Top three platform points

1. WUSA charges a lot of money on top of your quest bill each term (I personally paid $480.88 of mandatory WUSA fees last term). I will advocate for and ensure that these funds are being spent in a way that can maximize our undergraduate students’ benefits, while being as economical as possible.

2. “44.5 percent of students felt so depressed it was difficult to function” (University of Waterloo, 2017). Mental health issues are very clearly prominent at UW. I am aware that UW’s mental health services have been improving over the last few years, but we all know there is still a lot that needs to be done. As a director, I will advocate for improved mental health services on campus, and further promotion of these services, based directly off the feedback of those who have used them.

3. Finding affordable housing in Waterloo is getting harder every day. Although we cannot directly impact rent prices, as a Director, I will advocate for resources to go to services such as Off Campus Housing, which can help students with finding rentals, knowing their rights as a tenant, and more.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

I’ve worked numerous jobs for UW, including co-op terms, as well as been in volunteer and leadership positions across campus. I understand how our admin systems work and know what we can accomplish, and what will be a challenge. I am a strong leader and believe my variety of experiences across UW will make me a strong asset to the Board of Directors. I look forward to helping build a strong, inclusive, and well allocated WUSA for the 2023-2024 term.

Thank you! :)

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Instagram: @mqzpt
Email: mk2athan@uwaterloo.ca
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewathanasopoulos/

Top three platform points

- Housing Action
- Student Spaces (such as reopening the SLC Bombshelter area in the interim)
- Communication & Transparency

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

$10 if you have a lease! Under the Ontario Standard Lease, you're entitled to annual interest payments on your last month's deposit: go email your landlord today! (https://tribunalsontario.ca/documents/ltb/Brochures/Guide%20to%20RTA%20(English).html, CTRL+F "interest")

PSA aside: my past four months have been spent writing WUSA's governing procedures and laying the groundwork for housing initiatives that you'll see throughout W23 (housing rights workshops, off-campus resources website, and housing contract playbooks). I'm running for re-election to continue prioritizing bigger projects that benefit YOU directly such as creating a landlord review board and supporting student spaces like reopening the Bombshelter lounge to students.

See my full platform (including non-housing points) below, and re-elect Jeff Zhu for housing action!

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Check out my full platform on my website and contact me with any questions or suggestions!

https://jeff4wusa.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jeff4wusa/

Top three platform points

My main focus is on Student Well-being. That is, I want to see WUSA focus on reducing financial barriers for students, ensuring proper mental health resources for all, and providing outlets for academic help.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

University can be a lot. It is the place where we study, live, make friends, make connections, and hopefully have fun doing so. I want to keep things student-focused, which is why I want to focus on the following areas: finances, mental health, and academics. I want to work with the University to try to minimize the financial burden on students. I want to assess the current mental health initiatives the University is putting forward, and get student feedback to see what is effective and what more we can do. Finally, I want to expand student's available academic resources.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

e-mail: echard@uwaterloo.ca

Top three platform points

1) Creation of a student-run space for those passionate about accessibility and disability inclusion
2) Improved communication on WUSA's advocacy initiatives and clearer pathways to get involved
3) Development of a strategic plan for WUSA Events, and re-opening of the Bombshelter as a bookable event venue for student groups while we through all of the hoops required to finance/get approvals for major renos

What is it that students WANT out of campus life that WUSA with all its resources is uniquely situated to provide? It's been a while since WUSA's critically reflected on why it runs the events it does and how it decides what to run. A lot of events are done because they've ALWAYS been done. I think it's worth re-evaluating what it is current students want and setting aside the budget and expertise to make those things happen. Moreover, The Bombshelter Pub has just been sitting as dead storage space since it was shuttered almost 5 years ago. The stage, dancefloor, seating, sound, and light system are all still there. While we secure the right approvals/building permits to properly renovate the space, it can stay open for a good 1-2 years if we just clean it out and patch it up a bit.)

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

As WUSA's VPED and now President, I've been around a while. I have a lot of context on where we've been, where we are, and where we're (currently) planning on going, and I hope to be a useful resource to the new Pres, VP, and Board. These roles aren't easy- I can't stress how much bureaucracy and barriers you run into trying to make positive change on this campus. If you appreciate the work I've been doing thus far, let me pass on my knowledge, see projects through, and graduate knowing I've done all I can to improve this place.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Syemowe@uwaterloo.ca
Insta: pancakesghost
Reddit: u/pancakesghost

Past Experiences:
- Advocacy Chair of the Undergraduate of Canadian Research-Intensive Universities (UCRU)
- VP Finance of Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance
- VP, Operations and Social Director of Environment Student Society
- Environment Councillor for WUSA Student Council
- Waterloo Environment Students' Endowment Fund (WESEF) Chair
- O-Week Leader
- Social Impact Living Learning Community Peer Leader

Top three platform points

- Advocating for the best interest of students in terms of accessibility and affordability of education.
- Improving student representation on university committees and working groups to better reflect the student voice.
- Developing a strategic plan to address student concerns and improve the overall student experience.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

