Top three platform points

1. Governance Reform

Our governance system is the fundamental question underlying all other issues. When Simon Fraser University adopted the governance model we use here, they almost immediately reverted back. Our current system actively holds back our directors from unapologetically advocating for student issues, and has a hand in many of the issues WUSA faces today. Horizon and I will fix this issue by passing policies such as revamping the responsibilities of Directors, and bringing our governance system in line with that of successful Student Associations and Unions across Canada.

2. Palestine and Other Advocacy Issues

Many advocacy issues, such as transit, housing, improvements to the co-op system, and following through on the Palestine referendum, are only possible to seriously address after achieving governance reform. The slow progress on advocacy issues like these is a major problem. For example, Waterloo Undergraduate students came out in huge numbers to vote YES on the referendum on divestment. WUSA needs to take this vote seriously and transform this mandate into real action to push the university to cut ties with Technion. It’s past time our Student Association takes initiative in advocating for student priorities, both on and off campus.

3. Campus Clubs and Spaces

WUSA clubs only receive $75 a term. If this doesn’t sound like much, it’s because it isn’t. This is less than almost any other university club in Ontario; we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to fix this problem. We need to look at what’s worked elsewhere and bring those improvements here. That’s just one of the many issues our campuses suffer from when it comes to fostering student culture. Another important one is the underutilization of campus spaces like the SLC Bomber Lounge. Though the Bomber Lounge has become a study space, it used to be a vibrant student environment, with performances being held every Friday. It’s time we took action and revitalized the SLC Student Lounge and other student spaces across our campuses.

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

I have years of experience independently advocating for Waterloo students. Examples include bringing Night Transit back to Waterloo and leading the drive to stop major ION cuts, when off-peak frequency was to be cut from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. I have consistently advocated for Palestine, including being a frequent speaker at rallies for Divestment. I have also worked within WUSA’s systems: I’ve founded a club and collaborated with a coalition of clubs to raise issues surrounding club financing and reimbursements. I’m proud to have created real change with Team Horizon, and ready to continue that fight as President.

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

Personal profile: https://horizonwaterloo.ca/damian
Team Horizon & Platform: https://horizonwaterloo.ca
Instagram: vote4horizon
Email: team@waterloohorizon.ca

Top three platform points

- Prioritizing student input in every decision

- Elevating student engagement within WUSA

- Connecting students and building community through events

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

I believe that building outstanding student experience is the most important service WUSA can provide. As President, I will strive to keep students at the center of every conversation. With two years on the Board of Directors, I have built a consistent track record of delivering results for students. I have created town halls and roundtables to give students a voice, made large-scale events like the 2024 concert and carnival a reality, and led the strategic planning for our most recent long-range plan. My knowledge of the WUSA system has given me the know-how to effect real change.

If you want to see me continue to advocate for students, vote Alex for President!

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

Please feel free to check out my platform below!

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/wNbwfYOic0enidnc?ref=Link

Top three platform points

Accountability & Transparency
o     Ethics and strong sense of justice and values
o     Open communication & availability to students
o     Push for policies and guidelines to be transparent (Health Services, AccessAbility Services)

Student Wellness & Services
o     Restructure CAPS into peer-to-peer support service
o     Gender Affirming Care
o     Accountability buddy program

Accessibility & System Navigation
o     Tunnel Navigation app
o     Infographics about resources available
o     Cohesion among supports already available
o     Convenience

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

I am a passionate student leader with 4 years of institutional knowledge, one year of accessibility advocacy with campus wellness. I am passionate about housing security and understand how it feels to have a bad landlord. I want to ensure that every student has access to safe housing, affordable food, and a good chance at success in their post-secondary careers.
I have first-hand experience navigating systems and accessing resources as a STEM student and have a great idea of the barriers students encounter when they need important assistance getting the proper resources. Also, I was a makeover guest on Canada’s Drag Race!

My values include:
1. Community-building, mutual aid and knowledge-sharing;
2. Co-operation, co-leading, mutual respect;
3. Trauma-informedness and cultural competency; and
4. Applying principles of decolonization.

Accomplishments
• Gender Affirming Care motion from March 2024 WUSA Annual General Meeting, and
• Wrote a motion of support of the Gaza House Encampment as a member of WCRI.

Experience
•     Member, Coop Student Equity Advisory Group (SEAG), Sept 2023 – Present
•     Member, Campus Wellness Student Advisory Council, Sept 2024 – Present
•     Member, WUSA Long-Range Planning Committee, Sept 2024 – Present
•     Member, Student Academic Accommodation Guidelines – Policy Development Committee, Jan 2024 – Present
•     Member, Studentcare Trans Coalition, Sept 2024 – Present
•     Member, Youth Gender Affirming Care Standards – Quality Standards Advisory Committee at Ontario Health, Dec 2024 – Present
•     Board Member, WCRI (Waterloo Cooperative Residence Inc., July 2024 - Dec 2024

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

Website: https://www.fridaysaleh.com/
Email: friday@uwaterloo.ca
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/friday-saleh/
Instagram: @queen__Friday