The Central Student Association’s (CSA) general election period has begun, and candidates are launching their campaigns across campus. Voting will take place from March 5 to 7, and the all candidates forum will take place on Thursday, March 1.
After the executive restructuring in 2017, there are now four executive positions open for election. There are also positions available on the Boards of Directors for each academic college within the university. The Ontarion has compiled the main campaign points of each candidate for the CSA executive below.
PRESIDENT
JACK FISHER
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“In an advocacy role as President, I will continue to support, through tangible actions, those groups and communities on campus that are traditionally underrepresented while growing the CSA as an integral part of the U of G identity.”
- Three years on CSA board of directors and peer helper
- Emphasize student consultation
- Promote multi-purpose, effective student space
VICE PRESIDENT STUDENT EXPERIENCE
AIDEN PASKINOV
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“University students are constantly stressed, under so much pressure, and forced to pay exorbitant amounts of tuition. I hope to change this by promoting services that might make their lives a bit easier, which will increase the CSA’s engagement with the student body when advocating to the university.”
- Increase engagement amongst students
- Connect with students on a more intimate level
- Make CSA services more visible
VICE PRESIDENT ACADEMICS
NATALIE CLARK
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“I am running for the position of VP Academic because I want to be a voice for all Guelph students and advocate for their academic rights.”
- Lower textbook prices and more access to online textbooks
- Increase study space and fight for 24-hour space
- Address the stressful exam structure
- Increase mental health resources on campus
TANYA VOHRA
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“I want to continue to give back to the University and the undergraduate membership by advocating for academic rights, accessibility, and funding. If elected, I will work with fellow Executives to ensure that the student voice is not lost and that every effort is made to engage in conversation with the student body.”
- Fall reading week
- Open education resources and online textbooks
- Implement a student grievance policy for rights violations by faculty/staff
VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL
KAYLA WEILER
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“I believe that students at this university cannot be ignored and that their interests need to be a top priority on campus… This past year as VP External, I have advocated for students, and if re-elected, will continue to direct my lobbying efforts so that they are in the best interests of the student population.”
- Advocate against tuition fee increases and fight for free tuition
- Represent students to develop better transit in Guelph
- Represent the interests of students over administration
- Directly account for the interests of marginalized groups
KATE BAKOS
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“Overall my aim is to make Guelph, and UoG, feel like home for students, and through my role of publicizing Guelph by-laws, programs, and initiatives that involve students I believe we can make that happen.”
- Help students understand city by-laws
- Make Guelph feel like home
Image edited by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion