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False start

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Bright eyed, bushy tailed, and more excited than ever, I entered into my first semester at SFU last fall. “You’ll just be a number to them,” I was told about transitioning to university. But that seemed fair because, to me, “they” represented an elusive and faceless entity.

I was eager to begin my post-secondary career, and I couldn’t have imagined that my health had the potential to derail my entire semester. I found myself trying to navigate a system with which I was wholly unfamiliar, desperately trying, between fevered T-3 naps, to be excused from my midterms and assignments.

My illness started as a cold that just hung on. A month or so into being sick, I decided that it might be something to check out with my doctor. When I did, “Infectious mononucleosis” wasn’t something I was expecting to hear. All I knew of “mono” was that it could put people out of commission for months on end and that it was heavily stigmatized as the “kissing disease.”

I braced myself for the jokes and the sneers. The reactions I got from people didn’t disappoint: a knowing look and then something like “I can guess how that happened.” The reality of the situation is that I could have gotten mono by drinking out of the wrong cup, but that’s never the first assumption.

I couldn’t have imagined that my health had the potential to derail my entire semester.

Instead of the months of illness I feared, I was only intensely sick for about three weeks. Those three weeks just happened to coincide with most of my midterms and assignments. The day it hit me the worst, in fact, was the day of my first exam at SFU. I emailed my prof and then, with no response, I decided to go to student services to figure out what the correct procedure was for absence due to illness.

I found it difficult to get the information I needed and I had no idea what resources were available to me. I didn’t know that there was an official certificate of illness, or that you could withdraw from courses under extenuating circumstances with no academic penalty. I felt beaten by the system and nearly ready to give up, preparing myself to accept failing grades across the board.

At my worst, my family encouraged me to drop out so I could just focus on getting better. While that option would have alleviated any immediate pressures, I found myself in panic over the thought of wasting all of the time, effort and money I had put into school so far. Dropping out of my first semester would have felt like a false start. Though the situation was beyond my control, I would have felt like I had failed.

It was the incredible understanding and support that my professors showed me that convinced me I could salvage my semester. I received personalized emails and was offered generous accommodations that inspired me to dive right back into my schooling. I had the chance to submit assignments later and take exams later or with different weighting. As I recovered, I managed to make up everything that I had missed.

After the experience, I felt SFU might not be the large unfeeling institution I had previously thought it to be. The caring individuals that I encountered during that time and ever since have shifted my perspective entirely.

Return to the wild

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Sometimes, on the bus ride up to SFU, you see a coyote, bear, or deer looking awfully shocked that another bus is coming up the mountain. You barely look up from the readings you had an entire week with, and seconds later when you try to glance up again because you just saw a bear, it’s gone.

But what if there wasn’t time to brush off this sort of encounter with nature? What if bears, coyotes, and deer casually roamed amongst us all the time?

Because of intense urban expansion, Vancouver is in the process of purging itself of all natural wildlife. With its most recent exhibition, Rewilding Vancouver, the Museum of Vancouver is hosting the first major museum show in Canada to explore what an urban center would feel like through the lens of historical ecology.

Through the exhibit, curator J.B. MacKinnon explores “the incredibly abundant natural world of the past and how that might inspire us to rewild the world.” Rewilding Vancouver quite literally places nature right in the middle of the bustling city and its quaint neighbourhoods.

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The exhibit comprises 12 tableaus, each pictured as “a shop front window display designed to tell a story — [it’s] a familiar scene from Vancouver, but with nature bursting through in challenging ways. It’s like a classic natural history museum — there are a lot of taxidermies — but more playful, with wild nature and human culture all mixed together,” says MacKinnon.

These displays are accompanied by videos, 3D models, and soundscapes which really bring the wilderness to the audience, challenging viewers to imagine whether or not the sound of howling wolves would be natural in the midst of city traffic.

Several installations require a moment of contemplation and perspective; one depicts a dining room with a stuffed beaver on the table. The exhibit aims to spark discussion about what it means to live in one of the world’s “greenest cities.”

Sure, we have bike-lanes and energy-efficient buildings, but MacKinnon believes Vancouverites are so interested in being green because of our access to nature; we’re surrounded by snow-capped mountains and greenery, which should not be forgotten.

