything we can to provide assistance as we move through this crisis together as a community. We recognize that many students’ need for assistance will be increasing during this period rather than declining and we have been working to meet those needs. While our building and in-person operations are closed, we want to assure you that our support services continue to operate.

Below you will find an outline of a variety of support services we offer and how you can access them. Please know that we are here for you and are available by phone and through our digital communication channels listed below.

Emergency Bursary

The TRUSU Emergency Bursary supplies emergency financial aid when students need help. This program provides short-term relief for students facing unanticipated and urgent financial crises. This non-repayable form of aid is supplied to help cover the necessities of life for these students, like rent, food and prescription medication, in a time of need, to help our members get back on their feet.
With the current COVID-19 pandemic, our Board of Directors has allocated an additional $100,000 to provide emergency financial relief to students who are struggling to make ends meet. We have also worked with financial aid and awards to move the application process online so that students in need will be able to access these funds remotely.

To apply for an emergency bursary:

  1. Log in to your myTRU account, then
  2. under the Awards & Financial Aid heading, click on Apply for an award. and
  3. in the new window that opens, choose “Emergency Bursary Application

UPASS and Transit Service

At this time the City of Kamloops has suspended the collection of fares so there is no requirement to have your UPASS activated until further notice. You can continue to ride public transit as necessary. Please keep in mind that BC Transit has implemented a rear-door loading system in order to provide social distancing for bus drivers.

Food Bank

We are continuing to offer a campus food bank for students in need. If you find yourself food insecure and require a Foodbank package please contact us by phone or email.

We have started accepting financial donations to the TRUSU Food Bank online. If you would like to make a donation to the TRUSU Food Bank click here.

Health and Dental

The Health and Dental Plan continues to operate as normal. If you experience any issues accessing your coverage or need more information please complete the health and dental inquiry form here. Our Services Coordinator will get in touch with you to provide support and assistance.

Members’ Advocate

We hope that you have been able to make the transition to on online classes with as few obstacles and issues as possible, however, we recognize that there will be specific circumstances where students face additional barriers or require additional support. The Members’ Advocate is the way that we as the Students’ Union can support you in that process. Working with you to help you find a resolution to your current situation where possible. Click here to visit the Members’ Advocate page and complete the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Contact Information

As your Students’ Union, we are committed to being there for you and with you as we navigate this situation as a campus community. You can always reach out to us and we will do our best to support you and to get you the information you need to make decisions about your own situation.