SU Elections 2025 Q&A: Students’ Council candidates

For 2025–26, there are 19 available seats on Students’ Council. Students’ Council is responsible for fulfilling the University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) mandate. Elected councillors are expected to attend the bi-weekly council meetings, consult with and advocate for their constituents, and participate in multiple council committees. 

Voting will begin March 19 at 9:00 a.m. and will close March 20 at 6:00 p.m.. 

The following races have no candidates running: law; native studies; open studies; and pharmacy. 

After the election, there will be at least four vacancies. The amount of vacancies has decreased from the 2024 elections, when there were nine vacancies. 

The following interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (ALES) (one seat) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Rawaan Ibrahim: I am running because I believe students deserve a stronger voice in shaping their school experience. Decisions about student life, events, and policies should be made with direct student input and I want to ensure our concerns are heard and addressed. Through my time in Students’ Council, I have seen how effective advocacy leads to real change. From improving school facilities to promoting inclusivity, I have worked to make a positive impact. I want to continue building on this progress by prioritizing student concerns, fostering a stronger sense of community, and creating a more engaging and supportive environment for all students. With my experience, I am confident that I can continue making a meaningful difference.

Morgan Vany: I am running to advocate for ALES students and to enhance sustainability efforts at the U of A. I believe the university should focus on both academic excellence and becoming environmentally conscious. Many ALES students do not really keep up with university news and events. If elected, I hope to bridge this gap.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as an SU councillor? 

Ibrahim: I have been a Students’ Council representative for over five years, including serving as vice-president. During this time, I successfully advocated for new water bottle fountains, upgraded change rooms, expanded sports day events, promoted equality and diversity initiatives, organized spirit week, and much more. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. I have worked closely with the administration, collaborated with students, and pushed for real change. I understand how to navigate decision-making processes, engage with different stakeholders, and advocate effectively for student needs. My experience has prepared me to take on new challenges, continue representing student voices, and work toward making positive changes that benefit the entire school community.

Vany: My role as co-vice president of the Sustainable Development Goals Student Alliance (SDGSA) has allowed me to gain experience in leadership, advocacy, and organizing collaborative projects focused on sustainability. These skills will be valuable in my role as a SU councillor.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Ibrahim: My platform focuses on three key areas: student engagement, school improvement, and well-being and inclusivity. [For] student engagement, [I will focus on] expanding student-led initiatives, increasing participation in school events, and creating more opportunities for student involvement. [In terms of] school improvement, [I plan to] advocate for better facilities, ensure student-friendly policies, and enhance the overall school environment. [For] well-being and inclusivity, [I will focus on] strengthening mental health supports, promoting inclusivity, and creating a safe and welcoming space for all students. My goal is to make Students’ Council a platform for real change — where every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to contribute to a positive school experience. By focusing on these priorities, I want to ensure that Students’ Council remains a driving force for meaningful improvements that directly benefit students.

Vany: My platform focuses on advocating for the ALES student body, enhancing sustainability initiatives, and ensuring the university contributes positively to the environment. I hope to elevate the presence of ALES students within the university’s decision-making bodies.

What would your number one priority be as SU councillor? 

Ibrahim: My top priority is ensuring that students have a direct say in decisions that impact their school experience. Too often, policies and changes are implemented without enough student consultation. I will work to improve communication between students and decision-makers, ensuring that our concerns, ideas, and feedback are valued. Whether it’s advocating for better school events, improved facilities, or more inclusive initiatives, I want to make sure that Students’ Council truly represents the voices of all students. My focus will be on making student governance more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our school community. As a representative, I will work hard to ensure that Students’ Council remains a space where real change happens. 

Vany: My number one priority would be advocating for ALES students [and] ensuring their voices are heard and represented in key university decisions.

Arts (two seats) 

The Gateway reached out to all candidates, but Christopher Liam Reynolds, Luke Markowski, and Sebastian Perez were unable to provide comment before the deadline. 

