SU Elections 2025 Q&A: General Faculties Council candidates

The General Faculties Council (GFC) is the second-highest decision-making body at the University of Alberta. This council consists of students, professors, non-academic staff, and university administrators. It is chaired by the U of A president. 

Students will have the chance to vote for their representatives of choice starting March 19 at 9:00 a.m. and ending at March 20 at 6:00 p.m.. 

The following races have no candidates running: Faculté Saint-Jean, pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, Native studies, and law. 

The following interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences (ALES) (two seats) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Rawaan Ibrahim: I am running for GFC because I believe students deserve a stronger voice in academic decision-making. Policies affecting tuition, curriculum, and academic regulations often lack direct student input. I want to bridge this gap by advocating for transparency, fairness, and student involvement in shaping our academic experience. With over five years of student leadership experience, I have seen first-hand how student advocacy creates meaningful change. From improving campus facilities to promoting diversity, I know that when students have a seat at the table, progress happens. As a GFC representative, my goal is to push for policies that prioritize student success, affordability, and well-being. I am committed to making our university a more inclusive and supportive environment, ensuring that student concerns are not only heard but also addressed.

Michael Seiffert: I am running for this position because I enjoy knowing what is going on around me, and how decisions made at the campus-wide level affect my faculty [ALES]. 

Morgan Vany: I am running for the GFC to address the underrepresentation and vacant seats ALES has seen over the last few years. I want to bring more attention to the faculty and ensure that it has a strong voice in university-wide discussions and decisions. 

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as a GFC representative? 

Ibrahim: I have served as a student council representative for over five years, including as vice-president. During this time, I have successfully advocated for installing new water bottle fountains, upgrading change rooms, expanding sports day events, promoting equality and diversity initiatives, organizing Spirit Week, and much more. These experiences have equipped me with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. I have worked with administration, presented proposals, and collaborated with peers to drive change — skills that will directly translate to my role in GFC. While my experience comes from a school setting, the responsibilities I’ve taken on have prepared me for university-level governance. I am eager to take on this new challenge and continue advocating for students.

Seiffert: I am currently on the GFC for the 2024–25 year, and I am also currently an executive in the Environmental and Conservation Sciences Students’ Association (ECSA).

Vany: My experience as co-vice president of the Sustainable Development Goals Student Alliance (SDGSA) has given me strong advocacy and leadership skills that will be beneficial in representing ALES on the GFC.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Ibrahim: My platform is centered on three key areas — affordability, academic support, and student well-being. For affordability, I will advocate for tuition transparency, increased financial aid, and open educational resources to reduce student costs. For academic support, I will push for clearer communication of grading standards, improved academic advising, and fairer assessment methods. For student well-being, I will work to strengthen mental health support services, promote wellness initiatives, and implement inclusive policies that foster a supportive learning environment. At its core, my platform is about making university policies more student-centered. I want to ensure students feel supported, heard, and empowered in their academic journey.

Seiffert: My goal is to help take what occurs in the GFC meetings and make that knowledge available to all undergrads. I feel that many students don’t even know what the GFC is let alone what is discussed and decided on within the meetings. I would like to change that. 

Vany: My platform focuses on increasing ALES’ representation, advocating for sustainability initiatives, and ensuring that the university takes a more active role in positively impacting the environment, aligning with my goal of fostering a culture of sustainability.

What would your number one priority be as GFC representative? 

Ibrahim: My top priority is ensuring that students are actively involved in shaping academic policies. Major decisions — like tuition increases and curriculum changes — should not be made without meaningful student input. I will advocate for greater transparency, accountability, and student-driven initiatives. Beyond advocacy, I will focus on ensuring that decisions made at GFC are communicated clearly to students. If policies negatively impact students, I will push for explanations and work toward solutions that better align with student needs. I also plan to collaborate with student groups to amplify diverse perspectives. I am prepared to take on this challenge and committed to making tangible improvements to the student experience. As a GFC representative, I will work to ensure that university policies prioritize students first. 

