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My Presidential Platform consists of two overarching branches that will enhance the opportunities, resources and leadership provided by your Students’ Union. By utilizing student feedback and opinion, I have created a strategy that will address important issues and promote positive change within the Laurier community.

 

I believe that as president, the ideas put forward within my platform will align with the goals of the Students' Union. Any costs associated should be justified by results in terms of: representation and advocacy, providing a safe, sustainable and empowering environment, increasing diverse social interaction, and improving the services for all students here at Laurier.

PLATFORM

1. Communication & Transparency

  •       Weekly On-Campus Availability

 

If elected, I would implement weekly on-campus availability at both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. In contrast to traditional office hours, these hours would aim to enhance the transparency and availability by selecting high traffic areas on campus as meeting locations. These would include places such as the Science Atrium (Courtyard), Schlegel Atrium, Concourse, Carnegie Building, Student Centre, and RCW. This proactive measure would enrich the students relationship with the Students’ Union by encouraging diverse social interactions. Weekly availability will provide all students with an informal and welcoming setting to ask questions, provide input and receive information about student services.

 

  •      Remodeled Students’ Union Website

 

If elected, I would work to introduce a remodeled and repurposed Students’ Union website. A more interactive and user-friendly web presence will improve the overall communication and accessibility of the Students’ Union. This will enable a more informed and less stressful student experience at both campuses. A new function of the website would be implemented to make the Students’ Union website a “one stop shop” for resources and information which add value to the student experience. These services include:
 

  • academics

  • health and wellbeing

  • community engagement

  • campus activities 

  • off-campus housing information

  • student finances


The website would further support Laurier's compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards. An improved website will enhance the communication and transparency provided by the Students’ Union.

 

  •      Integrated Laurier App

 

If elected, I would like to continue the research and development of a new Laurier app for smartphones. After meeting with Ken Boyd, director of ICT, an internal partnership between the Students’ Union and the ICT department of the university could be developed to streamline this process, ensuring the creation of a useful, quality tool for the student body . This App would provide students' with more accessible ways to engage in Laurier student services. I believe we should use resources at our school effectively to minimize costs. The costs for this application would be absorbed by the ICT department. The Students' Union assistance in this development would mostly involve the marketing, validating, and testing of the app. As well, advocate on behalf of students to ensure that the app is operating efficiently. Features that will be quickly accessible through smart phones consist of:

 

  • class schedules

  • grades

  • campus directories

  • subscribed RSS feeds 

 

Facilitating and prioritizing this partnership could allow a quality product to be available to all students.

 

 

  • Improved ITS/ICT Services

 

The internet on-campus has been a ongoing issue for students for several years. In order to address this issue, the Students' Union must advocate to the ITS department regarding student troubleshooting on both the Waterloo and Brantford campus. Common areas known for troubleshooting include certain areas in academic buildings and classrooms. 

 

Through discussion and meetings with representatives from the ITS/ICT department, it has become apparent that they have the budget to rectify these internet problems. As the Students' Union President, I will continue to survey and receive feedback from students which in turn will allow ITS to better address the needs of its users. Through advocating and strengthening relationships between organizations I believe that we can improve the student experience with technology on-campus. 

 

 

  •      Bike Share Initiative

 

There is a motion within the City of Waterloo to install a Bike Share program comparable to those already existing in cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. As the leader of the student body, it is important to create a mutually beneficial and sustainable Laurier community. The Grand River Public Bike Share is in the process of installing 100 bikes and 10 docking stations at various public locations around the city. The Laurier EcoHawks have already actively supported this Bike Share Initiative.

 

I would like to strengthen the relationship between The Grand River Public Bike Share and the Laurier community to ensure the placement of a bike terminal on the Waterloo campus. I am in contact with both the Bike Share Program and The EcoHawks to determine what steps must now be taken to bring this program to the students of Wilfrid Laurier as quickly as possible. This new initiative will align with campus sustainability trends and policies, upholding goals set out in partnership with The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

 

  • Terrace Patio and Green Space

 

The new terrace expansion has created what I believe to be an under used space at the entrance of the Food Court. I think this area can be developed into a more effective, environmentally conscious, and sustainable use. I would like to use part of the Student Life Levy to develop a green space and patio in the concrete entrance area outside the Terrace. This project would be developed with the help of the Sustainability Office and other campus partners, in conjunction with the Laurier Sustainability Office:
 

  • Laurier Sustainability action plan

  • Wilfrid Laurier University Sustainability policy

  • WLU campus master plan


This will create a distinct campus identity, more efficient use of landspace, and provide students with an environmentally friendly study space.

 

 

2. Enhancing the Goldenhawk Experience

Along with the pillars I hope to implement, I would also like to see a continual push for improved mental health on campus. I believe that mental health is an important issue that must be addressed. I will continue to support the clubs and services already on campus and push to advocate for a stronger, healthier student body. I believe that it is important to uphold the Students' Union's fiscal responsibility, which is why I am proposing cost effective solutions. I will continue to advocate for campus safety, making sure every student on campus feels safe, and that Laurier can provide them with a home away from home.

 

 

Additional Concerns

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