Why are you running for this position? 

Abdullah Al Anik: From running between multiple club meetings to 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. I am running for SU arts councillor because students deserve a stronger voice in the SU and university decision-making. As someone deeply involved in student governance, I have seen the challenges that students face — affordability, lack of representation, academic concerns, and campus safety. Despite working, studying, and leading multiple organizations, I have averaged only four hours of sleep per night for the last two years — and while my doctor isn’t happy, I refuse to slow down until students get the representation they deserve. Your needs come first, and that’s my promise.

Arman Chauhan: The faculty of arts is one of the largest faculties, with over 7,400 students, yet our concerns are often overlooked in institutional decision-making. I want to ensure that arts students have strong representation and that our issues — whether related to infrastructure, funding, or student engagement — are actively addressed. With ongoing budget cuts, it is more important than ever to have a councillor who is committed to exploring creative and strategic solutions to help our faculty get back on track. I am dedicated to advocating for transparency, ensuring students are informed about key decisions, and creating meaningful opportunities for student input in governance. 

Brish Goorimoorthee: I am running for the arts council as arts students are not fully represented in the council. The faculty welcomes many diverse students with different interests and needs. Often, I find arts students feel forgotten or unheard — many solutions are given to students who aren’t necessarily impacted. My perspective as a media student is that being able to experience various faculty disciplines allows me to experience the struggles and conditions students need to thrive. Much of the faculty issues are missed by only having two councillors to cover well over 20 departments with three different categories: fine arts, humanities, and social sciences. I have experience being part of all three disciplines. I can accurately represent arts students as I have more personal ties to their studies. I can better represent the faculty and address the issues presented to arts students. 

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as an SU councillor? 

Al Anik: I have been deeply involved in student leadership and advocacy at the U of A. My experiences include:

• VP external of the Political Science Undergraduate Student Association (PSUA) (2024-25): I actively connect students with opportunities and advocate for their academic and extracurricular needs.
• Arts councillor for the International Students’ Association (ISA) (2024-25): I am already advocating for arts students at the ISA level, ensuring their concerns are represented.
• Former co-president of Campus UNICEF (2023): Led advocacy and student engagement efforts, collaborating with local and international stakeholders.
• Dean of Students Advisory Committee (DAAC) (2024-25): Working closely with university leadership to shape policies that impact students.
• Campus Safewalk patroller (2023-present): Directly involved in enhancing campus safety and student well-being.
• Represented U of A at the United Nations HQ in NYC (2024), winning an award: Showcased my ability to advocate on international platforms.
• Spoke on CBC Edmonton about International Student Experiences (2025): Demonstrated strong public speaking and advocacy skills.
• Member of Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) (Former Director of Mental Health Sub-Committee) 

Chauhan: I have extensive governance experience through my involvement in student associations. I served as an [Organization for Arts Students and Interdisciplinary Studies] (OASIS) student representative on the Strategic Planning Committee, where I got to bring up student concerns first-hand to stakeholders, contributing to long-term initiatives affecting the faculty of arts. As the governance director for OASIS, I work alongside the president to write reports that inform faculty-wide decision-making. Additionally, as the vice-president (external) for the Sociology Undergraduate Students’ Association (SUSA), I have worked to build student engagement and advocate for student interests. These roles have given me a strong understanding of institutional policies, decision-making structures, and the importance of student advocacy. 

