KENDRA SCHREINER and DARYL HOFMANN

James Pepler takes his place at the head of the table in the Roy Romanow Students’ Council Chambers.

Five years after helming the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union, former president James Pepler still won’t leave the organization.

Pepler is set to take over as chair of University Students’ Council this year.

The USSU represents all undergraduates on campus. Four elected students, referred to as the executive, govern the organization along with USC. Students’ council is made up of one or two representatives from each college, and two aboriginal and two international student representatives.

“USC is a training ground for all these people,” Pepler said. “I think this year it’s going to be a little more informal, hopefully a little more fun.”

The primary job of the chair is to maintain order during the meetings and to enforce speaking rights. But the chair must also curb time wasting by listening closely and not allowing council members to continually repeat themselves, he said.

Pepler, now pursuing a master’s in creative writing, began his career in student government unexpectedly.

As the Sheaf’s public editor, Pepler drew a following across campus with his humor columns on life as a student. While writing an article on the USSU elections, he decided that he could run for office as well. As a joke.

“If you’re passionate about a change that needs to be made, come and voice your opinion. It’s going to be a fun year.” — James Pepler, USC Chair

Pepler ran a campaign complete with posters of his face photoshopped on models’ bodies. Though he presented next to no platform, students enjoyed his column and humour. When it came time for the election, he said voters checked off the name they recognized from the newspaper and the signs.

After winning the election, Pepler realized he had to take the job seriously and focused on strengthening ties between students and the university’s top brass.

“We realized that to make things work well you have to work with administration. The student union needs to challenge and question them. But on a lot of stuff you can work with them. And it’s a lot easier and you get a lot more done.”

Following his term, Pepler was offered a job by the university to continue to attend council meetings and foster the relationship between students and administration.

“USC is full of opportunity,” Pepler said. “I was well aware that what I was doing [as president] was personal growth and this was an avenue to take things serious and make some differences.”

Pepler says one of the most valuable things a student can do in university is to join an extracurricular group.

“It was me getting involved in the Sheaf and student politics that really propelled my success,” he said.

When former council chair Matt Lisle stepped down, the USSU asked Pepler to take the position.

He said that if students have an issue they want addressed, they need to speak up. Students can voice their concerns to their representative on council or attend the meetings themselves.

“If you’re passionate about a change that needs to be made, come and voice your opinion,” he said. “It’s going to be a fun year.”

USC meetings take place every Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Roy Romanow Students’ Council Chamber, located in Upper Place Riel.

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Photo: Raisa Pezderic/The Sheaf