It’s that time of year again when SFU’s student population is tasked with electing graduate and undergraduate students to the Board of Governors, the Senate, and the Senate Graduate Studies Committee. All elected students will serve from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015.
Voting will be open from Feb. 3 to 5, and students will be given access via their SFU emails.
Here is a quick look at the candidates’ profiles and platforms, all of which were submitted to The Peak by the candidates themselves.
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Board of Governors
There is to be one graduate and one undergraduate student elected to the Board of Governors, a body responsible for business decisions concerning university property, revenue and policies.
Graduate candidates:
Name: Ehsan Jozaghi
Year and major: PhD Candidate (2nd year), Criminology
Platform:
Jozaghi has served in numerous leadership positions during his undergraduate and graduate years. For example, he has been elected co-president of SFU’s Golden Key Chapter. He has volunteered at a needle depot that distributes harm reduction supplies in the Downtown Eastside and has also been a volunteer at MOSAIC Settlement Services for Refugees and Immigrants as a computer instructor. Jozaghi has served in the Canadian Army reserve and currently volunteers for the Vancouver Food Bank Society.
Jozaghi has been elected to SFU’s Senate twice and plans to bring his experience to advocate for more funding for students. He will fight, on your behalf, for more funding through scholarships, fellowships and bursaries as well as for the implementation of lower tuition fees. Jozaghi supports smaller class sizes and more funding for TAs and TMs; he also supports a better transit system through the implementation of a gondola to SFU.
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Name: Jesse Taylor
Year and Major: PhD Candidate (4th year), Biological Sciences
Platform:
Hello! My name is Jesse Taylor, I am a PhD Candidate in Biological Sciences, and I am running for the graduate student position on the Board of Governors at SFU. My decision to run in this election was a culmination of my passion for student governance, previous board experience, and a desire to give back to SFU for all the opportunities it has given me. I have volunteered with several associations around campus which have all provided excellent opportunities to learn about issues facing the SFU community.
If elected I hope to get the chance to address some of these issues including: availability of student housing, rising tuition rates, student space on Surrey and Vancouver campuses, and student engagement at the university level, to mention just a few.
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Undergraduate candidates:
Name: Deven Azevedo
Year and Major: 1st year, Environmental Science
Platform:
My primary goal, if elected to the Board of Governors, will be to push the board to live up to SFU’s proclaimed vision of pursuing “ecological, social and economic sustainability through its programs and operations.” I will do this through advocating for greater transparency in SFU’s investments, a review of the risk of SFU’s investments in fossil fuel companies, and the creation of a mechanism by which students can better attain the ear of the board.
I believe my two years of experience on two Township of Langley Advisory Committees, as well as having led and overseen a community garden project with a budget of over $45 000, gives me the necessary knowledge and understanding of committees and finances to implement these actions with the Board of Governors.
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Name: Billy Fang
Year and Major: 1st year, Engineering Science
Platform:
I am a first year student majoring in engineering science, with ambition to obtain a doctoral degree in the future. If elected, my goals of the office include advocating for increased student participation in university development plans and Senate decisions, and in regards of fraternity/sorority recognition and constructive connections between these organizations and the community. I will also focus on reducing locker theft and increasing public awareness concerning the risk of theft at SFU. My academic foundation is solid, so is my enthusiasm for this university.
I am interested to serve the Senate as I bring a combination of enthusiasm to build our community and the ability coordinate with other facilities and departments. I hope it is clear that our current objective is to let the senate recognize our concern and utilize the resources we have, efficiently, to meet SFU students’ interests. Thank you.
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Name: Sarah-Sophia Flodr
Year and Major: 4th year, Business and Politics
Platform:
My name is Sarah-Sophia Flodr and I am an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts at SFU. I am interested in joining the Board of Governors as well as in rejoining the SFU Senate because I enjoy representing my fellow students. I have been studying at SFU for about four years and I believe I have a clear understanding of what the student environment and experience here are like.
