Voting Period: February 15 – 17, 2022
Vote online through your SFU Mail.
Inquiries can be made to the IEC at elections.chief@sfss.ca
Vote online through your SFU Mail.
Inquiries can be made to the IEC at elections.chief@sfss.ca
My name is Dilraj Nijjar, and I am running to serve as your next President on the SFSS Board of Directors.
SFSS could have done a way better job keeping students in the loop. A lot of students were left wondering why certain decisions were made. I strive to make SFSS a transparent student body that does everything it says on the mission statement and more, all while being as transparent as possible.
As your President, I will work to
Increase Process Transparency
Increase Student Groups Involvement
Increase support for international students
Get a better Health and Dental Plan
Hello SFU Students! My name is Helen Sofia Pahou (she/her/hers) and I’m running to be your next President of the SFSS. Alongside my team – the SFU Stronger Together Party (STP) – I aim to uphold the SFSS as an empathetic, resilient, student-centric and collective decision-making resource for our entire student body.
As a 4th year student, I’m doing my Bachelor of Arts as a honours major in political science, and a double-minor in legal studies and international studies. Some of the leadership experience I hold includes:
Some of the things I advocate for are:
1. MAKING SPACE FOR FREQUENT CONSULTATION & COLLECTIVE DECISION MAKING.
2. CULTIVATING AWARENESS OF KEY STUDENT SERVICES (I.E. STUDENTCARE, HEALTH & COUNSELING, INDIGENOUS STUDENT CENTRE, SVSPO, CAL, ETC.).
3. FOSTERING AN EMPOWERED SFSS COUNCIL.
4. CLEAR COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNANCE FOR ALL.
Let’s remember that this election serves as an opportunity for welcoming better leadership. Thank you, and I welcome you to reach out to me at the social media platforms below! Thank you all, and stay safe out there!
Instagram: @helen4presidentsfss
STP IG: @sfu_stp
Website: www.sfustp.com
Greetings Fellow Students
I’m Shariq Ahsan and I’m running to be your next SFSS President! Over the last 3 years I’ve been heavily involved in the Science and Applied Science Student Unions. Firstly, I served as President of the Physics Student Association (PSA) and then as President of the Science Undergraduate Society (SUS). As PSA President I was able to revamp the structure of the union and foster a greater sense of community. As SUS President I lead an initiative to attain space in the SUB for members of the SUS and SASS communities. I believe that communities like these deserve space to grow and flourish and similarly, I’m willing to fight for the benefit of all groups on campus.
If elected I commit to:
Effective and Safe Return to Campus during the Pandemic
Mental Health Supports:
DSU and Club Supports:
Increased Support for BIPOC Communities:
Releasing Exam Schedules at Enrollment Time:
I am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had over the last few years to work on different executive teams and advocate for student needs. I truly cherish the positions I’ve held and the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with. Student power is on the rise, and I hope that I will have the opportunity to lead these initiatives as your next SFSS President.
If you have questions or would like to know more about initiatives on campus, please feel free to reach out.
Sincerely,
Shariq Ahsan
My name is Sophonie Priebe, and I am running with the SFU Progressives to be your next SFSS President. I’m a third-year joint-major in Criminology and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, with a minor in Psychology.
I’m an adopted, Haitian/Dominican Black woman, into a multi-ethnic family with a strong connection to my church community. At times, they have not identified with my lived experiences, but have enabled me to impart learning with grace and compassion.
I’m the VP for the Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry, the SASS Rep, and the Events and Social Media Coordinate of GSWS Student Union. Through these positions, I’ve collaborated with student unions for events and campaigns, such as pushing for the Black Faculty Hiring and Black student scholarships at the SFU Senate.
My experiences have strengthened me to defend and advocate for workers, organizers, LGBTQ2SIA+, disabled, racialized, migrant, and/or low-income students. We come from all walks of life and have sacrificed so much yet still keep our voices.
As your President, I will build on the work of my predecessors and in solidarity with all students on campus by building joy, celebration, and empowering the community by:
Defend Student Safety During COVID-19
Increase Student Supports
Advocate for Student Rights and Equity
Build Community Care and Solidarity
Students have made significant headway this year, building on a legacy of radical student activism. The SFSS, GSS, Constituency Groups, and campus organizers have worked together to bring meaningful change to students.