Seiffert: Holding information sessions open to all students where a debrief is given on what happens at each meeting. This would also help me understand the priorities important to ALES undergrad students, and how I can be a representative for those priorities at council meetings. I have currently started to do this after each meeting and I am hoping it picks up momentum. 

Vany: My top priority would be to represent ALES students more effectively, ensuring that the faculty’s perspectives and concerns are considered in the decision-making processes of the GFC.

Arts (eight seats) 

The Gateway reached out to all candidates, but Angelina Raina, Luke Markowski, Nathan Perez, and Sebastian Perez were unable to provide comment before the deadline. 

Why are you running for this position? 

Abdullah Al Anik: Whether it’s running from one meeting to another for multiple clubs or representing the U of A at the United Nations (UN) headquarters, I’ve done it all — and I’m still doing more as time permits me. As someone deeply involved in student governance, I have seen firsthand how academic policies impact students, especially in the faculty of arts and among international students. I am running for the GFC because I want students to have a stronger voice in shaping the academic experience at U of A. From curriculum changes to grading policies, decisions made at GFC directly affect our education. I want to make sure those decisions are student-centered, transparent, and equitable.

Arman Chauhan: I am running for this position because every student deserves an engaging university experience that sets them up for future success. The decisions made at GFC shape academic policies, program structures, and student support systems for years to come. These decisions must reflect student needs — especially when it comes to affordability. With the rising tuition and living expenses, students should not have to choose between financial stability and their education. As a GFC representative, I will advocate for policies that prioritize students’ well-being, ensure accessible learning environments, and foster an education system that equips students for their careers and futures.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as a GFC representative? 

Al Anik: I have been deeply involved in student leadership, advocacy, and academic governance, which has prepared me to represent students at the GFC level effectively:

• Dean of Students Advisory Committee (DAAC) (2024-25): I actively work with university leadership to improve student-focused policies. 
• VP external, Political Science Undergraduate Student Association (PSUA) (2024-25): I advocate for political science students and ensure their voices are heard. 
• Arts councillor, International Student Association (ISA) (2024-25): I work to strengthen student representation, especially for international students. 
• Former co-president, Campus UNICEF (2023): led initiatives promoting student engagement and policy advocacy. 
• Campus Safewalk patroller (2023-present): committed to student safety and well-being on campus. 
• Spoke on CBC Edmonton about International Student Experiences (2025): used media platforms to advocate for students. 
• Represented U of A at the United Nations headquarters (2024), winning an award: engaged in high-level policy discussions on global issues.

Chauhan: My background in student governance has given me the skills and knowledge necessary to represent students effectively on GFC. As Governance Director for [the Organization for Arts Students and Interdisciplinary Studies] (OASIS), I produce reports that influence faculty decision-making. Serving as a student representative on the OASIS Strategic Planning Committee has given me firsthand experience in shaping long-term goals for the faculty of arts. As vice-president (external) for [the Sociology Undergraduate Student Association] (SUSA), I have also worked to amplify student concerns and strengthen advocacy efforts. These roles have equipped me with a strong understanding of governance structures, student needs, and how to navigate institutional decision-making to create meaningful change. 

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Al Anik: Academic accessibility and equity — [I will] advocate for more inclusive academic policies, including flexible grading options, better support for international students, and transparency in course fees. Student representation in decision-making — [I plan to] strengthen student engagement in GFC discussions by improving communication between student leaders and the broader student body. Improved academic support services — [I will] push for better mental health resources, more accessible academic advising, and stronger faculty-student collaboration. 

Chauhan: My platform focuses on improving learning spaces, increasing transparency, and securing better funding for the faculty of arts. Many arts buildings are outdated and uncomfortable, so I will advocate for renovations that enhance seating, lighting, and acoustics. Student voices must be central in decision-making, and I will prioritize regular consultation through open forums to ensure policies reflect their needs. Additionally, I will push for increased funding to support modern technology, course materials, and experiential learning opportunities, ensuring students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success. 

What would your number one priority be as GFC representative? 