I am confident that I am a perfect candidate because of my many different roles and involvements at SFU that I experienced throughout the last three years. As a student, teaching assistant, club president and current undergraduate student senator, I understand the important values for a better university on behalf of you. Moreover, I know that my devotion, dedication, as well as my positive attitude make me a perfect candidate and most importantly because it would be my honour to represent you in the decision making processes of the Board of Governors and SFU Senate!
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Name: Clayton Gray
Year and Major: 3rd/4th year, Criminology
Platform:
In the Government Letter of Expectations (2013), between the Ministry of Advanced Education and SFU, the university and the government mutually agreed to, “Work in partnership with Aboriginal communities, organizations and institutes to implement the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Policy Framework and Action Plan for the purpose of increasing the participation and success of Aboriginal learners.” If elected to the Board of Governors, I will use my experience as an Aboriginal learner to aid the university achieving its vision, outlined in the Aboriginal Strategic Plan, to be “the leading ‘engaged’ university in Canada, defined by its dynamic integration of innovative education, cutting edge research, and far- reaching community engagement.” By voting for me, you can show the university that we support the advancement and restoration of Aboriginal Canada.
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Name: Cody Wicks
Year and Major: Biology and MBB
Platform:
There are three main reasons why I am running for Senate and Board of Governors at SFU.
Firstly, I believe in standing up for the students. With government funding failing to keep up, and corporations strengthening their grasp, we need strong voices for our rights. As a student, if you have an issue that is important to you, I want to be in your corner.
Secondly, and getting more specific, we want mandatory corporate grants and profit sharing. Students struggle to pay for school, yet they support corporations on campus and should be supported in turn. Will it take a boycott to make them listen?
Thirdly, we need conditions at SFU that foster student motivation, passion, and curiosity in our studies. From my surveys, there is nothing worse for this than having to take a course you don’t want or need. Every 24-30 credits, we deserve a free course challenge.
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Senate
The Senate is responsible for the academic governance of the university, meaning all matters excluded from the purview of the Board of Governors. These include teaching and research, with a specific focus on the development of new initiatives, the formation of priorities, and the consideration and approval of policies.
Of the 31 applicants for Senate positions, sixteen of them will be elected, with at least one student elected from each faculty and at least three undergraduate and three graduate students elected.
It should be noted that in accordance with the requirement that at least one student be elected from each faculty, Ting Liu (education) and Amelia Huang (environment) were elected by acclamation as the only candidates from their respective faculties. This leaves 14 positions for which to elect student representatives.
Graduate candidates:
Name: Ehsan Jozaghi
As a candidate for Board of Governors, Senate, and Senate Graduate Studies Committee, Jozaghi’s platform can be read above.
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Name: Jayme Lewthwaite
Year and Major: Biology
Platform: I have worked extensively with the university administration during my undergraduate degree at uOttawa, and I learned a lot about how universities function. This experience has taught me that although the decisions made by these governing bodies seem far-removed and bureaucratic from the outside, that student involvement in these committees is crucial in order to improve the student experience. I have experienced a wide spectra of dynamics in committees, from healthy to less healthy, which has opened my eyes to the importance of cooperation and compromise in these group settings.
I believe in fostering a respectful relationship with the university in order to effect positive change, while simultaneously defending the unique interests of both science students and graduate students. I think that I have the open-mindedness and critical thinking skills to prepare me for these positions.
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Name: Ting (Emma) Liu
Year and Major: Education
Platform:
Majoring in education for the past six years provides me much professional knowledge in the academic decision making process. My enthusiasm in academia is reflected in my publication experiences. The study experience in Malaysia enables my familiarity with working in a multicultural environment. Therefore, the position in the Senate or the Senate Graduate Studies Committee could give me a perfect chance to gain more insight on how the academic related decisions are made and to know more about the working protocol in SFU.
The diligent and responsible working behaviours make me become a suitable candidate for the position in Senate or the Senate Graduate Studies Committee. At the same time, my merits in logical and critical thinking skills help me to propose as well as to evaluate ideas from different perspectives. As a graduate student, I can speak for the students and know the actual need and want of them.
