Christopher Chadwick
20 years old; 2nd year; Studying International Relations and Commerce
Ticket: We the Students
Website: www.wethestudents.ca
Past and present involvement at U of T: Perhaps the most rewarding of my involvements here at U of T was that of the U of T Games. As both host and head-coordinator of the U of T Games Committee, I worked to ensure that a successful “U of T Games” was held during last year’s frosh week, an experience that challenged my skills both as a team leader and as a social coordinator. As VP Operations, one must be prepared to work alongside numerous individuals on a regular basis while maintaining a positive work mentality; something I am more than capable of doing.
Platform: Aside from fostering a culture of accountability through ensuring that every SAC executive is evaluated on a regular basis, I am also looking forward to establishing a true sense of fiscal transparency, leaving no room for the financial ambiguity that has engulfed SAC over the past few years. SAC is in need of an executive that steers free of mismanagement of both funds and people. As VP Operations, I am confident that I can work to instill the fundamental values required to promote a competent Student Administrative Council that works for students – not above students. No student deserves to have his or her money exploited. Students have the right to know exactly where their cents are going and are entitled to receiving the full benefits that SAC has to offer. It is simply a matter of electing individuals who truly appreciate the relationship between SAC and the students.
Why you?: Much like a well working grandfather clock, SAC requires that all of its components be in fine tune. Although I am proud of my organizational skills, work ethic, and financial understanding, I do not feel that these two traits justify why I am the “best” candidate for the job. What qualifies me to serve as a successful and efficient VP Operations above all, is my innate ability to interact superbly well with others in a variety of social settings, whether it be professional or casual. My ability to ensure that individuals work successfully together is what will permit me to perform the duties of VP Operations.
The last book you read that was not assigned for a class: Citizen Hughes, by Michael Drosnin
How do you take your coffee?: Iced
Tabatha Cyrus
21 years old; 2nd year; Studying Criminology, Ethics, Society & Law, and Poli. Sci.
Ticket: New Deal
Website: www.votenewdeal.com
Past and present involvement at U of T: Last year, I was involved in activities at the 89 Chestnut Residence as the commissioner of both the Outreach and Clubs its council. I then took on Presidency of the 8th floor council, and penned the building’s Clubs handbook. This year, my involvement has been greater and more rounded. Still leading the Chestnut Clubs Commission, I also organized and lead the Chestnut entry to the U of T games, and founded the Philanthropic Association in the residence. I helped with this year’s Woodsworth orientation, volunteered for the U of T games, and became the Deputy Vice- President of Student Life.
Platform: I believe in fiscal responsibility and transparency. I believe that the students have the right to question the SAC’s expenditures and should be made aware of said expenditures-a belief which can be actualized by publishing the budget in campus media. I believe that an elected and accountable voice for student clubs is a right and not a privilege. I believe in increasing the number of TTC metropass sale locations so that students do not have to wait in long lines for hours. Finally, I believe in allocating the students funds towards popular and demanded events. It is time for a NEW DEAL from our Student’s Administrative Council.
Why you?: I don’t believe in shameless self-promotion. My platform and experience speak best for my abilities as VP of Operations, and I’ll leave it at that.
The last book you read that was not assigned for a class: Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury.
What do you take in your coffee?: I don’t drink coffee. I prefer peppermint tea, and I take that black.
Li Dai
20 years old; 3rd year; Studying Commerce
Ticket: Evolution
Website: www.voteevolution.com
Past and present involvement at U of T: I served as a peer counselor and planned events for the Taiwanese Club in my first year. With my growing interest in Commerce I joined the Commerce Society as a class representative, announcing events and acting as a liason for students. I currently volunteer for the Accessibility Resource Centre and I’m actively involved in the Chinese Undergraduate Association and Environmental Association. This is my first time participating in student politics and I am passionate about making students’ wishes come true.
