Candidates |
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ROBERT JONES |
ANNA PILTINGSRUD |
MEGHAN MELNYK |
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BEST AGOFURE |
DAVID JACKSON |
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FADWAH KOURIEH |
COLLIN SEMENOFF |
SADIQ VALLIANI |
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Candidate for President
Robert Jones
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PROGRAM OF STUDY: Open Studies COMMUNITY AFFILIATION(S): 1. Calgary boy. Born and raised 2. Chair, Alberta Students’ Executive Council 3. Calgary Student Caucus COLLEGE AFFILIATION(S): 1. Fifth year Mount Royal student 2. Mount Royal Sustainability Committee 3. General Faculty Council STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION AFFILIATION(S): 1. Proud member in good standing 2. Current VP External of SAMRU 3. Executive Committee of SAMRU 4. Students’ Council of SAMRU 5. Green Wyckham House Committee |
ELECTION PLATFORM:
Power of Democracy
The Student Body
I would like to sincerely thank all those who elected me to serve as your Vice President External this academic year. It has been a rewarding and meaningful experience and it is my hope you will allow me to continue representing your interests as President of SAMRU.
With five years (yes, five) at Mount Royal University, I could tell you a thing or two about post-secondary education. But I’ve always found that I have more to learn by listening to students than by talking to them. It’s those voices that I’ve tried to bring to my duties of serving you and our Association.
What Have I Done?
• Effectively lobbied City Hall to not reduce MRU’s public transit service in the midst of budget cuts which forced Calgary Transit to slash 21,500 service hours.
• Assisted in freezing SAMRU member fees for the 2010-2011 academic year.
• Ongoing consultations with Government of Alberta to maintain their 10 year commitment to limit maximum tuition hikes at annual inflation increases.
• Progressive improvements to the Alberta Student Loan Program.
• Constructed research papers for and held direct meetings with key government officials about the need to maintain strong financial support to post-secondary education in times of budget deficits.
• Currently engaged in creation of 3-year SAMRU Strategic Plan.
What Will I Do?
Implement SAMRU Town Hall meetings, which will allow all Mount Royal students the opportunity to regularly communicate with their Association. Mount Royal just became a University and will soon be celebrating its 100th birthday. MRU President, Dave Marshall, is on record saying he wants to make Mount Royal the number one undergraduate University in Canada, as based on student satisfaction. Let’s get together and let Dr. Marshall know exactly what satisfaction means to Mount Royal students while also improving SAMRU services and communication.
Lobby the University to implement innovative ideas to deal with the growing parking problem on campus. While a Parkade is slated to be completed in Fall 2010, more most be done to ensure Mount Royal students can get to class!
Conduct a space utilization analysis of Wyckham House with the intent of increasing the number of available study spaces for students.
Improve recycling and composting initiatives on campus.
Provide effective and practical leadership to our Association.
Why Vote?
The reputation of the school you obtain your credentials from will follow you the rest of your life. Employers’ perceptions of your education is directly linked to the reputation of the institution you receive your accreditation from. Sadly, many outside Mount Royal describe our campus as a “Joke University”. This dubious claim may serve to hurt the reputation of Mount Royal students. It is vital for the leadership of our Association to continue building Mount Royal’s growing reputation as a premier and unparalleled undergraduate experience.
Thanks for Reading
Empower Yourself and Your School
- Vote Jones for President -
Candidate for VP Academic
Anna Piltingsrud
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PROGRAM OF STUDY: BA History COMMUNITY AFFILIATION(S): 1. AeroSpace Museum Volunteer COLLEGE AFFILIATION(S): 1. Orientation Student Leader 2. Board Hearing Student Misconduct Representative STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION AFFILIATION(S): 1. Commissioner to the VP Academic 2. General Faculties Council Student Representative 3. Library Advisory Standing Committee 4. Bylaw Review Committee |
ELECTION PLATFORM:
“Choose A: Anna + Academic = Achievement”
ANNA for VP Academic
What comes to mind when you consider the letter A? For most students it is a grade that they hope to see as much as possible on their transcript because it signifies academic success. The pathway to this achievement involves challenges and hard work and the Vice President Academic is given the privilege to assist students in achieving the most out of their academic studies.
I have been involved with the Mount Royal University Students Association for the past two years in varying capacities, but have focused my efforts on the academic component of student life. I have been involved with the General Faculties Council for the past two years and am currently the Commissioner to the Vice President Academic. Over the last four years of my school career, I have developed an appreciation and awareness of the significance of student input on academic matters, and have seen how certain initiatives can benefit the student body.
