At-Large representatives have a large degree of flexibility to take on projects and join committees that interest them. They also support executive directors on Society operations, holding events, and launching campaigns.
1. How would you get your DSUs/students more involved with the SFSS?
2. How would you balance supporting SFSS initiatives while also supporting your specific faculty initiatives and representing the student body?
3. When facing an issue with another board member, how would you resolve it?
Humna Ahmad (Move the Mountain)
1. Firstly, I would raise awareness about SFSS. Most students have heard about SFSS but do not actually know that a certain portion of their tuition fees goes to SFSS. As for getting students involved, I would work with my colleagues to create more exciting volunteer opportunities for fellow students.
2. I believe that every SFSS initiative should be representative of what the student body needs. However, conflict of interest may arise and I might have to reconsider my obligations. During those times, it is important to fully comprehend the situation at hand and see the bigger picture instead.
3. BREATHE! I would look at the problem from their perspective and try to reach a middle ground. If need be, I would ask the board member to meet me afterwards so we can discuss the issue further and reach a conclusion we both are satisfied with.
Amir Ali
1. One of the key points to my platform is high-visibility, low-cost, casual participation activities. We must work with the clubs and DSUs to create a baseline for activity. Regularly scheduled movie nights, ping pong games and video-game tournaments are just a few ways Surrey Campus is ahead of us.
2. I believe consultation on all but the most sensitive topics is paramount to a healthy student society. While a formal consultation for every matter is logistically impractical, casual discussions with the membership can give insight to deeper implications of an initiative.
3. As a youth worker and a highly trained volunteer for SFU and the City of Surrey I have had ample training in conflict resolution and communication. I have never encountered a situation where the right word choice has failed to help myself and the other party find an accord.
Michael Carbonnier
1. I believe that many students do not really know what the SFSS is all about; therefore I will try to fix this by hosting various info night sessions and try to educate students about the Simon Fraser Student and how they can help.
2. At the end of the day, the point of the SFSS is to represent the needs of the students. In order to find a balance between SFSS initiatives and the student body we need communication. I believe that we need to listen to the needs of the students and find . . .
3. I believe that conflict resolution is the best policy in resolving an issue with another board member. I would first listen to what the other board member has to say, and I would try compromising with them and find a middle ground where we can both agree.
Baqar Hassan (ACE)
1. Support other FARM members to build stronger relations and connections with DSUs and assisting them in various projects. Flow of information between student groups and the board of directors is essential for mutual success towards a positive student experience.
2. My experience in balancing various projects within SFSS, residence and club initiatives has been a specialty of mine. If elected, I will assist Executives and other FARM members in their projects as well as concentrating on initiatives I commit to in my platform.
3. It is best to resolve an issue with diplomacy and negotiation internally. The sooner it is resolved, the better so the team can continue to operate effectively. I believe in finding a middle ground for conflict to ensure that both parties are happy.
Rebecca Langmead (Move the Mountain)
1. Initially, simply raising awareness for the power that the SFSS has to help our students is important. Establishing open door policies with board members where students can voice their concerns and pitch their ideas. Students need to know they have a voice. I am a candidate that will listen.
2. I have spent the last 4 years at SFU, not only receiving a great education, but also participating in varsity athletics and working at the Equipment Desk in the Lorne Davies Complex. I’ve become an expert at time management and I understand the importance of setting goals and making priorities.
3. Learning how to deal with issues is something I do every day as someone that works in close contact with my teammates, coaches, and coworkers. I am an extremely cooperative and I try to enter every conflict with an open mind and an understanding perspective. Talking solves problems.
Jeremy Pearce (ACE)
1. I’d begin by having stakeholders meetings with different groups on campus as well as surveying students about what they’d like the society to focus on. We represent the students. How can we serve you better?
2. As a four year student athlete, I have a learned a great deal about prioritizing and timing tasks. Balancing school, work, athletics, volunteering and more, I am confident that my time management skills will come in handy when there are several initiatives on the go at once.
3. Resolving any issues between board members is imperative to our efficiency and success. As almost all communication is nonverbal I think that it is crucial to understand before being understood. Sitting down with someone and communicating honestly will resolve almost all situations.