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“I think of the theme of this exhibition as three ‘R’s: remember, reconnect, rewild. We need to remember nature as it was in order to set a higher bar for what nature could be in the future. We need to reconnect to nature in order to make it meaningful and valuable in our lives. And finally, we need to realize that we really can make a wilder city,” says MacKinnon.

Rewilding Vancouver urges viewers to consider what used to be familiar and how that has changed. For instance, Vancouver’s waters used to be filled with the hauntingly beautiful sounds of hundreds of whales.

MacKinnon says, “If you aren’t aware that whales lived here in the past, then the absence of the whales seems normal. When you are aware, then the absence of whales will seem abnormal — and you might start asking whether we could bring them back and how.”

Wildlife certainly does come back in the experience of Rewilding Vancouver. As you walk through, your perception of what is natural to Vancouver shifts. Ravens, coyotes, and black-tailed deer begin to settle into the city’s infrastructure; leaving the exhibit, you pass projections which ask what it would be like if streams were running through our neighbourhoods.

New season marks a new wave for Whitecaps

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Vancouver Whitecaps FC has finally embarked on its fourth season in Major League Soccer (MLS), after enduring a whirlwind of an offseason.

An inevitable change in head coach saw Carl Robinson take the helm. So far, Robinson has rebuilt his squad with a wealth of youth, local talent, and experienced signings to come away from pre-season with an impressive 4–1–1 record.

The new boss promises an attacking brand of football with lots of speed up front in 2014. Darren Mattocks, Kekuta Manneh, and Erik Hurtado have already proven to be potent on offence, with contributions to wins over San Jose and Portmore during the Rose City invitational competition.

The new coach is already reaping the rewards of multiple signings from a variety of national backgrounds as well. On January 27, Iranian international Steven Beitashour filled the first void in the squad at the right back position following the departure of Y.P Lee. The 27-year old has made 87 appearances in MLS thus far, including a full 90 minutes played in the 2012 All-Star match that was won against Chelsea.

Jordan Harvey, meanwhile, has scored goals at will from the left back position in preseason. Fans could see the American, who joined the Caps in 2011, exchange duties with homegrown defender Sam Adekugbe, who was strong in his home debut at the end of the 2013 season. Robinson will also be glad to deploy his 3rd overall MLS Super Draft pick, centre back Christian Dean, who is known for his size, strength, and strong left foot.

In net, recently signed Paolo Tornaghi comes in to replace Joe Cannon. The 25-year old started his career with the Inter Milan youth academy and represented Italy at every level from U-16 to U-20.

While the Caps have not found a true replacement for departed superstar Camilo, it should be noted that they are now a stronger goal scoring threat from midfield. The Whitecaps lineup has been bolstered by some South American flair after picking up the Uruguayan duo of Sebastián Fernández and Nicolás Mezquida.

Fernández won the 2013 Peruvian Primera División championship with Universitario de Deportes as a striker/midfielder. Mezquida represented Uruguay at the 2009 U-17 World Cup where he was first spotted by Carl Robinson. Both players have already found the back of the net in pre-season.

To top things off, Vancouver has acquired Argentine Young Designated player Matias Laba from Toronto FC on loan. The 22-year old defending midfielder has made 88 appearances in the Primera Division of Argentina, and after just 16 appearances for Toronto was named #21 in the leagues top 24 players under 24 list.

Through tumultuous change, what remains is the presence of established veterans in virtually all positions on the pitch: Andy O’Brien and Jay Demerit in defence, Nigel Reo Coker in midfield, and Kenny Miller up front. Fans will witness the most explosive, gritty, and determined side yet, with every player motivated to silence the skeptics.

Hirsch: remembering a Canadian legend

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Hirsch

Would you want someone to tell your story after you’re gone? And if so, who could be trusted with this task?

Alon Nashman and Paul Thompson took on the responsibility of bringing the life of John Hirsch to the stage, paying tribute to this Canadian theatre legend. After an enormously successful premiere at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in 2012, Hirsch has made its way west to the Firehall Arts Centre.