Al Anik: My number one priority is ensuring greater academic accessibility and equity for all students, particularly those in the faculty of arts and international students. Many students struggle with academic rigidity, unclear tuition structures (if you have paid attention to your fees, you are paying so much in non-instructional fees and taxes), and limited student support. I will work to make learning more accessible, advocate for grading flexibility, and push for mental health resources that actually meet student needs. I believe that as students, we work hard enough — we shouldn’t have to struggle even more just to get fair academic policies. I’ll fight for policies that put students first. 

Chauhan: My top priority as a GFC representative is ensuring that arts students have a say in decisions directly impacting their academic experience. Many learning spaces in our faculty are outdated, and students deserve classrooms that support their success. I will advocate for necessary improvements while strengthening student consultation within GFC, ensuring arts students’ concerns are heard and addressed. By fostering open communication between students and university leadership, I will work to create a more responsive and student-focused academic environment.

Augustana (one seat) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Bhavya Suri: I am running for this position because Augustana has only three representatives on GFC and just one student representative on GFC. Given GFC’s significant role in shaping university decisions, it is crucial that Augustana has a strong, dedicated voice in these discussions. With the upcoming vote on the shift from three-11 at GFC next year, ensuring Augustana’s interests are effectively represented has never been more important. 

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as a GFC representative? 

Suri: As a fourth-year Augustana student, I have witnessed firsthand how academic changes — such as the exclusion of most minors — have impacted our campus. This experience gives me a deep understanding of the challenges students face and the importance of strong representation in academic decision-making. Additionally, as the current vice-president of the Augustana South Asian Club, I have built strong connections with students and gained valuable advocacy experience. This role has taught me how to effectively represent student interests, work collaboratively, and ensure diverse voices are heard — skills I will bring to my role as a GFC councillor. 

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Suri: My platform for GFC focuses on ensuring that Augustana students are actively represented in university decision-making. I am committed to making sure their voices are heard and that GFC considers the impact of every decision on Augustana. No policy or change should move forward without fully addressing how it will affect our campus and its students.

What would your number one priority be as GFC representative? 

Suri: My top priority as a GFC representative would be ensuring that Augustana students have a strong voice in academic decision-making. With major changes like the three-11 shift coming to a vote, it is critical that Augustana’s unique needs and concerns are considered. 

Business (three seats) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Mohit Makhija: I believe the GFC is one of the most important bodies on campus. It allows students to elect representatives from their faculties who can directly vote on decisions made by the university, which is an opportunity that students don’t often get. During the last few years, students have been hit with several challenges, including affordability, which has impacted their education. We’ve seen more and more students have to give up extracurriculars because they need to be at a job to pay for their education. We have also seen several faculties, including business, be hit with exceptional tuition increases, making it more expensive to attend university. I am seeking re-election as a GFC councillor to continue fighting for more financial aid for students and to be someone who can tell the university that students can’t afford a high increase in tuition year over year. 

Josh Su: What sparked my journey to wanting to run for GFC was getting the chance to help the [Board of Governors] (BoG) representative with events. I had the chance to observe the roles of different members within the student governance body. Seeing the impact they made inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and contribute to improving the student experience in the business faculty. From doing one on ones for people’s campaigns, to helping set up events for various clubs. I found the experience to be very rewarding, and I want to take that experience to the next level.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as a GFC representative? 

Makhija: I have spent the last year as the GFC councillor for business. I have worked with our SU councillor and the [Business Students’ Association] (BSA) to represent business students to various university and SU-level administrators. I am particularly proud of our work on raising concerns about safety on east campus. We were able to talk to someone from the Dean of Students (DoS) office after an incident where a student was assaulted by someone who was stealing their bike. I also raised concerns about affordability this year. This came in the form of raising concerns about tuition increases, pushing for affordable housing options, or pushing against the First Day Access Program. I believe I can build on this experience and continue fighting for business students to ensure our voices are heard properly. 

