Elections 2018: Students’ Union Candidate Platforms

I am a 5th year Concurrent Education student seeking election for the role of President & CEO of the Students’ Union because I believe in creating the best student experience for all students.

My platform is categorized into 5 pillars: Student Experience, Accessibility, Safety & Wellness, External Relations and Looking Forward. If elected, I plan to focus on giving students their voice, offer more opportunities for students to get involved, and improve the support and resources for the operations of the Students’ Union in order to improve programming and services to students.

I have gained a lot of experience from my time at Laurier. From being an Orientation Week Volunteer to being a Don to my several positions within the Students’ Union, I want to use my experience in order to serve the community that has given me so much over the years.  

It’s time to Make Fletch Happen.

makefletchhappen.ca

Efficiency, Effectiveness, and a Positive Change are what I will be striving for when I become the President and CEO of the Wilfrid Laurier University’s Student Union. My goal as your future President and CEO is to ensure that all your needs and concerns as undergraduate students are addressed with efficiency and effectiveness. My experience with an institutional and non-for-profit board of directors, involvement with the Student Union, and life experience are all assets for me to accomplish our goals. I have spoken to students, both domestic and international about the experiences they have had on campus and know how to ensure their voices are heard. This goal will achieve by opening communication between student, professors, and staff members. My goal is to not only make the Student Union better but to make sure that you are included in the decision-making process. WE STAND WITH IDRIS.

As a 2018/2019 SU Presidential Candidate, my platform is built on community cohesion & helping others. If elected, under my presidency, I will focus on assisting the Laurier cohort for present and future generations of students through a series of tangible initiatives:

1. An integrated Wellness Centre- Expanding the building for students to improve their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.
2. Laurier App- a centralized information hub with real time updates about club events, meetings, and executive positions.
3. A diversity & inclusion program for members of the following diversified groups: international students, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, LGBTQIA and indigenous peoples.
4. Modeled after Make A Wish Foundation, the SU Successful Students Application will be Laurier’s very own! My agenda continues with a focus on study spaces, Brantford Wilf’s, scholarships, Greek-Life re-integration etc.

See the full platform at www.ahelpinghandwithtarique.com

Tarique Plummer, a helping hand.

“empower to achieve”

My slogan is a quote from the Students’ Union strategic plan. It encompasses exactly the purpose of the union for me. I believe the union can empower students by fostering relationships and reducing obstacles for growth. Transparency is the key for developing a strong relationship with students. I’d recommend initiatives such as monthly town hall meetings run by the president. Internally, if elected, I will ensure clear communication of goals within the union and that our volunteers are given every chance to develop their talents and work on exciting projects. There are obstacles for growth we can work on immediately. Greater efforts in developing programs for free academic materials, i.e text books, should be a priority. Another obstacle is the outdated reimbursement process which I hope to update in order to reduce waste of resources.

Learn more about me and my platform at empower2achieve.net

My name is Osman Alwi and I am a first year Criminology student at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus. I am running for a position in the board of directors to reassure improvements in the strategic direction of students’ union. My goal is to provide all Laurier Golden Hawks with the best university experience by ensuring the amelioration of current policies. If elected, I will use my position to provide further communications through social media and other platforms. These platforms will be utilized to further the improvements in both Waterloo and Brantford campuses. I will ensure to work with other members of the board efficiently to accomplish desired goals set out for the students’ union. Ultimately, one of my main focuses will be to enhance the benefits of all Golden Hawks, work to strengthen the community and build the future of Wilfrid Laurier.  

My name is Adam Beck and I am running for election to become a Director of the Wilfrid Laurier University Student’s Union Board (WLUSU).  I am in the 3rd year of my Political Science degree with Social Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement Options.  These fields of study have helped and will continue to help me develop skills that make me a prime candidate for the 2018 WLUSU election.  

With the Laurier student body growing rapidly, I want to make sure that the way our school functions grows with it.  A vote for me is a vote that guarantees Laurier’s ability to effectively adapt to the constantly evolving expectations of a university experience.  Working with other directors, I will ensure that the voices of ALL students are heard and will represent the student body with integrity, accuracy and equality.

My goal is to look at the future of Laurier and improve it to the best of my abilities. I want to make the university an environment where all students can not only survive, but thrive. In order to do this, I want to advocate for more study spaces on a permanent basis, not just during exams and midterms. I want to expand the writing centre appointments and drop in hours so more students can get help. Additionally, to the future of Laurier I also have goals that are attainable for my current time on the Student Board of Directors. Wi- Fi improvements all across campus as that is one of student’s largest complaints. There can be improvements to mental health facilities so students who are non-emergent still have help available. Lastly, improvements in club resources for all students’ union clubs, including accountability to the students’ union itself for budgeting.

My name is Christopher Donnelly and I am doing a double major in history and political science. I am running for both a position on the Board of Directors as well as the Senate.

