▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

I bring a unique set of experiences to the table. Before starting at Dal, I spent a few years working in politics. During the COVID pandemic, I worked as an Operations Assistant at the Government Caucus Office under Premier Stephen McNeil, helping with communications and research. After this, I spent half a year working in Vancouver as the Director of Communications on a Mayoral Campaign. I serve on multiple boards, including at Dalhousie, and will be ready to take on the role of President on day one

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

I am running to bring about positive change at the DSU. Students are unsatisfied, and I understand why.

Students pay their fees, but many feel they get little in return. I'm looking to significantly increase funding for DSU programming that improves campus life, such as society grants and student live events.

If given this opportunity, I intend to answer every email, reply to every text and DM (I'm always on my phone), and carry out an agenda of change.

The time for renewal at the DSU is now.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

1. Lower Executive Salaries

2. Double Society Grants

3. Double Student Life Event Funding

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

Societies are at the core of student life at Dalhousie. I serve on the executive of the Model UN Society, and more funding from the DSU would have allowed us to send more people to a conference last month.

Providing societies with more resources is a guaranteed way to make student life better.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

I am passionate about getting more students involved in campus life.

I did my first classes during peak COVID, meaning my university experience mainly consisted of professors in boxes on Microsoft Teams.

Since returning to campus, I have enjoyed meeting new people at events, getting involved with societies, and doing in-person activities.

I want more students to have the opportunity to enjoy campus life. The DSU should play a much bigger role in fostering this.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

My TikTok FYP is usually capybara content or the tipsy bartender guy. If you're interested in following my campaign, I'm @renewdsu on Instagram!

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

As a returning president running for my second year, I bring a wealth of relevant experience and qualifications to the role. My leadership extends beyond the campus borders. As a Senior Sustainability Ambassador, I've honed skills in mentoring, public speaking, and driving meaningful change. This role has equipped me with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and navigate complex issues effectively.

At the provincial level, our advocacy initiatives have led to significant policy shifts, including the reduction of the tuition cap for domestic students from 3% to 2%, and the implementation of institutional accountability measures for student housing and international student recruitment. Our efforts have fostered a more equitable and accessible educational landscape, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive.

On a national level, our advocacy efforts have yielded tangible results. Collaborating with ministers and senators, we secured vital policy changes benefiting students, such as the extension of the off-campus work limit for international students to 20 hours a week for off-campus work. Additionally, our advocacy prompted the introduction of low-cost loan programs and initiatives to expand affordable housing options, both on and off-campus.

In summary, my diverse experiences, coupled with a proven track record of advocacy and leadership, uniquely qualify me to serve as president once again. I am committed to building upon past successes and advocating tirelessly for the interests of our student body.

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

I believe I am a strong candidate for the position of DSU president due to the tangible impact and success witnessed by the DSU, our students, and the broader province under my leadership. In the summer and throughout my first semester as DSU president, I initiated a comprehensive restructuring of our organization. I firmly believe that external success stems from a healthy internal structure. To effectively advocate for our students, the DSU must embody values of care, honor, and respect.

During my incumbency, I prioritized empowering Vice-Presidents to take ownership of their roles and serve our students to the best of their abilities. Additionally, I was able to amend and introduce new policies and bylaws, a feat not accomplished in the past eight years! These amendments directly impact our Dalhousie student population, and it was imperative to address them. Furthermore, our food bank has served the most amount of individuals, reflecting our commitment to addressing food insecurity on campus. The DSU, under my leadership, has successfully raised around $75,000 for students through a food insecurity project, allocated for our DSU Food Bank.

My candidacy is strengthened by my identity as a fellow student. I experience the same challenges and aspirations as any member of our community. My commitment to effecting change stems from a genuine desire to improve the lives of both myself and the Dalhousie community as a whole. Otherwise, I would not have applied such relentless effort. Additionally, being nominated for the Dalhousie Leadership Academy for high performance serves as a testament to my effectiveness as a leader.

My proven dedication to reform and my ability to drive substantive change within the DSU underscore my candidacy. I am deeply invested in fostering a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and progress within our organization, ensuring that the DSU continues to serve as a steadfast advocate for all students at Dalhousie University.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

1. Strengthening Relationships with the Provincial Government: My primary objective is to fortify our alliance with the provincial government. By fostering a robust partnership, we can leverage resources and advocate more effectively for the needs of our student body. Specifically, I aim to prioritize discussions regarding housing affordability and accessibility, ensuring that both domestic and international students have access to safe and affordable accommodation options both on and off-campus. Additionally, I will advocate for increased grants and financial assistance programs to alleviate the financial burdens faced by all students, including international students.