I am here alongside a formidable group of individuals to bring together all Students, Staff, Faculty, Workers and Organizers – to Defend Student Power on Campus!
Hello,
My name is Vincent Huang, and I am running to be the next President of Simon Fraser Student Society.
I see a world where most people are willing to help each other to achieve anything we set to achieve, and I believe that the only way we can do this is to take care of each other and work together as one.
Last month (January) alone, SFU has require us to attend in-person classes without investing in anything that makes us feel safe.
Many students say that:
As a president, I will demand and pressure SFU to:
TL;DR – It is time that SFU prioritize their students need above profits and provide us with more opportunities for us to try our field of interest and apply what we have learned or what we should have been taught (Personal Finance, Investment, taxes, etc.)
My Top Three Priorities as SFSS President:
Every Single Individuals Matter! No One Left Behind!
A safe space for anyone to raise their voice and actually be heard!
The SUB closure has made a lot of us overload other areas of campus which defeat the purpose of “social distancing”.
We will commit to listening to each individual and understanding where you come from so that we can make changes that make a difference!
Understanding and Application of Personal Finance and Investment
Everyone knows that personal finance and investment are important in ensuring future financial success, but have we learned how to use them in our life?
No-Commitment Career Exploration: TRY Everything
How do we know what music we like? We listen to many songs and decide.
Goals Beyond my Top Three Priorities:
Hi, I’m Rea Chatterjee and I am running with the SFU Progressives as the VP Equity and Sustainability. I am a Psychology major with a joint-minor in Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, and Counselling and Human Development.
As a first generation, queer woman of colour, who grew up in a low-income household, I have felt the effects of social and institutional barriers first-hand. This lived experience guides my work. I believe that all students, especially those from marginalized communities, must feel welcome, safe, and heard.
In order to accomplish this, SFU and the SFSS must acknowledge, address and act upon the historical and ongoing legacy of oppression against marginalized communities including BIPOC, queer, disabled, neurodivergent, lower-caste and low-income students.
I am grateful to Ucwalmicw SFU professor Kicya7 who shared Opaskwayak Cree Professor Dr. Shawn Wilson’s teachings on “Right Action”- that “Wisdom is Knowledge in Action.” This has guided my advocacy work and has taught me that we must act.
Building on my experience with leading an interfaith group that delivered 25,000+ meals to houseless folks in Whalley, co-founder of my highschool’s first mental health club, a Friends of Simon tutor, and organizer with SFU350, I will build an accessible movement where students across faculties, and affiliations come together to put knowledge into action.
TL;DR: I will work to build an equitable, intersectional and justice-centred university where students belong and will not be ignored.
Uphold Climate Justice, Collaboration, and Action
Increase Equitable and Intersectional Support for Students
Make the Student Movement Accessible to All
The current VPES Marie Haddad has made incredible progress, but there is much more to do. Join me and the SFU Progressives in centering equity and justice and defending student power on campus.
Please remember to vote on February 15-17 through SFU Mail!
Hi, I’m Janaye (she/her). I’m running for the VP Events and Student Affairs position with the SFU Progressives. You might’ve seen me hosting events for SFU SOCA like the First Year Social. I also helped with planning Catch Ah Vybz, which had over 40 attendees.
My love language is gift giving, so you’ll often find me giving out free food at events. It’s also part of why I love to plan events and meet new people! You can always contact me since I’m open to listening to any suggestions.
Platform
Fun events I’d love to host
Mental health support for students
Marginalized students’ well-being
TL;DR
As someone with experience planning fun events, I have a lot of cool event ideas I’d love to collaborate with many student groups on. I’d also love to focus on mental health and BIPOC students’ well-being to make events more mindful and accessible.
Hello SFU!
My name is Vaibhav Arora, and I am excited to run for the 2022 SFSS Elections as your VP Events and Student Affairs. I am a 4th year student doing a joint major in Business and Economics. I have served as the Director of Administration and Director of Funding at ESS, but you all might remember me as the guy who helps students file taxes every year as a volunteer or the guy who started the SFU International students page to raise the SFU students concerns 2 years ago. I am also a volunteer at the City of Surrey and MS Society of Canada. I am a “Media Specialist” by profession and a “Poet” at heart. After years of experience working in NGOs and NPOs to make positive change in the lives of families, seniors, and young people, I am now taking it to politics. I have been an artist myself and a sportsperson my entire life. I know what events and activities can mean to an individual. I was honored to represent my city at the state level in table tennis. One of my poems on the lives of students was acknowledged at an exhibit at FIC.
