Academic and University Affairs Commissioner
Name: Peter Miller
Program: History
Describe yourself in one sentence:
I’m a chill person who is upset about high tuition fees and budget cuts.
Why are you running for this position?
I’ve decided to run for re-election because I want to continue helping to build student power at the University of Guelph. We are facing $25.4 million of cuts to U of G’s budget, and tuition fee increases of $200 to $300 each year.
While cuts result in a lower quality of education and tuition fees increase our collective debt, Senior Administrators at this school collect six figure salaries as their careers advance. At the same time, the Provincial government chronically underfunds our public education and is planning to reward schools that implement budget cuts in order to “differentiate.”
Students make up the majority of the population at the school, and yet, we have no say in the school’s budget – there are only 2 undergraduate students on the Board of Governors. At the same time, there’s power in numbers, and if we use our collective strength to demand affordable, comprehensive education, we can win.
I will continue to organize collectively with students to fight for a better education system through the Pay More, Get Less campaign, if elected.
What makes you the best possible candidate for this position?
I have five years of experience of being an organizer in the student movement. I’ve also learned a lot in my first year as Academic and University Affairs Commissioner, and a second year will give me the opportunity to finish some projects I have started in my first year, including ensuring more professors use cheaper textbook options.
I also plan to focus more on campaigning for mental health resources on campus during my second year as Academic and University Affairs Commissioner.
I’ll take my experiences in the student movement and do my best to represent students and work with students, if re-elected.
What is your platform concerning common academic issues (large class sizes, lack of study space, rising tuition costs, etc.)?
Tuition fees are a major problem because they harm our learning conditions. When we are too busy worrying about our financial situation or working multiple part-time jobs because tuition fees are so high, our education suffers.
Education should be free and fully public, just like high school. Our tuition fees have increased each year since 2006. But from 2004 to 2006, tuition fees were frozen, in large part because of student organization against tuition fee increases. I will work very hard to build the student movement with the long-term goal of free education.
While we are facing higher and higher tuition fees, our class sizes are getting larger and larger. As we pay more, we get less in the quality of our education. Large class sizes are a major problem and are an example of poor learning conditions. We are facing even larger class sizes at the University of Guelph due to budget cuts, and I will work with students to stop these cuts through the Pay More, Get Less Campaign.
Exorbitantly expensive textbooks are another huge issue, and I will continue to inform professors and students about cheaper textbook options, including open source textbooks. I will also make a list of professors who use cheaper textbook options, so students can be better informed in choosing their classes.
The lack of study space is another major problem, and I will work with the Human Resources and Operations committee to lobby the administration for more study space. I will also make sure Peter Clark Hall and other areas of campus are booked by the CSA as places to be study space during peak study times of the semester.
External Affairs Commissioner
Name: Asia Barclay
Program: I’m in my fifth and final year, completing a B.A. Honours in International Development, with an area of emphasis in Gender and Development.
Describe yourself in one sentence:
I am a dedicated, accountable, and well-rounded individual who is passionate about intersectional human rights, education, and community development.
What makes you the best possible candidate for this position?
The External Affairs Commissioner portfolio contains four pillars: social and environmental justice, lobbying at the provincial and federal levels, campaigning for equity, and acting as a liaison between groups. As I understand, in order to effectively uphold the pillars of this portfolio, one requires a commitment to anti-oppressive frameworks of operation, knowledge of current issues in social and environmental justice, strong analytical skills, and extensive interpersonal skills that would enable them to accurately interpret the experiences of students. Bearing this in mind, I am certain that I have the necessary foundations to succeed in the role of External Affairs Commissioner.
My five years as an active, engaged student at the University of Guelph have given me a large breadth and depth of knowledge on how to approach these four pillars in such a way that truly addresses the issues we face.
My past and present work with organizations such as Student Life, the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED), the Wellness Centre, CFRU 93.3 FM, and the Central Student Association has provided me with the skills and experience necessary to excel in the External Affairs Commissioner role.