Su: I volunteered for candidates in the SU general election, which gave me a strong understanding of campaigns and the structure of our university’s student governance. I’ve also attended various business events organized by the school and various clubs, allowing me to gather insights from my peers on ways to improve the commerce program. Plus I’ve held leadership roles in community organizations like the [Edmonton Immigrant Services Association] (EISA) program and the YMCA, which gave me some experience working with teams to address larger issues.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Makhija: My platform is really based on two key elements. The first is affordability. This year, I worked with the vice-president (operations and finance) to explore affordable housing options for students. I want to continue that work and bring something real that students can benefit from. I would also like to push for higher grant amounts to be available when students apply for student aid. My second element is outreach. This year, I was able to do some tabling events, chat with students, and work alongside the BSA to find advocacy points. If re-elected, I would like to expand on that work, hold more town halls and tabling sessions, and find ways to connect with students so that they feel interested in student governance and understand what is happening at the university level. I would also like to hold office hours where students can chat, ask questions, and raise concerns. 

Su: My platform revolves around streamlining the process for students to plan and track their career goals throughout their post-secondary education. Plus with all the networking events that are going on, which can often be overwhelming due to their frequency, I want to come up with a way for business students to easily keep track and to look up events that would be of interest to them. While also creating more diverse networking events that go beyond just connecting with industry professionals. I want to provide students with the opportunity to fully benefit from these events, while offering industry professionals the flexibility to contribute in whatever way they can to the next generation of commerce.

What would your number one priority be as GFC representative? 

Makhija: My top priority as a GFC representative is ensuring that students do not have to pay more than is reasonable and that we are getting the best deal for what we do pay for. This could come in the form of pushing back and advocating against exceptional tuition increases (ETI) or pushing back against programs that levy unnecessary fees toward students. As everything gets more expensive, we should not be paying more than we have to be, and we should be getting the best deal for what we are paying for, and that’s what I want to push for. 

Su: My number one priority as a GFC representative, would be to ensure that I do my best to serve the business student body to the best of my ability. I hold dear a word of advice my professor offered me one day, and it was that a person’s true value lies in their word. For once trust is broken no amount of money can restore it. I have a few things on my platform although I can never guarantee that these promises can come into fruition. However, what I can promise to my fellow peers is that if I am elected, I would give it my all to improve anything within the business faculty that would support our undergraduate learning. Big changes don’t happen overnight and I don’t expect to change the world. I simply want to improve what is already there. 

Education (four seats) 

The Gateway reached out to all candidates, but Antony Salib was unable to provide comment before the deadline. 

Engineering (six seats) 

The Gateway reached out to all candidates, but Bassam Dakhel and Aamir Mohamed were unable to provide comment before the deadline. 

Why are you running for this position? 

Michael Chang: I am re-running for the engineering GFC position, as this year, we have seen a lot of proposals brought up by the university, including the First Day Access program. While a lot of students have advocated and voiced their opinion against this, the university still is planning on proceeding with the program. As such, it’s important more than ever to ensure that student voices are being represented. On top of that, with the federal election incoming this year, students should be united in ensuring that the university properly advocates for the federal government and ensures promises are kept. 

Bhavya Goyal: As an engineering student, I have seen firsthand how important it is for student voices to be heard in decision-making. Too often, key academic and policy discussions happen without students being fully aware of their impact. I am running for GFC to bridge this gap — ensuring transparency, accountability, and real student representation. My goal is to advocate for change that reflects student concerns. I want to keep students informed about the discussions happening at GFC, ensuring they have a say in decisions that affect their education. With my experience in student leadership, professional development, and academic guidance, I am committed to making sure that engineering students are not just passive observers but active participants in shaping their university experience.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as a GFC representative? 

Chang: Having sat on the Student’s Council this past year, I have an understanding of how governance works and can quickly adjust according to how the GFC operates. On top of that, I’ve also kept up to date with the different policies, motions and concerns that have been brought up in GFC allowing me to quickly jump into action to ensure that nothing can be slipped under our eyes. 

