WLUSU BOD and WLU Senate and Board of Governors Platforms
Abidasis Issa- Board of Directors (Unacclaimed)
It’s with great enthusiasm and honour that I declare my interest in running for election on the board of directors of the Students Union. Having spoken to hundreds of students I often hear about students concerns about being adequately represented and engaged by the students union. Unfortunately, far to many students feel disconnected, remote and unengaged when it comes to having their voices heard. My platform will focus on three vital areas; experience, engagement and advocacy. I am currently finishing my term as vice-chair of Wilfrid Laurier University Students Publications, and have used this opportunity as a foundation to further develop my skills as a student leader. Outside of Laurier I have been a youth leader and community organizer focusing on ways to improve civic engagement and build healthy, sustainable and vibrant communities. I believe that my experience both from within and outside of the Laurier community will enable me
Calvin Da Silva- Board of Directors (Unacclaimed)
*No Platform Submitted*
Derek Worden- Board of Directors (Unacclaimed)
By running for Board of Directors, I’m committing to being knowledgeable and up-to-date on Students Union structures and policies in order to provide critical discussions and analysis during board meetings. I am also committed to ensuring that the President’s performance is in compliance of the ends, and executive limitations of the organization. My platform focuses on three key points: communicating the opportunities and services the Union provides, making Students’ Union resources accessible and visible on the Students’ Union website, and using my reach to encourage my peers to become interested in the Union. I believe that in doing this, I can help to improve the overall student experience here at Laurier. I firmly believe that I’m a strong fit for this position and will go above and beyond to fulfill the role of Director of the Board for the Wilfrid Laurier Students Union.
Hem Patel- Board of Directors (Unacclaimed)
My platform consists of three extravagant and explicitly important pillars, which consist of different methods of accomplishment. The first of which is Advocacy. I want to ensure that further and more sincere efforts are taken towards bringing a transparent and a cohesive bridged connection between the students of the entirety of Laurier and the Student’s Union. My second pillar is Approachability. The only way to build such an interconnected university, as mentioned above, is through a Union that regularly communicates with the student body of both campuses; further enforcing transparency. Last, but certainly not the least, I want to provide and promote equal representation across both campuses and to be known as a “Laurier Director,” not one of just Waterloo.
Good luck to all candidates, and I hope to see everyone at the polls!
Maxwell Zibaei- Board of Directors (Unacclaimed)
My name is Max Zibaei and I am seeking election onto your Students’ Union Board of Directors. If I am elected, I feel that I will bring a fresh perspective to the Board table. If elected I promise to be accessible to all students at all times and act promptly on all issues. As a Director of the Board, I also will be accountable to you, the students, and work to maximize the quality of your univeristy experiences. If elected I am here to represent each and every one of you and in doing so I will strive to ensure that the President accomplishes each of the Ends of the the Students Union. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, it is my intention to utilize my life experiences and passion benefit the functionality of the Board and create a safe and empowering environment on campus.
Ryley Fletcher- Board of Directors (Unacclaimed)
My name is Ryley Fletcher and I am in second year Concurrent Education at Laurier’s Brantford campus. I am currently seeking election for the Wilfrid Laurier Students’ Union’s Board of Directors.
My colleagues credit me as a devoted, vocal, and knowledgable student, which is why I would be a quality asset to the Board of Directors. I am very passionate about the Wilfrid Laurier University student experience, which I would demonstrate as a Director of the Board.
If elected, I will use my marketing and communication experience to utilize social media in order to make Board resources more accessible to students. Additionally, this could highly increase multicampus communication throughout Laurier. An informed student body allows for stronger and more collective decision making.
Help me ensure that your voice is being heard: Start Trying to Make Fletch Happen.
Sam Kennaley- Board of Directors (Unacclaimed)
Laurier has become my home over the last three years and I am grateful for the opportunities that it has offered me. My journey here has been one of both self-discovery and personal growth. I owe these experiences to my school, and that is why I want to serve as a Board of Director, so that I can return the favor.
If you have a question, I will answer it, if you have a concern, I will address it, and if you have a good idea, I will push for it. I’m happy to take time out of my day to help bridge the gap between students and the student union. As your representative I promise to be both accountable and accessible.