Additionally, my work in the wider Guelph community – most notably of which included speaking at the City of Guelph’s Corporate Administration, Finance, and Enterprise (CAFE) Committee in the summer of 2014 – has reinforced my strong understanding of policy frameworks, event and campaign planning, and my passion for advocacy on the issues impacting us as members of a community.
I am dedicated to working with students to improve the university experience by running effective campaigns on issues relevant to you, creating exciting opportunities for us to engage with each other and making our time at Guelph the best it can be while moving toward a more sustainable, accessible, and equitable future.
What is your platform concerning collaboration with provincial and federal levels of government to ensure the voice of the student body is heard?
In accordance with the External Affairs Commissioner job description, it is my duty to accurately represent student voices at the provincial and federal levels of government by lobbying for your rights and acting as a liaison between groups.
One of the biggest concerns reported is that of rising tuition fees. University education is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain as students struggle to make ends meet. Our programs are being cut and universities are increasing their private sector funding, which endangers the financial and environmental sustainability of our post-secondary education. In the long term, reductions in access to education result in increased disparity and a less informed society.
In a movement toward resisting and resolving this issue, I will collaborate with students to run a strong campaign at the provincial level to lobby for increased public funding for education.
Furthermore, as the federal elections approach, I will collaborate with groups to provide students with accessible resources and detailed updates on elections information, so that they may be engaged and informed long before they head to the polls. In teaching the federal government that we care and that student votes matter, we may see our needs realized onto the federal agenda.
Another issue that requires significant attention is that of campus safety. Drawing from my lived experiences and from my work in anti-oppression, I am continuously engaging with the ways in which we may create safer spaces for our students. No one should ever have to endure harassment, physical and sexual assault, hate speech, or other forms of violence and discrimination.
The unfortunate reality is that racism, gender-based violence, homophobia, trans-phobia, able-ism, and more are issues regularly faced across campuses—and the University of Guelph is no exception. I’m looking to connect with the provincial government, other student unions, and organizations such as the C.J. Munford Centre, the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED), and the Diversity and Human Rights Office (DHR), to find sustainable solutions toward a safer, more equitable campus for all.
External Affairs Commissioner
Name: Tawny Allison
Program: B.A. Honours in English & Sociology
Describe yourself in one sentence:
A hurricane of a girl with a frog named Turtle and an un-alterable appreciation of cereal for dinner.
Why are you running for this position?
Running for this position is about something I care deeply for: giving a voice to our students and this generation of young people.
I think there is exponential potential in External Affairs to create real change, not only within the university but also in all of the students that this union affects.
Through the work I intend to do and be a part of, I am confident that I will assist in positively impacting individuals and our community,
What makes you the best possible candidate for this position?
My experience within leadership roles is extensive, but what keeps me involved is my commitment to change. I am a strong leader and public speaker, and I can uphold the integrity the university at the Provincial and Federal level.
I am consistently unsatisfied until real change is made in order to positively affect others. The issues we face today need someone who will not give up and someone who believes in the power of our thoughts turning into action. External Affairs allows me to put my strong skill set to use within our union and its subsidiaries.
What is your platform concerning collaboration with provincial and federal levels of government to ensure the voice of the student body is heard?
With respect to Provincial and Federal levels of government, I think that there needs to be a mutual understanding of respect and professionalism. In order to open those difficult conversations, there must be a commitment to listening and liaising, as per those you represent, to have meaningful outcomes that please all those involved.
I believe strongly in restorative practices and would like to implement this in a way that will properly represent the student body. With that in mind, I would like to continue the work of this years External and Local Affairs Commissioner and create strong working relationships with both levels of government through open lines of communication and breaking down barriers.
Furthermore, I have thorough intentions of obtaining student input in order to make sure I am the most prepared to represent the needs and concerns of everyone at this school. The ways in which this input is obtained will be based on the most convenient and efficient ways that students are able to assist.
I have a deep understanding and respect of the time commitments that all of our students fall under. I would like to make these forums to have your voice heard as accessible as possible to all students so that every need is met.
Essentially, I am no stranger to conflict and am confident in preparing the necessary means with which I can assist in creating the change that Gryphons need in order to action those concerns.
