SU Elections 2026: Augustana forum recap

The third forum of the University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) 2026 elections was held at the Augustana Campus on February 26. The event was moderated by the Augustana Students’ Association (ASA) President Miron Nekhoroshkov.

Candidates were given 90 seconds each for opening statements. Afterwards, Nekhoroshkov asked each race a question. Candidates then had the opportunity to ask each other questions, and finally audience members had the opportunity to ask questions directed to specific races.

Here is the TL;DR version of this forum:

• President: candidates discuss advocacy goals, ASA consultation, and representation.
• Vice-president (external) (VPX): discuss residence and housing issues, as well as Augustana representation.
• Vice-president (operations and finance) (VPOF): communication between SU and Augustana, generating revenue, and more access to financial advising on campus.
• Vice-president (academic) (VPA): candidate addresses the concerns surrounding student advising, and dives further into plans for restructuring the Council of Faculty Associations (COFA).
• Vice-president (student life) (VPSL): candidates discussed for mental health services and the increase of resources for Augustana students.
• Board of Governors (BoG) Representative: candidates discussed advocating with data, increasing accessibility, and tuition increases. 

Presidential candidates discuss ASA consultation and representation

Presidential candidate Abdul Abbasi began his opening statement by stating that he got involved in the SU because he felt his home campus of Augustana was being overlooked. 

“I’m running for president because I want to create a SU that gets the big things done and the small things right,” he said. “​​I have the experience, but that experience is not just here to keep the status quo.” 

Presidential candidate Joseph Sesek began his opening statement by questioning, “what has our VPX been doing?” 

He mentioned that at last year’s Augustana forum, Abbasi stated an intention to advocate for an operating grant increase to ensure Augustana receives more funding. Sesek questioned “where is the money?”

Additionally, he mentioned that there have been significant cuts to student financial aid in Budget 2026 and, according to The Gateway’s reporting, a 10 per cent decrease in student loan disbursements. 

Nekhoroshkov asked the presidential candidates what they think is lacking at Augustana and what they would do in their role to address it.

Abbasi started by stating that the operating grant has not decreased by 10 per cent in Budget 2026, rather the U of A is expecting an increase. 

Abbasi emphasized the advocacy efforts made in his role as VPX, addressing issues such as student housing. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that Augustana students are supported.

Sesek said Augustana needs “better course flexibility and a lot more representation.” He stated that he would offer office hours at Augustana “so that we can actually work together and create a tangible change.”

Sesek had the opportunity to ask Abbasi a question. He mentioned that Abbasi “only [has] two paragraphs on Instagram” on day four of the seven-day election cycle. Sesek asked Abbasi if he had prepared anything since nomination day.

Abbasi said his platform has been sent to The Gateway and will be updated as of the night of the forum. He said his platform is not up because he wanted it to focus on addressing concerns at the campus-specific forums.

Taylor Soroka, Indigenous representative for the ASA, asked the presidential candidates how they would ensure that Augustana is involved with the SU and if it would be a priority to connect with the ASA if they were elected. 

Sesek said that it is “definitely going to be a priority.” He added that he will hold weekly office hours at Augustana. 

Abbasi said that his priority would be to consult the ASA in all Augustana matters. He also emphasized that he would encourage them to “take the lead.”

—Kathryn Johnson

VPX candidates discuss Augustana residence options and the Camrose housing market

VPX candidate, Arman Chauhan, said she sees Augustana as “a place where you get world class education without losing that personal sense of belonging.”

Chauhan said, if elected, she intends to “provide advocacy support to get [Augustana students’] projects across the finish line,” including “lobbying the provincial government for open educational resources, [and] providing for the Mintz panel recommendations to receive funding for resources.” Her intention is to keep “communication proactive.”

VPX candidate, Angel Raina, said one of the “most pressing issues” is the demolition of the Ravine Complex. She said that beginning in the spring and summer, the centre will close leading to decreases in residence, significantly decreasing campus housing, which “is going to push many more students into the Camrose market.”

She believes it is “important to proactively educate students about their tenant rights.” Therefore, she intends to “launch a tenant rights awareness campaign that ensures Augustana students feel empowered.”

Raina also intends to “maintain consistent communication and institutional support. For example, “advocating for initiatives like the co-op programs at Augustana,” which she said “has secured funding but hasn’t moved forward with university policy changes.”

The third VPX candidate, Dustin Rodenbush, said “students everywhere are being squeezed, whether it’s the cost of housing, tuition, or the uncertain job market.”

He reiterated his intention to “stand up for the many students who feel unheard.” He said he feels that Augustana is isolated as it is located “away from Edmonton and the rest of the campuses … leading everything at Augustana to seem ‘out of sight.’”

If elected, he intends to “establish contact with the ASA, keep it constant, and hear out the concerns of Augustana students.” 

He restated the two pillars of his platform: “advocacy for better support and putting students first.” If elected, he wishes to “heavily advocate for the provincial government to bring in more support” for graduating students, and expanding internship and co-op programs.

