SU Elections 2026: Campus Saint-Jean forum recap

The second forum of the University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) 2026 elections was held at Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ) on February 25 and hosted by l’Association des Universitaires de la Faculté Saint-Jean (AUFSJ). The event was offered in-person and online.

Cléa Thibeault, AUFSJ vice-president (communication and market), moderated the event.

Candidates were given 90 seconds each for opening statements. Each race was then asked questions by Thibeault, which were prepared by the AUFSJ. They did not allow audience questions. Afterwards, candidates were given 30 seconds for closing statements.

Here is the TL;DR version of this forum:

• President: candidates discuss plans for collaboration and consultation with CSJ.
• Vice-president (external) (VPX): candidates discuss funding and involving CSJ in decision-making.
• Vice-president (operations and finance) (VPOF): financial transparency, expanding CSJ student spaces, and French-language accessibility.
• Vice-president (academic) (VPA): candidate hopes to reformat structures to make faculty associations and students heard.
• Vice-president (student life) (VPSL): candidates discuss improving CSJ facilities and residence, bilingual accessibility, and student services.
• Board of Governors (BoG) Representative: access to services in French, engagement, and ensuring sure CSJ is prioritized.

Presidential candidates candidates discuss CSJ representation and plans for consultation

In his opening statement, presidential candidate Abdul Abbasi discussed his work with AUFSJ over his two years as VPX, emphasizing his efforts to ensure “AUFSJ is a big priority in all of the conversations we have.” His goal moving forward is to work with the university to translate the U of A website to French.

Presidential candidate Joseph Sesek began his opening statement by stating that CSJ “has felt like an afterthought” for too long. He discussed Bibliothèque Saint-Jean’s reduced weekday hours and weekend closures, emphasizing that he is “the only presidential candidate who has explicitly pledged to restore library hours” and review rent rationalization.

Thibeault asked the presidential candidates what they think of when they think of CSJ and how they would “contribute to ensuring that the student body, the university, and BoG know that CSJ is a crucial part of Alberta’s francophonie, and provide significant attraction to the U of A.” 

Sesek said that he thinks “underrepresented” when he thinks of CSJ. He said that CSJ students are “paying the same and getting, honestly, not the same experience as anybody on other campuses.”

He added that he plans to organize, with the elected VPSL, a Mardi Gras party at CSJ to “unify the campuses.”

Abbasi said that when he thinks of CSJ, he thinks of “an amazing community.” His goal moving forward is to ensure that he, along with his fellow executives, are “keeping up the communication that [he has] kept up over the past two years.”

He also emphasized his priority of French translation of resources, particularly for CSJ’s Calgary Satellite Campus who do not have in-person access to resources. 

Additionally, Thibeault asked the presidential candidates how they will advocate for international students, considering that the SU does not have a vice-president (international) like AUFSJ does. 

Abbasi reiterated his commitment to translating the U of A website to French and mentioned his provincial and federal advocacy with AUFSJ. Additionally, he said that he plans to advocate to “the municipal government to push for funding into areas that have a mix of social workers and peace officers so that international students feel … that they can use transit and have an affordable life.”

Sesek said that he wants to advocate for a seat on Students’ Council for international students. 

“I think they’re greatly underrepresented, and I think this would be a great way to get their insight and input on all things.That’s not directly CSJ, but I think they will have a great say,” he said.

He also mentioned his plan to have weekly, in-person office hours for all of his vice-presidents at CSJ, if elected.

—Kathryn Johnson

VPX candidates discuss maintaining funding and including CSJ in decision-making

In her opening statement, VPX candidate Arman Chauhan highlighted the strong sense of community at CSJ. She said the SU has “a special opportunity to showcase the value of [CSJ] to the provincial government.” Chauhan intends to advocate for “open educational resources and expanding leisure access program so that city recreation is more affordable for everyone.”

She also wants to focus on the international students “that make up a large portion of the CSJ demographic” by “pushing for initiatives that allow them to focus on their studies rather than financial uncertainties.”

