This page contains information given to us by the candidates themselves. Although we ensure a certain level of decency in their submissions, we cannot guarantee that everything presented here is entirely accurate.
Please note, as it is now outside the campaigning period, all of the candidate websites are down.
Photo Credit: John Packman and Josh Boyter.
-
President
-
Vice President Internal
-
Vice President Education
-
Vice President Student Life
-
Undergraduate Senate Representative
-
Graduate Senate Representative
-
HSA Referendum
-
DAGS VP Student Life
President
| Gregory Debogorski |
The following is only my opinion and should not be taken as fact.
Each year candidates come forward for various positions, making various promises, and each year the DSU is beseeched by the same problems and promises.
It is very difficult to combat student apathy, without first combating the fact that Dalhousie University has no school spirit. We have no unity! We have no Union! The spirit of the Dalhousie Student Union, that existed when it was created, has been forsaken! The dream for camaraderie amongst us has been lost. The DSU has turned into a bureaucratic farce that is only beneficial for a very select minority of our student population. Too many wasteful programs and "initiatives" exist; too much bureaucratic jargon and red tape exist. All the members of the union are paying their union fees; most of the members of the union are unaware of what the DSU really does or what is meant to be doing. One last thing isn't it about time the union looked at opening its arms to the Dogfather and offered him a rightful place within our building or at least on the Unions property.
|
| Courtney Larkin |
VOTE Courtney Larkin for DSU President!
Courtney has the passion and dedication to be a strong leader to lead you to the change you want to see. You can be assured that she will have a strong voice when representing and advocating for student needs to all levels of the government and the university.
This past year she has been the Vice President (Student Life) and has exceeded all expectation. The management skills and leadership role that she has acquired through being a Vice President and events such as orientation week and charity ball will be easily transfered into being an effective President.
Courtney is very focused on student engagement and recognizes the diverse lives of Dalhousie students. As President she will be a leader and a resource for all student trials and triumphs.
For more information about Courtney's experience and plans for the future please visit her official website at http://www.courtneylarkin.ca or contact her at courtney.larkin@dal.ca.
On March 18th - 20th please go to www.dsu.ca and VOTE Courtney Larkin for DSU President.
|
| Tara Gault |
My name is Tara Gault and I'm running for DSU President. Throughout the week I look forward to meeting you, listening and talking about a Union we can all be proud of.
As your current VP Education, I have the experience and the leadership to not only create necessary changes, but also to respond to the challenges that will arise throughout the year.
I imagine a DSU that engages and supports all students. The DSU is more than a building. It is more than a collection of operations and services. The DSU is a way for students of all backgrounds, experiences and interests to come together.
Together we can make the DSU more approachable, sustainable and empowered. If I get the chance to serve you as President, imagining a more approachable, sustainable and empowered DSU will become a reality.
Imagine:- Rejuvenating student spaces like the T-Room
- More support for societies
- A SUB space dedicated to diversity
- An improved transit system
- A safer community
I imagine letting students take the lead by expanding our successful leadership conference, supporting grass-roots initiatives and matching students with community mentors.
Students support what they help create - imagine marching forward together.
|
| John Hillman |
As space here is limited, I'll attempt to avoid the usual elections platitudes, and cut straight to the point. I've studied at Dalhousie for five years now, and it doesn't take a Stephen Hawking to recognize that student apathy the single biggest problem facing the DSU. As president, I would make engaging student interest my highest guiding principle, and would rely on some of the unconventional tactics I've used in this campaign to make interaction with the DSU appealing to a wider base. The healthier our union is internally, the stronger our position will be in external negotiations.
There are clearly candidates running with more DSU experience than me. Whether you find this appealing or off-putting likely depends on your feelings about the current state of the DSU. That said, I want to assure you that while I've run a bit of a cheeky campaign, I'm also a scholarship-winning grad student, and a responsible guy at heart. So if you can relate to my message, rest assured that I would make a respectable president, and know that I promise not to burn down the SUB, no matter what my invisible leprechaun friend tells me.