Human Resources and Operations Commissioner
Name: Matthew Campbell
Program: B.Comm Co-op in Management Economics in Industry & Finance
Describe yourself in one sentence:
Rootsy, yet progressive.
Why are you running for this position?
I’ve been involved with the CSA as a Board Director for over two years. Having recently finished my program I see this as a great opportunity to advocate on behalf of undergraduate students at a greater capacity.
Trends of fiscal mismanagement, environmental degradation, and oppressive behaviour are concerning for the future of Canada and the world. The best way to combat these problems is to educate ourselves. However, rising tuition fees increase barriers for those who can obtain a university degree, which I believe is detrimental to society in the long run.
The CSA represents those who are obtaining further education, and it is important that they are heard loud and clear, for they have to shape the world for the better. In order to accomplish this goal, the CSA has to spend student union fees as efficiently as possible.
The more efficient the operations of the CSA, the greater reach it can have with its services and campaigns. I feel I can help with this goal and hopefully contribute to the improvement of society.
What makes you the best possible candidate for this position?
I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I recently finished my degree with a focus in economics, finance, and business operations.
I also have experienced all “phases” of an undergraduate degree, which gives me a good perspective on the various needs of students.
Furthermore I’ve had co-op placements with the Federal Government, Bell Media and General Electric. I worked in Project Management at my most recent placement with GE and oversaw the operation of a $50,000 project and worked intimately on other projects of even greater scope.
The experience I have in Project Management should be a valuable asset if I am elected as Human Resources and Operations Commissioner.
What is your platform concerning the maintenance of the university’s standard of excellence for campus resources, student spaces, and funding allocation?
The CSA provides great campus resources such as the Health and Dental Plan, City Bus Pass, SHAC, printing stations, SafeWalk, and much more! When these services operate as efficiently as possible, they can reach many undergraduate students and maximize the student dollar.
The rising cost of living and tuition fees make it even harder to be an undergraduate student, so it’s vital that the CSA does everything possible to ease that process.
Students need space: more student study space and more student-controlled space. If elected, I hope to adamantly address this issue. It’s essential to try and work with administration on matters such as these to foster a co-operative environment. This would be done in hopes that more student space can be obtained and current student space maximized.
With respect to funding allocation, if CSA services run as efficiently as possible, then more student funding can be allocated to CSA clubs and campaigns. The undergraduate voice needs to be heard through campaigns, and the more money available for these, the greater their impact and accessibility.
Human Resources and Operations Commissioner
Name: Lauren Zalewski
Program: Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing Management
Describe yourself in one sentence:
Legend… wait for it… spirited, approachable gal who is in love with Guelph and is slightly obsessed with T-swift and loves eating… Dary
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for the Human Resources and Operations Commissioner position because I am passionate about improving the undergrad experience!
I am in love with Guelph’s campus atmosphere, and the CSA plays a major role in shaping our community by supporting campaigns and getting student input on important issues. I knew I wanted to be part of the team that is behind it all!
I would like students and staff members of the CSA to have more say in what their student union does, and what their student fees are allocated towards. The Human Resources and Operations position really stuck out for me because of my interests in financing and working with staff and members to help improve the betterment of the organization!
What makes you the best possible candidate for this position?
In my undergrad, I have been a member of multiple organizations and committees where I have developed extensive leadership skills and gained managerial experience that can be directly applied to the Human Resources position.
Due to my past involvements as the Vice-President of Finance for Interhall Council and from paying attention in my classes, I am very knowledgeable of financial statements, and daily operation systems for organizations. I’m a great problem solver and I’m very adaptive in new situations.
I have an extroverted personality and I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself!
What is your platform concerning the maintenance of the university’s standard of excellence for campus resources, student spaces, and funding allocation?
The CSA has access to so many resources on campus, and I want to ensure students and staff are benefitting from them. I plan on implementing this by conducting more staff evaluations and communicating more with members to see if they can benefit from continuous or more extensive training.
I would further like to increase the transparency of the CSA’s finances. I would like to receive more student input on where student fees are allocated and what areas of the budget are important to them.