Goorimoorthee: I am highly involved with various communities around the U of A, including the Open Styles Dance Club as an executive and the Student Association of Media Studies. I have experience working with the SU and Campus and Community Recreation. I had the opportunity to work alongside Adrien Lam [Board of Governors representative] in hosting and organizing her recent event, which gave me valuable experience in student advocacy. These roles have taught me valuable leadership and community-building skills, as the arts have a people-first mentality. I pride myself on engaging and connecting with a wide range of individuals. These previous roles have made me well-connected in our vibrant campus community. My prior experience has given me connections to various campus groups and a voice that reaches a broader community range. It has allowed me to connect with the essence of the arts, not simply a textbook-focused perspective but a practical one.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Al Anik: Financial support — advocate for more financial aid, scholarships, and transparency in tuition increases, ensuring arts students have access to resources that reduce financial strain. Additionally, Bangladesh went through a revolution last summer. There are more than 400 Bangladeshi students currently enrolled in U of A. Institutions like MacEwan have provided discounts and tuition write-offs to Bangladeshi students. However, we never got a single email from the U of A. It’s a general concern, not centred towards arts as no student should face a situation where their university remains silent on such sensitive matters. My friend, a former astrophysics undergraduate major at the U of A, could not continue his education here as our government fell last summer. That being said, I have living and burning examples, which motivates me to advocate for the students. Student advocacy and representation — strengthen student representation at both faculty and SU levels, ensuring international and arts students have a stronger voice in decision-making processes. Campus safety and well-being — push for enhanced Safewalk services, mental health resources, and accessible academic support for all arts students. 

Chauhan: My platform focuses on two key areas. Facility maintenance — many arts buildings are outdated, and ongoing issues impact students’ ability to learn comfortably. For example, many washrooms in the Tory building have been closed for longer than acceptable due to building issues. I will advocate for consistent upkeep and necessary renovations to ensure our spaces are safe, functional, and reflective of the quality education [that] arts students deserve. By working with the vice-president (operations and finance), I will push for increased investment in infrastructure and explore sustainable funding options to address these concerns. Transparency & student consultation — too often, students feel disconnected from the decisions that affect their university experience. I will work to improve communication between the SU and arts students by ensuring key decisions are accessible, understandable, and open to student feedback. I want to create more opportunities for student consultation, whether [that is] through town halls, surveys, or direct engagement so that arts students feel heard and represented in governance.

Goorimoorthee: My platform is built in community and engagement. The interest and drive to pursue change in student governance is present for arts students, but it has a high entry cost. First and foremost, we are students, and being aware of current news and policies regarding university comes second to that. Information and involvement should be easily accessible, not another obstacle for students. I have had first-hand experience dealing with nuances in the bylaws and unnecessarily strict standards. Many students are left in the dark about current issues and are left to speculate as to why problems are being dealt with the way they are. The truth is that many students are not informed about policy and governance. So, how do we properly ensure we represent the students correctly if they are not well-informed about today’s issues? 

What would your number one priority be as SU councillor? 

Al Anik: My top priority would be ensuring arts students have a stronger voice in SU decision-making, especially in areas like financial aid, affordability, accessibility, and student well-being. Many students in the faculty of arts face various challenges, and I want to work toward policies that directly benefit them, such as better funding opportunities, stronger advocacy for tuition fairness, and more accessible student resources. 

Chauhan: My top priority is pushing for improved maintenance of arts buildings. Students pay significant tuition and fees and deserve to learn in facilities that are well-maintained, accessible, and comfortable. I intend to collaborate with the vice-president (operations and finance) to explore funding options for building maintenance and advocate for arts students to receive their fair share of infrastructure improvements. Ensuring that our learning spaces reflect the value of our education is essential, and I will work to make this a priority within the SU. 

Goorimoorthee: My priority would be to better represent arts students in the council. For a long time, the council has been led by political science students who bring only one perspective to the arts. To widen the scope of the arts, I want to involve more arts students in student governance. Many executive candidates, especially Pedro Almeida, have discussed involving more international students in governance, a promise I would hold him accountable for making. Furthermore, political science students have had the better end of the stick regarding arts and the allocation of funds. The “true” experience of being in arts is rarely discussed since students are not informed on how to speak out. This lack of representation leads to many of these issues being unresolved. Our visibly less funded buildings and classes have been an active issue discussed for years, but no noticeable steps have been taken to fix these issues. 