As a candidate for the WUSA Board of Directors, my top three platform points are:

- Advocating for the best interest of students in terms of accessibility and affordability of education.
- Improving student representation on university committees and working groups to better reflect the student voice.
- Developing a strategic plan to address student concerns and improve the overall student experience.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

instagram: @anshul.ruhil
email: aruhil@uwaterloo.ca

- Advocating for the best interest of students in terms of accessibility and affordability of education:"Accessibility and affordability are crucial factors in the university experience. With the current housing crisis, high tuition, and economic recession, it's become financially stressful for many students. I aim to introduce need-based scholarships and financial aid programs to alleviate these financial pressures and provide the best education possible to every student.

- Improving student representation on university committees and working groups: "Student representation is essential in shaping the university experience. Unfortunately, when the majority of students are dissatisfied with a course or its staff, no action is taken. I plan to change this as a director, by improving student representation on university committees and working groups. This way, the student voice can be better reflected and acted upon."

- Developing a strategic plan to address student concerns and improve the overall student experience: "Improving the overall student experience requires a strategic plan. I will work towards addressing student concerns and creating a more positive university experience. From academic resources to mental health support, I am dedicated to ensuring that every student has the best possible college experience."

Top three platform points

- will advocate for Longer Lunch breaks
- will make Tuesday taco Tuesday
- can possibly make no school days
- Sloppy joe days

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

I am for the mandems #JaneBabies Vote me if u wanna see the change in jane.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

@ivan.la_

ila@uwaterloo.ca

Top three platform points

I am running for WUSA's Board of Directors with the following overarching goals:
- Prioritizing transparency and engagement with the undergraduate student body to best understand what policies and services are truly benefitting students.
- Improving and maintaining services that students benefit from every day.
- Reducing financial barriers for students within the University of Waterloo.

I look forward to developing a collaborative relationship with directors, president, vice-president, WUSA staff, and other stakeholders to facilitate timely reactions to students' developing needs.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

I worked as a newspaper reporter in Strathroy, Ontario for approximately two years before attending University of Waterloo. I believe I can bring a level of life-experience and some unique perspectives to many of the types of discussions WUSA's Board of Directors is having. I have a working knowledge of business, government, student life, and many more subjects that could contribute meaningfully to WUSA's leadership.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Instagram: @mckinleyleonardscott
Email: m3leonar@uwaterloo.ca

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or suggestions. I look forward to speaking with and learning what matters most to you.

Top three platform points

Making student housing easier
Are you reluctant about signing a lease with Waterloo’s megacorps because rumour goes that you may not receive interest on your deposit? I will strive to ease housing concerns by initiating a verified landlord and buildings review platform that will ease housing concerns.
I will work on publicly disclosing information about the steps/rules required by both the subtenant and tenant, along with a sublet agreement template that both parties can use.

Improving the co-op experience
Having been through my first ever co-op cycle; they're stressful.
I can bring on a fresh perspective on the outlook of student co-op. First, I will work with CCE to improve support for job search and employment process by: making PD available as an open-source courseware, encouraging more PD course reworks, and pushing for employers to post salary on WaterlooWorks.

Improving mental health support
Many students feel as though they are not directed to the right resources for mental health support. I will work on improving student access to Waterloo's AccessAbility Services (AAS). Currently, the hours for counselling services run from M-F 8:30 - 4:30... which is when the vast majority of students are in class. By opening up more evening/after school hours for counselling services and shortening the request response times I believe this will increase inclusivity.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

Being actively involved with the student government body for 4+ years and graduating as class valedictorian proves to be a milestone of my pursuit of student advocacy. I am passionate about becoming the agents of change for all of us.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/chevin-jeon-9663b3230/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cxxvin/
Email c8jeon@uwaterloo.ca

Top three platform points

To increase the transparency of WUSA governance and board decisions to the undergraduate body.

To provide better and more support towards WUSA-affiliated clubs and societies.

To improve campus life and expand support for academic and career development for the student body.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

• Experience: I have been a dedicated and active member of various student organizations during the past year. Throughout that time, I have undertaken executive roles under WUSA clubs and an active role in student societies.
• Transparent and accountable: I am committed to being transparent and accountable in my leadership, and I will always strive to be responsive to the needs of the student body; this includes opening up more forums for constructive critiques of WUSA and comprehensive disclosures on finances.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Work to make WUSA more accessible to all students, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

To expand on accessibility and inclusivity, I want to expand on policies that advocate for cultural diversity in our university. One of these policies will be the BIDET plan. We have a significant demographic that uses bidets, yet our university cannot provide them. I plan on introducing more bidets to the washrooms in our university, to make them more accessible and inclusive to the representative student body. For questions and clarifications, you can find me on my email at rvcarung@uwaterloo.ca and IG: v.ince._