Lastly, I would like to continue to grow the student space initiative that was started last year. Limited student space on campus is still a rising issue, and I would like to explore new solutions and further investigate new areas we can designate to the students.
Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner
Name: Sonia Chwalek
Program: Wildlife Biology and Conservation
Describe yourself in one sentence:
I am batman, but less brooding and autocratic – I believe in the power of collective action for the better.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for re-election as your Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner because I am passionate about the amazing impact the CSA can have on your time here at U of G.
When I first started university it was not until I got involved with the CSA Tap In! campaign, and met some incredible friends, that I began to feel at home. While your place may not be specifically within CSA campaigns, I do believe that the CSA has an important role to play in cultivating a sense of belonging for each and every student on campus.
As your Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner I am committed to not only connecting directly with you, but also to building opportunities for you to connect with other students, and groups, clubs, and services, on and off campus.
During my term, I have shown students how much I care about the issues that are important to them, recognizing that these span far past academics.
Students do not exist independently from all else; we are workers, family members, and friends of certain cultures, ethnicities, practices and/or religions – all with our own lived experiences.
What is exciting is that we are in an environment at university where we can look at issues important to us through an interdisciplinary lens, and begin to meaningfully shape the kind of society we wish to see in the future. This motivates me every day to work harder to serve you: to get creative and find better ways to engage you in creating a CSA that works for everyone.
What makes you the best possible candidate for this position?
Having a year under my belt as your Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner has provided me with invaluable experience. It is hard to imagine the learning curve that comes with being a CSA Commissioner, but after spending the last year planning multiple events and campaigns, organizing our Board of Directors, re-developing our outreach strategy, and speaking with students one-on-one, I’ve had many valuable opportunities to learn and grow.
I am so proud of everything we have accomplished this year – our noticeable presence at O-Week, more visible and accessible student-run campaigns, record-level attendance at our Annual General Meeting, and more than doubling our outreach on social media – but we could not have accomplished any of that without you.
My passion for this position has never been stronger. I am excited and inspired by what we can accomplish together and am dedicated to hearing your concerns, questions, and suggestions about how we can build a better CSA.
As your Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner, I promise to always be available to you, to shamelessly and effectively promote our services, clubs and student groups, and continue supporting your voices.
What is your platform concerning student engagement within the CSA and the role of student-voiced government?
The CSA has always operated under the belief that we are stronger together. It is our collective voices that give us leverage in addressing the issues important to us. With this in mind, if re-elected as your Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner, I promise to continue the great work we’ve accomplished this past year, and:
1) Improve Access to the CSA:
– Maintain a strong social media presence and continue re-developing the website to provide a centralized platform for services/events/advocacy
– Prioritize one-on-one communication with you (tabling, town halls), and use online outreach tools/surveys to make sharing your voice easier
2) Organize Bigger Bands, Speakers, and Events:
– Gather your input on the Bands, entertainment and events you want to see on Campus
– Organize more FREE events (karaoke, road-hockey tournament, Bullring parties, concerts)
3) Build Stronger Partnerships with Student Groups:
– Support more student events/initiatives in our community and maximize promotional opportunities
4) Support Campaigns and Services that Reflect Your Interests:
– Explore creative and interactive campaign/advocacy engagement strategies to support high quality, accessible education (cheaper textbooks, stopping program cuts and tuition-fee hikes), mental health support, and a safer, more sustainable and equitable campus
Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner
Name: Joshua Muscat
Program: Music
Describe yourself in one sentence:
I am the kind of person to stay optimistic and try to make the best of any challenges or obstacles I face.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for this position because I believe that it is time to shift the power of representing students, back to the students.
I am running because I believe that I can introduce new methods of student input in decisions made by the CSA, and hold an organization that is supposed to represent students, accountable to actually do so.
What makes you the best possible candidate for this position?
I am the best possible candidate for this position because I am willing to use my position to speak up for what students say that they want, without making decisions based on my personal preferences.
I am the best possible candidate because I am running for students, not myself.
What is your platform concerning student engagement within the CSA and the role of student-voiced government?