If you weren’t aware of John Hirsch prior to seeing this play, you will certainly know him by the end of it. Nashman plays himself and Hirsch among other characters in this riveting 90-minute performance. Coming in through the back door and walking down the aisle to the stage as he casually addresses the audience, Nashman makes it clear that this is an unconventional show, fitting for an unconventional man.

A Holocaust survivor who was orphaned at age 13, Hirsch was a Hungarian refugee who landed in Canada in 1947. He ended up in Winnipeg, and quickly became involved in the world of theatre, co-creating the Manitoba Theatre Centre.

His fierce determination and strong opinions drove him to succeed as he became a major player in the formative years of the Canada Council, served as artistic director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, became the head of CBC Drama, and directed on and off Broadway as well as at Lincoln Centre.

Heavily researched and delicately constructed, Hirsch does not run chronologically, but jumps from his time in Hungary, to the CBC, to Stratford, and to New York. Along the way, Nashman interjects with his own narration, songs, and comments pulling us in and out of the action. While this may sound awkward, it works very well and allows for the play to develop effortlessly while adding some much needed comic relief.

Heavily researched and delicately constructed, Hirsch does not run chronologically.

My favourite scene involves Nashman and Hirsch getting into a fight about the way Nashman is telling Hirsch’s story, after which Hirsch storms out of the theatre. “The star of the show just walked out on me,” says Nashman, excusing himself, and from the hall we hear him arguing with Hirsch.

Keeping these roles straight can’t be a small feat for Nashman, but he never falters, and his Hirsch accent and demeanours are flawless. The relationship these two had seems fraught with tension and, as Nashman explains, their first encounter with each other did not go smoothly.

Nashman first met Hirsch when he played Caliban in a production of The Tempest which Hirsch was directing at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Their rehearsals included constructive criticisms such as: “That Sorcerer part was good, but the rest was shit.”

Hirsch is portrayed as an uncompromising, harsh man, but at the same time we get the sense that he deserved respect and could afford to be a bit crass.

Nashman’s performance is a triumph as he presents a nuanced, emotional portrait of this theatrical giant. I left the theatre feeling as though Hirsch was in the room, and I am sure he is somewhere cursing Nashman and Thompson, shouting corrections, and feeling proud of his life’s achievements.

Album reviews: The Perms, Fantasy Prom, and Sprïng

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The Perms – Aberdeen EP

By Tessa Perkins

Having been a fan of The Perms since 2010’s inventive pop-rock album, Keeps You Up When You’re Down, and continuing to follow their music with 2012’s Sofia Nights, I’m glad they’ve released a few songs for us to enjoy while they work on their next full-length album. The Aberdeen EP is four songs of catchy, energetic pop-rock goodness that will leave you wanting more.

An alt-rock trio from Winnipeg, The Perms, made up of Shane Smith (bass/vocals), Chad Smith (guitar/vocals), and John Huver (drums), formed in 1998. They’ve released five full-length albums and this EP proves they continue to mature and evolve.

With a stirring, punk-rock vibe and fast-paced, energetic guitar and drums, “It’s Mania” has an apt title as the song feverishly propels forward. The edgier sound of this track is a nice contrast to some of their other songs.

Sounding a bit like Weezer or Blink-182, the band delivers an anthemic, emotional head-nodder with “Aberdeen.” Beginning slowly, the song builds into something that I can picture a crowd jumping up and down to. Similarly, “The Parent Thing” is an aggressive drum-heavy track full of building melodies and strong lyrics.

“Walk Away” is the most radio-friendly, with its balanced melody and relatable lyrics: “I’m not ok, walk away.” The Aberdeen EP is just a taste of what The Perms have to offer, but it demonstrates their ability to write consistently catchy songs with strong melodies that are not your average pop/rock fare. Their sound is distinct, and they deserve a listen.

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Fantasy Prom – Swirl

By Jacey Gibb

When it comes to the shoegaze genre, people seem to either love or hate it. Admittedly, this genre and I have had our differences over the years (and it’s still near the bottom on my list of favourites), but then acts like Fantasy Prom come along and cause me to feel instantly guilty for not being more open-minded.