Mount Royal University and the Students Association need to endeavour to improve and foster an environment that its students can excel in and which prepares them for a strong future. With my knowledge and experience I have the confidence that I can champion initiatives that will benefit students. These initiatives will include:
1) Textbook Loan Program
- Textbooks continue to be a huge expense for students pursuing a post-secondary education, and this initiative would be a way to alleviate the financial stress.
- In collaboration with the MRU Library I would work to organize a program where students can access a collection of up-to-date text books.
- Sustainability of the program would be achieved via donations from the student body, instructors, and through funding.
- Textbooks continue to be a huge expense for students pursuing a post-secondary education, and this initiative would be a way to alleviate the financial stress.
- In collaboration with the MRU Library I would work to organize a program where students can access a collection of up-to-date text books.
- Sustainability of the program would be achieved via donations from the student body, instructors, and through funding.
2) Co-Curricular Record
- This official document will give students the edge they need to pursue further academics by demonstrating their extra-curricular activities within Mount Royal University.
- This idea will be carried over from the current Vice President Academic, and I believe that it is a necessary need to show how well rounded our students are in their education and lives.
3) Academic Misconduct Awareness Campaign
- With the influx of students enrolling at Mount Royal University there needs to be a re-enforcement of knowledge on services which can help students to prevent academic misconduct.
4) Election Revival
- Student participation and involvement with the Students Assocition is crucial for the organization to maintain its legitimacy. Voter turnout and the number of candidates that have been running for office in the SA general elections is concerning.
- Election revival is needed to ensure the legitimacy of the organiztion and this can be done through reform of election promotion and communication. The Students Association needs to devote reources and focus attention on increasing the interest in student elections.
- This official document will give students the edge they need to pursue further academics by demonstrating their extra-curricular activities within Mount Royal University.
- This idea will be carried over from the current Vice President Academic, and I believe that it is a necessary need to show how well rounded our students are in their education and lives.
3) Academic Misconduct Awareness Campaign
- With the influx of students enrolling at Mount Royal University there needs to be a re-enforcement of knowledge on services which can help students to prevent academic misconduct.
4) Election Revival
- Student participation and involvement with the Students Assocition is crucial for the organization to maintain its legitimacy. Voter turnout and the number of candidates that have been running for office in the SA general elections is concerning.
- Election revival is needed to ensure the legitimacy of the organiztion and this can be done through reform of election promotion and communication. The Students Association needs to devote reources and focus attention on increasing the interest in student elections.
Candidate for VP External
Meghan Melnyk
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PROGRAM OF STUDY: Open Studies COMMUNITY AFFILIATION(S): 1. Board of Directors, PBC Charity Golf Tournament 2. Volunteer with The Mustard Seed 3. Volunteer with Youville Woman’s Recovery Centre COLLEGE AFFILIATION(S): 1. Player on MRU Varsity Golf Team 2. Policy Studies Alumni Chapter 3. MRU Alumni Foundation Calling Program STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION AFFILIATION(S): 1. Students’ Council 2009/2010 2. Health and Community Studies Representative 3. Bylaw Review Committee 4. SAMRU Strategic Plan Sessions Participant |
ELECTION PLATFORM:
A wise person said ‘Education is a right, not a privilege’. I have chosen to adopt this as both my personal slogan and plan for how I would perform as your Vice President External. While many things in life are taken for granted, education never should be.
This past year has been difficult for students. Funding for education is easy to cut, but the ramifications of these cuts have a major impact on society.
Some facts:
• Research states that an educated society is more prosperous.
• Calgary has an aging population, for the first time in 15 years more people have moved away from Alberta than moved in, and
• A huge percentage of jobs now require some sort of post-secondary education whether it be the trades or professional field.
Although the decision makers (MPs, MLAs, Aldermen) know these facts, they sometimes ignore them. My duty as VPE would be to remind them of the benefits associated with education.
My goals and objectives for the year:
• Parking and Transportation: Affordable and reliable transportation is a huge issue for students. The university is building a parking facility that will alleviate some of the parking congestion on campus. In the meantime, students are still frustrated with the current situation. I will work with the City of Calgary and Transit to find solutions to bus service and other alternative transportation options.
• Sustainability: It is important, regardless of the economic climate, to invest in the future. I plan to work towards introducing an Alberta campus sustainability council as an initiative to share knowledge and expertise with all Alberta public post-secondary education schools: working together to build and develop sustainable campuses, resources, and education. Encourage each other to take responsibility for social and ecological impacts while taking the opportunity to create climate change solutions in our communities.
