What prompted you to run for student delegate?

I decided to run for Student Delegate as a way of giving back to the St Lawrence community. My first year here has been fantastic and the Student Delegate position is the perfect opportunity to give something back to my fellow students. The prospect of being able to make positive changes on behalf of the student body is something I simply couldn’t ignore.

What issues on campus are you concerned with?

One of the main issues I have heard mention of on several occasions is the transparency, or rather perceived lack of transparency, regarding SLU’s finances and it’s spending. I understand in common with many universities it is a recurring issue, and not uncommon for students to question how their tuition fees are allocated and spent. Whilst I have no doubt the university allocates funding as it deems appropriate, perhaps more work could be done to inform students on where funding is allocated and how it is prioritized. I also believe more work can be done to create a platform that allows for greater interaction between Diversity and Sustainability groups and the Board of Trustees. Since these are two areas that are extremely important on campus, I believe it is necessary that representatives of these groups have an easier way to communicate their views directly to the Board.

What will you do if elected?

If elected, I will work on increasing transparency over funding, perhaps working to create a new framework that allows for students to see more clearly where funds are being allocated on areas that directly affect them. I would also like to create a better platform for Diversity and Sustainability groups to communicate with the board. A good start would be more regular meetings between these groups and the Student Delegate, and perhaps a cross-organizational approach would also be helpful. In this way, the Student Delegate will truly be a representative of all parts of the student body. Finally, I would really like to work with other members of Thelmo to increase interaction between the student body and Thelmo. Given the influence Thelmo has in many areas, it is really important to try and get more people interacting with senators and the Senior Executive Board. Thelmo office hours were a great start, but more work can be done!