Goyal: My experience includes the following: 

• [Civil and Environmental Engineering Students’ Society] (CEESS) — Director of Experiential Learning 
• [Engineering Students’ Society] (ESS) — Director of Professional Development 
• ESS — Competitions’ Coordinator 
• ESS — Academic Guidance Advisor 

All these experiences have taught me about student advocacy and leadership, project management and strategic thinking, and communication and collaboration. [I have] experience in event planning, student engagement, and addressing academic concerns through CEESS and ESS roles. [I] served as an Academic Guidance Advisor, providing mentorship and advocating for student success.[I] assisted to manage a $6 million culvert replacement project, demonstrating skills in planning.[I] liaised between faculty, industry, and students, which mirrors the GFC’s governance structure.[I] developed strong communication and negotiation skills through stakeholder management.[The] bottom line [is that] my leadership, strategic thinking, and advocacy experience make me well-equipped to serve as an effective GFC representative for engineering students.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Chang: Similar to my councillor platform, a lot of my points can also be applied to my GFC position. I’m able to ensure transparency and advocacy by informing students of the motions and presentations that GFC will be making ahead of time, gathering opinions, and informing students about the on-goings. I want to ensure that student representation is considered at all times and that their concerns are heard. I’d also want to ensure that any decisions made, have also had proper up-to-date student consultation, especially with faculty associations, students council, and engineering students. 

Goyal: My platform includes the following: 

• Improved course availability — advocate for better scheduling and accessibility of high-demand courses (for engineering electives), especially for first-year engineering students. 
• Flexible learning options — push for hybrid and online course offerings.
• Co-op and internship support — srengthen integration of real-world experience into engineering programs and push for more outreach and connectivity to industry.
• Clear communication — ensure students are informed about key GFC decisions.
• Stronger student advocacy — actively bring forward engineering student concerns to GFC discussions.
• Mental health and academic resources — advocate for improved access to student wellness resources by working to reduce wait times for mental health services.

What would your number one priority be as GFC representative? 

Chang: My number one priority as a GFC representative is to ensure that student consultation is properly occurring. It’s important that students get a voice in hearing proposals from the university and can properly voice their opinions, concerns, and changes that they believe should occur. Student consultation also does not just consist of talking to the Students’ Council but also includes talking to the various faculty associations (FA), such as going in-person and doing presentations at their meetings, and talking to your everyday student on campus. It is vital to gather student input and important as well to disseminate information in a way that the average student can also understand. 

Goyal: My number one priority as GFC representative is to ensure student voices lead to real change. My top priority is making sure that engineering students are not only heard but that their concerns translate into real action at GFC. This means improving transparency — keeping students informed about key decisions and ensuring their feedback is actively considered in policy discussions. I will push for clearer communication between GFC and students by making sure that important topics like curriculum changes and academic policies are well understood and influenced by student input. By strengthening this connection, I aim to make governance more accessible, accountable, and impactful for engineering students.

Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation (one seat) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Paige Wall: I’m running for GFC because I believe kinesiology students deserve a say in the academic decisions that affect them. Too often, changes happen without enough student input, and I want to make sure our voices are not just heard but actually considered in decisions around curriculum, assessments, and academic policies. As a kinesiology student, I feel we must be represented as equally as other faculties. 

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as a GFC representative? 

Wall: As the kinesiology representative on the SU Students’ Council and GFC for the last four months, I’ve been involved in academic discussions that impact students, working to give kinesiology students a voice within governance settings. My work with the East Campus Students’ Association has also given me experience advocating for student needs and pushing for real results in a timely manner. I know how to navigate university bureaucracy and push for change that actually benefits students.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Wall: My platform focuses on making academic policies more student-friendly, ensuring that students have a voice in curriculum and financial changes, and improving accessibility to academic resources. Whether it’s more flexible learning options or better communication around policy changes, I want to make sure students are kept in the loop and given a real say in their education.

What would your number one priority be as GFC representative? 

