WLUSU Board of Directors candidates

Rochelle Adamiak

My name is Rochelle Adamiak and I have always been highly involved with the school; an executive on both BACCHUS and the UA, a co-ordinator in Student Publications and VP of LAS. As a result I understand Laurier is made up of diversified individuals, my goal is to represent these individuals on a personal basis, but also tackle problems affecting the whole student population. If elected I plan to advocate on behalf of the students as to create a better overall experience at university. I want to forge a stronger bond between the students and the Students Union by ensuring transparency in our actions; we are here to represent you. Lastly I wish to help better education, in the end it is the reason we all are here. By continuing to offer an affordable, accessible, high quality academic experience I know that everyone of us can succeed at our dream!

Colin Aitchison

My name is Colin Aitchison and I am seeking re-election to your Students’ Union Board of Directors. After serving a term on the Board, I feel that I am well-suited to continue to represent the needs of students on both the Waterloo and Brantford Campuses. If re-elected, I will bring a level of experience back to the Board table. I will be able to draw on my experiences, such as chairing the Policy Review Procedures Committee, and will continue to engage fellow undergraduates to figure out the issues that are important to them.

In addition, if re-elected I do intend to utilize my experience by pursuing a leadership role on the Board, specifically that of Vice-Chair. If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, it is my intention to utilize my experience in a leadership role that will benefit the functionality of the Board.

Yoad Avitzur

My name’s Yoad and I’m a third year Political Science/Philosophy student. The main reason I’m running for Board is because I value representation and transparency, specifically between the Board and the student body.

I’ve noticed that students who aren’t involved in WLUSU don’t have anywhere near the level of awareness and influence as students who are. This needs to change, as WLUSU exists to represent all members, not simply the vocal ones. It will be my duty to reach out to the entire student body to truly represent their ideals.

In the past year, the Board has drastically reduced the amount of confidential meetings to increase transparency. However, we can go further by communicating directly to the student body about our meetings, not only putting minutes on a hard-to-reach website.

Finally, I believe in fiscal transparency and prudence, as students have the right to know how their fees are spent.

Davis Bretz

If elected, my focus will be on actively engaging with the student population in order to understand their needs and best represent their interests within the Students’ Union. I will be forthcoming and transparent in my actions and hold myself, the President, and the rest of the Board Of Directors accountable to the students. I will be responsible and do my best to be informed when conveying student’s opinions within The Union. With a strong presence on campus and informed decision-making, I believe that I would be a positive and motivated member of the Board.

Nicholas DeSumma

My name is Nick DeSumma and I am a Concurrent Education student running for the Board of Directors. I am from London, and currently live in Brantford for my studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.

I would be an effective member on the Board of Directors, dedicated to both Laurier Brantford and Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo). My peers describe me as passionate, cooperative, and determined, the qualities necessary for this role. I have always had a strong passion for politics, and embrace all opportunities and challenges with a smile on my face.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier demonstrated leadership with the skills of conflict resolution and compromise. If elected, I will work with the WLUSU team to be a strong advocate of his principles, and my own principle of connectivity between both campuses. For me, connectivity means communicating with each other and improved cooperation between campuses.

Help me, help you. Vote Nick DeSumma.

Spencer Gibara

My name is Spencer Gibara, and my platform circles around financial accountability. Our current Student Union is millions of dollars in debt, meaning that the student body itself is in debt. This greatly harms our financial reputation in the eyes of the university, the students, and public. Going forward, I aim to fight for reduced student spending until the Unionbecomes more economically stable, and fiscally responsible. Furthermore, I want to implement spending caps in order to insure an annual reduction in debt that will continue until the Student Union has a surplus of funds. I want the Student Union to continue to provide an incredibly fun and exciting student life, while simultaneously staying guarded against overspending.

Keegan Goodman

My name is Spencer Gibara, and my platform circles around financial accountability. Our current Student Union is millions of dollars in debt, meaning that the student body itself is in debt. This greatly harms our financial reputation in the eyes of the university, the students, and public. Going forward, I aim to fight for reduced student spending until the Unionbecomes more economically stable, and fiscally responsible. Furthermore, I want to implement spending caps in order to insure an annual reduction in debt that will continue until the Student Union has a surplus of funds. I want the Student Union to continue to provide an incredibly fun and exciting student life, while simultaneously staying guarded against overspending.

Sujaay Jagannathan

Hello, my name is Sujaay Jagannathan. I am currently in second year studying Health Science, hoping to represent Laurier students as a Board of Director and as a representative on the Senate next year. Having had a great time serving Laurier as a Footer, Responder, O-week volunteer and the Farmers’ Market Executive of Laurier Food Bank, I strive to make university one of the best experiences in students’ lives.

