Compiled by Nicole Elsasser

The Central Student Association elections are upon us with voting running from Mar. 8 -12. And whether or not you are personally enthusiastic about student politics, the candidates running for the executive positions in the CSA are among the most involved and passionate members of the University of Guelph student community. The candidates chose to run for one of the five available commissioner positions based on what they felt they were most qualified for or interested in about the work that the CSA does. Those interested in the Academic and University Affairs Commissioner can expect to advocate for students in matters relating specifically to the university in general. This includes working with student representatives at a number of levels, including Student Senate Caucus, College Governments and Program/Curriculum Committees. The Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner is the mouthpiece of the CSA and works to communicate with students about what the organization offers and any changes or issues that arise within it. The External Affairs Commissioner is responsible for representing student views outside of the university on a number of levels including local, provincial, federal and global levels. This position works directly with outside unions, including the Canadian Federation of Students, to ensure the student voice is heard. The Local Affairs Commissioner represents students in their concerns about living in the city of Guelph. This individual works directly on tenancy issues and their most well known work is the various issues that arise from transit. Lastly, the Human Resources & Operations Commissioner maintains the organization of the CSA from the inside. The work with various clubs and CSA-run organizations as well as managing the CSA Health and Dental Plan.

Students have the power during the voting period, not only to choose who will represent them in the aforementioned positions, but also to vote on a number of referendum questions. The most highly publicized of these is the question about the U of G universal transit pass price increase, but there are others being raised as well.

How will your character, experiences and qualifications enable you to better the individual student experience in your desired CSA executive position?

Academic & University Affairs Commissioner

Shireen Noble

The most important experience for this position for me is that I am a student. I’ve lived, worked, and volunteered here, and I’m aware that the decisions made by the Academic & University Affairs Commissioner can affect your experience here. This has also made me aware of how varied the student experience can be, and why YOU need representation when decisions are made.

The university faces having to make a number of cuts next year. I’m committed to engaging you in this process so we can make the best possible choices. It’s essential for all commissioners to work together to run efficiently, and I’m excited to work with any of your candidates.

When we graduate from Guelph, I want us to be proud to be from here, and I want to be part of making that happen. So when you vote, make the Noble choice and vote for Shireen.

Kevin Bowman

In my 4 and a half years at Guelph I have had experience with many facets of student life at Guelph: academics, athletics, clubs, student government, living in residence both as a student and as an Residence Assistant, living off campus, financial difficulty and many more. Most importantly I understand the difficult task of balancing these things with the rest of life: friends, family and health to name a few. As a recent graduate I have no other obligations to distract me from my duties as Academic and University Affairs Commissioner and I intend to use this advantage to dedicate myself entirely to the task of accurately and responsibly representing the student body. Unfortunately none of the three candidates (myself included) are particularly experienced in academic policy compared with previous Academic Commissioners. Such as it is, I believe my competence, dedication and lack of other obligations make me the best choice.

Roisin Lyder

The individual student experience is improved when we elect representatives who are devoted to defending student interests (at the university, local, provincial and national levels). As your Academic and University Affairs Commissioner I will be committed to advocating for the academic diversity and quality of this institution, even in the face of budget constraints.

Working with numerous clubs, organizations and campaigns on campus has taught me that students want more effective representation from the CSA. My experience sitting on the CSA board of directors has given me the working knowledge of the organization that I will need to effectively implement changes.

My friendly, approachable and inclusive nature makes me a good resource for students with academic questions and concerns. At the same time, my strong belief in the importance of accurately and effectively representing students will mean that I’m never afraid to tackle controversial issues should they arise.

Communications & Corporate Affairs Commissioner

Eric Timmie Fortier

During my time at the University of Guelph I have been able to develop several skills, though my experiences, which I believe will aid me in representing the undergraduate community. I have always been interested in the views of others, and I have a great passion for raising awareness to grassroots that would otherwise go unheard. My experience on campus has allowed me to work with many various groups; this has given me many perspectives on how students needs differ within the university population, and even within specific groups. I believe the most important aspects of being a representative of the student voice is the ability to be both aware and give consideration to the entire student populous.

Most importantly when improving the individual’s experience, I would approach the students on a personal level that they are able to relate to. I’m Timmie and I want to ‘Take U Forward.’