Wall: My top priority is to amplify student influence on academic decision-making. Students should have a real seat at the table when it comes to curriculum changes, grading policies, and support services. I’ll work to make sure that student concerns don’t just get acknowledged but are actively heard and implemented. 

Medicine & Dentistry (one seat) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Habba Mahal: I am running for GFC to ensure that medical and dentistry students have a say in academic decisions that directly impact our education. As future healthcare professionals, we require policies and frameworks that support our rigorous training, clinical experiences, and academic progression.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as a GFC representative? 

Mahal: I have a strong background in university governance, having served on GFC for six years throughout my undergraduate and master’s degrees, in addition to my three years on the SU. I was also involved with the [Biology Graduate Students’ Association] (BGSA) and am currently part of my medical class’s council. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of academic policy-making, curriculum development, and student advocacy, allowing me to effectively represent medical and dentistry students at the GFC level.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Mahal: My platform centers on academic advocacy, curriculum improvements, and student success. I aim to ensure that curriculum decisions align with student needs, promotes transparency in academic policies, and advocate for equitable learning opportunities.

What would your number one priority be as GFC representative? 

Mahal: My number one priority is enhancing curriculum support for medical and dentistry students by advocating for policies that ensure a well-structured, student-centred learning experience. 

Nursing (one seat) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Roshant Vig: I am running for the GFC for nursing because I am committed to making a meaningful impact not only within the nursing faculty but across campus as a whole. As I enter my fourth year in the honors nursing program, I have experienced the challenges students face — both academically and clinically — but I also recognize the broader systemic issues that impact all students. I want to use my experience to push for campus-wide changes that promote a safer, more inclusive culture, ensuring that all students, regardless of faculty, feel supported in their academic journey and overall well-being.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as a GFC representative? 

Vig: My experience in student leadership and advocacy has prepared me to take on this role and push for meaningful change. As a second-year nursing representative, I worked closely with faculty and students to bridge communication gaps and address academic concerns. As vice-president (academic) for the Health Sciences Students’ Association, I gained experience working on faculty-wide initiatives that aimed to improve student success. Additionally, as a nursing tutor, I have supported students academically, which has given me insight into where institutional changes could improve student experiences. My background in both faculty-specific and campus-wide roles has strengthened my ability to advocate effectively, collaborate with diverse groups, and push for initiatives that will benefit students beyond just nursing. 

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Vig: My platform is centered on three main areas:

• Campus-wide safety and culture improvement by advocating for policies that promote student well-being, inclusivity, and a supportive learning environment across all faculties. 
• Enhancing academic and clinical education by ensuring that nursing students have access to better tutoring, structured mentorship, and improved preceptor support during placements. 
• Strengthening interfaculty collaboration by working with other faculties and the SU to create opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, ensuring nursing students are prepared for the teamwork required in real-world health care settings.

By focusing on these areas, I aim to bridge the gap between faculties, promote a culture of respect and safety on campus, and create meaningful improvements in both academic and student life. 

What would your number one priority be as GFC representative? 

Vig: My top priority as a GFC representative would be advocating for campus-wide cultural and policy changes that promote a safer, more inclusive, and supportive environment for all students. While academic success is crucial, it is just as important to ensure that students feel safe, respected, and valued on campus. This includes working on initiatives that address mental health support, harassment prevention, and fostering a culture where students across all faculties feel comfortable speaking up and accessing the resources they need. By focusing on campus-wide improvements, we can create a healthier, more empowering environment for every student while also strengthening the educational experience in nursing and beyond. 

Science (eight seats) 

The Gateway reached out to all candidates, but Aaryan Shetty and Armaan Singh were unable to provide comment before the deadline. 

Why are you running for this position? 

Nathanael Ip: I’m running to be a GFC representative because I believe that both the faculty of science and the university as a whole would benefit from student input into the efficacy of current policies. With challenges in accessibility, fairness, and student well-being, I’m committed to being an advocate and ensuring student concerns are heard and acted upon. 