The Students Union and the Senate interest me because I want to give the most to our members, the students, in both academics and student life. Through passion, dedication, transparency, and accountability I hope to ensure that the student’s interests as well as the management teams are both noted and followed.

I want to continue to be a role model and an advocate of the social responsibility at Laurier. Through my previous experiences in my first year, and my experiences so far in my second year, I deeply care for the Laurier Community and the Laurier Students. I strongly believe that if elected we will make our home an even better place than it already is.

According to Jose Rizal, “The youth is the hope of our future.” I, Kareem Elliott as a first year Kinesiology student seeking a position within the Board of Directors will make a future that is resourceful, rational, and inventive.

My will and dedication to ensure the greatest Laurier experience for every student drives me to commit myself to the Laurier community in a larger capacity. Unfortunately, many first years or international students are unaware of the responsibilities within the Students’ Union and their ability to be involved. I believe that you should elect me because I will:

1. Work to bridge the gap between Students’ Union and those who are oblivious to their roles.
2. Increase the amount of first years and international students involved in committees and jobs around campus.

Maintain the integrity of our President and hold them accountable for their decisions with your best interest in/

My name is Sameed Hussain and I am a first year Criminology student at Laurier! My love for this University has encouraged me to run as a candidate for the positions of Students’ Union Board of Directors and the Senate. As a Director of the Board and Senate member I will undertake the strategic direction of the organization to allow for critical discussion which benefits the student community. Additionally, I will work with the president to make sure they act on their promises, while monitoring the president through executive limitations. As a senator, I will work towards applying the perspectives of students and my own personal experience to make decisions with fellow senators. My goal is to utilize my skills and past experiences in ensuring communication between campuses by promoting more multi-campus initiatives. With just your votes, I will be able to improve the Laurier Golden Hawk experience.

Laurier is a community that has experienced events trying to divide us. With what has happened recently we need leaders to act as role models to unite us. However, the people we have elected to be our role models and help show we are united are divided themselves. That is why, I, Adam Kovacs am running to be apart of the Board of Directors and on the Board of Governors. To recruit better role models, I propose we look at the current election policy and change it to reflect our current values and encourage more leaders to run. I want the election to be more publicized, so people know what is at stake and be excited for the election. Finally, I want to bring back the Board of Directors Vision Committee to interpret what the strategic vision is and the best way to work towards it.

Hi, my name is Kawuki Jerome Lukwago. I am a BBA student seeking election for the Board of Directors. Since I began schooling at Laurier, I realized not too many students know of the B.O.D, let alone know the difference between it and the Senate. A true shame, since these organizations were created to represent the student body to the best of their abilities.

In my term, I Intend on tackling some major challenges. First, I aim on creating a transparent board, where most students are informed of the B.O.D and its decisions. Second, better over sight of the president’s actions, financially and ethically to ensure as an employee of the student body, they are not misusing their power. Third, create a B.O.D that is unified internally in-order for effectiveness and efficiency in policy decision making.

Choose me and await a more transparent, vigilant and unified era in Laurier.

My name is Muddassir Raza, and I am running for a seat on the Board of directors and the appointment of a student senator. As a first-year student enrolled in BBA, I have taken various roles within and outside the Laurier community. For example, I am the Director of Marketing for the Regina Rexes, a representative of the Red Cross Youth Program, and a Beyond the Hurt Youth Facilitator. Furthermost, Wilfrid Laurier University is known for having the best student satisfaction in the country for a very good reason: the students. While in Laurier, I quickly noticed the cordial and hospitable characteristics within Laurier students. The student embodiment of a Laurier student is truly of excellence, and is a great representation of justice and positivity. As a director or senator, I intend on being an envoy of the students; a voice on the board that speaks of student interests.

My name is Shukan Shah and I am a first-year Kinesiology student, running for a seat in the Board of Directors and the position of Student Senator. In my experience at Laurier thus far, I have taken on a leadership role within various departments, including House Council, Kin Kouncil, Society of Undergraduate Research and Outreach, and Residence Athletic Council, while also being a delegate on DECA, and a member of Sports Management Laurier. These involvements allow me to garner many different group opinions across our campus, regarding student experience, as well as department specific concerns. As a director on the board, I would like to use this knowledge to connect Laurier students to the Students Union to continue building upon the Laurier culture, while also advocating for positive change and guiding actions that result in the enhancement of the student experience, to keep Laurier as #1 in student satisfaction.  

My name is Brody and I hope to represent all fellow Golden Hawks on the Board of Directors. Helping those around me is not only the main pillar in my campaign, but also my life. At every turn, I seek new ways to give back to those around me, and I hope to ensure every Golden Hawk has an equally GOLDEN experience while attending Laurier.