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Name: Jasneet Singh Sabharwal
Year and Major: 1st year Masters, Computing Science
Platform:
I have been part of SFU since September 2013. When I found out that I had been accepted to SFU, I started a group for all incoming grad students that helped everyone feel more comfortable at the university even before we all arrived in Canada. As an elected member of Senate, I hope to foster a better relationship between all students and SFU. Also, I would like to give a boost to inter-disciplinary research and I would try to improve funding opportunities for students.
I’m here to be the voice that speaks for you when no one else will. It is easy to feel overwhelmed as to who you can turn to when you are plagued with academic uncertainties and I will be your student voice on Senate because I’m committed to you and to SFU.
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Name: Paul Yoon
Year and Major: Mechatronic Systems Engineering
Platform:
As a member of the SFU Senate and Senate Graduate Studies Committee, I will actively work with the students to help develop and review upcoming university programs and policies. With my five years of academic excellence and community leadership at SFU, I will closely collaborate with the students to identify the important needs and clearly present them in the governing board.
During my undergraduate study, I have participated as a SFU student ambassador (Gold Level) in SFU student-focused events (Open House and Orientation) to present SFU’s unique community to public. In September 2013, I successfully led a small group of first-year SFU students as an orientation leader to introduce the campus life of SFU and important academic services.
With the above skills and experience, I look forward to working with the SFU governing community to assist with important matters related to teaching and research of SFU.
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Undergraduate candidates:
Name: Darwin Binesh
Year and Major: 3rd year, History
Platform:
I have been very active in the community for all three years I have been at this university. I am in several clubs, a member of many DSU’s, and the president of the Society of Arts and Social Sciences, the largest student union in the university. I feel that this role in representing students has prepared me well for Senate, as I would now take my role of representing arts students to a higher level, which is the university as a whole.
Meeting, interacting and working with students has taught me a lot, including the power of a political voice but, most importantly, it has shown me the issues students face beyond my own. Different students face different problems, have diverse concerns, and as a senator I would communicate with these students and connect those voices, opinions, and suggestions to the university. Thank you for reading. Best regards.
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Name: Chardaye Bueckert
Year and major: 4th year, Political Science
Platform:
It is vital that we have strong student representatives on the SFU Senate because it makes academic decisions that affect our education. I am a qualified candidate given my three years in student government. I am the former president of the society of arts and social sciences and I currently serve as the SFSS external relations officer. My accomplishments include playing a leadership role in the creation of the SFSS Emergency Food Bank Program and actively working to improve transit to all SFU campuses.
As an SFU student senator, I will make it easy for students to connect with the Senate by reinstituting the ‘’Coffee with a Senator’’ event. I will also work to create a bursary for part-time students, ensuring that all SFU students have access to needs-based funding.
I am qualified and have achievable goals that will improve your SFU experience. Vote Chardaye Bueckert for SFU Senate.
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Name: Brandon Chapman
Year and Major: 4th year, Business
Platform:
I am currently sitting on the registrar’s search committee as we actively seek to replace Kate Ross, have worked with the university on the SFSS 2013 Fall Kickoff Concert and instigated an SFU Service Learning Program in Residence with staff. I also sit on the Build SFU building committee and attended a student union building tour in the US where I had the opportunity to see how other universities make decisions.
All this experience and the relationships that I currently have with university administration make me the right person to represent you on Senate. I want to do everything I can to make SFU the best place it can be. If you have any questions about my past experience or my goals if elected, please email me at [email protected].
Thanks for the opportunity. For more information on my work experience, please visit my LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonchapman99
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Name: Nicholas Chapman
Year and Major: 3rd year, BPK
Platform:
If I am elected to Senate, I will continue to work hard in order to re-evaluate and calibrate the student experience at SFU by creating and supporting student lead initiatives that fuel and ignite the overall achievement of the students. Life is all about balance; it is just a matter of patiently zeroing in.