Augustana (one seat) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Bhavya Suri: Augustana has historically felt overlooked by the SU. While progress has been made in recent years, there’s still a need for strong, continued advocacy. I am running for this position to be a dedicated voice for Augustana students, ensuring that their perspectives are not only heard but actively represented in decision-making. 

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as an SU councillor? 

Suri: As the current vice-president of the Augustana South Asia Club, a role I’ve held for the past year, I have built strong connections with students while gaining valuable experience in advocacy. This position has taught me how to effectively represent student interests, work collaboratively, and ensure that diverse voices are heard — a skill set I will bring to my role as an SU councillor. 

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Suri: Over the past year, significant progress has been made for Augustana, including key pilot projects. I want to build on this momentum by working with the SU and [Augustana Students’ Association] (ASA) to transition these initiatives into permanent solutions. I will continue to be a strong advocate for Augustana students, ensuring their needs are prioritized and their voices are always heard. 

What would your number one priority be as SU councillor? 

Suri: My top priority as an SU councillor would be to strengthen communication between students and [the] SU. By actively listening to students and understanding the issues that matter most to them, we can ensure their concerns are truly represented. When I have a clear understanding of student needs, I can advocate more effectively and implement policies that create real, positive change. 

Business (one seat) 

Note: Mohit Makhija was originally running for the SU business councillor position, but withdrew candidacy on March 14. 

Why are you running for this position? 

Owen Pasay: I’m running for re-election as faculty of business councillor because I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress this year, but the job is not yet done. There are a lot of projects that I’ve worked on this past year that I feel will make a big difference in the campus community. Replacing BearsDen and incorporating student group services into the SU is a big one of these. I hope to return as business councillor, and spend the last year of my business degree continuing to fight for business students. 

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as an SU councillor?  

Pasay: The most applicable experience I have is my full year that I’ve spent actually serving as a SU councillor. I have represented the faculty of business this past year, advocating for students to my fellow councilors, SU executives, and administration, both in the faculty of business and university-wide. I also chaired the Bylaw Committee, which has given me extensive knowledge and practical experience working within the SU Bylaws. I hope to continue to put this experience to work serving a second term as your faculty of business councillor. 

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Pasay: My platform is very simple: advocacy, affordability, and access. I am going to work to make sure the concerns of business students are heard across campus, and advocate for issues that actually matter to the daily lives of business students. I’m also hoping to bring forward initiatives such as a housing collaboration project and partnerships with locally owned grocery stores to reduce housing and food costs. Finally, I want to continue to tackle issues such as our faculty’s overuse of paid online homework systems and the security issues on East Campus. 

What would your number one priority be as SU councillor? 

Pasay: As a SU councillor, my number one priority hasn’t changed — affordability. I know that students are struggling, paying thousands of dollars in tuition fees on top of rent, groceries, vehicle costs, etc. On top of that, business students are still feeling the impacts of exponential tuition increases in our faculty. I will always fight to make sure business students are getting the best bang for their buck. With that in mind, the number one action item I want to pursue is partnerships with locally owned grocery stores for student discounts. I hope to work alongside our vice-president (operations and finance) to pursue these deals and work to take every step necessary to reduce the cost of living for faculty of business students. 

Education (one seat) 

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

Engineering (two seats) 

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

Why are you running for this position? 

Michael Chang: I’m rerunning to be your engineering SU student councillor to once again represent the engineering students on matters related to bylaw changes, advocacy, transparency, and ensuring accountability from the SU to engineering students. As the incoming [Engineering Students’ Society] (ESS) president, I’m able to utilize the ESS to quickly gather feedback from you all, as students, and to bring forward concerns such as increasing ONEcard after-hours access to buildings, increasing funding opportunities for project groups and discipline clubs, advocating for affordability, and ensuring [exceptional tuition increases] (ETI) are properly being used in the proper allocations. If elected, I’d also want to sit on committees such as the Student Group Committee and Bylaw Committee to ensure that the discipline clubs, project groups, and most importantly, you, the students, know of what changes are incoming and are properly being consulted and represented on matters. 

