WLUSU board of directors platforms

NOTE: Platforms have been published as the candidates sent them in. They have not been edited for spelling, grammar, or content.

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

April Qu

My first year here at Laurier could be related to a sponge, one that has spent much time absorbing in Laurier culture and being involved in as many campus experiences as possible.

I strongly believe that the voices of the student body are what make up the foundation of the student council. If elected as director of the board, I would strive to advocate for its students to improve infrastructure and student services such as more studying space, reduce the  amount of line-up time and more reliable wireless internet.

I would actively upkeep WLUSU’s values and be well educated about the ends and ELs of the Student’s Union. Also, as a 5’3” baby-faced Asian girl, I hope to be a welcoming face and easily approached person to come and talk to about any issues within Laurier. Let’s keep the future years gold and purple for future students to come.

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Brian Wilson

My name is Brian Wilson and I am a second year Global Studies and Women and Gender Studies major running for WLUSU Board of Directors. Having spent my first year as my residence’s House Council Diversity Representative, I have witnessed first-hand how unique Laurier students are. Opportunities exists for us to learn from each other and expose ourselves to experiences that would otherwise go unearthed. As such, through a variety of techniques and events, I would like to continue WLUSU’s legacy of providing students the chance to interact in a variety of ways. As my major suggests, I acknowledge that everyone has a voice and the right to be heard. I understand the benefits of having a Union that communicates with the student body by engaging in constant conversation to enforce transparency. I am proud of our school and the students that comprise its foundation; together, improvement is infinite

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Colin Aitchison

My platform consists of three main pillars, and within those pillars are different routes and methods of accomplishment. The first pillar is Advocacy. I want to ensure that the Student’s union is advocating on behalf of the entirety of Laurier, regardless of which campus the student is from. My second pillar is Connection. I want to bridge the disconnection between the Student’s Union and the Student Body of Wilfrid Laurier. I also want to bridge the lack of connection between the campuses, seeing as we are a multi-campus organization. Lastly, I want to promote and provide equal representation. I want to be known as the “Laurier Director”, not the “Waterloo Director”. I will strive to meet and accomplish all three of these pillars if elected, as they are reasonable goals. Remember, on election day vote for who is best for your Laurier experience.

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Elias Eerikainen

As a member of the WLUSU Board of Directors, I would bring a unique perspective to the table at every meeting. I will work to foster accountability and fairness in all of the operations of the WLUSU Board. Each student pays yearly incidental fees to the Students Union and it will be my goal to provide them with the best possible return for their investment. I wish to oversee spending and make sure that any significant expenditures of your money will benefit as large a student base to the greatest extent possible. Effective management requires solid, lasting commitment and relevant experience. I have been involved with various events planning committees as well as budgeting for large conferences. I believe that I would make an excellent WLUSU board member, and work protect and advance the interests of all Laurier students.

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Emily Ledwidge

My name is Emily Ledwidge and I am a Fourth Year Global Studies & Spanish major. Throughout my years at Laurier, I have been an active member of many Campus Clubs, as well as a Shinerama executive during Orientation Week, and a hard-working student. I have seen how volunteering and getting involved on campus have impacted my life, and I am passionate about improving the Laurier student experience. If elected to the Board of Directors, I will strive to create positive change in the Laurier community by focusing on student engagement through volunteering and increasing communication between WLUSU and students. If elected, I will ensure that I am knowledgeable about the Student Union’s policies and procedures while representing a consistent voice for the students of both campuses. Your vote matters.

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

John Drimmie BoD Summary

My name is John Drimmie and I am a third year Economics student. As a Director of the Board I will strive to make sure that your student government remains accountable for the issues and concerns regarding student life here at Laurier. Every student is entitled a voice and I am dedicated to making sure that your concerns are communicated.

 

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Kate Stevenson 

My name is Kate Stevenson.  I am a third year Psychology major and am running for re-election to the Students’ Union Board of Directors.  After a term on the Board, I am confident that I have what it takes to represent the needs of Laurier students and to make sure that these needs are considered during every decision the board makes.  I strive to engage my fellow students and to discover the issues that are most important to them.  If re-elected, I will continue to increase the communication and transparency of the board, as well as my approachability as a director.  I look forward to continuing to connect with students about issues that are of concern to them at present, and that will affect them throughout their time at Laurier.

For solid student leadership with a strong connection to the student body, vote Kate Stevenson.

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Laura Bassett

My name is Laura Bassett and I am running as a candidate for the Board of Directors. In this position I feel as though my unique combination of skills and characteristics will help me contribute positively and effectively to the betterment of the board. I have always wanted to be as involved in campus life as possible since I have believed that every voice should be heard, whether on the Waterloo or Brantford campus. Bringing the idea of multi-campuses to the forefront of the students’ minds is one of my goals while on the board, along with improving the day-to-day priorities of a Laurier student, such as study space or food quality. Being apart of a community that is so focused on volunteering and giving back, I believe that it is now the time to give back to the students and improve their daily activities.

