The President is a representative of the Board and Society, and is involved in public relations issues. The President participates in all formal activities of the Society, and leads large scope operational tasks such as contracts and legal consultations, and also supports the duties of the Internal Relations Officer (IRO). This position has the most contact with university administrators and departments, and takes care of general issues involving the university. There is a degree of flexibility to the projects the President undertakes.
The President shall:
> Have the power to convene the Board or Forum at any time.
> Be an ex-officio voting member of all Board and Forum committees.
> Be a signing officer.
> Represent the Society on formal occasions.
> Ensure compliance with and enforcement of all relevant Collective Agreements, employment contracts, and staff relations policies.
> Act as a liaison between the Board and its employees
> Undertake all other duties usually falling to the office of President of a Society.
1. What is the most important role played by the SFSS?
2. If you could only choose three main areas to focus on during your term, what would they be?
3. How would you prioritize internal board affairs and external SFSS initiatives that require your attention?
4. Evaluate current President Humza Khan’s term in office. What would you have done differently?
Chardaye Bueckert (Move the Mountain)
1. The SFSS was created to make sure our voices as students are heard. If it were to disappear, there would be no one to advocate to the government and SFU itself on behalf of students. It is here to champion our interests, like affordable education and better transit. The SFSS represents 30 000 highly educated people who want to make a difference in the world, and its most important role is to empower them to do so. No other organization would be able to create a Upass program or negotiate tuition freezes, and this is its most important role.
2. First, getting money back to students in any way possible. I would focus on advocating for more affordable education, creating a part time student bursary, putting more funds into scholarships and bursaries, pushing professors to use free open textbooks, and expanding SFSS Emergency Food Bank Program. Second, creating a better framework for the SFSS to make it an inclusive and welcoming organization with a clear strategic vision provided from students directly. Third, connecting the SFSS with many existing communities at SFU, including Rotunda Groups, clubs, DSUs, athletes, and international students to increase its effectiveness in advocacy and representing students.
3. The SFSS needs to be strong internally to make accomplishments for students externally and this why Move the Mountain was formed. We have priorities and a strong team with shared values already established so that we can get to work for students immediately. Staff relations and food and beverage service deficit reduction need to be a priority but our core mission is to advocate for the interests of students outside of our organization. I will lead a team that has a clear sense of how to manage internal matters so that we are able to better represent students externally.
4. Humza was elected on a mandate of throwing a large scale rave and he delivered. His commitment to delivering on a promise was admirable, but I would have established priorities that served all SFSS members. I would have also established clear goals with the Board so that we could focus on effecting change for students together as a team with a clear sense of purpose without internal conflict. We also could have had clearer lines of communication internally and with the members this year. The profile of the SFSS was raised, and it is time to build on that.
Brandon Chapman (ACE)
1. The most important role played by the SFSS is to represent and advocate for the interests of undergraduate students at Simon Fraser University while providing them with services such as UPASS, Highland pub, health and dental plan etc. However, I believe that in order to best advocate for change outside of SFU, we first must build a strong community on campus that students are proud of and want to work with the SFSS. This has been my key focus this year, and this is the most important role that I see the SFSS having.
2. Accountability – The current board has taken steps in the right direction in communicating with the student body about the activities of the Society. I will continue to improve this aspect.
Community – Through Build SFU, concerts, and strategic events I have focused on throughout the year, there is a main theme that’s a crucial part of my slate’s platform. We need to continue to build community on this campus and encourage students to stay on campus and be involved.
Excellence – We need to set the example for our students by inspiring and guiding them to achieving excellence as a student body.
3. I have a strong team that collectively would be able to balance both internal and external SFSS initiatives. It is important that we continue to focus on our external initiatives, however fellow student issues always come first. I will always prioritize what I believe will have the highest impact to students above all else. For more information regarding this you can view my platform at bit.ly/ACE-Brandon
4. Humza has been a very diplomatic, yet visionary leader throughout the year. Working with a team that has very different viewpoints is difficult, but he managed to oversee various projects and dilemmas effectively. Personally, the only major thing I would do differently is to strictly enforce board member responsibilities as certain board members did not contribute as much time and effort as they should have to our student society and as elected reps, everyone should be held to the highest standard.
Alexander Morris
This candidate failed to submit responses by The Peak’s deadline.
Marnie Slater
1. One thing I love about importance is that it’s relative to the observer; for some people, the most important role of the SFSS is allocation of study space, for others it may be Out On Campus, and for some it may be the convenience of the Copy Centre. Personally, I believe having study havens around campus is of utmost importance, but just as important is having somewhere else to socialize and to take breaks from the stresses of academic life – that’s where coffee shops and the pub come in handy!
2. My biggest concern is the lack of QUIET study spaces; it’s hard to read alone when there’s a group project going on at the next table, so separation of these spaces is on my list.
– Many students spend countless hours studying yet find they retain very little; I’d like to see easily accessible & online study tips and tutors to help with effective study habits.
– Understanding of the real impact of the SFSS and similar governing bodies is seriously lacking at SFU; if students knew how vital (and awesome) they are, they might be inclined to get more involved.
3. The SFSS is about catering to the needs of the students, so in this case, I believe majority rules. If there is an overwhelming need for something to be addressed, it will receive top priority; this is both for internal and external relations. I feel that if you give the student body appropriate outlets for their comments and concerns, then they will be heard and action can be taken. In smaller groups, a vote may be cast to determine importance, while in larger populations, polls are a great option. Collaboration is key!
4. One thing I’m glad to see rolling is the SUB planning has taken full flight! I think that was a key issue this year, and Humza and his team did a great job of ensuring student involvement in the planning and design. Something I’d like to see done differently, is the overall area of typical undergrad involvement with on campus groups and activities. Many students float through university unaware of some of the great opportunities to get involved and meet people – I feel these things need to be more accessible as it’s that first step that’s the hardest!