The most recent in a string of singles/EPs that started last September, Swirl stands out as Fantasy Prom’s best release yet. The five-track album starts out loud and heavy with “Like I Care” (previously released as a single) and “Ugly Turn,” a potent duo that will have you cranking the volume, lowering it because you don’t want to disturb anyone else, and then ultimately deciding to leave it blasting. Neither of the tracks shy away from Fantasy Prom’s obvious influences like My Bloody Valentine, but this doesn’t make the songs any less genuine or amazing.

The momentum built up by the first shorter tracks wobbles substantively at the halfway mark with “Swirl.” When the album is named after one of its tracks, the listener is usually on alert for something special — which sadly isn’t the case. A three-minute repeat static fest that would have served better as a short intermission, it’s the only track I found myself skipping over on a regular basis.

The last two songs on the EP, “Vulnerable” and “Sparks Made Us,” embody the perfect shoegaze characteristics in a perfect balance, with longer running times and just the right amount of heaviness.

At just over 20 minutes, the EP does what it’s supposed to do: gives people a taste of what Fantasy Prom has to offer and leaves them clambering for the next offering. If you find yourself enjoying Swirl, definitely check out some of their previous releases on Bandcamp.

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Sprïng – Celebrations

By Jacey Gibb

Vancouver is an elephant graveyard of sorts when it comes to musical groups. But the high mortality rate for bands is by no means a concern; in fact, the ever-shifting community is to thank for some of the most prominent, creative band lineups currently dominating the scene.

Such is the story of Sprïng, with two of their four members coming from dearly departed noise-rockers the SSRIs. Our time to grieve is over people; there’s new music to gorge upon.

To say Celebrations is eclectic would be both an understatement and a cop-out. It’s a total genre-bender, with freak-out rock tracks immediately followed by sleepy summer numbers. For a more upbeat track, check out “Secrets” or “Pax Calx”; if you’re interested in something mellow, “Paradise” or “Loretta” have you covered.

The diverse sounds of the album come largely from the way it was recorded — the band has an in-home studio, meaning they could get as serious/silly as they wanted and experiment with whatever was on hand.

The gamble doesn’t always pay off though, as some tracks like “Show Don’t…” miss the mark completely, coming across more like instrumentals from a horror film than something you’d find on a rock album like Celebrations. Then again, maybe that’s the point?

It’s not the easiest listen the first time through, but Celebrations is a mighty fine debut and will undoubtedly help music fans Sprïng into the warming weather outside.

Little-known Context Behind Well-known Quotes

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“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” -C.S. Lewis

 

Context: This is a line from a conversation Lewis had with his wife of 30 years right before telling her he was leaving her for another woman.

 

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” -Dr. Seuss

 

Context: Although he did a lot of writing as an adult, this classic quote is from Seuss’ own high school yearbook and includes the quotation marks and self-attribution.   

 

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” -Mahatma Gandhi

 

Context: Gandhi actually spoke this famous line while he was still in his college days. The “they” he is referring to is the Alpha Beta fraternity who did not accept him as a pledge and would go on to regret it when he showed up to their house party uninvited.

Peer Prepper #4

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Faculty Reps

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The main responsibility of Faculty Representatives is to communicate with theirs and others faculties, so Faculty Representatives must maintain good relations with the Departmental Student Unions and forum representatives within their faculty. There is no specific prescribed duties for this position, which is determined by your area of interest (e.g. advocacy/events/etc), but Faculty Representatives are generally expected to help with Society events and aid executives on projects and decision-making.

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 representing the student body?

3. When facing an issue with another board member, how would you resolve it?

 

Applied Sciences

BenRogers

Ben Rogers (Move the Mountain)

1. I would listen to exactly what the students and DSUs need from the SFSS and voice their requests accordingly at board meetings. In addition, I will give feedback with suggestions for either getting involved or adapting their ideas to be discussed at subsequent board meetings.

2. I would approach the issue presented in such a way that could turn a balanced situation into a win-win situation for both parties involved. This would involve minimal conflict and strengthen trust amongst all involved.

3. The first step is to understand whether the issue is to do with an individual or not. If the problem is based on an individual or their actions, I would emphasise the common objectives of the board and advise them to solve the issue in a constructive way.