Bhavya Goyal: My motivation for running for the Students’ Council stems from a deep commitment to improving campus safety. Having personally encountered dangerous situations at LRT stations on campus, even during broad daylight, I understand how unsettling and unsafe it can feel. This experience has pushed me to ensure that no student feels unsafe while navigating campus. My goal is to foster an environment where students feel secure both on and off campus, contributing to a positive university experience. 

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as an SU councillor? 

Chang: This past year, I was fortunate enough to have served as one of your engineering councillors. I’ve sat on committees such as the Audit Committee, [Physical Activity and Wellness Strategic Operating Committee] (PAWSOC), and the Student Group Committee. Apart from these, I have also served as chair of the Council Administration Committee and Chairs Committee. Moving away from council, I have also served as [the ESS} co-vice president of social events for the last two years. Through these experiences, I’ve built up skills such as advocacy for the faculty of engineering, networking with students, faculty members, and third parties, and understanding the governance structure of the SU Students’ Council. As such, I believe I am properly equipped and can properly represent engineering students better than ever this upcoming year. 

Goyal: My experience includes the following: 

• [Civil & Environmental Engineering Students’ Society] (CEESS) — Director of Experiential Learning 
• 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. 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 in managing 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,] my leadership, strategic thinking, and advocacy experience make me well-equipped to serve as an effective SU council representative for engineering students.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Chang: My platform focuses on issues that engineering students have been facing this past year, such as: 

• Increasing ONEcard after-hours access to buildings and pedways 
• Additional mental health resources 
• Access and increasing study spaces 
• Focusing on transparency 
• Amplifying and ensuring engineering student voices are being heard 
• Ensuring SU and U of A accountability to students
• Building & strengthening the relationship between engineering, General Faculties Council (GFC), and the SU 
• Advocating for affordability 
• Promoting student outreach opportunities

A lot of these points can be done through consultation with students and utilizing the ESS’ annual general survey from this past year to determine various concerns to be addressed at the council level. On top of that, as the incoming ESS president, I’ll be able to host town halls and office hours to interact with students to hear concerns in person and bring them up to council. I’d also extend a hand and encourage students who would want to speak directly at council, either as a presentation or to just voice concerns. 

Goyal: My platform includes the following: 

• Improve campus safety – advocate for increased security measures and better lighting on campus, especially around high-risk areas like LRT stations. 
• Mental health support – strengthen mental health resources and work to reduce wait times for counselling services. 
• Career development – expand networking opportunities, internships, and mentorship programs to connect students with industry professionals. 
• Enhanced communication – improve transparency and student feedback channels within the engineering faculty to ensure students’ voices are heard. 
• Academic support – advocate for more tutoring services and peer mentorship programs to help students excel in challenging courses.

What would your number one priority be as SU councillor? 

Chang: My number one priority as a SU councillor is to ensure that the incoming executive committee members remain accountable for their promises on campaign points to the students. The students lend them their vote for a promise, and it is important that the councillors keep the executives accountable for their promises to the student body. Whether it is related to academic affairs, student life, or internal finances, I want to ensure that the engineering student voices are heard, respected, and kept in mind when decisions are being made. Whether these are related to bylaws, policy changes, or even presentations from the university or third parties. I will ensure that the executive committee will remain accountable, and ensure that the engineering students have their voices considered and consulted on every decision made. 

Goyal: My number one priority as an SU councillor would be to improve campus safety. Having personally experienced dangerous situations at campus LRT stations, even in broad daylight, I understand how unsettling it can be to feel unsafe on campus. I am committed to advocating for enhanced security measures, better lighting, and increased surveillance in high-risk areas. My goal is to ensure every student feels safe while navigating the campus, contributing to a more positive and secure university experience. 

