Lily Polenchuk The University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) 2025 election is underway, and the vice-president (external) (VPX) race is heating up faster than a student realizing they forgot about a major assignment due at midnight.
The VPX race is shaping up to be a pivotal contest for Augustana students. There are three candidates in the running: Abdul Abbasi, Nate Goetz, and Juan Munoz. Each has presented a distinct vision for how they would advocate for students beyond North Campus. Augustana-specific issues took centre stage at the Augustana Students’ Association (ASA) forum on February 25. The stakes are high, and the promises are bold, but the question remains: who will actually deliver?
Abbasi is the incumbent VPX and the first Augustana student to hold the position. He emphasized his deep-rooted connection to the campus. His platform builds on his current work, focusing on making transportation more sustainable and flexible while securing increased operating grants for Augustana. Abbasi highlighted his consistent engagement with the ASA and students on campus, promising to continue amplifying their concerns. His approach centers on sustained dialogue, ensuring Augustana’s voices remain integral to SU advocacy efforts. Experience can be an asset. However, there is a valid question of whether another term under Abbasi would bring real results or simply more of the same.
Goetz is an Augustana councillor on both the SU Students’ Council and General Faculties Council (GFC). He presented himself as a candidate dedicated to action rather than just discussion. His campaign underscores the need for broad and structural external advocacy rather than focusing on isolated initiatives. Goetz proposed strengthening ASA’s connection to the City of Camrose to ensure student concerns are addressed at the municipal level. He also highlighted the importance of protecting undergraduate research opportunities — particularly in the face of legislative changes such as Bill 18, which could impact funding and student employment prospects. His emphasis on action is compelling, but whether he has the political clout to break through bureaucratic stagnation is another question altogether.
Munoz takes a broader approach to external advocacy, centring his campaign on financial relief and student well-being. He argued that students are paying more but receiving less in return, due to rising tuition costs and inadequate government support. His platform calls for the reinstatement of provincial education tax credits, the expansion of student bursaries, and increased funding for student job placement programs. Munoz also stressed the importance of greater investment in mental health resources and essential services like the Campus Food Bank (CFB). While his message resonates with financially struggling students, it remains unclear how he plans to navigate the political hurdles necessary to secure these policy changes.
Another key concern is funding. Goetz highlighted that Augustana has been disproportionately affected by university budget cuts and declining enrolment. He advocated for introducing new professional programs to attract more students and secure additional funding, all while preserving the campus’s liberal arts identity. Munoz framed the issue as one of equity. He argued that Augustana students deserve the same opportunities and institutional support as their North Campus counterparts. These promises are attractive. Despite this, students should consider whether these ideas are achievable within the broader financial landscape of the university.
Abbasi leveraged his experience as the current VPX, emphasizing that his Augustana background uniquely positions him to continue pushing for improvements. Goetz argued that the role needs a shift towards tangible action and deeper municipal ties. As a fellow Augustana student, Goetz rivals Abbasi’s claim to a unique position. Munoz, with a focus on affordability and student welfare, frames his campaign around fighting for systemic financial relief and expanded student support. Each candidate presents a vision that appeals to different student priorities. But as election day approaches, the real challenge for voters is separating ambition from feasibility.
The race for VPX presents Augustana students with a choice between continuity, structural change, and financial advocacy. As the election progresses, students must weigh which vision aligns best with their needs. Moreover, they must decide which candidate can deliver on their promises. While all three candidates have compelling ideas, the defining question of this election is whether students will vote based on experience, action, or idealism — and whether any of these choices will translate into meaningful change.