• Tuition: There are many challenges and obstacles regarding tuition. However, there are still options available to us. I plan to petition the Alberta government to convene an independent tuition commission to explore further options when dealing with the Tuition Fee Policy.
• Internships/Directed Field Studies: Ensuring our students have the right tools and opportunities to find work once they are finished school is important. Internships were cut because of the recession; most haven’t been re-instated and more may disappear in the coming months. There are many opportunities on campus that have been overlooked. Students should be working in internships and DFS’s all over campus developing the skills they have been taught. Scholarships and bursaries are great, but experience on a resume is priceless to a student.
o Business students learning about how a bar is run in the Liberty Lounge,
o Policy students and Public Relations students helping run campaigns each year in the student council elections.
I will work on maintaining and strengthening the relationships we have built, and cultivating new contacts within the government, city, professional associations, and other institutions.
• Parking and Transportation: Affordable and reliable transportation is a huge issue for students. The university is building a parking facility that will alleviate some of the parking congestion on campus. In the meantime, students are still frustrated with the current situation. I will work with the City of Calgary and Transit to find solutions to bus service and other alternative transportation options.
• Sustainability: It is important, regardless of the economic climate, to invest in the future. I plan to work towards introducing an Alberta campus sustainability council as an initiative to share knowledge and expertise with all Alberta public post-secondary education schools: working together to build and develop sustainable campuses, resources, and education. Encourage each other to take responsibility for social and ecological impacts while taking the opportunity to create climate change solutions in our communities.
• Tuition: There are many challenges and obstacles regarding tuition. However, there are still options available to us. I plan to petition the Alberta government to convene an independent tuition commission to explore further options when dealing with the Tuition Fee Policy.
• Internships/Directed Field Studies: Ensuring our students have the right tools and opportunities to find work once they are finished school is important. Internships were cut because of the recession; most haven’t been re-instated and more may disappear in the coming months. There are many opportunities on campus that have been overlooked. Students should be working in internships and DFS’s all over campus developing the skills they have been taught. Scholarships and bursaries are great, but experience on a resume is priceless to a student.
o Business students learning about how a bar is run in the Liberty Lounge,
o Policy students and Public Relations students helping run campaigns each year in the student council elections.
I will work on maintaining and strengthening the relationships we have built, and cultivating new contacts within the government, city, professional associations, and other institutions.
Candidate for VP Student Life
Eily Sweeney
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PROGRAM OF STUDY: Bachelor of Science COMMUNITY AFFILIATION(S): 1. Ride the Wave Bike Tour Creator 2. Calgary International Children’s Festival Volunteer 3. Cochrane Environmental Action Committee COLLEGE AFFILIATION(S): 1. Mount Royal Sustainability Committee Co-Chair 2. General Faculties Council Member 3. Notetaker/Peer Tutor – Student Learning Services (2008 – 2009) STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION AFFILIATION(S): 1. Current VP Student Life 2. SAMRU Executive Committee member 3. Council Engagement Committee Chair 4. Students with Disabilities Representative Councilor (2008 – 2009) 5. Sustainable MRU Club President (2008 – 2009) |
ELECTION PLATFORM:
An Introduction
Above all, the most memorable moments serving as the current Vice President Student Life have been talking with students one-on-one. I have loved helping you navigate the system to find the right people to talk to, the resources you need at MRU, and the support to make that happen.
Building on what you’re passionate about and making a difference on campus is a very important part of the student experience. Music, wholistic living and outdoor activities are a few of my many passions. I have been playing Celtic Harp for four years; I also play in a local band, and sing and write songs. I believe I must be conscious of my lifestyle to be successful and balanced: I commute year around by bicycle, buy local organic food, and participate in a meditation and yoga practice. I take part in many community events, such as the last two MRU Sprint Triathlons. Adventure sports like cycle touring, rock climbing and back-packing are also great sources of joy and freedom for me.
What I’ve done so far
• As a third year student at MRU, it has been my privilege to make a difference for you this year by bringing your voice to the table on issues like Transportation, Orientation, Study Space, Sustainability, and Student fees.
• I organized or collaborated on the following successful events: Movie in the Park, Busking for
Change, November Drum Circle in Wyckham House, Project Runway Breast Cancer Campaign,
• Theatre for Social Change workshop.
• Improved Study Spaces on campus
• Submitted a proposal to MRU to hire a Sustainability Director to build a culture of sustainability
• Improved MRU Orientation events
• Played a part of council’s decision to freeze Students’ Association fees next year
• Initiated the Council Engagement Committee and the VPSL awareness lunch series
• Initiated an interactive Forum Theatre program at MRU
• As a third year student at MRU, it has been my privilege to make a difference for you this year by bringing your voice to the table on issues like Transportation, Orientation, Study Space, Sustainability, and Student fees.