Platform:
EXTEND TUITION FREEZE and MORE SCHOLARSHIPS – Lobby 3 levels of the government to Continue the 2 Year Tuition Freeze, Especially for Deregulated Programs Experiencing Large Fee Hikes and Seek Corporate Funding for More Scholarships
REDUCE TEXBOOK TURNOVER RATE – Appeal to Publishers and Professors to Reduce Textbook Turnover Rate to Save Students on Books Every Year
ADVERTISE ROSI OPT-OUT OPTION FOR REFUNDS – Effectively Publicize the Opt-Out Options for SAC Health and Dental Plans on ROSI, for which Students can Receive up to $200 in Refunds
MORE COMPUTERS AND STUDY SPACE – Lobby for More Investment in Computers and Study Space on Both Campuses to Reduce Line-ups
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WORKING PERMITS – Lobby the Federal Government to Grant International Students Working Permits under Reasonable Conditions
Why you?: U of T undergraduates need a truly hard-working and dedicated individual to serve as SAC’s VP of Operations because within this jurisdiction lies matters regarding student finances. I am extremely driven and have talked with numerous individuals about the changes they wish for on both campuses. I will use my education in finance and experience in raising efficiency and profits at a radio station to increase financial accountability and transparency. I want to make SAC work for all students.
The last book you read that was not assigned for a class: Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
What do you take in your coffee?: Milk and Sugar
Monique Ferdinand
23 years old; 4th year; Studying Commerce, Life Sci., and Psychology
Ticket: Progress
Website: www.voteprogress.ca
Past and present involvement at U of T: I’m the current Deputy Vice-President and Secretariat of the University Affairs commission; I also sit on the SAC Board of Directors as the New College Representative. I was a former Vice President Administration and a Social Director on the New College Student Council. For two years I helped organized events and managed the internal affairs of our council. This year as a SAC Deputy I was a coordinator of the usedbook exchange that saved students $40,000 in textbook costs.
Platform: As a member of the Progress team, I have signed a contract with students promising if we as a team do not fulfill our promises each of us will refund 5% of our pay back to students. Therefore, as VP Operations I will be especially accountable for our goals of running a Deficit-Free Orientation and ensuring the Clubs budget is increased by at least 50%. As VP Operations I will also negotiate more from our health and dental plan, including optometrist visits and greater dental coverage. I will increase both the student services (free stuff!) on campus and the also student awareness of these services, while shortening TTC metro pass lines by opening more sale locations on campus (for example The Engineering Stores, St Mikes, New).
Why you?: I am the best candidate because of my experience and commitment to students. As a former executive member of the New College Student Council, I have experience managing the affairs and communication of a student organization. This year as a SAC Director I have increased the accountability of SAC affairs to my constituents at New. Also, I was a member of the Finance Committee helping balance the SAC budget after facing a large deficit at the beginning of the year. I have proven experience in saving students’ time and money.
The last book you read that was not assigned for a class: The Polished Hoe, by Austin Clarke
What do you take in your coffee?: I prefer tea. But I’ve somehow managed to be a full time student and campaign in the SAC elections caffeine-free.
Zain Zahid Shafiq
19 years old; 3rd year; Studying Economics, Poli. Sci., and International Relations
Ticket: Diversity
Website: www.votediversity.com
Past and present involvement at U of T: I am currently the treasurer of APSS, which is the course union for all political science students at U of T. I manage their accounts, and have done so with no problems, in a professional and thorough manner. Also, in first year, I alone successfully lobbied Trinity College to provide Halal food for all Muslim students in residence, who were previously unable to eat the food provided as it did not meet their religious specifications. Other than this, I am an active member of the Model UN club, as well as having participated in the Debates club in first year.
Platform: First and foremost, we want to change SAC. We believe that it is unresponsive to the needs of students, most of who just don’t feel that it is relevant. Many students have told me that they feel SAC is too cliquey and inefficient. We will SAC more open and better managed by getting students involved. We plan to do this by having well administered (no Wonderland repeats!) and advertised events early next year. Furthermore, we will impose one year term limitations on SAC executives to depoliticize it. Also, we will eliminate metropass lines. We propose to do this by having the TTC institute an 8 month university year plan, in which they will mail the metropass directly to your place of residence, saving you the wait in freezing weather. Finally, we will lobby to make sure that the tuition freeze that is in place is not cancelled.
Why You?: To do this job, you need a combination of experience and vision. I believe SAC needs change …I definitely have a vision about where I want SAC to go: become a better managed and more flexible student union that responds to students. I have the experience to make this happen…I’ve lobbied the Trinity administration to start a Halal program by myself. Also, I am treasurer of APSS. Furthermore, I worked at a franchisee operation for two years, helping to manage their accounts, which ran into the millions of dollars. I have the financial experience necessary to know how to manage SAC.
The last book you read that was not assigned for a class: Nineteen Eighty Four, by George Orwell
What do you take in your coffee?: French Vanilla Cappuccino with whipped cream. Viva Tim Hortons!