Formerly, I worked as the Managing Director of GradeUp Laurier, an organization that aimed to provide Laurier students with affordable and accessible tutoring. From that I have learnt the importance of listening to student concerns, and addressing them head on. That is why I will aim to open more lines of communication between the union and the students. Bridging that gap is imperative to our ability to work together and foster a diverse and enjoyable culture at Laurier.

My name is Lana Toameh and I am one of your candidates for the Board of Directors. 

Just a bit about me, I am a first year Health Science student with a strong interest in community development. My platform is encompassed by three primary things: transparency, quality advocacy and enhanced student experience. I know I will be able to deliver because I have been greatly involved in Laurier because I genuinely care. My experience extents from First Year Representative on the Faculty of Science Students’ Association (FOSSA), to the club I co-founded. I will do all that is in my means to provide solid representation that all Laurier students deserve.

If I am elected to the board, I will be the voice of the students and always put your views forward. I will encourage transparency and use my experience to better the development of the Students’ Union. It is my/

My name is Pirranavan Vigneswaran and I am a first-year BBA student, currently running for the position of Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors and a seat on the Student Senator. Within Laurier, I have taken the active initiative to obtain a position as the Director of Training, Development, and Communications on House Council and the Volunteer Liaison Officer on the New Democratic Part of Wilfrid Laurier University. Additionally, I have engaged an active role as a volunteer with Autism Ontario, Tri-FUN Kids, and Peel District School Board Parkholme. Additionally, I had the privilege of being the Student Body President of Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School. With the various interactions in the school and community environment, I hope to gain a position on both the Board of Directors and Student Senator in order to apply my personal knowledge and experience towards ensuring Laurier pertains its exceptional title for student satisfaction.

My name is Philippe Blasi, I am a first year BBA student from Toronto. In this upcoming election, I will be running for the position of student senator. The senate is the highest academic body at Wilfrid Laurier University. As a student senator, I will be responsible for providing a voice for undergraduate students on all aspects of academic policy. I hope to use my role as a student senator to provide representation for undergraduate students when it comes to matters of academic policy. I am a strong advocate of freedom of speech, mental health awareness, and student rights, I hope to bring this perspective to the senate should I be elected. I look forward to potentially serving the Laurier student body and wish the best of luck to all the candidates running for office.​

My name is Christopher Donnelly and I am doing a double major in history and political science. I am running for both a position on the Board of Directors as well as the Senate.

The Students Union and the Senate interest me because I want to give the most to our members, the students, in both academics and student life. Through passion, dedication, transparency, and accountability I hope to ensure that the student’s interests as well as the management teams are both noted and followed.

I want to continue to be a role model and an advocate of the social responsibility at Laurier. Through my previous experiences in my first year, and my experiences so far in my second year, I deeply care for the Laurier Community and the Laurier Students. I strongly believe that if elected we will make our home an even better place than it already is.

There are three key pillars for academic success at Wilfrid Laurier University: opportunity, equality, and freedom. I believe that all students should be given opportunities to succeed, and pursue their academic interests; furthermore, there should be rewards and incentives for such pursuance. To pursue their interests all students should be given an equal playing field. This involves a commitment to providing the proper support systems for students to be able to achieve their goals. Finally, freedom is essential to the academic process. I am dedicated to creating a space that allows controversial topics to be discussed; however, such topics should be discussed in a respectful manner that is grounded in academic discourse and free from personal prejudice and personally-directed comments. These three pillars are key to the proliferation of academic success, and will be the ideas that I intend to fight for while serving as a member of the Senate. 

My name is Sameed Hussain and I am a first year Criminology student at Laurier! My love for this University has encouraged me to run as a candidate for the positions of Students’ Union Board of Directors and the Senate. As a Director of the Board and Senate member I will undertake the strategic direction of the organization to allow for critical discussion which benefits the student community. Additionally, I will work with the president to make sure they act on their promises, while monitoring the president through executive limitations. As a senator, I will work towards applying the perspectives of students and my own personal experience to make decisions with fellow senators. My goal is to utilize my skills and past experiences in ensuring communication between campuses by promoting more multi-campus initiatives. With just your votes, I will be able to improve the Laurier Golden Hawk experience.

My name is Keegan Pinto: a passionate third year business student ensuring that everyone is involved in the change and progress that is happening at Wilfrid Laurier University. My platform stands upon three pillars, Informed Progressive Discourse, Genuine Representation, and Integrity, as well as one overarching goal: Respectful Transparency. Each of these items will be recognizable in every action carried out by myself and my team throughout the campaign, and the potential term I will serve as a Member of the Senate; my service to you.

My involvement at WLU thus far has been wide, including memorable successes and enlightening challenges. While no experience is perfectly holistic, I am lucky enough to have had the opportunity to appreciate our diversity of ideas and individuals- an appreciation which puts me in a position to help represent not only the student body as a group, but the group as unique students.