2. Collaborating with Dalhousie University to Create Accessible and Affordable Housing: Housing affordability is a pressing issue for many students. I will work closely with Dalhousie University to develop innovative solutions to address this challenge. This includes advocating for the expansion of on-campus housing options and exploring partnerships with local housing organizations to increase the availability of affordable off-campus housing. By prioritizing housing affordability, we can ensure that all students have access to safe and affordable housing options, allowing them to focus on their academic and personal growth.

3. Academic Support Services: Throughout my presidency, I've witnessed numerous academic challenges, including difficult courses, biased content, and inadequate professor support. Inspired by my recent project to amend grade regulations, setting a maximum grade of 45% for final exams and quizzes in certain faculties, I am committed to enhancing academic support services. I'll work with departments and faculty to expand tutoring, study groups, and counselling services. Additionally, I'll advocate for improved course scheduling, access to materials, and accommodations for students with disabilities. My aim is to create an inclusive academic environment that fosters learning and equitable opportunities for all students.

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

One student issue that deeply matters to me is the challenges of international students, especially in light of recent developments such as the new IRCC cap on international students in the country and the significant increases in tuition fees at Dalhousie University over the years.

The implementation of the cap has sparked controversy and has caused hardships for both international students and the university. As DSU president, I am committed to addressing these challenges head-on. One crucial aspect is to engage with the relevant stakeholders to understand the impact of these changes on the university's budget and explore potential solutions.

Furthermore, it's imperative to accommodate international students as much as possible amidst these changes. This involves advocating for adjustments to the Medical Services Insurance (MSI) and providing comprehensive information to newcomers about housing, inflation, and other essential aspects before their arrival. It's disheartening that Dalhousie hasn't taken proactive measures in this regard, and I aim to bridge this gap by facilitating necessary support systems and resources for international students.

International students play a vital role in enriching our community, economy, and social life at Dalhousie University. By prioritizing the needs of international students and working collaboratively with the university administration and relevant authorities, I am committed to advocating for tangible changes that foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students at Dalhousie University.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

Housing: My passion for housing stems from a deep-seated belief in the fundamental right to safe, accessible, and affordable living spaces for all individuals. In Halifax, where the vacancy rate is around 1%, the disparity between housing demand and supply is striking, exacerbated by the city's rapid population growth. While the province's initiatives to pressure universities to devise campus-specific housing plans are commendable, the challenge lies not only in building houses but also in ensuring their accessibility and affordability.

Listening to students' experiences as a former DSU President, such as sharing one-bedroom apartments with multiple roommates due to the scarcity of affordable options, underscores the urgency of the housing crisis. As a student advocate and DSU president, I am driven to address these pressing issues head-on. My passion for housing stems from witnessing firsthand the tangible impact that safe and affordable living conditions can have on individuals' well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life.

By advocating for policies that prioritize housing affordability, promoting initiatives that expand housing options for students, and collaborating with stakeholders and the Dalhousie to address systemic barriers to housing accessibility, I am committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive community where every individual has access to a place they can call home.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I can raise both eyebrows individually :)

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

Currently, I serve as the President of the Industrial Engineering Society and have held the position of Community Assistant at Dalhousie Residence for two consecutive years.

In my second and third years of study, I undertook the role of VP Internal for the Dalhousie Undergraduate Engineering Society.

Additionally, I contribute as a mentor at Together@dal, assisting first-year students in their transition from high school to university.

These roles have endowed me with substantial emotional intelligence and leadership capabilities, ensuring that I can effectively meet diverse needs and advocate efficiently.

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

My belief in being a strong candidate for the desired position stems from a comprehensive blend of relevant experiences, proven leadership skills, and a deep commitment to the objectives and values associated with the role.

Thes experiences I have, combined with my ability to advocate for and address the needs of those I represent, make me a well-rounded candidate who can contribute significantly to the position and its goals.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

1. Advocate for 24/7 library services

2. Encourage restaurants in downtown to accept Dal Card and offer student discounts.

3. Advocate for transparency, increased research opportunities, and more on-campus employment.

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

I am deeply concerned about the issue of student engagement within the campus environment, particularly due to the noticeable deficiency in the distribution of information to the student body.

It has come to my attention that a considerable number of students remains unaware of the extensive facilities provided by Dalhousie University, highlighting an urgent need for improved communication and outreach mechanisms.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

I am deeply passionate about fostering inclusive communities and advancing educational opportunities. This passion is driven by the belief that everyone deserves a supportive environment and access to quality education, which are fundamental to personal growth, empowerment, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

My involvement in leadership roles within educational and community settings, such as mentoring first-year students and serving in various capacities within student societies, has allowed me to actively work towards creating such environments.

These experiences have not only reinforced my commitment to inclusivity and education but also provided me with invaluable insights into how to effectively address diverse needs and challenges. Witnessing the positive impact of these efforts on individuals and communities motivates me to continue advocating for and contributing to initiatives that promote accessibility, support, and growth.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

Fun fact is i'm ambidextrous.