As your VP Events and Student Affairs, I aim to work for:
Vote via SFU Mail from Feb 15-17
Remember, it is not about ME, it is about US.
* I am not affiliated with any party
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out:
Withdrew from the Elections.
Hi, I am Eshana Baran (she/her) and I am running with the SFU Progressives for the VP External and Community Affairs. I’m in my second year, majoring in International Studies.
COVID prevented me from getting a true first year experience as online learning is difficult, but being a part of the SFU community made me feel welcome. I want to create a supportive atmosphere for communities as was done for us during these times.
As high school council President, I acquired leadership skills such as listening, advocacy, and community organizing. We organized Terry Fox Runs, Cancer Benefit Weeks for the Surrey Hospital Foundation, and Food Drives.
At SFU, I’m currently a peer mentor with FassOne Surrey to first years and tutor immigrant and refugee students in K-12 through the Friends of Simon program. Through this difficult first year, I’ve been able to help others adapt to university life by sharing my experiences and connecting them to relevant resources.
This experience taught me the importance of advocating for and supporting students in need. I want to advocate with and for minorities, while making SFU an equitable space. I will do this through reaching out to organizations and lobbying the government on issues that currently impact students:
TL;DR: We Will Defend Student Power, and Build Solidarity and Community across Campus.
Adequate COVID-19 Protections on Campus
Fighting for Lower Tuition
Achieve Affordable Student Housing
Safe and Affordable Transportation
2022 City Council Elections
Please remember to vote on February 15-17 through SFU Mail!
My name is Abhi Parmar (he/him) and I am running to be your VP Finance & Services for the SFSS under the Stronger Together Party (STP) because I believe in transparency, communication and collaboration. I am a 4th year student at the Beedie School of Business.
I have had various leadership positions in organizations at SFU:
Part of communication and transparency is having realistic campaign promises. The vast majority of previous execs struggled to meet 50% of their campaign promises and goals. I have set realistic and actionable goals which serve as the floor for what I will do if elected. I hope to do more than what is listed, but this what I can promise:
Additionally, I have relevant finance experience from the following:
Thank you for reading through my platform! You can contact me and learn more about me here:
Students need better benefits, more support, and an SFSS that works for them!
Hello, I’m Saima Nur Chowdhury and I’m running for VP Finance and Services. I’m a 3rd year double major in International Studies and Political Science. I have been involved extensively with clubs, student unions and independent student societies where I’ve learned about and worked on issues important to both international and domestic students.
In 2019, I served as a director in Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) providing grants and opportunities to students and as the VP Events for International Studies Students’ Association. Currently, I’m an SFU Senator and CJSF 90.1 Radio show host. Furthermore, I have volunteered with the SFU SVSPO’s Active Bystander Network.
In the SFSS, I have volunteered in the SFSS Women’s Centre, and helped the Bangladeshi Students’ Association, Indian Students’ Federation, Pakistani Students’ Association at events.
The SFSS has gone through many positive changes in the last two years with the SUB being finished, shrunk admin costs, and the new Council powers. Now, students need more support, more dedicated funds, and better benefits.
As your VP Finance and Services, I will work to:
Restructure the SFSS’s Finances
Increase Student Benefits
Improve Member Services
Support International Students
Please remember to vote on February 15-17 through SFU Mail!
Hello SFU,
My name is Sohan Baviskar and I am running to be YOUR next VP Finance and Services on the SFSS Board of Directors. I am a third year student currently pursuing a major in Economics and a minor in Business, but you might remember me better as the friendly barista at Westmall Starbucks!
I have previously served as the VP Finance for the Residence Hall Association (RHA) at SFU, where I managed the yearly budget of $50,000 to improve student experiences and deliver to their interests. I was honoured to be nominated for SFU’s delegation that attended the National Leadership Conference (NACURH) at California State University. I have also represented SFU at the Pacific Regional Business Conference (PACURH) at the State University of Portland. These conferences discussed the problems students face and the many initiatives student bodies are taking at universities across North America. Understanding these perspectives enables me to understand your concerns and restructure our yearly budget to address those needs.