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Matt Casselman

I am so pleased to offer my name for re-election to represent the students on the WLU Board of Directors. After nearly a year on the Board I am proud to stand on my record of success and strong student advocacy. I have consistently been prepared to participate fully in discussions and have contributed a variety of policy improvements which showcase my ability to learn and make a difference.

Reviewing my platform from last year I promised to implement electoral reform, hold external parties accountable, increase fiscal responsibility, and engage with students. I have delivered on each account and I want to do more. Allow me to continue to develop the executive limitations and other policy, increase interaction between Waterloo and Brantford, and utilize my experience to be even better next term. I ask for your support so I can continue to represent you at the board table. Please support Matt Casselman for Director.

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Matt McLean

My name is Matt McLean and I’m a second year political science student here at Laurier. I’m from Walkerton, Ontario and have been active in politics on the municipal, provincial, and federal scale.

I would be an effective representative for Laurier students because I’m driven, honest, direct, and fulfill my commitments seriously and with pride.  I have experience with student politics and am eager to transfer the skills I have acquired to Laurier.

If elected, students can count on me to engage in critical and productive dialogue around the board table while upholding the board values. Being a part of a team means not only participating, but also having the ability to listen to the ideas of others. I will always make time to meet with students and voice their concerns to be an active representative.

Good luck to all candidates, and I hope to see everyone at the polls!

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Michael Kates

My campaign focuses on 3 important aspects that will be essential for improving the quality of student life here at Laurier. Firstly, we must look for new communication channels to encourage student feedback. Our Board needs to be innovative in ways to attract a wide range of students’ input. Secondly, the Board must take action on the feedback it receives. It is imperative that the students see their voice being used to change our institution for the better. Thirdly, our Students’ Union is responsible for many great things that take place within our Laurier community. Unfortunately, the rest of the student body is not always aware of the impact that the Union makes in their incredible Laurier experience. If the Board works to increase awareness of their dedication to improving student life, we can help create a stronger tie between the Union and the students here at Laurier.

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Sean Yu

Remain Accessible by…

  • Being approachable and friendly at all times for all students both online and in person.
  • Continuing and developing current methods of outreach and representation.
  • Communicating changes or new developments within WLUSU.

Remain Accountable by…

  • Actively listening to student concerns and seeking out unheard individuals.
  • Representing both the university and students at all times.
  • Voicing for incoming student demands and concerns.

Goals…

  • Create and promote leadership opportunities within your Student Union to strengthen our bond and diversify our makeup.
  • Better c onnect with the broad student population by working jointly with Laurier Student Poll.

Questions?

Email me at yuxx0920@mylaurier.ca

Or come talk to me in person! Your vote matters.

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

TJ Edmondson

The Wilfrid Laurier student community is one of the preeminent reasons why many of us were drawn to this school originally, and I aim to maintain that. First and foremost I am a student, with the same goals, aspirations and values as you. I promise to take a student minded approach to each proposal that comes to the board, with no political or corporate biases in my decisions. Through being accountable for the students, personable with the students and encouraging transparency between the governing body and students I aim to build on the successes of my predecessors and maintain an accurate representation of our one of a kind student body within WLUSU.

 

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Jordan Epstein

My name is Jordan Epstein and I’m a fourth year Kinesiology student minoring in Biology and Chemistry. Having served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, as well as being involved in the Students’ Union in a variety of settings in the Campus Experience and Campus Clubs departments, I have the experience necessary to represent students in the boardroom. My main goal as a director is to increase accessibility and transparency of what occurs in the boardroom. I have already been working towards this goal over twitter by live-tweeting when appropriate before, during, and after meetings. Another idea I have for increasing transparency is to make the minutes of any in-camera session that is only in-camera because of timing (not human resources issues or contracts) public once the issue is no longer time-sensitive. Having missed only two board meetings combined while attending them as an observer for a year and then a year serving as Vice Chair, students on both campuses can count on me to consistently represent them and ensure that their voices are heard.

 

(Photo by Nick Lachance)
(Photo by Nick Lachance)

Scott Fleming

I believe student government needs to be accountable and transparent; particularly when dealing with political and financial issues. I also believe that the status quo should be questioned when necessary.

 

 

 

The following candidates did not submit condensed platforms.

 

 

John Pehar. (Photo by Nick Lachance).
John Pehar. (Photo by Nick Lachance).

 

Jujhar Singh. (Photo by Nick Lachance).
Jujhar Singh. (Photo by Nick Lachance).

 

Courtney Yole. (Nick Lachance).
Courtney Yole. (Nick Lachance).

Full candidate platforms can be found on the WLUSU website.

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