Faculté Saint-Jean (one seat) 

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

Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation (one seat) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Paige Wall: I’m running for Students’ Council because I am deeply committed to enhancing the student experience for kinesiology students. Over the past four months in this position, I’ve dedicated myself to improving student spaces, expanding adapted physical activity options on campus, and amplifying student voices. I aim to continue this journey, ensuring students feel supported and encouraged to engage and, most importantly, to see tangible results from their representatives.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as an SU councillor?  

Wall: As the current kinesiology representative, I’ve been deeply involved and have learned a great deal in this new role. Whether it’s been through council meetings, the PAWSOC, or working on projects to enhance student spaces, I’ve always been an advocate for student needs. My experience as the current East Campus Students’ Association President, where I successfully revived the association, demonstrates my ability to take the initiative and drive change. My work with students, administration, and advocacy groups has provided me with a strong foundation to continue advocating for real change. 

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Wall: My platform is centred on student wellness, advocacy, and engagement. I aim to enhance recreational and mental health spaces, ensure students are well-informed about council decisions, and create more avenues for student involvement. I am aware that students often feel unheard or are unsure of where they can voice their concerns, and I am committed to changing that.

What would your number one priority be as SU councillor? 

Wall: My top priority is making sure students are informed and have better access to overall resources. Whether that’s improving campus recreation with adapted physical activity sports, keeping costs for students as low as possible, or making mental health support more accessible. Students deserve a campus that supports them beyond just academics. 

Medicine & Dentsitry (one seat) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Habba Mahal: I am running for Students’ Council to advocate for medical and dentistry students, ensuring our unique academic and professional needs are represented. With demanding schedules and distinct learning environments, our faculty requires strong advocacy to address issues such as wellness, financial burdens, and academic support.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as an SU councillor?  

Mahal: I have extensive experience in student governance, having served on the SU for three years during my undergraduate studies and on the GFC throughout my undergraduate and master’s degrees for six years. Additionally, I was involved with the [Biology Graduate Students’ Association] (BGSA) for several years and am currently part of my medical class’ council. This background has given me a deep understanding of university governance and the specific needs of medical students, allowing me to advocate effectively for our faculty.

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Mahal: My platform focuses on three key areas — improving student wellness by advocating for better mental health support, addressing financial concerns through funding and bursary advocacy, and enhancing student representation by ensuring medical and dentistry students have a stronger voice in university governance. 

What would your number one priority be as SU councillor? 

Mahal: My top priority is student wellness. Medical and dentistry students face high academic pressures, and ensuring access to adequate mental health resources and institutional support is essential for their success. 

Nursing (one seat) 

Why are you running for this position? 

Asha Jama: Because I care, because we are in very anxiety-inducing times and nursing students deserve to be heard and well represented.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as an SU councillor?  

Jama: I have had the honour of serving as the [nursing] General Faculties Councillor for the 2024–25 academic year. I have also worked on the ground with student groups such as [the] World Vision Student Group and the Campus NDP, serving as co-president for both organizations. 

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Jama: While there are many points I could share, I want to highlight four main platform points I will focus on if elected as your nursing representative on the Students’ Council. 

• Advocate against the proposed tuition increases. 
• Work with [the] Dean of Students (DoS) and faculty dean to create a safer campus. 
• Collaborate with the Nursing Undergraduate Association (NUA) and other relevant student associations to create a more lively and engaged nursing community. 
• Most importantly, I want to represent the perspectives and voices of nursing students at the Students’ Council.

What would your number one priority be as SU councillor? 

Jama: Fight against the proposed tuition increases and cultivate community partnerships.

Science (three seats) 

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

Why are you running for this position? 

Lavanya Jain: Over the past five months, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the role of student governance in shaping our community. Initially, I didn’t grasp the full impact of this role, but through my campaign interactions in October and direct feedback from fellow science students, I’ve recognized the pressing need for infrastructural improvements and enhanced student engagement. I’m running to drive change and advocate effectively for our science community, leveraging my insights to foster meaningful improvements. 