We must not criticize, condemn, or complain about what once was. All we have to do is enjoy and utilize the change and opportunity available to us now.
My previous experience with SFU’s academics, Build SFU and the SFSS has taught me that the students CAN be and ARE the difference. It has also taught me the importance of balance in order to maintain a stable psyche. All it takes is motivation, a plan, and when needed, a great team.
Thank for your consideration, I will show through my actions that this opportunity will not be undermined.
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Name: Dion Chong
Year and Major: 2nd year, International Studies
Platform:
In my time at SFU, I have witnessed an unfortunate reduction in funding and engagement opportunities from a university that prides itself in this pursuit. As a senator, I plan to critically review our programme and research opportunities to ensure that SFU continues to provide for highly tailored hands-on degrees that this university is famous for. Beyond concluding agreements for new exchange destinations, I will push for an expansion of the dual degree offering, which has been halted and even rolled back in recent years. I will also continue efforts to expand breadth designation across more courses, encouraging students to explore SFU’s diverse offerings within the parameters of their degree.
I believe that my professional background in student and non-profit governance and advocacy will allow me to bring greater diversity of perspective to the Senate and I look forward to working with fellow senators to achieve these goals.
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Name: Colin Chu
Year and Major: 1st year, Health Science
Platform:
I will work towards implementing lecture recordings; seek investments in study spaces and improving campus technology. Furthermore, other projects include limiting popular courses to students who need it as a prerequisite, and reinventing the course selection program with a work list to make course planning easier. Experience-wise, I have represented on both small and large scale populations. This is varied from representing 200 students as a Grade 12 student representative, and the Templeton Secondary School representative at the Vancouver District Student’s Council, representing the entire student body of Templeton of over 1300 students with decisions that affect over 40,000 students.
I have also been in positions of leadership, which include having a voice in affecting the public educational systems in Vancouver. We prevented the transition from a term system to a semester and came up with an alternative hybrid system which students of every preference can agree on unanimously.
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Name: Shirin Escarcha
Year and Major: 3rd year, Communications
Platform:
Since my first day in 2011, I’ve searched for opportunities of leadership to help the development of the community through various means — including mentorship programs and working in residence — and have gained a greater understanding of the composite of students who create SFU.
On their behalf, I hope to bring forth collective student administrative matters to discussion in the Senate to build a stronger SFU! I will also raise awareness about the purpose of the Senate and actively provide my faculty with opportunities to share any concerns they may have.
My past and present experiences and involvement support the importance of utilizing all resources (including the Senate) to recognize what SFU can do to enhance one’s university journey in a holistic sense — socially, and as importantly, academically. Let me help you! If you have any further questions about my involvement or goals if elected, please contact me at [email protected].
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Name: Billy Fang
As a candidate for Board of Governors and Senate, Fang’s platform can be read above.
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Name: Kayode Fatoba
Year and major: 4th year, Health Sciences and International Studies
Platform:
From first hand experience I have understood the difficulties associated with not only transitioning from high school into the university environment, but also the search associated with finding one’s path within our jungle. This is a 14-representative governance position that is specifically geared towards representing the student body with the Simon Fraser Administration.
To me this means the ability to create a transparent flow of information between us and those involved in the bureaucratic governance of our university to keep the students up to date about important changes: from software transitioning like WebCT to Canvas to top-down integration of learning outcomes in numerous curriculum, which has an effect on student experience at SFU entirely. So my goal is simple, get students aware and involved.
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Name: Sarah-Sophia Flodr
As a candidate for Board of Governors and Senate, Flodr’s platform can be read above.
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Name: Clayton Gray
As a candidate for Board of Governors and Senate, Gray’s platform can be read above.
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Name: Trevor Honey
Year and Major: 1st year, History
Platform:
As a member of the Senate at SFU, my goal is to actively invite feedback from students about Senate decisions and academic policy. I will try to facilitate dialogue between faculties in which to better present enrolment options that allow students to be better prepared for workforce needs.
