The Ontarion posed two questions to the candidates running for Executive positions in the Central Student Association’s General Election. The first question was addressed to all eleven candidates. The second question is specific to the office of each commissioner. Students can cast their ballot online between Mar. 5 and Mar. 7.
On that ballot, students will also have a chance to vote for members of the CSA Board of Directors and decide on a referendum question put forward by the Student Space Initiative.
Local Affairs Commissioner:
Caitlin Drew Zeran
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
Having experienced the Guelph transit system for several years now, I feel as though there are improvements that could be made in order to better accommodate student patrons, such as longer “peak periods” during the week. As well, I would like to strengthen the relationship that exists between students and the community that they are living in while attending the university; for example, it is important to encourage students to vote in the upcoming municipal election. Furthermore, I take pride in the positive and safe vibe that our university puts out, and I want to continue to foster this – specifically, I would like to work more closely with the residences in order to ensure that they are as secure as possible. Finally, I am interested in improving the bus pass distribution process, as well as increasing student usage of the abundance of wonderful CSA programs.
2. On what issue do you feel students are inadequately represented?
This is a difficult question for me to answer, as I feel that many issues that students face are being addressed through different mediums. Of course, the concerns over tuition fee hikes are extremely relevant and, while we do have representation, I believe that there is room for even more campus community involvement. Personally, I am also of the opinion that more communication with students is necessary in order to ensure that the public transit needs of the majority are being met. By consulting with students, I would be able to more effectively communicate their needs and wants to Guelph transit. Overall, in order to truly represent University of Guelph students on issues that they are passionate about, we must take every opportunity to involve them in the decision-making process. Should I be elected, a more open line of communication between the CSA and students is a goal of mine.
Luna Shen
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
Specific to my office, I would work to improve transit and toward making the campus a safer space. I would like to see the late-night buses also service Monday nights and for the Sunday late-night service to become more prominent. I would like to push for a new Greyhound station as well. While it doesn’t fall under the Local Affairs portfolio directly, I see it as both related to transit and municipal issues. The temporary location is a tiny portable and students are sometimes forced to wait outside in the cold for several hours for a bus. The wording of the second task is not as goal-oriented I, realize, but what is considered safe for one individual may not be so for another. One of the better ways to accomplish this goal is to bring awareness to such issues as sexual assault and to educate students on its reality.
2. On what issue do you feel students are inadequately represented?
I feel that students are inadequately represented on mental health issues. Yes, there is the “One in Five” campaign, and yes, the extended Fall Break was argued on behalf of the mental health of students; yet there still isn’t enough being done. One of the problems is that many people don’t think of these campaigns as much more than a statistic unless it directly affects them or someone they know. However, a much larger problem is the stigma surrounding mental health. Because of these negative stereotypes, students are afraid to disclose their status for fear of discrimination and being judged by their peers and they suffer in silence. The Centre for Students with Disabilities is seeing an increasing number in enrolment these years and they work hard to support students, but I feel that students should be able to do something more to help their peers out as well.
Brittany Skelton
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
There are several goals I would work toward if elected. I would work to improve transit, ensuring that the highest quality of service is provided and expand upon alternative transportation options for students. I would establish a safer campus through challenging rape culture and raising awareness regarding sexual assault and prevention programs. I am committed to expanding student space on campus and in the community. I am dedicated to continuing my support of the work of the Student Food Bank and its newly founded community garden. I will advocate for creating space for student-led-and-initiated food providers on campus. I will be a strong voice to see our issues on the forefront of the public agenda. I plan on working alongside the City of Guelph to develop a strategy on engaging students, including creating a forum regarding the municipal election and new bylaws as they arise.
2. On what issue do you feel students are inadequately represented?
I think that there are a number of issues that the community does not acknowledge impact students also. I am thinking specifically of food insecurity and how the general community does not recognize the barriers that some students face. As the Local Affairs Commissioner supervises the Food Bank, I think that this is the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between campus and community. Furthermore, I think that the municipality could do more to engage students in its politics as we are often negatively stereotyped and have a lot to offer this city. We live in a beautiful community and I will work tirelessly to ensure all are included and student’s voices are represented.
External Affairs Commissioner:
Sonali Menezes
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
If elected I would work with groups on campus to continue the United for Equity Campaign which challenges students to challenge sexism, racism, homophobia, racism and transphobia. I would focus on establishing this campaign in residences as well as working on a campus taskforce on racism, which I feel is important to the health and strength of our community. I would continue to work to achieve a bottled water-free campus with more water fountains and refill stations for students and work on sustainability on campus. I will advocate for more funding for post-secondary education when lobbying the government and to protect programming at Guelph in light of PPP cuts. With a likely provincial election coming up, I will also create an online CSA video newsblog to keep students in the loop and work on a strong campaign against rising tuition fees.