Lavanya Jain: I am running for this position to deepen my involvement in the decision-making processes at the U of A. As a legislative body, the GFC shapes the policies that govern our academic environment. My tenure as a science councillor has prepared me to ensure that science students’ voices are heard and influential in the formulation of these policies. Joining the GFC would also allow me to learn from and collaborate with other university student leaders, enhancing my ability to represent our students effectively. I aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment that nurtures science students’ academic and personal growth. 

Christene Saji: I would like to be a GFC representative because I believe in the importance of actively contributing to the academic governance of the U of A. As the principal body responsible for academic affairs, the GFC plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our institution. I am committed to fostering equitable, inclusive, and transparent decision-making, ensuring that the voices and needs of all students are considered in academic policy discussions. My passion for advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as supporting Indigenous initiatives, aligns with the GFC’s principles. I am eager to collaborate with members of the BoG and serve on standing committees to address strategic issues affecting the university. I aim to contribute to a campus that respects diverse perspectives and fosters an environment of growth, engagement, and academic excellence for all students.

Hannan Sandhu: I am running to be the GFC representative for the faculty of science because I am deeply committed to advocating for the needs and concerns of science students, especially regarding internship opportunities and career readiness. As an involved student leader, I understand the importance of having a strong voice that can effectively represent our faculty’s interests at the highest levels of university governance. 

Manan Upadhyaya: It’s about helping the community. I know how it feels to be a part of a university where pressure is high, living is tough, supports are insufficient, and prices are rising. However, the community has always been there for us. As students, we always stand together. Through the position of GFC, I get to represent my community at one of the highest levels in the university and advocate for a better student experience. I will make sure that our voices are heard and valued at decision making that governs the university.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as a GFC representative? 

Ip: I bring expertise in student leadership and governance. On campus, I lead a student organization that promotes social connection and student wellness. At the university level, I’ve contributed to DoS working groups, helping shape policies that support student well-being. My past involvement in student government at the high school level has given me firsthand experience representing student interests and working with administrators to implement change. 

Jain: My experience as a science councillor has equipped me with crucial skills for effective teamwork and decision-making within a diverse and cooperative environment. I thoroughly understand governance processes and the specific issues facing science students, which informs my perspective on necessary policy changes. My active involvement in various campus clubs and non-profit organizations has broadened my understanding of community needs. This experience and conference participation has honed my ability to communicate clearly and advocate for our students’ interests, making me a well-prepared and impactful voice for the GFC. 

Saji: I bring diverse experiences that will enable me to contribute effectively as a GFC representative. Currently, I serve as the Vice-President (Academic) for the Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society (ISSS), where I advocate for students’ academic needs and work on frameworks that impact their educational experiences. This role has strengthened my skills in student advocacy and representation. Additionally, as President of TEDxUAlberta, I lead teams, organize events, and engage with a wide range of individuals. This leadership role has refined my ability to collaborate effectively and facilitate discussions on issues important to students. These experiences will allow me to make meaningful contributions to standing committees such as the Council on Student Affairs (COSA)  and the Committee on the Learning Environment (CLE). I am committed to promoting student academic affairs and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment that supports all students’ success.

Sandhu: Through my roles as Vice-President of Communications for the Hub Community Association (HCA), member of the Council of Residence Associations (CORA), and Residence Advisory Committee (RAC), I have developed skills in gathering student feedback, advocating for their needs, and working collaboratively with university administration. Additionally, my current role as Co-President of the ISA is further enhancing my understanding of the unique challenges faced by international students in the faculty of science, which will be valuable in representing diverse student voices. 

Upadhyaya: I have been your science GFC and COSA representative for the past year. In this time, I have had conversations with student leaders, faculty, Deans, and the SU executives on how we can help our community, and working with these people has also been as important for me as serving on GFC.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Ip: My platform focuses on three key areas: fairness, accessibility, and availability. In classes with labs, I plan to advocate for scaling of lab marks by lab section to ensure more fair grading policies. At a structural level, I plan to advocate for lectures to be recorded in all classes, ensuring students who may not be feeling well can still absorb the full amount of material that lectures provide. Lastly, I will push for greater choice for science students. More specifically, I will advocate for allowing the choice for science students to double major outside the faculty. 