Christene Saji: I’m running for the Students’ Council to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and accurately represented. The council plays a crucial role in advocating for students and guiding the SU, from setting its budget to influencing policy and overseeing the executive committee. I want to actively contribute to these decisions, ensuring that they prioritize student needs and hold the elected SU representatives accountable. Additionally, the council oversees student services and events, including programs like InfoLink, Safewalk, and sustainability initiatives. I aim to enhance these services to better serve the student body. By working alongside fellow councillors, I hope to continue the council’s legacy of achieving meaningful change, whether it’s enhancing Safewalk, advocating for caps on ETIs, or expanding student services. I’m committed to being a strong, effective voice for students and working towards positive change on campus.

What previous experience do you have that you can apply to serving as an SU councillor? 

Jain: My extroverted nature and diverse involvement in campus life — from clubs like badminton and chess to leadership roles in community service — have equipped me with a unique perspective on student needs and aspirations. My tenure as a councillor has familiarized me with governance and ongoing issues within our faculty and will help me hit the ground running. My varied campus experiences have honed critical networking and strategic problem-solving skills. These experiences have prepared me to represent our faculty effectively and address our specific challenges. 

Saji: I have a diverse range of experiences that will help me serve as an SU councillor. Currently, I’m the vice-president (academic) for the Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society (ISSS), where I advocate for academic and student affairs. As President of TEDxUAlberta, I’ve developed leadership skills in managing large projects and teams. My research experience in a biological sciences lab has given me insight into student issues, particularly around finding research opportunities on campus. My role as a Healthcare Aide in a long-term care hospital has deepened my understanding of the healthcare system. These roles have equipped me with the skills to understand and advocate for a wide range of student needs, whether academic, health care related, or community-driven. My experiences provide a broad perspective that will inform my work as a councillor, allowing me to help develop policies and priorities that serve the diverse student body while holding the SU accountable to its mission. 

Could you briefly and precisely describe your platform? 

Jain: My campaign is guided by the principle ‘One Hub, One Voice, One Community.’ Many science students struggle to access available university resources due to insufficient guidance. To address this, I plan to establish a comprehensive, easily accessible resource hub to streamline their academic and extracurricular engagements. Additionally, a key role of a councillor is to bridge students with the SU. I am committed to maintaining transparency and effectively communicating council discussions to ensure that the voices of science students are represented in our meetings. Lastly, I am dedicated to enhancing the inclusive environment the U of A prides itself on. Having served on the social media subcommittee and actively participated in the science community, I aim to integrate science students into governance activities and university events more deeply, fostering a sense of connection, belonging, and satisfaction with their university experience. 

Saji: I will work for accountability, as an executive of a Student Representative Association (SRA), I believe in increasing the presence of the SU within smaller faculty-based governance. When student groups can better communicate and understand union affairs, they can more effectively advocate for their faculty’s specific needs. One key step in this is advocating for a more streamlined and organized SRA Summit to foster stronger connections. In terms of accessibility, I will push for increased academic accessibility by advocating for more professional development opportunities and expanding campus-wide leadership programs, ensuring all students have equal access to growth and learning. For safety, I will work with the SU executives to expand Safewalk, ensuring it covers unsafe weather conditions by offering affordable transport options. Additionally, I will advocate for expanded ONEcard access to all buildings on campus, improving safety and accessibility for all students, especially during late hours or extreme conditions. 

What would your number one priority be as SU councillor? 

Jain: My foremost priority as an SU councillor is to actively listen to and amplify the voices of science students in all governance forums. It is crucial to ensure that their perspectives are considered before making decisions. I am dedicated to being a proactive and bold advocate, guaranteeing that the faculty of science is well-represented and that our students’ concerns are prioritized in the decision-making process. 

Saji: My number one priority as an SU 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. With a focus on 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. By improving transportation, building access, and safety initiatives, we can create a safer, more inclusive campus that ensures all students can participate fully in academic and campus life without fear of unsafe conditions.