Study space is becoming scarce. I will push to make the turret an available study space and also to make information regarding study space off campus both
Sujaay Jagannathan- Board of Directors (Unacclaimed)
My name is Sujaay Jagannathan and I’m running for the Students’ Union Board of Directors position to put forth my experience and passion towards developing the best student experience for Laurier. As a current board member, I have proven to be a strong advocate for students by sitting on multiple board committees including one I was an integral part of creating. Other involvements like Laurier Food Bank, Faculty of Science Students’ Association, and intramurals help me understand the student experience well.
If re-elected, I hope to better advocate students through increased outreach, to bridge gaps between the Union’s role and student needs through communication, and to formulate an ideal vision for the Union through research. I also plan to mentor new future board members to foster a strong, productive team. In essence, support me in bringing my board experience, initiatives and passion to promote the best student experience at Laurier.
Andrew Harris- Board of Directors (ACCLAIMED)
If elected to the board, I will exercise prudence in any statement I put forth to ensure I am advocating change that will result in better governance and direction. The current direction that I would like to see the board in is as follows. I want to make the feedback from the presidential mid-term review accessible to students, incorporate a diversity policy within the Executive Limitations and include a limitation that prevents the president from withholding from engaging with the student body via social media. I also see it necessary to institute an updated lobbying and advocacy policy within the Executive Limitations, as the previous policy has been repealed. If elected to the board I will advocate for change, for proper direction and implementation and for adherence to policies. Ultimately, I will advocate for you.
Colin Aitchison- Board of Directors (ACCLAIMED)
Over the past year, I have served as Vice Chair of the Board for your Students’ Union. This is my second term on the board, and it is the experience I have gained from advocating on behalf of students that has caused me to seek re-election. If successful, I plan on pursuing the position of Chair of the Board and Chief Governance Officer.
If re-elected, the majority of my initiatives will come from the Chair of the Board portfolio. I will work to ensure that the Student Life Levy committee has adequate student representation during the summer, to make sure student money is being spent appropriately, as well as continue to increase transparency from the Board through better marketing of meetings. I will also utilize my experience by promoting engagement from directors, as they represent you at the board table.
Remember to get out and vote on election days Laurier!
Giovanni Giuga- Board of Directors (ACCLAIMED)
My name is Giovanni Giuga. I am running for a position on the Board of Directors because I truly want to enhance every student’s experience at Laurier.
My platform is built upon further developing three key areas, but really it boils down to one word; communication. I believe that positive communication and consistent meaningful dialogue is at the heart of good governance.
A director is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the Student’s Union; I believe that my friendly and approachable personality will enable me to provide students with an avenue to express their opinions and ideas.
I intend to increase the transparency of the board to ensure that the general student population receives information of board activities that is more readily available and easily accessible.
I want to further develop and strengthen the multi-campus relationship to ensure the needs of all Laurier student are properly addressed.
Jonathan Ricci- Board of Directors (ACCLAIMED)
My name is Jonathan Ricci and I am a third year Political Science student here at Laurier seeking re-election to the board. During my time on the board, I have served on two committees, one of which I had the honour to chair. If re-elected, I will bring my previous experience back to the board table. The focus of my term will consist of three components: Experience, Communication and Collaboration. Having served on the board for one term, I will help mentor and transition the new directors into the role. Second is Communication. It is important as directors that we are approachable and communicate with the students we represent. I will also continue my engagement with students over social media and in person. Lastly Collaboration, it is important that we work with each other and students on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. On February 5th re-elect Jonathan Ricci!
Kanwar Brar- Board of Directors (ACCLAIMED)
My name is Kanwar Brar and I’m a second year Political Science Student. If elected, I will help develop long-term strategic goals for the organization, provide oversight, and manage the President through our policy governance system. From the winter term of my first year, I have attended more board meetings than the first-term directors of the current board. Students from both campuses can rely on me to engage in critical discussion on the table.
I have been involved with the Students’ Union in a multitude of settings including: The First Year Project, Food Bank, Winter Carnival, O-Week, Elections, University Affairs and more. I have also been involved with political campaigns at the municipal, provincial and federal level. My contributions have been recognized as I have been awarded the Students’ Union Volunteer of the Year Award, Residence Life – Outstanding Leadership Award, and Hawk Weekend Spirit Award. www.yeswekan.ca
Matt DeSumma- Board of Directors (ACCLAIMED)
My name is Matt DeSumma and I am a Law and Society student at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus. I would be an effective member on the Board of Directors because I am passionate and dedicated to what I believe in and not afraid to voice my opinion on the matter. In regards to the Students’ Union, I would like to take that strong voice of mine and use it to represent the entire student body, not just myself. If elected, I will use my position to try and create a stronger presence of the Board in school functions and medias. There is a lack of clear communication between Brantford and Waterloo, and students have the right to know about what’s going on at WLU as a whole, not just their own campus. Your vote can help make that happen. Thank you.