2. How do you go about determining what is in “the best interest of students”?
Above all I will make myself accessible and actively listen and talk to students about student interests. The student body at Guelph is very diverse and naturally student interests are also diverse. I think it’s important to think about both collective and individual interests and then apply a critical lens to find a balance that addresses the interests of students. For example, high tuition fees affect all students and is high priority for all students. I will utilize information through research, using statistics on student interests, connecting with other student groups on campuses and across the country, attending meetings and community events, and actively listening to students. Something that’s really important to me is also addressing interests of marginalized groups on campus.
Academic and University Affairs Commissioner:
Peter Miller
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
If elected, I will organize with students to stand for public, accessible, and quality education. This will include working with students against the 32.4 million dollars of cuts from happening on campus over the next three years. The cuts threaten the quality and diversity of our education including a 25.8 per cent cut to the College of Arts and a 15.1 per cent cut to the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences.
I will work with students to put pressure on the Board of Governors and administration to not increase tuition fees by 200 to 300 dollars per student each year. We need to work with student unions across Ontario for accessible education.
I am also committed to other aspects of the Academic and University Affairs portfolio, including being a resource for students encountering academic problems and campaigning to make professors and students aware of affordable textbook options.
2. What sort of relationship would you endeavour to build with the university administration if you were elected to this office?
It is very important for the Central Student Association to be an independent voice for student interests. This means that the CSA must not be afraid to advocate against initiatives by the administration that are against student interests.
The relationship between student representatives and administration depends a great deal on the actions of administration. I will make sure to encourage initiatives undertaken by administration that are beneficial for students. For instance, if the administration starts an initiative that makes campus more environmentally sustainable or expands mental health resources on campus I will be happy to work with administration on these initiatives.
However, I will make sure to represent student interests when in contact with administration. Representing student interests will include advocating against tuition fee increases; advocating against the $32.4 million of cuts from being implemented on campus; and advocating for a more accessible campus for students with disabilities.
Kimmi Snider
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
If elected as the Academic and University Affairs Commissioner, I hope to reach out to more students to make sure to accurately represent and campaign for students. My main focus will be creating a more accessible campus by eliminating the social and physical barriers. I hope to include more students during the budget cuts to ensure that programs are not cut and some programs have an efficient restructure. I hope to reach out to more students while working on the calendar day change and fall reading week. As the day change from before exams to mid-semester was controversial, I hope to get more feedback for more accurate results. If elected, I will be bringing more innovative and out-of-the-box campaign ideas to create a more engaged campus and raise more student voices.
2. What sort of relationship would you endeavour to build with the university administration if you were elected to this office?
I hope to build a respectful and positive relationship with administration if elected onto the CSA. However, I am prepared to not agree with administration on all issues and lobby administration if it is in the best interests of students. That being said, a healthy relationship encourages a more efficient process of achieving goals. By creating a constructive relationship with administration, they will be willing to work with the CSA on more of our projects and more of our campaigns will be successful.
Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner:
Matt Brown
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
First and foremost, increased flow in communications in four areas (CSA internally, student populations, campus groups – students and administration, and off-campus communities). By strengthening communications to all parties, we are able to work better together to create a unified campus life. Next, I would like to create a virtual community through social media and new avenues. This includes constant updates, highlights of events, campaigns on student issues, and general student engagement and involvement. Promoting the CSA services is very important, as many students still do not know that they exist. Finally, I would like to implement a system where students can grade the CSA and its services to know how well we are doing and what we can improve on. Introducing innovative ideas and new ways to connect with students, as well as creating a high energy and engaging Orientation Week, is all top priority.
2. What sort of leadership experience do you have that qualifies you to hold this office?
During my time at Guelph, I have worked for the CSA as a Human Rights Educator and Event Coordinator at SHAC and as the Clubs Coordinator. Those positions have allowed me to understand how the CSA operates, its relationships to its own services, and to other campus groups. Under CSA, I have had experience in planning large-scale Orientation Week events (which is crucial in this position). I have also been the Interhall President of Lennox Addington Hall, West Residences and the temporary Brock House. My positions there have helped me understand the crucial nature of communications through all parties (students, campus groups, and administration). As well, I have had experiences with relevant board processes, agendas, and PDR procedures. I’ve been able to work with many incredible undergraduate students, on-campus student groups, and off-campus community partners. I am excited, if elected, to maintain these healthy relationships!
