THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
The following is a list of candidates running for USSU Executive positions. There are three debate forums scheduled before voting takes place on PAWS on March 24 and 25. More information is available on the USSU website.
1. If it will benefit students, will you take a public stand against the university administration?
Yes.
2. Do you plan to keep the brewery/off-sale plans going?
Yes, I will review the feasibility report.
3. Where do you stand on the idea of the USSU purchasing housing along Cumberland Ave. or in Varsity View to rent to students?
I will review president Kirkland’s report. I have a number of concerns about student money going toward purchasing housing. I think the government has a responsibility to provide more affordable housing for students.
1. What do you see as the most important part of your portfolio?
The programs contained under the academic affairs portfolio are very strong and the open access initiative begun by (current USSU VP academic McCullough has especially strong potential to help students. Therefore, the most important part of the portfolio is promoting these services. Students should be made fully aware of what kinds of things the VP academic can do for them. Helping with problems with professors or getting exams deferred and even getting assignments re-graded.
2. How do you plan to improve the academic life of U of S students?
Basically I would carry out the plan outlined above. The trick is to figure out how to do it in a way that students would be excited about. Perhaps some sort of atomic monster with freeway on-ramps for arms and a heart as black as coal”¦ or some cool posters.
3. Do you think certain colleges/departments get too many or too few resources?
I would assume so, I mean, why else have this question?
1. Are you a member of any political party?
No. I was a member of the federal Liberals but no longer am.
2. What’s an issue you think provincial and federal politicians are under-discussing (with regard to students)?
Student debt and loan eligibility.
3. How do you plan to approach lobbying? Do you plan to be aggressive in your fight for students?
Aggressive without working against government. I feel that we can’t approach government in a confrontational method. We have governments fighting off deficits — to get help we need to work with them, show them how investing in student issues helps everyone. I also think working through groups such as the SSC and CASA is a wise approach; it strengthens our voices.
1. What is the operating budget of the USSU?
$1.5 million? Definitely around there.
[Answer: It is around $4 million.]
2. The USSU is currently running a deficit. What plans do you have to bring the budget back into the black?
Back in Black! I hit the sack! It’s good to know I’m glad to be back, yes I’m”¦ let loose! From the noose! That’s kept me hangin’ around”¦ And I”¦ what was the question?
3. Facing unforeseen shortfalls, what’s the first thing you would cut?
My toenails, then the jibber-jabber. Then my salary if need be. But toes first.
1. What is the operating budget of the USSU?
It’s the budget that sets out how much we can spend in one operating year. It’s approximately $4 million this year! Woot.
[Answer: It is around $4 million.]
2. The USSU is currently running a deficit. What plans do you have to bring the budget back into the black?
The completion of the Place Riel Renovations will take care of that and on top of that, Louis’ entertainment, Louis’ itself, Browsers and (Design) XL are all expected to have great years. More revenues, and not on the backs of students.
3. Facing unforeseen shortfalls, what’s the first thing you would cut?
Executive conferences.
1. What is the biggest issue facing students now? And how do you plan to deal with it?
The lack of affordable housing! I hope to help see the new residences built, as well as to work to push for more affordable rental places in Saskatoon.
2. What do you see as (outgoing VP) Ben Fawcett’s legacy? Do you plan to continue in the same vein or to move in a different direction?
A campus of sustainability and openness, a secure campus, and a mighty beard. I hope to expand on this great tradition, but due to genetics, I will be unable to grow the beard that Ben has mastered.
3. How do you feel about Aboriginal and minority representation in campus politics? What do you plan to do to change this?
There needs to be more representations of aboriginal and minority groups in council on campus. We need to educate and celebrate our diversity. I hope to work closely with the future VP op/fin to showcase these clubs and to encourage all student councils to make their presence known.
1. What is the biggest issue facing students now? And how do you plan to deal with it?
I have heard many issues on campus and I think having a sustainable campus is important: A mug vs. paper cup campaign. We can be leaders regarding to environmental responsibility, yes we can.
2. What do you see as (outgoing VP) Ben Fawcett’s legacy? Do you plan to continue in the same vein or to move in a different direction?
Ben Fawcett has been approachable and welcoming throughout his term as VP student affairs. He has been directly responsible in making our campus a better place for us all. He is part of the reason why I decided to run for the USSU and more specifically VP student affairs.
3. How do you feel about Aboriginal and minority representation in campus politics? What do you plan to do to change this?
Not representative to their percentage on campus. To ensure fair representation for all students I will be a role model and assist anyone who shows interest in campus politics.
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