I believe Advocacy, Transparency and Equal representation is key in Laurier’s success. I plan to reach out to my fellow students and work closely with the Students’ Union, University affairs and the Senate to resolve administrative, operational, and academic issues at Laurier. I will make sure the President’s role is closely followed, the four Ends of the Union are prioritized and that all funds are put into use with the students’ best interest. Remember, your Vote Counts!

Mohammad Ali Malik

My name is Mohammad Ali Malik and I am proud to run as a candidate for the WLUSU Board of Directors. I am a third year Political Science major and I am passionate about being involved in my community.

I believe that my experience in management, my upbringing in three foreign countries, and my own insatiable quest for truth, knowledge and justice will resonate well on the Board. My presence on the WLUSU BoD will be one that is devoted to the perpetual improvement of your experience as a student. No concern is too unimportant, and no question is too tough to ask.

I will help raise the already high standards of Laurier by being the bridge of open communication that will represent the diversity of our great school. I am inspired by the struggles and achievements of those around me, and your voice will definitely be my strongest asset.

Matt McLean

Over the past year, I’ve served as a director for your Students’ Union. During this time, I have sat on four different committees, one of which I’ve had the privilege to chair. It is this leadership and experience that has led me to seek re-election.

In the upcoming year, it would be my duty to help guide the Board in monitoring the president’s execution of the strategic plan. Following feedback from the student body, the Board will ensure that the president and their team moves towards accomplishing the goals it sets out. In doing so, it is the Chair and CGO who will act as a liaison between the Board and the president. Should I gain your support and be re-elected, it is this position that I will seek.

On February 5^th and 6^th, cast your ballot for proven leadership and experience. The choice is yours.

Christopher Marshall

This candidate did not submit a platform.

Shawn Okum

If I am elected to the Board of Directors, I will ensure that I am constantly engaging with students and providing their feedback to the rest of the Board. I believe that the most important factor in this position is to keep students as engaged and involved as possible, as they will be able to know that their opinions matter. I will also work hard to ensure that the money we pay is being used effectively and that it is going towards programs students actually want to see. My ultimate goal is to ensure that Laurier continues to maintain its reputation as one of the best school communities, and a place where everyone feels welcome.

Melody Parton

My name is Melody Parton and I am running for the Board of Directors for the 2014-2015 year. One thing that’s really important to me is being an advocate for students from both campuses. I pride myself on my ability to express my opinions and I want to use my position to bring forth opinions of the students that don’t have the opportunity to express their own. I also want to increase transparency. I would really like to make it easier for students to know what is going on within the board and what we’re doing over the course of the year. Keeping with the low level of in-camera sessions is also a goal of mine. Last, I want to make sure that there is open and free communication within the board itself.

Salman Rana

Over my past two years at Laurier, I have had the opportunity for close encounters with our student union, faculty, Laurier administration, and even our President at Breakfast with Blouw.

Having been engaged with the Waterloo entrepreneurship community as well as serving as President of a campus club, I believe that there are few universities as good as ours.

I wish to serve on the Board of Directors, as an advocate to maintain unique nature of Laurier as well as build on its weaknesses. To you, my peers, I offer voice, direction, and transparency. Your Voice – to be heard where it matters, Direction – to realize long term goals, Transparency – of your Student Union to You.

My focus for the upcoming year will be building on cohesiveness of our multi-campus university.

Jonathan Ricci

My name is Jonathan Ricci and I am a 2^nd year Political Science student born and raised in Oakville, Ontario. I have been involved throughout Laurier in areas such as the Political Science Association, Bricker House Council, Hawk Week and the Laurier Campus Conservatives. I addressed students concerns throughout my experiences here at Laurier. My platform consists of 3 pillars. One is Advocacy; the Board of Directors needs feedback from students. If elected, I will ensure that all Laurier students’ are heard during critical debates. Secondly is Accountability, I will ensure that the President’s agenda is on track and that he or she properly utilizes the Union’s budget. Lastly, we need Approachability. The Directors have to be easy going and approachable to ensure they can performance efficiently. Laurier, if you are looking for a student who is enthusiastic, approachable, outgoing and responsible. Vote Jonathan Ricci for Board of Directors.

Warren Trottier

I am a humble, yet driven, individual (fourth year student – double major: Political Science, Communication Studies; double minor: Law, French; double research option: PO, CS) who values integrity and wishes to share with you a wealth of experiences and wisdom while offering to enhance your capabilities as a privileged university student.

I lust to fearlessly represent and advocate on behalf of ALL students while encouraging group proactivity when it comes to ensuring the responsible development and implementation of policy which will safeguard and promote the interests of Laurier students.

Pledging for an accessible, safe and empowering environment, I will provide ethical oversight to a receptive and responsive Students’ Union.

Throughout my years at Laurier I have involved myself with, and have represented, a multitude of campus clubs and student organizations.

I am now prepared to dedicate myself to assist in the competent management of WLUSU.