• I organized or collaborated on the following successful events: Movie in the Park, Busking for
Change, November Drum Circle in Wyckham House, Project Runway Breast Cancer Campaign,
• Theatre for Social Change workshop.
• Improved Study Spaces on campus
• Submitted a proposal to MRU to hire a Sustainability Director to build a culture of sustainability
• Improved MRU Orientation events
• Played a part of council’s decision to freeze Students’ Association fees next year
• Initiated the Council Engagement Committee and the VPSL awareness lunch series
• Initiated an interactive Forum Theatre program at MRU
What I plan on doing
• Make The Gallery (old Student Council Chambers) into a cultural and creative hub of the whole campus community—the space would be available for art displays, performances, presentations, debates etc.
• Free weekly drop-in yoga classes in The Gallery
• Monthly Artist market in The Gallery
• Drum Circles in Wyckham House Food Court each semester in monthly in The Gallery
• Expand the Exam Relief program to give out nourishing food during mid-terms and final exams
• Implement a campus wide rideshare program to alleviate parking problems
• Maintain leadership to create a culture of sustainability at MRU
• Continue to use the interactive approach of Forum Theatre to promote collaboration and dialogue on issues effecting students
My experience and leadership as the current Vice President Student Life clearly exhibit my ability to enrich campus life. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or interesting new projects. Email: eily.sweeney@gmail.com. I am looking forward to continuing to make your time at MRU awesome. After all, it’s all about YOU!
• Make The Gallery (old Student Council Chambers) into a cultural and creative hub of the whole campus community—the space would be available for art displays, performances, presentations, debates etc.
• Free weekly drop-in yoga classes in The Gallery
• Monthly Artist market in The Gallery
• Drum Circles in Wyckham House Food Court each semester in monthly in The Gallery
• Expand the Exam Relief program to give out nourishing food during mid-terms and final exams
• Implement a campus wide rideshare program to alleviate parking problems
• Maintain leadership to create a culture of sustainability at MRU
• Continue to use the interactive approach of Forum Theatre to promote collaboration and dialogue on issues effecting students
My experience and leadership as the current Vice President Student Life clearly exhibit my ability to enrich campus life. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or interesting new projects. Email: eily.sweeney@gmail.com. I am looking forward to continuing to make your time at MRU awesome. After all, it’s all about YOU!
Re-elect Eily Sweeney as your 2010-2011 Vice President Student Life.
Candidate for Immigrant, International and Visible Minority Student’s Representative
Best Agofure
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ELECTION PLATFORM:
The prosperity of Canada for it to become to the amazing country that it is today is due to the overwhelming success of diversity. The British, The Scottish, The French together with the Aboriginal People . . . came together to create Canada. Our future success lies in the continued acceptance, tolerance and appreciation of people of varying backgrounds.
The prosperity of Canada for it to become to the amazing country that it is today is due to the overwhelming success of diversity. The British, The Scottish, The French together with the Aboriginal People . . . came together to create Canada. Our future success lies in the continued acceptance, tolerance and appreciation of people of varying backgrounds.
This is why I am seeking this position. As a student of color I am unfortunately well aware of the many difficulties that are faces by Immigrants, international and visible minority students and I want to be there to represent them. My main areas of concern include the extremely high costs of tuition ( International students pay more than double in comparison to our Canadian counterparts, for the exact same quality of education).I would work to try lobby the Association to reserve more funds /scholarships/bursary/award for International students.
Secondly, I am extremely happy that we have the Cultural Mosaic Center. I’d work in conjunction with them to create more awareness of diversity issues.
And finally, I’d work to make sure that every student no matter where you came from, may it be here in Canada or thousands of miles away, I want to make MRU a home away from home. A place where they do not feel as though they are strangers, but instead as a valued and respected part of the MRU community because, we all know that prosperity is through diversity.
Candidate for Students with Disabilities Representative
Fadwa Khourieh
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ELECTION PLATFORM:
Hello my name is Fadwa Khourieh and I am running for the position of Students with Disabilities Representative. I am currently a first year Business Diploma student hoping to transfer to the BBA program next year. As the current Students with Disabilities Representative I have learnt that when we all work together to help create a better student experience, we succeed. The Student Council has a steady voice of equality and if I am re-elected I will get out to the students. I will encourage students to come out and join in on the council meetings where you could witness your voice being heard around the table.