A key issue that I wish to tackle if I am elected as well is to ensure recognition of courses from other post-secondary institutions to act as full credit towards degrees from SFU in keeping with Canadian guidelines on this subject. This will allow students seeking to switch from colleges and universities to continue studies at SFU and not have to redo their completed courses.
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Name: Amelia Huang
Amelia Huang has yet to submit a platform to The Peak.
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Name: Tony Lee
Tony Lee has yet to submit a platform to The Peak.
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Name: Zied Masmoudi
Year and Major: 4th year, Political Economy
Platform:
I am aware of issues that we all face such as access to student loans, transit passes and the rising cost of tuition. My intention is to pay close attention to student concerns so that I can best represent them and be their voice at the university level.
Throughout my experience at SFU, I have always been an active member of the community. My involvement experience includes leading roles in several clubs and student organizations. I am currently the speaker in council for SASS, the faculty student union that represents more than 40 per cent of the student population at SFU. In addition, I serve as the undergraduate students representative at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Curriculum Committee.
I aspire to take an active role in positive change and make significant contributions to the university Senate and to expand my reach from my faculty to the entire university.
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Name: Munatsi Mavhima
Year and Major: 3rd year, Political Science
Platform:
The Senate is a guardian of all academic issues and advisor to the Board of Governors; I feel I would bring an analytical, rational, international view to such collaboration. As an international student, I am well versed with the problems facing this segment of the undergraduate student population. The issue of rising tuition fees, bookstore prices and course selection, are all hopefully things that will come before the Senate.
I am a political science major and I feel this position would not only help me understand the school’s administrative processes, but also the greater political processes I hope to one day contribute towards. This practical experience is of great value in addition to what I have studied. I am involved with a few organizations on campus including The Peak newspaper, the African Students’ Association and the Global Political Awareness Club. With this level of interest and enthusiasm, I hope to contribute to school policy.
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Name: Gloria Mellesmoen
Year and Major: 3rd year, Linguistics and English
Platform:
I believe that my strongest asset as a representative is that I’m not a politician at heart. I aspire to teach preschool and I care more about Netflix than networking, neither of which benefit from my involvement in student governance. I can’t give you a concise list of goals and a set idea of what I want to change. Instead, I offer a promise that I will always fight for the things that matter to students. I am approachable, honest, and passionate. I truly care about ensuring that the student voice is heard in the important decisions that will affect us and those who follow.
I am putting my name forward for Senate because I believe in the importance of student representation and I have experience sitting on university committees, such as the Excellence in Teaching Awards and the Dean Search Committees for Education and Environment.
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Name: Rasmeet Mohar
Year and Major: 3rd year, Political Science
Platform:
As a third year student that has experienced not only the benefits of being a part of our amazing university but the struggles too, I want to ensure that students are easily able to access all the tools they may possibly need for success. For instance I wish to bring attention to the need for an expansion of research work and volunteer opportunities in the university beyond the Science faculties – so that even an Arts student is able to have practical applications of their education. However, I will not only be focusing on my own ideas. I will be the voice of reason. Someone that you can trust to have an understanding of the varied interests across faculties and who can apply a common SFU student’s interests to whatever conditions the Senate encounters. I run to stand not above you as a representative, but rather to stand among you.
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Name: Arjan Mundy
Year and Major: 3rd year, Communication
Platform:
The opportunities to contribute to SFU are endless; however none provide me with possibilities as unique as being a part of the Senate. Being in charge of essentially all matters pertaining to academic governance at SFU could give members of the Senate the chance to improve the lack of visibility some departments struggle with. My personal priorities revolve around the Communication department, and I believe that if given the opportunity to showcase some of the research and innovation the Communication department exhibits I could leave the department with much more recognition than it currently has.
If anybody has any questions about my personal qualifications, or my platform, or anything really, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 604-812-1582.
