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

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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (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

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.

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 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.

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

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 . . .

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.

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.

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 . . .

The board of directors has put forward three referenda questions to be voted upon by the student body in the upcoming elections. Students can respond with either “yes” or “no.”

Extended Health and Dental Plan Referendum Question

The Board has put forward two questions with reference to the Health and Dental Plan:

1) Do you support an increase to the SFSS Health and Dental Plan Fee to $255 per policy year for expanded and increased benefits under a Flexible Plan, as a result of which students would still retain the option to choose a lower level of coverage at a lower cost (current fee), or opt out completely if they have equivalent coverage?

2) Do you grant the SFSS Board the continuing authority to choose between the options of reducing SFSS Extended Health and Dental Plan benefits or increasing the Plan Fees by a maximum of up to 5 per cent in any given year, by formal motion of the Board as per SFSS by-laws and regulations?

Society of Arts and Social Sciences*

The SASS would like to establish a Faculty Student Union, and so have put forward the following motion:

3) Be it resolved that the Society of Arts and Social Sciences be recognized as the official Faculty Student Union for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences as of May 1, 2014.

*Only students in an Arts program or registered in an Arts course this semester may vote on this referendum question.

Full descriptions of each motion can be found at http://elections.sfss.ca/, where students can read the details behind the aforementioned proposals.

The Vice-President External Relations is a position to advocate for the Society, and chairs the Advocacy Committee. The Vice-President External Relations runs campaigns (such as the current Student Debt campaign), communicates with SFU groups such as Senate, Governors, the Graduate Student Society, and other student groups, and maintains contact with outside organizations including direct contact with the government as well as networking with other universities and student societies around the country. This position is not involved in the administration of the Society as much as in public relations, and involves some flexibility in the projects the Vice-President External Relations chooses to undertake.

The Vice-President External Relations shall:

> Be responsible for keeping the Board informed of plans or actions of external organizations, outside the university, and federal and provincial governments that have a direct bearing on the Society or its members.

> Be responsible for Society business related to, and organize Society representation at conferences held by external organizations, other than the university, in which the Society may have membership or interest.

> Act as a liaison between the Society and other student unions.

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

1. What initiatives would you advocate for on behalf of students?

2. What level(s) of government would you lobby in your position? Why, and who would you talk to?

3. You are in a meeting with an elected official representing the interests of students and they completely disregard the information and position you are presenting. What do you do?

Darwin Binesh (ACE)

1. There is a lot to advocate for on behalf of students, and if elected I would always be available to address concerns students have and advocate on their behalf. At this time, I think the largest issues students face are: translink, deferred maintenance, expensive textbooks, and rising tuition. In addition, I think losing the food bank this year was a huge loss, and I would ensure that students are fully satisfied with the new program.

2. I would lobby the provincial government first and foremost, because that level of government allocates funding towards our education. I would start by speaking with local MP’s and MLA’s to make the issues heard and then build on those relationships. Hopefully I would meet with the premier, specifically to address issues our students face. For me, it is not only about making issues heard, but working with students and elected officials to find solutions.

3. First, ask why or why not. If there is no compromise, I would continue to fight on behalf of students. Most importantly, students need to know that the elected official is disregarding their view and are very welcome to work with me to collectively hold the official accountable. However; if I can address their reasons, I would work with them and students to find a compromise and present a suitable solution to the issue.

Kathleen Yang (Move the Mountain)

1. To increase accessibility to SFU, I will advocate for buses that travel directly to SFU campuses. For food accessibility, long term solutions that reduce the stigma placed on student hunger. I also would like to advocate for more needs based grants, scholarships and lower interest rates on student loans to make education more affordable. While I hope to prioritize these advocacy initiatives I am very open to supporting other campaigns put forward by students.

2. To improve transit, I would lobby the provincial government to allocate new sources of funding for Translink by contacting the Minster of Transportation Todd Stone, Translink critic George Heyman, and our local MLAs Jane Shin (Burnaby), Bruce Ralston (Surrey), Jenny Kwan (Woodwards), and Sam Sullivan (Harbour Centre). Getting the provincial government to provide alternative funding solutions is critical following their decision to restrict municipal capacity to generate new sources of Translink revenue.

3. I would ask the official to provide reasons for their disapproval and request to schedule a second meeting in which I would provide further evidence of support from students (i.e. petition, letters, etc.) and a presentation that specifically addresses the concerns of the official. If the official fails to provide reasons or recommendations, I would go to students and other elected officials to obtain further information, feedback and support to strengthen my presentation.