Bank on me and I’ll treasure your vote!
As your VP Finance and Services, I will work to:
Increase the Undergraduate Health Fund
Students have been paying $5 million per year towards this fund for extended health and dental benefits. Under my leadership the SFSS would also contribute towards this fund from its reserve funds to procure additional mental health services on campus.
Advocate for Hybrid Learning Options
Advocacy for advisory positions
Our previous board members have made many valuable changes for the betterment of students. It would benefit SFU to have them come on board as advisors to the SFSS. This enables the current board to learn from their experiences and allows for diversity of opinions.
Increase funding for the Technology Fund
To support our move towards hybrid learning, the Technology Fund will help students access tools to better their online learning experience. These tools not only include software, but also hardware like laptops and desktops.
Develop new funds
Investment Fund: to support sustainable projects, priority will be given to SFU student led initiatives.
SFU Events Fund: to transform from a commuter school to a strengthened SFU community, this fund will support SFU-wide events like Fall Kickoff and other signature events.
COVID-19 Relief Fund: to provide access to N-95 masks, on-campus testing facilities, and essential PPE requirements.
International Student Fund: increase contribution towards
Restructuring and comprehensive budgeting
Increase SFSS’s contribution towards need-based bursaries from 7.5% to 15% of the total budget
Increase club grants from 7.5% to 12% of the total budget
Hold a referendum with FIC to give full membership benefits and representation in the SFSS electoral process
Every year FIC students contribute $370,000 towards the SFSS through their tuition fees. However, they unfortunately do not get the opportunity to elect their representatives. They constitute a large part of our student body and their voices deserve to be heard!
Hello, I’m Chloe Homenuke (she/her) and I am running with the SFU Progressives for VP Internal and Organizational Development. I am currently a second-year environmental science major and I am working towards a double major in economics and a minor in Indigenous studies.
I started in Fall 2020 when learning was fully remote. Online learning was disconnecting and amplified my worries of missing out on the “university experience”, which inspired me to become more involved with my student union.
I joined the environmental science student union (EVSCSU) as an events coordinator in January 2021, where I learned to engage with students and organize events. I saw the gap between students and the SFSS, which motivated me to serve as my union’s Council representative starting in April 2021 and Co-president in September 2021.
While on Council, I realized how policy impacted student services, programs, and funding. I helped organize an anti-TMX march and passed a motion at council, represented the SFSS at the ABCS Student Climate Action Initiative, sat as vice-chair of the External and Community Affairs Committee and I am currently serving as the Acting VP Internal and Organizational Development.
My student union and Council experience have provided me with insight and experiences for how to bridge the gap between the SFSS and students. As your VP of Internal and Organizational Development, I will ensure that students are engaged, involved, and informed about the SFSS and its decisions.
TL;DR: Reconnect and bridge the gap between students and the SFSS.
Stronger Student Governance & Consultation
Defend Student Power
Greater Council & Student Outreach
Transparent and Engaged Governance
We Will Defend Student Power, and Build Solidarity and Community across Campus.
Please remember to vote on February 15-17 through SFU Mail!
A data-driven SFSS – student-centric, student-led.
My name is Judit Nagy (she/her) and I’m running to be your VP Internal and Organizational Development of the SFSS under the SFU Stronger Together Party (STP) to ensure that the SFSS becomes more than just a punchline for SFU students. Currently, I’m a psychology major, double minoring in political science and counseling and human development.
I’ve been annoying SFU for a very long time:
As VP Internal, I’ll be concentrating on:
Data-driven Decision Making:
Responsible Governance:
Making Council Competent:
Clear Communication between Students and the SFSS:
It’s time to unite SFU. It’s time to hand the SFSS back to students because we’re stronger together.
Feel free to reach out to me anytime to chat or just to send memes!
IG: @judit4vpinternal (@justjudit16)
STP IG: @sfu_stp
Website: https://www.sfustp.com/judit-nagy
Withdrew from the Elections.
Motto
“United we stand and divided we fall”, let’s work together to make a difference. #changeforbetter
Why I am running
I strive to help students receive their basic rights, build democracy and freedom of speech for students.