Sonia Chwalek
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
If elected as Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner, my goals will be two-fold: 1) Improve communication between you and the CSA to ensure your voices are held paramount in decisions for a strong student union by expanding social media activity, increasing website and mass-email user-friendliness, and collaborating extensively with groups and CSA clubs; and 2) ensure that campaigns and services reflective of your needs are supported and clearly communicated to you, such as those advocating for more student space, quality accessible education, and a more sustainable campus. I will work to engage with you in new ways, like by running welcome back events open to all students regardless of year of study, and bringing in big name speakers to AGMs to draw interest. It will be my priority to not only listen to what is important to you, but also make sure that you are aware of the CSA services, resources, campaigns, and events from which you can benefit.
2. What sort of leadership experience do you have that qualifies you to hold this office?
Throughout my years at university I have worked diligently to balance school, extracurricular activities, and part-time work. I bring with me over 4 years of club-leadership experience and an extensive communications and administrative work and volunteer background. As a member of the Tap In! and Stop the Hikes campaigns, and as your CSA Associate Commissioner of Campaigns and Outreach, I am greatly tied to the issues and campaigns important to you. I have utilized this opportunity – alongside my involvement with other groups such as Centre for Students with Disability (Meal Guide), Model United Nations (Executive), First Year Seminars (Co-facilitator), and Student Life (Online Group Leader) – to develop the skills, knowledge on campus and university functioning, and the work ethic needed to be successful in a position such as Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner. For more information, please check out soniaforcommunications.wordpress.com.
River Roy
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
If elected I plan to promote available CSA services to students and inquire what they need from the CSA in terms of new services and initiatives. Getting this feedback and putting it into action is very important to me as the CSA is there for students completely. I’d also like to increase the visibility and knowledge of what the CSA is to all students; giving them a chance to hear what the executive is working on and new projects would be fantastic to gain support! Making sure the CSA runs smoothly is another priority. It may be more behind the scenes, but it is necessary for the success of the organization.
2. What sort of leadership experience do you have that qualifies you to hold this office?
I’ve held numerous leadership positions on campus such as Orientation Volunteer, Ambassador, Peer Helper and member of the College of Arts Student Union Executive. Within all of these roles I’ve gained experience with organizing large scale events, working with other students, using social media outlets and learning how to run an organization. This alone makes me qualified but, to go further, I am on the CSA Board of Directors currently so I am well aware of how the CSA operates, what the position entails, and what kind of commitment it takes. The insight from that position is essential to getting a head start if elected as I am educated in where to begin right away and get working on how to assist students!
Human Resources and Operations Commissioner
David Alton
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
My primary goal is to bring administrative stability to the CSA. The past couple of years the CSA has been working through some internal instability. Because of this the organization has suffered and stagnated. If you haven’t noticed, the Bullring had to phase out bacon due to a ventilation issue. By focusing my energy on the internal issues I plan to start moving funding back to the Bullring to cover the cost of major renovations needed to bring back bacon. I also want to focus on clubs who have faced a lot of internal uncertainty and mismanagement in recent years. I want to spend the year righting some of those wrongs by engaging in extensive consultation with clubs to identify major issues and major goals. By bringing stability to internal issues I hope to allow the CSA to spend more time communicating with students and planning for the future.
2. What has attracted you to apply for this position?
I was drawn to this position because for the past two years the CSA has been my life. I have sat on the board and on practically every committee and have learnt the important financial and structural issues. These issues are important to me because they prevent the CSA from functioning at its fullest. The CSA looks inward rather than outward and students suffer. I want this position because I want to settle these issues to shift the CSA’s focus back to students. In the past 2 years I have seen executives accomplish great things and I have seen them crash and burn. Having an experienced candidate in this position is critical for the CSA as it provides the stability for all the others. I have the knowledge and experience needed to accomplish this and make a successful and forward-looking CSA. I’m also a pretty cool guy.
Colin Morris
1. What goals, specific to your desired office, would you work to achieve if elected?
I see student space on campus as a critical issue and one that I would prioritize. Our campus is lacking sufficient student space for all of the undergraduate students. This past summer, I worked hard to reach out to stakeholders across the campus to secure $35,000 worth of furniture for the MacKinnon building. At a time when the university is tightening its belt, we found a way to improve student space for all students. But this is just the beginning, and as a CSA executive I hope to build on this project in other locations across campus as well as investigate the possibility of a new student building. This new space would result in increased student space and offices for the wide range of organizations that we have on campus. I will be your full time student space champion and together we can make the impossible possible.
2. What has attracted you to apply for this position?
There are a number of things that attracted me to running for this position. I have been actively involved on campus and want to ensure that students here have the best student experience as possible. My time at Guelph has been some of the best times of my life and I want to ensure that current and future students have just as great an experience as I have had. If elected I will be able to help improve the student’s experience even more than it already is.
If I am able to improve the student experience of just one student and hopefully even more I will feel that my time as a commissioner was a success. This position is not about what I take out of it, it is about improving the everyday student’s life here