Hello my name is Fadwa Khourieh and I am running for the position of Students with Disabilities Representative. I am currently a first year Business Diploma student hoping to transfer to the BBA program next year. As the current Students with Disabilities Representative I have learnt that when we all work together to help create a better student experience, we succeed. The Student Council has a steady voice of equality and if I am re-elected I will get out to the students. I will encourage students to come out and join in on the council meetings where you could witness your voice being heard around the table.
Having the experience of being one of the diversity representatives on council has shown me that even the tiniest voice could be heard when put on an even playing field with others.
Experiencing being in a wheel chair for the Disabilities Awareness Day, has given me a sense of the hardship that individuals in wheelchairs face every day. If I am re-elected, I promise I will continue to advocate the university as well as the Student Association to increase accessibility throughout the whole campus.
I hope for your support and your vote for the equality of the University as a whole.
I hope for your support and your vote for the equality of the University as a whole.
Candidate for Arts Representative
Dave Jackson
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ELECTION PLATFORM:
As a fourth year Open Studies student hoping to get a Diploma in General Studies and eventually a BA in Policy Studies, I look forward to improving transit service with the new West LRT and getting ready for the new Library. I firmly believe that the purpose of SAMRU is STUDENTS HELPING STUDENTS. Students say that one of the biggest problems is stress. I can help with that making sure that the 90 services offered by SAMRU are made aware to all students.
As a fourth year Open Studies student hoping to get a Diploma in General Studies and eventually a BA in Policy Studies, I look forward to improving transit service with the new West LRT and getting ready for the new Library. I firmly believe that the purpose of SAMRU is STUDENTS HELPING STUDENTS. Students say that one of the biggest problems is stress. I can help with that making sure that the 90 services offered by SAMRU are made aware to all students.
With the change to university status, I foster working with the University of Calgary to foster research opportunities. Also with the change to university status, I want to improve the number of classes offered during the Spring and Summer Sessions to make it possible to spend the entire summer doing work towards a degree. In particular, there is the problem of reduced hours in the Spring and Summer Sessions in the Library.
I want to make sure there is always something open where students can get a hot drink and non-vending machine food when they are on campus.
I WILL DELIVER MORE THAN YOU ASK.
Candidate for Communication Studies Representative
Collin Semenoff
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ELECTION PLATFORM:
The world we inhabit is changing much more rapidly with each passing I believe that one of Mount Royal University’s key opportunities lies within the collective talents and abilities of the student body. If elected, I would like to explore the development of a communications platform that would enable talents and strengths from one program or faculty to be utilized by another. Harnessing the diversity of the program fields and expertise levels at Mount Royal would greatly improve campus life for students, faculty, and staff.
The world we inhabit is changing much more rapidly with each passing I believe that one of Mount Royal University’s key opportunities lies within the collective talents and abilities of the student body. If elected, I would like to explore the development of a communications platform that would enable talents and strengths from one program or faculty to be utilized by another. Harnessing the diversity of the program fields and expertise levels at Mount Royal would greatly improve campus life for students, faculty, and staff.
For example, the Communications Faculty has exceptional video production facilities, information design labs, public relations experts, and a number of talented writers and journalists. All of Mount Royal would benefit if a system were in place to help update or create campus training videos, information graphics, and other print or web materials in exchange for student work or volunteer experience.
Mount Royal is an outstanding university that can be made even better through the fostering of inter-faculty communication and resource sharing. As a member of the SAMRU Student Council, I would be able to help bring your ideas to other faculties. The future of Mount Royal is right now. Let’s prepare for tomorrow today.
Candidate for Business & Entrepreneurial Studies Representative
Sadiq Valliani
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ELECTION PLATFORM:
My name is Sadiq Valliani, and I am a full-time credit student at Mount Royal University and the 2009/10 Arts Faculty Representative. I am interested in the position of Business and Entrepreneurship Studies Faculty Representative because I would like to make meaning full change for the student body, and increase business communication.
My name is Sadiq Valliani, and I am a full-time credit student at Mount Royal University and the 2009/10 Arts Faculty Representative. I am interested in the position of Business and Entrepreneurship Studies Faculty Representative because I would like to make meaning full change for the student body, and increase business communication.
Some of the changes I would like to make in office include: amend the SA bylaws to allow part-time students to run for executive council positions, a complete review of student council positions to ensure they reflect changing Mount Royal dynamics, and increased communication between the business department and business students about student opportunities, clubs, and events.
I know that my previous experience on Students’ Council both at Mount Royal University and in high school have given me the tools that I need to succeed. I am also open to learning and new experiences, and I would be honoured to represent business students on Students’ Council.
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