Jain: My GFC platform builds upon the principles established in my role as a councillor, emphasizing the transfer of key initiatives to a broader governance context. My decision-making will be guided by direct input from my peers in the faculty of science, ensuring their needs and preferences shape our policies. I will prioritize enhancing accessibility, ensuring transparency, and strengthening student advocacy to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all science students. 

Saji: I am committed to promoting accountability within the SU. As an executive of a Student Representative Association (SRA), I believe in enhancing the SU’s presence in smaller faculty-based governance. A key step in this is advocating for a more organized and efficient SRA Summit to build stronger connections. In terms of accessibility, I will advocate for increased academic opportunities and expand campus-wide leadership programs, ensuring all students have equal access to growth. I will also focus on mental health accessibility, understanding the strain students face when navigating available resources. Having personally experienced these challenges, I am committed to improving accessibility to mental health services for all students. For safety, I will work with the SU executives to extend the Safewalk service, provide affordable transport during unsafe weather, and expand gender-based violence prevention initiatives, ensuring a safer campus for all. 

Sandhu: My platform focuses on advocating for an increase in internship opportunities for science students, particularly international students, by fostering industry partnerships and providing dedicated resources for securing and preparing for internships. I will also prioritize improved mental health services, a more inclusive environment, and enhanced academic and career support resources tailored to the specific needs of science students. Please note that my main focus will be voicing the less internship concerns and advocating for improved mental health resources because I have myself experienced that it is difficult to navigate mental health resources for someone suffering from mental health issues. Further, I feel like improved mental health resources, improved professional development, and enhanced internship opportunities are the basic needs of students in the faculty of science, and there is a lot of room for improvement. 

Upadhyaya: Unlike the SU council, GFC mostly works on many different decisions that are less direct or over the long-term (e.g. strategic plans). As such, there are not a lot of items in GFC brought up by students. My aim is to work for the students, advocating for a better student experience and bringing forward the voices of the students on the items presented at GFC. 

What would your number one priority be as GFC representative? 

Ip: My top priority would be increasing fairness and accessibility for students. University is a fast-paced and demanding environment, and I believe that supporting students through policies centred around accessibility and fairness is crucial. 

Jain: My top priority as a GFC representative is to thoroughly understand the implications of policies before making any decisions. I am committed to detailed consultations with my peers in the faculty of science and fellow GFC representatives to ensure that our collective input informs my contributions. This collaborative approach will enable me to make well-informed decisions that clearly and effectively represent the interests of science students. 

Saji: My number one priority as an GFC councillor would be student safety, ensuring that extreme weather or unsafe conditions don’t hinder students’ ability to attend classes or access campus resources. I would advocate for expanding the Safewalk program to include university vehicle transport services during adverse weather, providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to and from campus. Additionally, I would work with the SU executives to expand ONEcard access to all campus buildings, allowing students to access facilities at any time, even during late hours or extreme conditions. Another key focus would be gender and sexual-based violence prevention. I would push for expanded training, better reporting mechanisms, and stronger support systems for students affected by gender-based violence. I am also committed to improving mental health accessibility, ensuring all students have the resources and support they need.

Sandhu: My number one priority as the GFC representative would be to address the significant issue of science students, especially international students, struggling to secure internships in their field. I will actively advocate for increased internship placements through partnerships with industry, as well as dedicated support services to help students navigate the internship application process and prepare for success in these opportunities. This issue really has all my attention because I have experienced similar issues and heard anecdotes of numerous students from the science faculty, thus, given the opportunity, I would like to bring them into the attention of the people at the largest governance body at the U of A. 

Upadhyaya: I will represent the students at the decision making in GFC. Their voices will be heard, and their concerns will be addressed. With the other representatives on GFC, I shall strive for a better community for students in general. Other important points of my advocacy are uniting the students, bringing awareness on student issues, and ensuring education on issues such as online scams and consent (that directly affect students).