 

Arts and Social Sciences

Brady Wallace

Brady Wallace (ACE)

1. Participation with the SFSS requires either progressive DSU’s, or a progressive student society. If elected to represent FASS in the upcoming year, I will encourage active DSU’s to engage with the society. As well, I will pressure the SFSS to expand their DSU Nuts and Bolts programs to our Surrey . . .

2. It is rare that an SFSS initiative would not benefit a faculty in its decision, especially a faculty as large as that of the Arts and Social Sciences. If elected I serve as a representative for the Arts. Therefore in the case that FASS is not being represented to a . . .

3. A concrete answer to this question is impossible, as the resolution to the issue is dependent on the specific situation. In most regards, a middle ground will be sought between me and my fellow board member. If this is not possible, I would introduce a third party to help mediate . . .

 

Business

Shadnam Khan

Shadnam Khan (ACE)

1. One of my interests is to encourage the organization of the Business Faculty Student Union and concurrent DSUs, with the business clubs being at strong positions to achieve this. The model will empower students to be active within the DSUs of their interest and more representation in Forum now renamed . . .

2. The interests of my fellow business students will be my top priority. However, to maximize the Beedie experience, I will have to work towards making our experience at SFU more fruitful as a whole; after all, Business students are SFU students, paying SFSS fees. I feel that there are many . . .

3. Constructive conflict is something that I am very much looking forward to and I feel that with such a diverse student body, translating to a diverse board with multiple viewpoints, we will always have something new to learn each day. I have vast international academic and volunteer experiences and have . . .

 

Akashdeep Brar

Akashdeep Brar (Move the Mountain)

1. I believe a problem at SFU today is that not enough students are involved with SFSS. It is my plan to work directly with clubs and DSUs to gain input from their members as well as relay information back to them more effectively than the current state of affairs.

2. SFSS exists to enrich the lives of all students. To effectively support SFSS and the Business faculty’s initiatives and represent my student body, I would make sure the goals of both align. If not, I would work with both groups to make sure they do align, and satisfy everyone’s needs.

3. If faced with an issue with another board member, I would do the only thing that I could do: deal with it professionally, calmly, and examine the situation in a logical and rational manner rather than allowing emotion to cloud my judgment.

 

 

Communication Art and Technology

Shirin Escarcha

Shirin Escarcha (ACE)

1. The SFSS has gained much momentum within the Burnaby campus over the last year but I hope to extend that momentum to the Surrey and Vancouver campuses as well. As my faculty spans three campus areas, I hope to facilitate initiatives in each of the campuses to cater to a . . .

2. In my three years at SFU, I have grown to love the campus not only as a place of academia but that of personal and professional growth. All the endeavours I have undertaken in my time here are firmly rooted in passion – this passion will be my foundation in . . .

3. Transparency is of the essence in any team dynamic. It is of utmost importance for colleagues to understand one another when working together and I will therefore do my best to ensure my point of view is well known by my team. As for issues, they are obstacles and obstacles . . .

 

 

Natalie Cheung

This candidate failed to submit responses by The Peak’s deadline.

 

Education

Katie Bell

Katie Bell (ACE)

1) The Education Student Union needs to be revamped to become more active. Hosting small-scale events such as academic sessions or social gatherings, can bring the faculty to become involved with the DSU as well as inviting them to take part in larger scale events hosted by the SFSS.

2) Different faculty initiatives require support, which is done by allotting time for both students and the SFSS. The balance to show support for education students and represent the student body comes from being experienced and prepared to represent such a large population.

3) Having an issue with another board member is realistic, but by having an open mind, listening to the other person, and using compromise there is definitely a solution. Ultimately we are all working towards the same goal in the end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gloria Mellesmoen

Gloria Mellesmoen (Move the Mountain)

1. I want to continue helping the ESA in their reactivation and with their journal. I also plan to enact an outreach campaign for students in PDP, push the faculty to create a mailing list that includes Education minors, and organize a “Careers in Education” event to showcase diverse opportunities.

2. I think I’ve proven this year my capability in balancing both my commitment to the faculty and the SFSS. For example, I’ve played a major role in the implementation of the SFSS Emergency Food Program while sitting on the Education Dean Search Committee for the reappointment of Dr. Magnusson.

