My name is Mia Jager and I am running for DSU President because I believe that the direction the Student Union has been going in does not support student needs on campus. There has been a steady decrease of student led initiatives and employment opportunities within the DSU over the past few years. As president, I will advocate for reinstating the VP Student Life position within the DSU, as well as increasing the number of student jobs available. As well, I pledge to make myself easily accessible for YOUR complaints so that my efforts in office reflect ALL student needs. I want to ensure that everyone feels represented, seen, and heard by the DSU.

I drink a minimum of 5 coffees every day

As a DSU councilor for the past year, I’ve been involved in a variety of duties from the Council/Committees of the Union to building independent initiatives in collaboration with students, other councilors, and societies at Dal. It is this experience I’ve gained, which informs my interest in serving the students at Dalhousie as President of the DSU. In my platform, I hold myself to 3 important principles; being Open, being Accountable, and being Committed.

I’ve heard two major strands of thought from students; (1) they feel doubt whether their student union will fight for them, and (2) they don’t know how the DSU works or how to get involved. It is on us as your representatives to fix these problems.

There needs to be a significant change in the DSU's governance model such that student involvement becomes a core component rather than being optional. Using my experience as a councilor in governance, I would work to make that change through (1) amending the responsibilities of executives and councilors to include student-facing initiatives, and (2) restructuring the committees of the Union to make student feedback vital.

Whether it is tuition increases, unaffordable housing, food insecurity, or student health care, I will be vocal and steadfast about student interests even when it is difficult. As your president, I would fight to make this a union that has your back.

I love playing a variety musical instruments! No shade to other instruments, but bass guitar is my favourite because it's such a satisfying mix between a melodic and a rhythmic instrument. Let me know if you play any instruments, I always love talking to other musicians!