Additionally, he shared his intention to “align with [the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations] (CASA) to advocate against any possible increase of student grant cuts from the federal government.” 

Nekhoroshkov acknowledged that the housing crisis differs in Camrose compared to Edmonton. They asked the VPX candidates how they will account for Camrose’s “unique rental market” in their advocacy.

In her response, Chauhan said she intends to push for “the promised $1 billion investment plan from the Canadian government.”

She said some of that funding could be put towards “Augustana rental properties.” She intends to collaborate with the ASA “to come up with a plan to get the required funding.”

Raina said that “housing and affordability constraints are a huge issue for all students.”

For Augustana students specifically, she restated her intention to “increase awareness around tenant rights, and empowering Augustana students to make decisions around housing and renting.”

In terms of federal funding, Raina said there is mention of affordable housing from the federal government, and that requires working with Camrose and the ASA to make sure we’re funneling that money down to Camrose to build housing.”

Additionally, she said “conversations with the dean and consistent consultation” will be important to make sure students are supported.

Rodenbush restated his intention to consult with the ASA, “because the Augustana students are the ones who are personally living and dealing with these problems.”

He said “it’s unlikely, but [he] will try [his] best to make sure that Augustana has residences filled, simply because they don’t have the funding that other [campuses] do.”

—Lucy Stuckey

VPOF candidates discuss communication, revenue generation, and access to financial advising

VPOF candidate Armaan Singh opened by emphasizing transparency around how students’ roughly $700 annual fees are spent.

Singh reiterated his four pillars from the previous forums of financial transparency, generating more non-student revenue, education, and anonymous sexual assault reporting.

Current SU VPSL and VPOF candidate Logan West mentioned their experience working with the ASA and expressed appreciation for Augustana’s community.

West stated that the relationship between VPOF and the Augustana campus may not be as obvious as other executive positions, but she still wants to “ensure that the relationship is maintained and communication is strong.”

West also mentioned campus transfer payments, so that fees paid by Augustana students go to the ASA, where they might be more useful. 

Lastly, West talked about “a holistic overview review of our student group procedures and regulations.”

Nekhoroshkov asked the candidates about how, since most SU services are located on North Campus, they are going to provide equitable services to students at Augustana. 

Singh noted that the Students’ Union Building (SUB) cafeteria generates about $1.3 million annually, while Augustana lacks comparable infrastructure.

He suggested expanding food or café services at Augustana, and reiterated his proposal for an online sexual assault reporting system.

West stated that she would not promise to open businesses like Dewey’s or Room At The Top (RATT) at Augustana, saying that they might not be feasible in the same way. 

West suggested improving accessibility to existing services, such as enhancing the FlixBus transportation between Camrose and Edmonton for large U of A events.

The SU ran a pilot project with FlixBus to run a free bus route between North Campus and Augustana. The bus ran every day, but the pilot was discontinued due to a lack of ridership. A new pilot was started last year for a smaller shuttle with two round-trips between the campuses on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

West asked Singh about encouraging students to opt out of dedicated fees, particularly the Access Fund, which provides non-repayable emergency financial assistance funded by a $14.56 per semester student fee. She questioned whether it was responsible to promote opting out without fully informing students of the consequences.

Singh responded by saying that he doesn’t make the decisions and is not telling students directly to opt out of their fees. Instead, he wants to promote education on what students can and can’t pay for.

Amanda Dunbar, ASA social science representative, asked about how candidates would address the difficulty in accessing a financial adviser at Augustana.

West mentioned partnerships with external organizations like Hi Finance to deliver financial literacy workshops. She also suggested virtual workshops, or partnering with local financial advising in Camrose.

Singh stated he wanted to increase adviser access, provide office hours, and improve SU resources like websites.

—Evan Cruickshank

VPA candidate commits to giving better practical support from the ASA and SU through structural changes

In VPA candidate Susan Huseynova’s opening statement, she addressed the worries of Augustana students with the move to the 13-week term structure, and concerns with their advising system.

Whether it’s the time it takes, or the conflicting information given by advisors that “doesn’t always match what’s posted on university websites.” If elected, Huseynova commits to Augustana students having “practical support from the ASA and the SU to make [their] academic life easier.” 

Nekhoroshkov asked how Huseynova would ensure that Augustana’s experience is integrated with the university’s central administration, not just treated as a footnote or exception.

Huseynova said she aims to make COFA more consistent and keep “the strength of the faculty association with the ASA at the centre of it.” Huseynova’s restructuring of COFA into a student senate looks to address “the uneven engagement … the unclear authority, or the decisions not translating into action.” 

She also plans to “take any bylaw changes through the proper governance so it’s legitimate, stable, and sustainable.”

The Gateway asked Huseynova how she plans on achieving a COFA restructuring and if it can be completed within her term. 

Huseynova stated that she hopes it can be completed during her term, and “if it isn’t in complete practice by the end of [her] term it’ll set the next year’s VPA up [to complete it].”