3. I don’t take disagreement personally. I fight for what I believe in and ask the important questions when making decisions that affect 30,000 undergraduate students. I trust that my fellow directors are doing the same and I respect them for bringing a different perspective to the table.

 

Environment

Tesicca Truong (ACE)

1. The key to engage students is to create opportunities for students to step up into leadership positions. I intend to foster student leadership by creating an Environment Student Society to connect the 3 DSUs and the SFSS. I am also organizing SFROSH, the first Sustainable Frosh in the Lower Mainland.

2. As the Environment Representative, it would be my job to act as liaison between students in the Faculty of Environment (FENV) and the SFSS. I would advocate for FENV student priorities to the Board while also engaging and communicating to students about SFSS initiatives.

3. I believe that the SFSS Board can be proactive by creating a community agreement for how Directors should treat each other and staff right at the beginning of the term. In the case that disagreements still arise, communication early and often between parties involved is key.

 

Health Science

Ayla Kooner

This candidate failed to submit responses by The Peak’s deadline.

 

Science

LukasGrajauskas

Lukas Grajauskas (ACE)

1. When I first got involved with the society, I had difficulty navigating its structures and getting things done. In order to avoid others having this problem, I’ll work to forge personal connections with students and DSU execs, thus making sure their involvement with the society isn’t hampered by confusion or . . .

2. The position of faculty rep will allow me to simultaneously advocate for the needs of science students while supporting SFSS initiatives. I’ll bring my perspective as a dedicated science student to the planning of large scale events and advocacy initiatives, ensuring that they meet the needs of my faculty’s students.

3. I’m a firm believer in compromise. I’ll passionately advocate for issues I care about, but sometimes you have to take your ego out of the equation and find a solution that works for everybody.

 

 

Monty Grewal (Move the Mountain)

This candidate failed to submit responses by The Peak’s deadline.

 

Betty Ly

1. By creating more events and raising the awareness of science in the Surrey Campus. Most first year students in science start their SFU career in the Surrey campus. I want to bring the news from Burnaby to Surrey. Also, by hosting more science related events within SFU.

2. I would put myself back in a student’s shoes and ask if this is best for the student body as whole. Being transparent with the meetings will help the students understand the decisions I make as a board member. I will address any issues affecting students when supporting the SFSS.

3. First, I would acknowledge the issue with the board member in hopes to come to a resolution. However, if the problem persists, I would ask the other board members for advice on how to approach the situation. I will do my best to come to a compromise.

 

DeepakSharma

Deepak Sharma

1. We the (science DSU’s) would get our students involved more with the SFSS by “building bridges” with our students. Introducing them to new ways of utilizing their high level of knowledge outside the classroom, and into the community we have here at SFU.

2. There are times where situations might seem imbalanced. However I would always make sure support is balanced, by always listening to what the faculty of science students and DSU’s have to say. I will always be available to talk to, and will make sure my specific DSU and students I . . .

3. Facing an issue with another team mate is very rare. If there were to be an issue that would be in conflict, due to my previous experiences, any issue would be resolved with my teammate and I both leaving on the same page. I have learnt to always respect my . . .

 

 

At-Large Reps

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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.

MichaelCarbonnier

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

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

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.

VP: Student Life

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The Vice-President Student Life works primarily with student groups on campus and members of the Society. This position will act as a liaison for organizations including but not limited to Department Student Unions, Faculty Student Unions, and SFSS Clubs. The Vice-President Student Life will also be responsible for the organization of on campus events.

The Vice-President Student Life shall:

> Act as a liaison between the Board, Council, and other student groups at the university.

> Oversee the establishment and maintenance of Faculty Student Unions and Department Student Unions, and act as a liaison between the Board and Faculty Student Unions and Department Student Unions.

> Undertake all other duties and responsibilities the Board may delegate to the Vice-President Student Life from time to time.

 

1. How will you help student groups on campus with their financial needs?

2. How are you going to engage the satellite campuses in society events and activities?

3. VP-Student Life chairs Events Committee. How would you manage that committee and improve it? How do you feel about the current types/number of events held by the SFSS?