My name is Muddassir Raza, and I am running for a seat on the Board of directors or the appointment of a student senator. As a first-year student enrolled in BBA, I have taken various roles within and outside the Laurier community. For example, I am the Director of Marketing for the Regina Rexes, a representative of the Red Cross Youth Program, and a Beyond the Hurt Youth Facilitator. Furthermost, Wilfrid Laurier University is known for having the best student satisfaction in the country for a very good reason: the students. While in Laurier, I quickly noticed the cordial and hospitable characteristics within Laurier students. The student embodiment of a Laurier student is truly of excellence, and is a great representation of justice and positivity. As a director or senator, I intend on being an envoy of the students; a voice on the board that speaks of student interests. 

My name is Karan Sarathy, and I’m a 4th year Biology student running for the WLU senate position. As a member of the WLU senate, I assure you that your voices will be heard. Through senatorial processes, I seek to bring forth policies that can help students achieve their Academic goals as well as introduce a new set of courses that prepares students for Graduate or Professional school. Furthermore, I plan to advocate for a new Law School which can enhance Laurier’s reputation in Canada. My vision is to help make Wilfrid Laurier University more competitive, while maintaining and improving student satisfaction. As for personal experience, I’ve been proactive in multiple organizations throughout my undergrad career. Having been an executive in the WLU Pre-Dental Society, I understand the importance of good governance. Based on this experience, I’m confident in my ability to lead. With your vote, we can bring change! 

My name is Shukan Shah and I am a first-year Kinesiology student, running for a seat in the Board of Directors and the position of Student Senator. In my experience at Laurier thus far, I have taken on a leadership role within various departments, including House Council, Kin Kouncil, Society of Undergraduate Research and Outreach, and Residence Athletic Council, while also being a delegate on DECA, and a member of Sports Management Laurier. These involvements allow me to garner many different group opinions across our campus, regarding student experience, as well as department specific concerns. As a director on the board, I would like to use this knowledge to connect Laurier students to the Students Union to continue building upon the Laurier culture, while also advocating for positive change and guiding actions that result in the enhancement of the student experience, to keep Laurier as #1 in student satisfaction. 

My name is Pirranavan Vigneswaran and I am a first-year BBA student, currently running for the position of Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors and a seat on the Student Senator. Within Laurier, I have taken the active initiative to obtain a position as the Director of Training, Development, and Communications on House Council and the Volunteer Liaison Officer on the New Democratic Part of Wilfrid Laurier University. Additionally, I have engaged an active role as a volunteer with Autism Ontario, Tri-FUN Kids, and Peel District School Board Parkholme. Additionally, I had the privilege of being the Student Body President of Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School. With the various interactions in the school and community environment, I hope to gain a position on both the Board of Directors and Student Senator in order to apply my personal knowledge and experience towards ensuring Laurier pertains its exceptional title for student satisfaction.

Laurier is a community that has experienced events trying to divide us. With what has happened recently we need leaders to act as role models to unite us. However, the people we have elected to be our role models and help show we are united are divided themselves. That is why, I, Adam Kovacs am running to be apart of the Board of Directors and on the Board of Governors. To recruit better role models, I propose we look at the current election policy and change it to reflect our current values and encourage more leaders to run. I want the election to be more publicized, so people know what is at stake and be excited for the election. Finally, I want to bring back the Board of Directors Vision Committee to interpret what the strategic vision is and the best way to work towards it. 

My name is Karan Sarathy, and I’m a 4th year Biology student running for the WLU senate position. As a member of the WLU senate, I assure you that your voices will be heard. Through senatorial processes, I seek to bring forth policies that can help students achieve their Academic goals as well as introduce a new set of courses that prepares students for Graduate or Professional school. Furthermore, I plan to advocate for a new Law School which can enhance Laurier’s reputation in Canada. My vision is to help make Wilfrid Laurier University more competitive, while maintaining and improving student satisfaction. As for personal experience, I’ve been proactive in multiple organizations throughout my undergrad career. Having been an executive in the WLU Pre-Dental Society, I understand the importance of good governance. Based on this experience, I’m confident in my ability to lead. With your vote, we can bring change! 

My name is Klaudia Wojtanowski and I am a second year business student aspiring to minor in both Political Science and French. Currently I am a Residence Life Don and serve on the Board of Directors for the Students’ Union where I represent and advocate not only for first year students but the entire undergraduate population of both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. I would like to earn the position on the Board of Governors to provide the perspective of the undergraduate student as it relates to the strategic direction of the university. I would strive to ensure that the Students’ Union acts in the best interest of students by promoting a safe, inclusive and accessible experience both academically and socially. It would be an honour to represent the voice of undergraduate students as Laurier endeavors to grow and strive for the ultimate student experience. 

* Indicates a candidate for multiple positions with the same platform summary.