Since 2020, the pandemic has affected many students Mentally, Financially, and Socially. Due to the socially distanced and online classes, many students experience loneliness and little social interaction, which leads to a lack of motivation, stress and leads to depression. Personally, I also felt this way. In 2020, I lost my job, and everything online made me feel demotivated, lost the meaning of my life, and became depressed. It was very discouraging and started to haunt me. I strive for human interaction, I learned the importance of mental health, which I never thought could ever happen to me.
As your VP Internal and organizational development, I would advocate;
I understand, many of you are facing problems relating to these issues. Now is the time to stand up for your rights.
Remember we are the only reason that SFU is still standing today!!
#VOTE4CHANGE #REALWORLDEDUCATION #HYBRIDCLASS #REOPEN-SUB
Main Objectives
We aim to advocate for students with basic rights such as affordable universal health care and 24/7 mental health care service. As an international student, we are required to pay $75 a month, which is not affordable for many students.
Access to important software and free educational materials such as journals, books, Skillshare, etc are essential to students learning new skills to compete in the global market. No more paying for online books on Vitalsource.
Reopening of the Student Union Building. We need more study space and why should we shut down to that $65 million dollar building?
About Me
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Resource Environment Management (REM) and pursuing a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Currently I am working as a team leader in one of the marketing firms.
Experience:
President at IJM at SFU
Career Peer Educator at SFU
Former VP of Education at Burnaby Mountain Toastmaster at SFU
Former Food Rescue Team at Embark Sustainability
As a member of the SFSS board, my experience in a number of industries including marketing firms, charities, and fire safety education will add extra value to the team. I am passionate about work that involves helping and mentoring people.
QUESTION TO YOURSELF
Do you think mental health is important?
Do you want Hybrid class?
Do you think SUB should reopen?
If you agree PLEASE VOTE for the change
Pledge to Vote on February 15-17, 2021
#SFUChangeForBetter
To learn more: https://samiyarashmi.carrd.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samiya4vpi/
Have question? Email me: srashmi@sfu.ca
Agenda
Student Affordability:
Increase Student Engagement:
Information on Construction:
Introduce New Courses and Updated Curriculum:
Improve Engineering Labs:
My name is Nikki Kirigin (she/her) and I am running to be your VP University and Academic Affairs of the SFSS under the SFU Stronger Together Party (STP).
As your VP University and Academic Affairs, I will prioritize the needs of all students instead of agendas and ideologies.
I HAVE A REPUTATION FOR WORKING HARD AT SFU:
Philosophy & Approach:
I intend to approach the position of VP University and Academic Affairs like a sponge.
I will create a representative and transparent SFSS via a five-step plan:
TL;DR: Reforming the SFSS can only be achieved through an uncompromising prioritization of student voices, which is outlined in my five-step plan. I will prioritize open-dialogue, transparency, and student engagement—creating an SFSS that is representative of the needs of the student body.
AS VP UNIVERSITY AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, MY FOCUS WILL BE ON :
Please read my full platform (linked below) for details on steps I am actively taking to achieve each listed aim as your VP University & Academic Affairs!
My name is Simran Sarai, and I am running with the SFU Progressives to be your next Vice-President of University and Academic Affairs.
In my 3 years at SFU, I have witnessed and experienced the immense pressures students face. 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic, students continue to experience unaffordable tuition, inaccessible learning options, and more.
In my time at SFU, I have volunteered for the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation, Ocean Wise, and am a project lead for The Year of the Salish Sea Project.
Post-secondary education isn’t easy or accessible. However, I truly believe that if we work collectively, we can push SFU to dismantle the barriers that so many students face.
As VP UAA, I hope to facilitate student engagement and dialogue to make SFU a more vibrant, accessible, and inclusive environment.
TLDR; Increase student engagement and mobilize for a safe, accessible, and affordable education.
INCREASE STUDENT CONSULTATION
GREATER COVID-19 SAFETY
PUSH FOR STUDENT AFFORDABILITY
ADVOCACY IN SUPPORT OF MARGINALIZED STUDENTS
We Will Defend Student Power, and Build Solidarity and Community across Campus.
Please remember to vote on February 15-17 through SFU Mail!