 

Kayode Fatoba

Kayode Fatoba

1. Develop criteria based funding (cultural funds for PSA, ASA, CAC e.t.c for integrating international students). Partner with SFU’s Engagement Fund, BASS, BMBA, to provide funding for clubs meeting specific criteria since these funding is available. Increase corporate sponsorships with SFSS, which could potentially benefit clubs. Allow clubs who currently make profit to reinvest that fund into the SFSS(Holding) in the form of micro-loans with interest. Rather than funds sitting in club’s bank . . .

2. Developing a weekly newsletter, including an online video component (social media enhancement). Increased efforts toward a multimedia department. Enhance SFSS website. Develop events to mobilize student body to attend activities developed by satellite campuses like Musicals&Plays at Woodwarts. Develop washroom Calendar advertisements like R.H.A. to increase visibility at all campuses. Improve efforts of integrated website and traffic. Develop better relationship with The Peak, there are numerous avenues for overlap.

3. Develop more funding through ongoing Sponsorships. Imaging “SFU goes to the Movies Day,” every Tuesday we go somewhere discounted since potential increase for businesses might allow discount bargaining. Our SFU Student Card could get us amazing deals=migration to SFSS website. Offer help to clubs, and incentives for using SFSS services. Develop unique events from Clubs and DSU’s. Utilize SFSS clubs (Marketing Club, Photo club, Video Club…)- not just as promoters selling tickets. Send . . .

 

BlossomMalhan

Blossom Malham (Move the Mountain)

1. The student society is here for the students and if elected VP student life I plan on bringing back the SFSS bookstore, a place where students can fairly trade their textbooks without breaking the bank. I also wholeheartedly support more student bursaries because at the end of the day we work with students’ money so why not use it to support them in every possible way.

2. Simply by treating our satellite campuses with the same importance and respect as Burnaby. It’s necessary for the student society to take the first steps in initiating engagement by going to our satellite campuses and approaching the different committees and clubs at those campuses and offering them our absolute support so they feel more connected and are able to collaborate with the student society in Burnaby.
3. First of all I would appoint committee members as liaisons to our satellite campuses so that we have complete input from all student groups. Furthermore I would not hesitate in approaching students on a regular basis in finding out what kinds of events they would prefer instead of playing a guessing game. Current events have been improving at the SFSS but they always seem to be Burnaby central which has got to change.

 

PatrickPopa

Patrick Popa (ACE)

1. I will be working closely with the granting committee to facilitate the accessibility of grants for groups. In order to accomplish this I plan to chair the Granting committee, to better connect the granting process with events. Also I will be looking into providing student groups with extended training to approach local and international organizations for sponsorship.

2. Right now I feel like the satellite campuses are not being engaged enough. Additionally I hope to work with the future board, should I be elected, so that we may better connect these campuses. Specifically I want to host more SFSS events at our satellite campuses, expand clubs’ days at those campuses and increase overall SFSS presence.

3. There are too many events based in the pub, and a lack of diversity regarding events. I have included in my platform that I will address this lack in diversity by hosting conferences, debates, fundraisers, and all-ages parties. This diversity of events requires a high level of organization, proper planning throughout the year and a strong committee. If elected I will bring these qualities to the committee in order to benefit the student body.

 

AdharSharma

Adhar Sharma

1. It will be my priority to encourage collaboration other student clubs and faculties on events/projects that are in the interest of both, the students and the organizing body. By reducing the communication gap between the interested parties, student events can be played out more efficiently by pulling together various resources and reducing overlapping of events. A close knitted student communication circle will not only offer an efficient system for students but will immensely support . . .

2. Approximately 34.6 per cent of all SFU students attend courses at satellite campuses. Many student from faculties and clubs at these campuses have expressed their detachment from the SFU community on other campuses, be it social events or academics integration. As a regular student at all SFU campuses, I will personally coordinate with the satellite campuses to keep them in the loop of prospective events/ activities.
3. I will bring together my past experiences of developing and organizing various kinds of events as an executive at Indian Students Federation to the SFSS Events Committee to conduct the meeting in the most proficient manner while facilitating it in running its regular schedule of events. I plan to promote the inclusion of other student groups in collaborating in our events for the highland pub which will help achieve high student turnouts in these events . . .