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Name: Dimitri Ossinsky
Year and Major: 1st year, Political Science
Platform:
I am running for the SFU Senate because I want to give more students a voice in student government. The senate needs to be a more accessible institution so students feel like they can make changes in the school. If elected I will be available to all students and clubs to address different issues relating to them. I have previous political experience working in the Coquitlam City Council. As I have talked to SFU students, issues relating to transit, class access and sizes, and the location of microwaves across campus have been the most frequently mentioned and are issues I will address if elected.
You can find out more about me and my platform at https://www.facebook.com/dimitriossinsky.
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Name: Nimisha Parekh
Year and Major: 4th year, Business Administration
Platform:
Having been on the Senate previously, I am well aware of the procedures and decision-making involved in this position. My respectful nature and strong listening skills will allow me to effectively comprehend and fulfill the students’ needs and interests to the best of my ability.
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Name: Athina Pilarinos
Year and Major: 3rd year, Sociology
Platform:
If elected Senate, I will push for public student forums each month for SFU students. As well, I will ensure evidence-based policy decisions are made, and the lack of follow through by university administration is addressed. I will push for the adoption of the living wage policy at SFU, as well as other policies that seek out the equality of SFU staff and students, and will introduce proposals for initiatives that will help move SFU to the forefront of the research community.
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Name: Saumya Sangal
Year and Major: 4th year, Electronics Engineering
Platform:
The position of undergraduate senator entails the responsibility of good governance and fair representation — keeping this in mind I have been serving on five senate committees over the past year. My priorities are student awareness, affordable education and enriching the student experience at SFU.
My foremost agenda is to increase student participation and raise awareness on how each student can affect and have an impact on the political and social culture at SFU. I would like to liven up the SFU community by making available the necessary funds to expand and promote extra-curricular activities as well as increase funding to scholarships and awards. I plan to increase the availability of a large number of introductory courses which are difficult to enroll into. Finally, students should have access to a larger selection of food joints on campus.
Overall I am completely committed and dedicated to bring good and honest representation to each student at SFU.
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Name: Madelaine Simpkin
Year and Major: 4th year, GSWS
Platform:
Madelaine Simpkin is a 4th year student majoring in gender, sexuality and women’s studies and minoring in business. Madelaine is the president of Students Offering Support SFU, a committee member on the Undergraduate Board of Student Discipline and a committee member of Young Women Civic Leaders. Madelaine is an advocate for women in leadership and will use her time on the Senate to represent the diverse work from her department, GSWS, as well as issues impacting women on campus.
As a young mother who came back to school after six years in the workforce, she deeply understands the issues young women confront early on in their careers. She looks forward to supporting policies and programs at SFU that will assist women in overcoming these barriers to become leaders in the workforce and decrease the existing wage gap between women and men.
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Name: Barbara Szymczyk
Year and Major: 3rd year, Business
Platform:
I plan to bridge the gap between students and the Senate by consistently being open to communication with the student body. I will advocate for the financial interests of students to be considered in all decisions. I am approachable, committed, and looking to aid students in getting engaged with governance.
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Name: Cody Wicks
As a candidate for Board of Governors and Senate, Wicks’ platform can be read above.
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Senate Graduate Studies Committee
Four graduate students (two regular, two alternate) are to be elected by graduate students to serve on the Senate Graduate Studies Committee, which meets monthly to discuss issues and pass motions relevant to graduate students.
Name: Ehsan Jozaghi
As a candidate for Board of Governors, Senate and Senate Graduate Studies Committee, Jozaghi’s platform can be read above.
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Name: Jayme Lewthwaite
As a candidate for Senate and Senate Graduate Studies Committee, Lewthwaite’s platform can be read above.
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Name: Ting (Emma) Liu
As a candidate for Senate and Senate Graduate Studies Committee, Liu’s platform can be read above.
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Name: Jasneet Singh Sabharwal
As a candidate for Senate and Senate Graduate Studies Committee, Singh Sabharwal’s platform can be read above.
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Name: Paul Yoon
As a candidate for Senate and Senate Graduate Studies Committee, Yoon’s platform can be read above.
