Thomas Brown
No response.
Santiago del Carrill
No response.
Masha Dudelzak
20 years old; 3rd year; Studying Biology & Psychology
Ticket: We the Students
Website: www.wethestudents.ca
Past and present involvement at U of T: I have been a member of the University College Literary and Athletic Society for the past two years. I am also currently a director on SAC, where I sit on the University Affairs Commission and chair the Student Bill of Rights Working group. My experience on the UC Lit has shown me how well a student council can function when there is a culture of respect and accountability. My experience on SAC has allowed me to see first hand how bad a job a small group of people can do managing our student money. This diversity of experience allows me a unique perspective on what must be done to clean up SAC.
Platform: I plan on continuing my efforts to create a Student Bill of Rights, composed of all the policies governing student conduct. I will work towards the creation of a U of T pub and a student centre. I also want to improve athletic facilities on campus by resuscitating the varsity stadium. Finally, I will work with the administration to ensure students’ needs and wants are not compromised in implementing the Rae Review. Overall, my main goal is to improve the student experience on campus, and to make that experience as affordable as possible.
Why you?: I have been involved in student government for the past two years, giving me an understanding of the intricacies of SAC.
The last book you read that was not assigned for a class: The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
What do you take your coffee?: Kahlua, but only before noon.
David Fremes
No Response.
Alice Kim
23 years old; 4th year; Studying Human Behavioural Biology
Ticket: No Name
Website: http://individual.utoronto.ca/votenoname
Past and present involvement at U of T: Two years ago, I founded the Habitat for Humanity University of Toronto Chapter (UTM and St. George) and have since co-organized reading week build opportunities for students to the US and Costa Rica. I continue to work with various students and student groups from U of T to organize build dates for their group in Toronto and to co-organize fundraisers with the El Mocambo.
I’m also a student representative on the General and Science Curriculum Committees for the Faculty of Arts and Science, and have worked on the Innis Herald executive for the last three years.
Platform:
· Increased financial assistance for students – more awards for extra- curricular involvement
· Increased club funding and encouragement for student participation in extra- curricular activities
· Better promotion of the existing student services and more focus on student needs that have not yet been attended to
· A more cooperative relationship with the university administration to improve student services
· More student feedback to improve SAC services
· More student involvement in the planning stages of SAC projects
Why you?: I’m the best candidate for the position of VP University Affairs because I’m a fresh face to SAC and I have the leadership experience and qualifications to fulfill this role effectively. I know how to bring people together to work productively, and I get things done. I’m determined to provide students with better service from SAC, and I’ve set realistic goals for the upcoming year. I will work for the good of the students, and will focus my efforts towards the changes they want to see.
The last book you read that was not assigned for a class: Lady Oracle, by Margaret Atwood
What do you take in your coffee? Two packets of brown sugar and milk.
Estefanía Toledo
4th year; Studying Poli. Sci. and History
Ticket: Progress
Website: www.voteprogress.ca
Past and present involvement at U of T: I’m currently Deputy VP–which means I’ve worked on many projects and campaigns–I coordinated Unity Through Diversity, Xpression Against Oppression and secured the most funding in Book Bursaries–the highest ever in SAC history. I am also the co-founder and former president of the Organization of Latin American Students where I established a tutoring program and scholarship for Latinos in Toronto. . I’m the Innis College Director on the SAC Board, and also the student representative on my College Council. I have worked hard to improve the student experience here at U of T and implement programs and campaigns to make that happen.
Platform: As VP Uni. Affairs, my first initiative will be to increase the funding available for book bursaries. This year I saw how the program helped students of financial need and helped to make education more accessible. I will continue to fight for increase in study space, student space, and activity space. I am fighting for Student Centre and making sure that the Varisty Stadium project is implemented and addresses the concerns of students. As part of my contract with students, I will fufill my obligation to implement 24-hour ROSI access along with my other four platform points–if not accomplished by the end of my term, I will return a percentage of my salary to students.
Why you?: Experience, commitment, and leadership. My track record speaks for itself. ALL the projects and campaigns I have worked on have been successful. I am a
candidate that brings more than experience to the table, I bring a proven record. My team is so confident of our record that we are guaranteeing certain accomplishments next year. If we don’t get these things done we will give a percentage of our salaries back to the students. Yes, SAC execs do get paid–but that’s because we are full-time lobbyers for students. The incentive behind this gesture is to indicate that I am confident and committed to fufilling my goals and team’s goals.
The last book you read that was not assigned for a class: Cien Anos de Soledad (A Hundred Years of Solitude), by Gabriel García Márquez
What do you take in your coffee?: I don’t. I take herbal tea.
Arash Wared
25 years old; 4th year; Studying Peace & Conflict and International Relations
Ticket: Diversity
Website: www.votediversity.com
Past and present involvement at U of T: I have been the president of Afghan Student Association at UofT for the last two years. Last year, as an on-campus student, I was a residence house exec. During my 3rd and 4th year at University College, I have been closely involved as the Council Secretary with the University College student government (LIT). In addition, I have closely worked with UC Orientation Week as an Orientation leader and an Executive in charge of organizing Frosh Week. Also, I have also been involved with the Model UN Society on campus and was the Elections Officer for the society last year.
Platform: Due to the lack of awareness about SAC and its immensely bureaucratic nature, the level of student involvement with SAC has remarkably diminished. With my student administrative experience, I will increase student involvement on campus by increasing funding for clubs. With an increase in student club funding, more students get involved. Also there is growing needs for new services while existing services can be improved to meet the ever changing needs of the university community. For instance, there is a growing need for facilities and services that address the religious and ethnic values of this university’s communities. For example, there is an increased demand for Halal and Kosher meal options and more prayer space for students. I will ensure these needs are met. Also I will ensure that SAC is more transparent and accountable for students with fair and democratic elections and more opportunity for new students to get involved.
Why you?: With my experience with student administration as the president of an ethnic club, secretary of college student government and an on-campus resident, I believe I have evaluated SAC’s attitude and activities from different perspectives which makes me the best candidate to run for university affairs and be considerate and concerned about all issues targeting different groups on campus. Also, not being affiliated with SAC, makes me a good candidate to bring new ideas into SAC and learn from the blunders of the more “experienced” members.
The last book you read that was not assigned for a class: Empire Lite, by Michael Ignatieff
How do you take your coffee?: Starbucks with two cream & 1 sugar.
