The Caribbean Studies Students Union (CARSSU) is the academic student group representing all full-time undergraduate students who are enrolled in a Caribbean Studies course or program at the University of Toronto. The overarching objective of CARSSU is two-fold: (a) to promote and advocate for improvements to the Caribbean Studies program at the University of Toronto (St. George) and provide diverse representation and support for members of the Caribbean Studies Program and (b) to organize with its membership to advocate for the betterment of the Caribbean region and its diaspora, through knowledge sharing in social and community-based programming.

CARSSU’s intent is to organize with students to advocate for the betterment of the Caribbean Studies program, while addressing the issues of Eurocentrism and lack of interdisciplinary courses amongst mainstream subject matter. Recognizing that academic experiences are closely linked to the many systemic barriers that students face in academia, CARSSU works to address these issues, while providing a space for critical thought. These spaces include and are not limited to the University of Toronto Journal of Caribbean Studies (Caribbean Quilt) published annually by CARSSU.

As the only student organization that both represents Caribbean Studies students, and lobbies for the betterment of those in the region and its diaspora, CARSSU has a unique focus on academics, as well as community and social development. CARSSU strives to not only showcase the complex and profound history, political climate, and socio-cultural environment of the Caribbean region but, also to raise awareness for issues that are affecting the region and continuously hold ourselves accountable as diaspora representatives.