Top three platform points

- Continue Advocating for a better coop experience: having more job postings, improving the matching algorithm, and ensuring job description accuracy.
- Continue working on student engagement in WUSA government. Uncontested presidency again!
- Explore options and create WUSA's own mental health services.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

I am running for re-election because I fulfilled my promises last year: I advocated for better coop student treatment by penalizing unethical employers, outreached to the Uni's coop department to attract more US-based employers to hire on WW and persuaded the Board to establish communication channels with students.
If I am re-elected, I will continue amplifying your voices.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

instagram: j._.lan
email: jay.lan@uwaterloo.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-lan-726534203/

Top three platform points

MENTAL HEALTH - Resources need to be easily accessible and more visible and the process of seeking support needs to be more transparent
CO-OP - Students in non-STEM programs need more opportunities and students in STEM programs should have more options to make Waterlooworks feel more viable
HOUSING - students deserve to have a safe and clean home to go to, where they know their rights

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

As someone who has worked in Student Affairs at St. Jerome's and in the Student Service Centre at the Office of the Registrar, I have the perspective and knowledge of both the administrative side of the University of Waterloo and life as a student on a post-Covid campus. I believe students should be able to enjoy their undergraduate experience as more than just a grind to a degree – it’s also a time to make good memories and find the support they deserve when they need it.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Reach out to me at:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thamilnee-sivakumaran/
Instagram: @thamilnee

Top three platform points

1. Provide greater accessibility and transparency to the students about the workings of their elected student body.
2. Raise issues like Housing Crisis, University Policies and limited resource availability and be a strong advocate.
3. Act decisively on the motions and proposed initiatives and ensure WUSA is of the students, for the students, and by the students.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

As a candidate for WUSA director, I plan to bring a unique experience to my role as an international student. Being an international student can be challenging and having experienced these challenges firsthand, is why I would work with WUSA to ensure all students regardless of their residency status or background get ample accessibility and support in our university.
I believe I have ample leadership experience which I have received during my time as either executive or a member of various clubs and student bodies.
I am confident in my abilities to serve and represent all students with effectiveness because of my enthusiasm and dedication.

I look forward to being of your service.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Strong Advocacy
-I will make sure the voice of every student at our university is amplified and heard combined with decisive action.

Addressing issues of Urgency
-Waterloo student community has been facing several issues ranging from Housing Crisis to lack of transparency. I pledge to change that and make you all heard.

Unique Experience
-Being an international student, I can bring a unique perspective on the table which will benefit every student in numerous ways.

Accountable Leader
-I am a longstanding believer in self- "accountability and would keep the WUSA Executive Body accountable to the students who elected us.

Reconciled Leadership
-I have ample leadership experience derived from various leadership roles in different clubs and societies at UWaterloo. This will reconcile into a strong leadership.

Email: vedant.grover@uwaterloo.ca
Instagram: @vedant4wusadirector

Top three platform points

-> Clarity/Transparency: Improving fluid communication between the student body and WUSA so students can be made aware of the services and rights they are entitled to is an imminent need of the hour and will be my focus. Methods of easy access to Mental health resources, coop help resources, housing advice and services and so on should not be something we have to actively look up but instead something that is organically known to us via clear communication and publication of these sources.

-> Tuition/ Ancillary Fees/ Unannounced Fees: The extreme disparity in international student tuition, a lack of clarity in ancillary fee usage and various incidental fees we are unaware of till its too late, such as course specific, or class specific fees are all issues I wish to bring to the table. This would include advocating for a standardized cost within courses alongside a clear-cut method, website or additions to Quest to showcase fees for materials and syllabi for each class well in advance and possibly even PD course reworks.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

Some experiences I have are being a part of the OUSA conference last year, discussing major policies including tuition, ancillary fees and student employment and introducing changes in the same to help improve student experiences throughout Ontario.

I’ve been actively involved in student government in earlier years, managing student governmental affairs for over 10,000 students, as well as being involved in multiple club activities and events.

Most importantly, however, I'm here because I have an avid interest in student advocacy and helping to be a medium of change for all of us. Also, being an international as well as a first year student can help me bring a rather unique perspective into the board as well as know the needs of and help boost further involvement from students who are comparatively newer to the university.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

If you would like to talk in further detail about the points above, or about anything at all, do reach out!

Instagram: @viswanath487

Mail: vpraveen@uwaterloo.ca

Top three platform points

- Current Student Ambassador with the Faculty of Environment
- Current 2nd Year Representative for the Legal Studies Society
- Hoping to become even more active with Fall 2023 orientation!

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

Vote for me as Director in the 2023 General Election because I am dedicated to representing the voices and concerns of all students. I have experience in representing and engaging with students not just in my home Faculty of Environment, but students across campus too. I believe my involvement in student societies and faculties has taught me the ability to work tirelessly to ensure the needs and wants of UW’s undergrads are met. If you’re into having effective and transparent student leadership that keeps you involved, vote for me!

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

If you have any questions or issues you want addressed, email me or hit my DM’s – alex.chaban7@gmail.com @alexchaban12