Students know that the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union elections have begun when they see posters of smiling candidates plastered all over campus. Campaigning for next year’s USSU executive began March 19, and undergraduates will vote online through PAWS March 27 and 28. Each candidate’s qualities and goals are outlined below, as well as their score on the Sheaf’s specially prepared quiz on university affairs. You can find a copy of the quiz and try it for yourself here.

3rd year Edwards School of Business — Management

Braydon York feels his understanding of business operations and finances are qualities the USSU needs in a president. York wants all union executives to act more transparently so that students understand what they are being paid to do on a daily basis. He says he wants to see a more cohesive campus experience for U of S undergraduates with a focus on scholarships and student employment.

QUIZ SCORE: 65%

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3rd year Arts and Science — Political Studies

Max FineDay thinks he should be the leader of the USSU next year as the university steers itself through a period of austerity. If elected, FineDay says he will defend student interests while maintaining creativity in his approach. He will look into the possibility of a fall term reading week and investigate cheaper textbook options. He says communicating well with students is the best way to succeed as president.

QUIZ SCORE: 83%

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4th year Arts and Science, St. Thomas More — History

Alyssa Bredohl is a student representative for St. Thomas More College at students’ council. As a councillor, she sat on the budget and finance, sustainability and external affairs committees. For the past two years she has also been an executive member of the STM Students’ Union. Bredohl will ensure that the USSU makes environmentally and financially sustainable decisions that benefit students during her term as president. She wants student voices to be heard and wants to provide strong student representation on all three levels of government.

QUIZ SCORE: 93%

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4th year Edwards School of Business — Human Resources

During her two years as student council representative for Edwards School of Business, Jenna Moellenbeck sat on the council’s budget and finance committee, which she believes is valuable experience for the position. She has many plans for what kind of changes she could bring for students, including literary campaigns on budgeting and investing as well as an income tax clinic. Student interaction is very important to Moellenbeck. She wants to work closely with clubs and hopes to improve transit services as well.

QUIZ SCORE: 90%

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3rd year Arts and Science — Political Studies

As president of the Arts and Science Students’ Union, Elias Nelson has developed an understanding of how a students’ union functions and how it can benefit students. He oversaw the ASSU’s assets and granted funds for students. Nelson was a member of the University Senate and learned about university administration and governance. He wants to be a strong advocate for students during program prioritization and wants to enhance the USSU’s communication with students by updating the union’s website.

QUIZ RESULTS: 90%

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3rd year Edwards School of Business — Accounting

Nathan Adams is a member of students’ council as a representative for Edwards School of Business and has served on the council’s budget and finance committee. Adams believes that the student experience can be enhanced by a balanced budget and a trusted students’ union. Fiscal responsibility and transparency are important aspects of Adams’ campaign. He will also focus on collaborating with campus clubs and improving Louis’ and Browsers to enhance students’ experiences on campus.

QUIZ SCORE: 90%

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4th year Arts and Science — International Studies

From working at Browser’s, Rose Lien has developed an understanding of how the students’ union operates and how it can serve students. Campus groups are a priority for Lien. She will work closely with them, helping them find funding and on-campus venues for their events. Transparency is an important issue that Lien wants to work on by making USSU documents, like the budget, more accessible and easier for students to understand. She also wants to continue the USSU’s relationship with Saskatoon Transit.

QUIZ SCORE: 80%

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2nd year Arts and Science — Economics

Gibson Odoka is a member of students’ council representing international students. His platform includes giving public recognition to top students and faculty members, and celebrating more student achievements. He wants to create an emergency bursary that will provide tuition for students who suddenly have their funding cut, like what happened to some international students from Iran when their embassy closed in September 2012. Culture celebration days, cooking tutorials and residence soccer tournaments are events Odoka wants to plan to bring students of all nationalities together.

QUIZ SCORE: 73%

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4th year Arts and Science — Psychology

Andrew Hartman has been involved with the U of S community through Sci-Fi Science Camps, various student centres and Peer Health Education. Inspired by his experience with the Student-Teachers’ Anti-Racism Society, Hartman wants to make the campus a more inclusive place that celebrates difference and diversity. As vice-president of student affairs, he would like to see more events that bring together the International Student and Study Abroad Centre and the Aboriginal Students’ Centre with other campus groups and centres.

QUIZ SCORE: 43%

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2nd year Arts and Science — Modern Languages

Jeremy Yorga has been involved with organizations like Rotary International, Relay for Life and Learning Lodge for Living Large. Yorga believes the vice-president of student affairs should be creative and be able to work well with students. He also considers himself well-suited to this position because of his ability to relate to students and organize events. For Yorga, empathizing with peers in fun and creative ways is essential to the job.

QUIZ SCORE: 28%

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5th year Arts and Science — Physical Geography

Payton Byrns wants students to take ownership of the university. Byrns has experience planning events for the Aboriginal Students’ Centre and says celebrating diversity on campus is incredibly important. Byrns says he will bring accountability, transparency and cooperation to the USSU.

QUIZ SCORE: 55%

 

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4th year Kinesiology

Nour Abouhamra is a member of students’ council representing kinesiology students. She sits on the academic affairs committee. While on the committee, Abouhamra has helped plan USSU events such as Speed Friending, Games with Friends and Borrowed Shoes. Abouhamra believes the vice-president of student affairs should have experience with planning events for students as that is an important part of the job. She has also been a voting member of University Council.

QUIZ SCORE: 95%

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5th year Arts and Science — Physiology and Pharmacology, Sociology

Kris Jones has worked as a residence assistant and a communications and events coordinator for Living Sky School Division. Jones plans to focus on student health and sustainability. One way he will do this is his initiative to see the Food Centre host more fresh food on campus days, with more locations that incorporate locally grown fruits and vegetables.

QUIZ SCORE: 58%

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4th year Arts and Science — Political Studies

Jordan Sherbino is a member of students’ council representing St. Thomas More College and a voting member of University Council. He wants to be a strong voice for students when working with university administration and to promote students’ academic successes as vice-president of academic affairs. Engaging with college societies and promoting academic programs and services are key to Sherbino’s platform, as are transparency and accessibility.

QUIZ SCORE: 93%

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Candidates for the executive positions will answer students’ questions at forums held in various locations across campus in the next week.

March 21
Location: Louis’
Time: 4 p.m.

March 25
Location: Upper Place Riel
Time: 1:00 p.m.

March 26
Location: Edwards Reading Room
Time: 11 a.m.

The first forum was held March 20 in the Engineering Student Lounge.[/box]