Melody Parton- Board of Directors (ACCLAIMED)
My name is Melody Parton and I am a third year Criminology student minoring in law on Laurier’s Brantford campus. This year I am seeking re-election to the Students Union Board of Directors. Having just served a term on the board, I am confident that I am able to represent the students on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses adequately and impartially. Last year it was very important to me to ensure that there was open and free communication within the board. Having seen success in this communication style this year, it is my goal to see this continue, as it is very effective when addressing issues in policies that we as a board come across. With my experience as a Director of the Board, Volunteer within the Students Union as well as a student who uses the services of the Students Union I believe that I am definitely qualified to serve you as Director of the Board once again for the upcoming year.
Nick DeSumma- Board of Directors (ACCLAIMED)
My name is Nick DeSumma and I am a Concurrent Education and Human Rights student seeking re-election on the Students’ Union Board of Directors. I currently live in Brantford for my studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.
When I entered this position, I promised to use my role as a Director to enhance connectivity between both WLU campuses. I demonstrated this over the past year by promoting communication and cooperation between the two. Additionally, I have sat on five committees and was privileged to sit as Chair for three, including the Finance Committee, where I ensured that money-spending policies are compliant. This type of experience and leadership led me to seek re-election.
If re-elected, I will bring my expertise to the table to ensure that all students are well represented. I will continue to be a passionate, vocal, and dedicated member of the Board, who advocates for all Laurier students.
Ashley Lieu- WLU Senate
As students, we are repeatedly assured that we have a voice, that our input is valued, and that we have a responsibility to speak out when needed. But how effective is a voice if no one is listening? Must we take responsibility for “silence” when our voices are rarely solicited?
It is my goal as senate candidate to create channels for clear and open communication; to actively inform and listen to the student body. This means making my knowledge and actions as a senator transparent and available through digital and physical forums. It means setting up points of contact for students to tell me what they want our school to know. It means that as a senator, I will make it my personal responsibility to listen to and amplify the voices of the collective, and provide Laurier students with frequent, accessible opportunities to not only speak, but be heard.
Kanwar Brar- WLU Senate
My name is Kanwar Brar and I’m a second year Political Science Student. If elected, I’d like to provide insight into the academic direction of Laurier by being part of the Senate Academic Planning Committee (SPAC). As a student senator, I want to ensure transparency and encourage student engagement. With the use of social media, I want to be more accessible and inform the student body regarding the business of the Senate. With the use of social media, I want to be more transparent and inform the student body regarding the business of the Senate. With the Integrated Planning Resource Management (IPRM) report being passed, it is crucial to have a student voice to provide oversight and engage in critical discussion as the process is implemented.
I’ve had experience working with the Resource Management committee of the Students’ Union as the student representative from the Waterloo campus. I believe my experience will be relevant in being a student senator as I will take an analytical approach when working with policy. www.yeswekan.ca
Trevor Thompson- WLU Senate
If I am reelected as a student Senator I will continue to work to ensure that there is a strong voice advocating for the needs of students in the Laurier Senate. Having served as a Senator this past year I understand the processes of IRPM that have recently been endorsed by the Senate and the effect that it will have on students. With my position on the Senate Finance Committee I will work to ensure that the University meets the best interests of students in all discussions going forth in the implementation of IPRM. My experience in Advocacy as a current Senator and Students’ Union University Affairs Coordinator make me the ideal candidate to continue to advocate for the best interests of all Laurier Students.
Trevor Thompson- WLU Board of Governors (ACCLAIMED)
I am running for election to the Board of Governors because I believe I am uniquely suited to help advocate for the best interests of students in this position. Having served as a Senator this past year I understand the processes of IRPM, which was recently endorsed by Senate and that of University Governance as a whole.
This is important because over the next year the Board will be responsible for helping to implement this process, which will have a major effect on students and having someone that understands the role is crucial. My previous advocacy experience as a university Senator and Students’ Union University Affairs Coordinator make me the ideal candidate to continue to advocate for the best interests of all Laurier Students and to allow me to step seamlessly into a role on the Board of Governors and effectively advocate for students from day one of my role.