My platform concerning student engagement within the CSA and the role of student-voiced government is that the only way to represent what students want and truly call ourselves a student-voiced government is to empower the student voice to influence and make decisions that directly concern them.
Students must be provided with the regular opportunity to speak for themselves, have their voices be heard, and be shown that decisions or changes are being made in response.
As a liaison between students and the university administration, I want to eliminate the gap between students and those who have the power to make change, which will allow student voices to make an impact.
Local Affairs Commissioner
Name: Dylan Brenneman
Program: I am a double major in International Development (PEAC Stream) and Political Science. I am also completing a certificate in civic engagement and global certificate.
Describe yourself in one sentence:
I am a highly passionate individual who is concerned about issues that impact humanity.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for the position of Local Affairs Commissioner because I highly believe in the campaigns that fall under this commissioner portfolio.
Transit is a key issue that impacts students and as we provide a large component of the Guelph Transit budget, it is important that we receive the service that we need. I have often experienced being crammed onto a bus where people’s elbows jab into your face and it is important to ensure that the transit system is working as effectively as possible.
I am also increasingly concerned about the rising rate of tuition in Canada, which has played a role in the increase of food banks. As someone who grew up on a farm, I know how important it is to access fresh and affordable food, and it is important that we as a university ensure that all students have this right.
Why are you the best possible candidate for this position?
I am the best candidate for this position because I have previous experience working with the CSA, on the Board of Directors as the Rep for CSAHS At Large and on the board of CSAHS-SA. As such, I am well educated about issues that pertain to the student population and the policies and procedures to best address these concerns.
I believe that my academics have played an important role in shaping my perspective on items included in the Local Affairs portfolio, as we learn through International Development that problems are multi-faceted by nature. This means that there is no “band-aid” solution and as such, I highly believe that community engagement is an effective tool to address these issues.
The Local Affairs position has been held by students from the International Development program for at least the past two years, and I believe this shows the merit of my argument.
What is your platform concerning the protection and maintenance of student safety on campus and in the community at large?
My platform concerning the protection and maintenance of student safety on campus and in the community at large is to continue to support services such as SafeWalk, SHAC, GRCGED, and the No Means No campaign, to name a few.
As someone who identifies in the LGBTQ+ community, I personally know first hand how important student safety is. It is important to continue to work with university administration, various residence groups, and student groups to ensure that these problems do not rise in the first place.
It is also important to have safe spaces, both on and off, campus where students can go to seek resources and assistance as needed. As someone who identifies as bi-sexual and Christian, I have found the local Harcourt United Church to be an excellent place to seek the support that is often lacking for myself, as I have been excluded by both the LGBTQ+ community, due to my religion, and the Christian church, due to my sexuality.
As such, I would love to hear how I can help to create more spaces and resources to increase student safety, both on and off campus, as it is an issue that often does not get the attention that it deserves.
Local Affairs Commissioner
Name: Scarlett Raczycki
Program: B/A Philosophy Minor: Museum Studies
Describe yourself in one sentence:
I’m a stubborn and creative individual with a passion for people.
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running for Local Affairs Commissioner because I have fallen for the city of Guelph. Over the past four years, it has truly become my home in so many ways, and I want to ensure that all students have the same opportunity to feel safe and at home here.
I believe that physical, emotional, and mental safety are of equal importance, and I want to create an environment in which the students of U of G feel as comfortable as possible.
What makes you the best possible candidate for this position?
My years of community involvement and extreme passion for people, culture, and equality will support my ability to be an active and valuable student representative on the CSA executive.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been one to throw everything I have at the things I care about, and this is one of those times.
The opportunity to make the student-city relationship stronger is one that I do not want to pass up, and if elected, I will do whatever is in my power to ensure that relationship is developed and maintained.
What is your platform concerning the protection and maintenance of student safety on campus and in the community at large?
I pledge to reevaluate the No Means No campaign, working vigorously to increase awareness and education surrounding issues of sexual and gender-based violence, battle the stigma around sexual harassment, and put an end to rape culture at the University of Guelph.
Working with this campaign, as well as others like United for Equity, I plan to foster a safer, more comfortable environment for students of all or no gender, age, race, and religion.