Shaila Kibria
4th year in English and History
Ticket: Progress
Website: www.voteprogress.ca

Past and Present U of T Involvement: Currently I am a student governor on the University of Toronto’s Governing Council. I am also the former EPUS President (Erindale Part-time Undergraduate Student’s Association), and am currently serving as Vice-President of APUS (Association of Part-time Undergraduate Students) and Commissioner of SAC (since 2002). Additionally, This year I helped organized events such as the Lunar New Year, a Malcolm X commemoration and seminars on women’s issues, such as “Take Control of Your Life”. Further, I have founded the UTM food bank and child care committee and taken the concerns of all students (domestic and international) to the Ontario Legislature, where I’ve met with 23 MPPs.

Platform: Team Progress is dedicated to a diverse campus that acknowledges and embraces the differences of all students. As VP Equity I pledge to: Fight the International Fee Increase, work for more Halal, Kosher and Vegetarian Food Options on campus, lobby to ensure class schedules do not conflict with prayer times, work for more affordable childcare spaces, work to get more diverse courses on campus (like African History courses, etc), and fight all forms of discrimination.

Why You?: I have realized the needs of students on campus and turned them into concrete actions. Through responding to gender and disability issues, as well as the lack of diversity in SAC, I have demonstrated strong leadership that distinguishes me from my fellow competitors. Under my leadership students have undertaken initiatives to: establish daycare on campus, create a blueprint for broad accessibility throughout campus and successfully advocated for academic courses that promote diversity at the university. I believe I am the candidate with the experience necessary to make change on campus.

Last book you read that was not assigned for a class: Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen

What do you take in your coffee?: Nothing…I like the real taste of dark, hot, coffee.

Sakshi Mehta
21 years old, 3rd year studying Economics and Poli. Sci.
Ticket: Diversity
Website: www.votediversity.com

Past and present involvement at U of T: This year, I was the Conferences Director at the UN Society. My responsibilities required me to coordinate many different things, such as the amount of people going, hotels rooms, buses, etc. Furthermore, I was on the executive of the Cuts for Cancer program this year, helping to organize, fundraise for, and raise awareness about cancer which kills so many people every year. At the same time, I’ve volunteered at lots of organizations outside U of T during this and previous years, such as the Epilepsy Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Children’s Milk Festival of the Arts.

Platform: The Vice President of Equity is meant to ensure that everyone at U of T has an amazing undergraduate university experience, regardless of their sexual orientation, religion, gender, ethnicity or disabilities. I plan to make sure that there are more positive spaces next year, and to ensure that more students are educated about homosexuality, since the fundamental truth about all discrimination is that it is based on ignorance. I plan to ensure that there are more Halal, Kosher and vegetarian food options on campus. Furthermore, I wish to lobby the University to institutionalize the procedures for missing prominent religious and ethnic holidays such as Yom-Kippur, Eid, Chinese New Year and Diwali. I also want to work towards having lights installed in Queen’s Park for nighttime safety. Finally, I wish to lobby for swift snow removal on campus, so as to allow wheelchair students easier accessibility.

Why you?: I want to help people, and make their experience here at U of T great. I think my desire to be pro-active, to actually use my powers and make a difference is what makes me stand out…I want to undertake lots of initiatives next year. My experience as conferences director has taught me how to juggle many things at the same time, how to delegate duties and managing skills. My volunteer work with various different charitable organizations has given me a deep appreciation of everyone’s potential…I will make sure everyone can reach it, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, disability etc.

The last book you read that was not assigned for a class?: Angela’s Ashes, by Frank McCourt

What do you take in your coffee?: Only milk and no coffee. My favourite drink would have to be a cold glass of chocolate milk with cookies.

Alan Rosenhoch
20 years old, in 3rd year Poli. Sci., Sociology, and American Studies
Ticket: We the Students
Website: www.wethestudents.ca

Past and Present U of T Involvement: I have been a member of the U of T Varsity Blues Field Lacrosse team since fall 2003 (two seasons). As well, over my three years here at U of T, I have participated in a total of 10 Intramural seasons over four different sports (soccer, hockey, lacrosse and basketball). In fact, last night (Tuesday, March 1) I won my first ever Intramural Championship playing for St. Mike’s/UTM Lacrosse team. I am also a member of the Jewish Culture Club and a member of Hillel U of T.

Platform: I want to expand and improve the Positive Space campaign. I will expand Positive Space by pro-actively teaching and enforcing the ideals of Positive Space throughout the entire St. George and Erindale campuses. Furthermore, I believe that Positive Space should not be limited to matters of sexual discrimination. I feel Positive Space is one of the most effective entities in the fight against discrimination of all kinds, and limiting it is detrimental to this fight. I will work closely with the U of T Accessibility Committee to enhance not only the academic lives of peoples with disabilities, but also their social lives at U of T. I strongly believe that the skills and friendships gained at University through an active social life are as important as the educational skill. I also plan to lobby the administration and private on-campus businesses to reserve and create more jobs for international students.

Why You?: I strongly believe that one of my top credentials is the fact that I have not been involved within SAC in the past. I have, however, always kept a watchful eye from the perimeter, and I have seen how SAC has become politicized and out of touch with the student body. I have had a vested interest in helping people with disabilities since I was five years old, when my brother David was born with Down syndrome. This experience has instilled within me a passion and drive that makes me the best candidate to be your VP Equity.

Last book you read that was not assigned for a class: Be Cool, by Leonard Elmore (Motion picture premieres in theatres this Friday!)

What do you take in your coffee?: Nothin’ but beans and water.

Daniel Roth
23 years old, in 3rd year English, Political Science, and Jewish Studies
Ticket: New Deal
Website: www.votenewdeal.com

Past and Present U of T involvement: I have founded and am currently the president of a progressive Jewish group on Campus. It is called Hashomer Hatzair-Kidma. I have been an active progressive voice in Hillel, and I am currently an associate News Editor for The Varsity.

Platform: I have a number of initiatives that I would like to push forth, including empowering Accesibility services to be able to repremand professors that do not aid students that are in need. Over all, I hope to open up the equity commission to ALL students, so that every voice is heard, so that changes are made on all levels, not just the few areas that one individual can see.

Why You?: I have a ridiculous amount of leadership experience. I am open minded and progressive. I am organized and have a plan that will include every student in making U of T more equitable. I am cool too, though I suppose saying that makes me less cool.

Last book you read that was not assigned for a class: The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

What do you take in your coffee?: Double Double.

Guanyan Vicky Liu
No response.