Ottawa, August 10, 2018 – The University of Ottawa has learned of allegations of financial mismanagement involving certain individuals within the administration of the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa (SFUO).

Representatives of the University of Ottawa recently met with the SFUO’s executive committee to request that a forensic audit be immediately conducted to investigate these allegations.

The University takes these allegations seriously. The SFUO is independent of the University of Ottawa and the University plays no role in its governance and internal management. However, protecting the interests of uOttawa students is of primary concern to the University, which wants to ensure that money collected from students is properly managed.

The University collects fees from students and transfers these funds in regular instalments to the SFUO so that it can provide services and activities to students, including transit passes (U-Pass).

In order to protect the interests of students and to ensure that the SFUO allocates funds responsibly and uses them for legitimate, intended purposes, the University has notified the SFUO that it will be withholding transfer payments. Measures will be put in place to ensure the continuity of financial operations until the results of the forensic audit are available and the University is confident that sound financial practices and controls are in place.

The University of Ottawa offers its full support to the SFUO in resolving this matter and will take all necessary steps to safeguard the student services provided by the SFUO.