Leah Hennig The vice-president (student life) (VPSL) candidates brought new ideas to the Augustana forum, but how they will accomplish them is unclear. Throughout the forum, Brish Goorimoorthee, Nolan Greenwood, Manyu Rathour, and Paige Wall all thankfully brought a new batch of ideas. But alongside ideas must come a plan of execution. As of the Augustana forum, only two of the four candidates — Greenwood and Wall — have their platform readily available. Ideas and goals are only as good as the plan that follows.
As for the two candidates who do have platforms, Greenwood and Wall do have plans in place. Not all of them, though, were specific to Augustana. But this is an issue that has been affecting all VPSL candidates.
A major part of Greenwood’s platform includes improving life in residence. While at the Augustana forum, he specifically brought up what he could do to improve it with the limited power he would have if elected. The Hoyme Complex refresh has been a concern for students living at Augustana. Since VPSL doesn’t have any direct power over the renovation, Greenwood spoke of remaining in contact with the Augustana Students’ Association (ASA). This would ensure the renovations benefits students.
Wall came to the Augustana forum with more plans for consultation. She called attention to the fact that Augustana does not need more events but that they first need stronger advocacy. This spans residence changes, mental health capacity, and ensuring Augustana is part of larger university conversations. Not every idea of hers, though, has a plan. She wants to improve the services VPSL has already put in place before moving on to something new. While improvements to existing programs are important, it feels like a given if elected. Wall, unfortunately, seems to not have anything new to bring to the position.
Unlike Wall, Rathour has campaigned with a lot of new ideas. But none of them have a platform to back them up. This was an issue that Greenwood also asked Rathour about during the forum. Regardless, it is clear that Rathour wants to bring change to the position, but not all this change would support the students of Augustana. Rathour showed a desire, again, to have a University of Alberta Students’ Union (SU) prom. Taking inspiration from the ASA talent show, he wants to hold a U of A’s Got Talent. Rathour has his priorities wrapped up in events that not everyone would enjoy. But, whether it appeals or not, there are more important issues at Augustana. This left safety, and in-person medical and mental health services, all off the table.
Unfortunately, Goorimoorthee seems to be in a standstill on how to continue his campaign. He began by discussing how he plans to give students at Augustana full access to their own facilities. He has shown that he plans to bridge North Campus’ food bank with Augustana. However, the ASA already operates a food pantry. That’s not to say it can’t be better supported, but Goorimoorthee’s idea seemed to demonstrate a lack of awareness. Overall, Goorimoorthee has shown that he doesn’t have many new ideas for Augustana besides recycled ideas from previous forums.
The Augustana forum has shown that each candidate wants to do well with the position, but not all of them have clear plans to succeed. Throughout the forum, there were very few ideas angled directly at Augustana students. But the lack of platforms for half the candidates is the biggest issue. This is beginning to create a disconnect between those running and the students voting for them.
CORRECTION: A correction was issued at 12:05 p.m. on February 27, 2026 to correct that it is the Hoyme Complex that is being partially demolished, not the Ravine Complex.