—Trystyn Rayko

VPSL candidates discuss lack of resources for Augustana students and push for accessible mental health services

In his opening statement, VPSL candidate Brish Goorimoorthee acknowledged the concerns of Augustana students, stating that he is aware of the issues regarding accessibility, safety, and financial security. He followed by saying that he will advocate for increased ONEcard access and the creation of a food bank system at Augustana. 

VPSL candidate Nolan Greenwood commented on the renewal of the Ravine Complex, mentioning that it will lead to the loss of single rooms. Additionally, Greenwood stated that he will push for the implementation of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) task force recommendations at Augustana. 

Following Greenwood, Manyu Rathour mentioned the creation of a “U of A’s Got Talent” to generate competition between campuses. He followed by stating that he will advocate for equal training for all residence assistants (RA) and standardization of rent. 

Paige Wall stated that she comes from Prince Edward Island and graduated in a class of less than 40 people. “That’s kind of why Augustana resonates with [her].” 

Nekhoroshkov asked the VPSL candidates how they will advocate for the university to provide equivalent, in-person mental health resources and services for Augustana students. 

In his response, Goorimoorthee stated that he wants to bring the Peer Support Centre (PSC) to Augustana. Additionally, he mentioned making mental health services available online for students who cannot come to North Campus. 

Greenwood stated that the “primary advocacy … would stem from working with the ASA [and] figuring out what students actually need from counselling services.” 

Following Greenwood, Rathour stated that despite the lack of in-campus services, there are online resources available. “Empower Me is a really good app, and they provide online services, so does Counselling and Clinical Services (CCS),” Rathour said. 

Wall also mentioned the mental health services on North Campus, but commented that only having one councillor is “definitely a capacity issue within the Augustana campus.”

According to Wall, she would “advocate for needs based on the review of mental health resources and push for extended hours [and] virtual services.” 

Greenwood said Rathour has made a lot of promises but has not laid out a plan on how to achieve them. He asked if “[Rathour] feels that [he] is lying to students by making these promises without sharing a feasible plan to accomplish them in a one-year term?”  

In response, Rathour stated that his platform will be out in two days.

“While managing the full course load, I was in seven positions of power where all the promises that I made were fulfilled and delivered. So, these promises might not be feasible for you, but I think … they would be for me,” Rathour said. 

Rathour asked Goorimoorthee what his consultation process with the Indigenous Students’ Union (ISU) was, and what were some of the barriers for Elders to come to campus. In his experience, Rathour has not seen Elders leading events on campus without many barriers to their presence.

In his response, Goorimoorthee stated that his friend in the ISU has given a lot of guidance and consultation on what is needed the most. He also mentioned that the ISU has emphasized the importance of having their Elders come to campus.

—Fernanda Campana Omori

BoG candidates emphasize meaningful engagement with Augustana students

BoG Representative candidate Janardhun Alagarsamy Vignesh was unable to attend the forum due to a personal emergency. However, he sent a letter to The Gateway, which he plans to post on his social media, regarding his commitments to Augustana students. 

“Being present in listening and engaging in meaningful dialogue are responsibilities I take seriously,” his letter said.

He emphasized his commitment, if elected, to represent Augustana students with full integrity and accountability. 

Alagarsamy Vignesh also included a section of his platform regarding Augustana. It outlined his goals to advocate for equitable inclusion in institutional surveys and strategic planning, responsive residence maintenance, and protecting advising capacity and changes in collaboration with the VPA. 

In his opening statement, BoG candidate Amaan Khan said that he plans to execute consultations with the ASA based on board meetings and as they are needed. He said he will bring back an anonymous survey website in order to present “better data” to BoG. He added that he wants to advocate to BoG for rent control and infrastructure for residences, and to bring his experience to listen and work with the ASA.

BoG candidate Tala Mojarrad, in her opening statement, said that the key to advocating for Augustana students is through letting students know what the SU does. She mentioned her experience doing similar work at the Health Science Students’ Association (HSSA). 

Mojarrad also acknowledged the lack of resources in small communities like Camrose, and that she wants to increase accessibility of these resources for students. She plans to utilize a documentation platform to recognize patterns and better advocate for the students of Augustana. 

Nekhoroshkov asked the candidates what Augustana-specific improvements candidates would demand in exchange for a “yes” vote if the university proposed another tuition increase. 

Khan said that as part of his platform, he is focused on consultation with students, especially the students of Augustana. He plans to come up with a combination of data and student perspectives to present to BoG so informed decisions can be made. He also acknowledged that the tuition for international students at Augustana campus has gone down recently. 

Tuition has been raised for all international students, including Augustana students, by five and 10 per cent for students admitted in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Tuition for international students has to be approved a year in advance. 

Khan added that he will ensure that his advocacy helps to attract more international students to the campus.

Mojarrad said she does not comment on affordability and tuition increases often “because tuition increases don’t always depend on whether we want to decrease or increase or not. There’s a lot that goes into tuition increases.”

She said that if BoG does want to make a tuition increase, she will make sure students get the resources they need, including mental health resources and better security.

—Erin Widmark-Pickle