VPX candidate Angel Raina acknowledged “how much the francophone community [at CSJ] contributes to the university,” but also how much more work must be done to “ensure that CSJ students feel like a part of campus.” She intends to ensure the culture at CSJ extends to the SU. “It is crucial to continue with regular meetings and bringing members along when francophone students are being discussed in policy spaces,” Raina said.

She said she will advocate “to make sure that new scholarships for francophone students outside of Quebec are being delivered by the federal government and reaching CSJ students.” 

Dustin Rodenbush, the third VPX candidate, reiterated that he “comes from a working class family and is here to stand up for the many students who feel unheard.”

He restated the two main pillars of his campaign: “advocating for better supports, and putting students first.”

Rodenbush said he “looks forward to advocating to all levels of government for approved access to entry level jobs,” by joining forces with the Alberta Students’ Executive Council (ASEC). He reiterated his intent to work with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and “to reverse student grant cuts” that he said occurred in November 2025.

Currently the Canada Student Grant maximum is $4,200 per year, however CASA raised concerned that it will be lowered to pre-pandemic levels. Nothing has been cut at this point.

Rodenbush also mentioned his goal to reorganize university resources “so they can put students first.” He aims to redirect funds from the Butterdome redesigns into classroom maintenance to improve students’ experience.

The provincial government committed funding to the U of A for the Butterdome renovations, not to the SU.

Thibeault asked the VPX candidates how they would include CSJ as a French-speaking minority in their advocacy with representatives and politicians.

Chauhan highlighted her responsibility, if elected, to maintain good communication channels. She said that “when pushing for further initiatives, [the SU would] make sure that CSJ has a say” in decision-making, specifically when “meeting with different levels of government.” For example, she highlighted the importance of “creating priority projects to receive funding for anything that CSJ needs.” 

Raina said it is important to “maintain the consultation process that we currently have” to combat challenges before they arise. Raina said that doing so “would entail federal conversations with members of parliament around funding,” and developing an action plan for how to get that funding.

She intends to have a conversation with AUFSJ, and ensure newcomer supports are “translated to French.” Raina said she also intends to support individuals learning English.

Rodenbush said he believes it would be his responsibility, if elected, to visit other campuses “on a regular basis” to hear the concerns students raise at each campus.

He would also like to ensure “more resources [are available] in the French language, on both physical materials and websites.” Additionally, he would like to “contact outside French bodies.”

—Lucy Stuckey

VPOF candidates discuss financial accountability and access to French materials

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

“No student should have to choose between getting food and studies,” Singh said.

Singh repeated his main points from the previous forum on food insecurity, and generating more non-student revenue.

He went on to say that students deserve results and accountability, and not just promises. 

Current SU VPSL and VPOF candidate Logan West emphasized their experience working with CSJ and expressed appreciation for its community. West also mentioned working with the executive team through the Council of Faculty Associations (COFA).

“Every time I come here, I feel so welcomed by the community,” West said.

West spoke about improving regulations and procedures for student groups, as well as giving CSJ with a touchpoint to all first-year students with the SU by providing SU handbooks in French. 

Thibeault asked the candidates what is one thing that they’ve recently learned about CSJ or its students, how might that help them as a VPOF, and what is something they’ve noticed about CSJ that could be improved from an operations standpoint.

Singh stated his main focus being student spaces on CSJ. Specifically, allowing for more student spaces comparable to SUB’s lounges. 

Singh also claimed that previous VPOFs didn’t focus on CSJ because the campus produces less revenue than North Campus, and that he would allocate more money to the CSJ.

West highlighted the main issue being French-language accessibility, and that when handbooks aren’t in French, they may not feel as useful to CSJ students.

West also spoke about barriers facing CSJ students from receiving rewards through SU Perks. Stating that the system has to be improved either through a delivery system or having virtual rewards available in CSJ.

—Evan Cruickshank

VPA candidate aims to improve French translations on websites and foster collaboration through COFA

In her opening statement, VPA candidate Susan Huseynova stated that she hopes to continue the work that this year’s executive team has done with “improving the French translation widget” and French usability of websites like Beartracks. She aims to enhance the accessibility of academic supports such as advisors and accommodations to CSJ students. 