Demetria Jackson

Being a student at the University of Guelph is all about getting involved; be it events, clubs, sports, or student government, being active defines the University of Guelph experience. I believe that I am the best person for the Communications & Corporate Affairs Commissioner position because I am personable. The experience of being a Student Ambassador during my first year has enabled me to approach students and introduce myself with ease. My involvement with the Ontario Public Interest Research Group has increased my awareness of conflict and respect for diverse opinions. Students need someone who will keep them regularly informed about events and important issues. I plan to use social networking sites and weekly podcasts to keep you ‘in the know’ about the ways you can improve your student experience at the University of Guelph. If you want transparent action, vote Demetria Jackson.

External Affairs Commissioner

Denise Martins

Although I have a lot of background around our university, I am especially experienced with this commissioner’s portfolio. I’ve worked closely with both this year’s and last year’s External Affairs Commissioners. This year I also sat on the Drop Fees committee (which is facilitated by the External Affairs Commissioner) and collectively we organized Guelph’s day of action against student fees. While collecting signatures, I met many students that were genuinely struggling to make ends meet. I have had the same fears and struggles myself but this experience allowed me to talk to students first-hand and realize that we all want to rant: we all want our voices heard and we want someone to listen and understand what we go through. The CSA is here for students. Let’s listen.

Curtis Batuszkin

I am well known across campus for my open mind, humorous demeanour, and full-bodied laugh. I am a political moderate with an open mind to discuss any idea, even ideas that I may not originally agree with. My experiences with student groups stems back almost 4 years with my first job as an RA in Mills that sparked a desire to become more active on campus. I am a passionate and well-informed debater with a long track record of engaging in critical discussions about all matters involving our student life. I have demonstrated my resolve to tackling controversial issues such as continued membership in the CFS. I believe that the External Affairs Commissioner should be able to provide leadership opportunities and foster a desire for social change with our students. I believe that in order to do so, we must approach solidarity as beginning locally and being pursued externally.

Local Affairs Commissioner

Anastasia Zavarella

I believe I can enhance the students’ experience by helping re-orient the Central Students Association toward an advocacy model, as opposed to a governance one. Students have plenty of people governing them and it’s time their student union began to advocate for the financial, physical and social accessibility of their education. I believe in maintaining a reasonably priced buss pass, increasing safety on campus and in transit and making local farmers’ produce accessible to students. I will work in partnership with the food bank to bring Community Supported Agriculture shares to campus, as well as working with the Bike Centre to advocate for safer and more numerous bike lanes. I will work with stakeholder organizations on campus to attack the problem of growing rates of hate graffiti and sexual assault in order to produce a more safe and harmonious campus for all students. I will fight tooth and nail for students.

Shaun Karey-McKenna

There are those who wish to lump us in with high school students, and more than triple the cost of our bus pass.  I will fight them with every beat of my heart, with every ounce of my strength.  All I have to give is blood, sweat and tears, and give them I will.  I promise that every day when you pass by my office I will be sweating, I will be bleeding, and I will be crying; for you.  From my days as the Finance Committee Chair of the University Centre, I have garnered much experience in how the University politics work, and have more than once tested my mettle against those who wish to unfairly raise student fees and exploit the student population.  Let me be your voice in Guelph and we shall usher in a new era, an era in which the student voice is heard and respected throughout City Hall.

Human Resources & Operations Commissioner

Alexander Moore

I have had a wide range of campus involvement, including RLS, Interhall, club executive, and most currently working as the Clubs Coordinator and Staff Rep for the CSA. My work in RLS and activism on campus has given me an in-depth understanding of how student organizations function on campus and given me the crisis and conflict management skills that are essential for the HR&O position. Working as the Clubs Coordinator and Staff Rep for the CSA has given me the opportunity to work with CSA bylaw and policy, and manage Clubs and finances. All of these skills combined give me the ability, experience, and means to know how to reach out to students and give them the services and safe inclusive space that they deserve. Every student walking into the CSA should know that it is a union elected by them, and is there to support them.

Nick Stepanov

It’s important to recognize that no one student experience is like another. Academics or athletics, working hard or party harder, growing as a group or a journey of self-discovery – university is different for everyone. As HR&O Commissioner, I must ensure that CSA benefits ALL students. My three years with the Guelph Campus Co-op, our student bookstore and housing provider, have taught me what makes a large student organization function well and how to continuously improve it. Last year the Co-op rebated over $120,000 to our members. At the end of the day, helping students financially makes the biggest difference. My work in Finance, HR and operational committees, in GCC and CSA, my education in Management Economics, and supervising of up to 40 people in the Canadian Forces have equipped me with the necessary skills and experience to run the HR&O portfolio well. But most importantly, my character, sense of duty, integrity, and community…is what ensures I will.