For the past three years, I have been proud to advocate for students, first as a two-term Faculty of Arts Representative, and then as the undergraduate representative on the Board of Governors (BoG). My experiences with the Board, the Students’ Union, and my previous employment with the Office of the Premier have taught me the skills I need to continue to be a fierce and effective advocate for students. In preparation for this role I consulted with the past decade of BoG representatives, and after much input from fellow students, I am proud to tell you about my core platform points.
I. Fighting for Increased Student Representation:
Currently, students have only one elected representative on the Board of Governors, which is made up of 21 members. As the Board Representative, I will advocate for another undergraduate student seat. It is important for student voices to be heard, and I will passionately fight for this representation. A university should be about its students, and a tiny fraction of seats on its top governing body is simply not enough. There is a strong case to be made to the Ministry of Advanced Education, and with a provincial election looming, students have a unique opportunity to advocate to the government and official opposition on this issue. Further, my past experiences working with the provincial government and the Students’ Union provides me with a unique platform to effectively fight for increased representation.
II. Student-Centric Renovations and Development:
The Board of Governors approves the annual budget of the university and large scale redevelopment projects. However, in the past, student needs have not always been taken into account. With the ongoing redevelopment of buildings like the MacKimmie Tower, it is vital that students have their needs communicated to senior officials and the entire Board. As Board Representative, I will utilize documents like the Students’ Union Annual Survey to effectively advocate for a more student-centric approach to redevelopment and renovations.
III. Review of Sexual Violence Policy:
The first review of the University’s Sexual Violence Policy is set to commence this June. As the representative on the Board of Governors, I want to ensure that student voices are heard during the process, and that students have explicit representation on the review’s committee. I will also ensure that there is an online platform to allow students to submit their recommendations digitally. Students should be safe on campus, and our sexual violence policy should be comprehensive, transparent, and legally sound.
IV. Mental Health Advocacy:
Mental health support is an important part of university life, and as Board Representative I will advocate to the rest of the Board of Governors and to senior-level administration to convey student desires and concerns about the services they access. The Campus Mental Health Strategy was officially launched in December of 2015, and is responsible for the expansion and quality of mental health services throughout the university. Moving forward, I would like to see the establishment of an online forum where students can provide feedback online about the strategy and mental health challenges they have experienced. It is vital that the Board understands what many students are experiencing, and that they create policy with the health of students in mind.
V. Greater Student Connection:
Although the Board of Governors is the highest governing body of the University, students often feel distanced from it. Many have little idea what the purpose of the Board is, and its processes can often appear shrouded in bureaucracy. Students should have the opportunity to engage the Board and express themselves. As the representative on the BoG, I will encourage Board members and the Board Chair to actively speak to students in the community. While Board meetings are already officially public, few students know about them, or where and when they take place. As such, I will work with student organizations to promote attendance at BoG meetings to guarantee a clear student presence when important decisions are being made.
VI. Diverse Food Options for Students
U of C students have long been concerned with the quality and diversity of food available on campus. Under our contract with food provider Aramark, I have heard stories of residence students who are vastly dissatisfied with the food being offered. From inappropriate preparation of halal meat, repetitive vegan and vegetarian options, and the absence of kosher options altogether, diverse food options for students is lacking. As Arts Representative, I researched 30 other Canadian universities’ food strategies and how they met student needs. Working alongside the Vice President Operations and Finance, we were able to successfully advocate for more halal and vegetarian options in Students’ Union-run businesses. I want to bring this same level of advocacy to the Board level. While certain contracts, like the one signed with Aramark, are not the decision of the Board, Board members have explicit access to senior administration who have those powers. As such, advocacy can be successful in making sure senior administrators understand the needs of students with regards of the food they eat.
VII. Fighting for Sustainability
Traditionally the Board of Governors Representative has sat on the Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee of the board. Sustainability has been an increasingly important conversation over the past years at the university, and with the creation of such organizations such as the Sustainable Development Goals Alliance (A student-led organization with over 50 clubs under their umbrella), it is important students have a representative who understands the issues at hand and wants to advocate for a more sustainable UCalgary. From on-campus composting, to the responsible disposal of hazardous materials, I have been proud to talk about these issues. Over the next year, I would like to develop working relationships with sustainability focussed student organizations, and provide a voice for them at the board table.