Thibeault asked Huseynova about the concrete initiatives that she envisions for the role of “VPA that will foster collaboration between CSJ and the North Campus to enhance academic opportunities, resources, and overall student experience” at both locations. 

Huseynova reiterated her aims to restructure COFA into a productive body by turning it into a student senate academic body to “allow for this collaboration and for students at CSJ and get their needs heard. The difference is that with [senate], it forces the follow through.” Huseynova’s goal for restructuring COFA is to address resource gaps and power imbalances felt by the different associations. 

During her closing statement, she said that if elected she will treat CSJ as a consistent part of her work, which includes “staying in regular contact with your faculty association [and] bringing your concerns forward.” 

—Trystyn Rayko

VPSL candidates discuss campus and residence conditions and advocacy for CSJ in student services

In his opening statement, VPSL candidate Brish Goorimoorthee spoke on student concerns regarding bilingual accessibility. He followed by saying that he will ensure SU events and social media content are accessible for French-speaking students.

“I want to push for North Campus resources, such as the Peer Support Centre (PSC) … to be readily available online and in French,” Goorimoorthee said. 

VPSL candidate Nolan Greenwood restated his three main platform pillars of improving life in residence, implementing the 11 recommendations from the SGBV task force at CSJ, and strengthening advocacy through events and campus outreach.

“CSJ students have been disproportionately affected by the rent rationalization program rolled out by Residence Services … rent rose from $800 to $1,300 a month for students living in Résidence Saint-Jean (RSJ) with no change in room quality,” Greenwood said.  

“This was bluntly unacceptable, and Residence Services needs to review rationalization immediately,” Greenwood added. 

Manyu Rathour, commented on the conditions of CSJ, highlighting how the cafeteria remains closed throughout the academic year, and the ongoing washroom issues since renovations began. Rathour stated that he will push for “clear communication, faster responses, and real accountability via a surveying system.” 

Following Rathour, Paige Wall said that many CSJ students feel disconnected from North Campus programming. According to Wall, this happens because of a lack of accessibility and communication, not due to a lack of interest. 

Thibeault asked the VPSL candidates what initiatives they would take to better address both the accessibility and language barriers that exist for CSJ students when accessing student services.

In his response, Goorimoorthee reiterated that he wants to bring more resources to CSJ, such as the PSC and the SGBV task force. 

Greenwood also mentioned bringing the SGBV task force to CSJ, and translating their website from English to French to ensure CSJ students have access to the courses. 

Following Greenwood, Rathour stated that he “wants to advocate [not only] for the counseling and clinical services … but also for them to be more accessible and available online and in French.” Rathour also mentioned bringing the PSC to CSJ. 

Wall spoke on modifying SU grants to include cross-campus collaboration incentives so that other groups are financially encouraged to co-create events with CSJ. Additionally, Wall commented on rotating at least one major VPSL-led event to CSJ so that engagement does not solely rely on travel.

—Fernanda Campana Omori

BoG Representative candidates

Due to a scheduling conflict, BoG Representative candidate, Tala Mojarrad, was unable to make it to the forum. 

Amaan Khan, BoG representative candidate, in his opening statement, which was said in partly in French, stated that his main goals are to push for representation, access, and engagement with the CSJ.

In his opening statement, Janardhun Alagarsamy Vignesh said that the lack of essential services being offered sufficiently in French is “structural neglect.”

He reiterated his three platform pillars of oversight, sustainability, and advocacy. He said that he is running to collaborate with CSJ to help with visibility, equity, and respect. 

Thibeault asked the candidates how they plan to ensure that CSJ is seen as an asset to the U of A and BoG.

Khan said that consistent communication is a key part of his platform and making sure that students’ best interests are brought to BoG. He also said he wants to ensure sure that when the CSJ is brought up to BoG, it is made a priority for the university, and not treated as an “afterthought.”

Alagarsamy Vignesh said that CSJ’s quality is a precedent for the “integrity and the equity at our university.” He also said that including CSJ is important and CSJ concerns should become non-negotiable priorities, and not just an “end-stage consultation.”

—Erin Widmark-Pickle