For more information, check out: www.freewebs.com/votehillman.
|
Vice President Internal
| Daniel Boyle |
The portfolio of the VP Internal has undergone significant change from the time I began to be involved with the DSU two years ago. Shinerama once dominated the summer months, but now the duties are directed towards sustainability and leadership initiatives that are more in line with the nature of the portfolio. Having served as a councilor, a member of the Board of Operations, and a member or Chair of numerous committees and societies of the DSU, as well as involvement in O-Week and Shinerama events, I've been involved in all facets of the DSU, with particular interest throughout in the office of the VP Internal. Along with mandated duties, there always seem to be wild cards at play that keep the office busy. Discussions on DSU governance and structure, society policy, and sustainability have all been prominent in recent years as issues that have come up unexpectedly to be addressed by the VP Internal. I have been involved in addressing these issues over the last two years, and have the experience necessary to handle similar challenges in future. My initial focus will be improving communications and student engagement on campus. For my full platform, visit www.danboyle.weebly.com.
|
| Victoria Jones |
It would be an honour to become your Vice President Internal.
If I were to be the VP(I) these are the things I would like to see happen:- Give societies the tools they need to become better and more efficient with a society toolkit;
- Continue the Leadership programme started this year while building and expanding upon it;
- Push the DSU Sustainability Office into its full mandate of cultural and societal sustainability while maintaining the good work they are doing on environmental sustainability;
- Put money in the budget so that the Diversity Committee's Single Stall Washroom can go forward;
- Make the DSU more sustainable by following the Paper Cut recommendations;
- One day a week I would set up my office in the lobby of the SUB to increase the approachability of the DSU and to interact with members of the DSU to a greater extent.
For more about me and my ideas please check out my website at victoriajones.ca.
|
Vice President Education
| Mark Coffin- Yes |
I've had the pleasure of being an active member of the Dalhousie Student Union during my years at Dal. The DSU has done some great work, but I think we can do more. The low voter turnout in past DSU elections shows that most students either don't know or don't care what the DSU does with their money.
I think an open-door policy is essential for anyone wishing to hold this position, but that alone is not enough. The executive as a whole need to actively seek out the concerns and opinions of students by welcoming their input and encouraging their involvement in the DSU as soon as they set foot on campus. This will allow us to better represent their concerns to the administration and to our public officials.
A lot of great work has been done by the DSU in past years, and I want to build on that. I see great potential in the work being done through the newly formed Halifax Student Alliance - like making Halifax safer and lobbying for better transportation and housing options.
I'm thankful to have the opportunity to run in this election and I look forward to a great year ahead. Learn more at my website, http://votemc.weebly.com/.
|
| Mark Coffin- No |
|
As only one candidate is running, voters will be able to choose "Yes" to elect this candidate, or "No" to not elect this candidate.
|
Vice President Student Life
| Kris Osmond |
My experience and contribution to the DSU has been extensive at many levels over the past 4 years. I have been involved in Orientation Week every year since 2004. Starting first year and just taking part in the activities, followed by being an Orientation leader, and being awarded Off Campus Leader of the Year. From there I was put in an executive position and was responsible for orienting new leaders the following year. This past summer and fall I was on the executive committee and was responsible for planning, organizing, running and overseeing approximately half of the events throughout the week. For my contributions I was awarded the Stitt Award, the highest award that can be given to any member of committee or leader during Orientation Week. Through my widespread experience and contributions to Orientation week as well as many other events such as fall fest, Grawood nights, ski trip, etc. I feel I have an extensive amount of knowledge and understanding about how the position of VP Student Life works and operates. Because of this I bring not only my own experience to the position but experiences of many of those who I have worked with in the past.
|
| Krista Ali |
My name is Krista Ali, and I'm running for VPSL. My main goal if I'm elected is to break the DSU out of the four walls of the Student Union Building. I'd really like to see some diversity in our leaders this year, and I have a lot of great ideas, so I'm truly passionate about getting this position. For more information, check out my website: krista4vpsl.blogspot.com or send me an email at krista4vspl@hotmail.com
|
Undergraduate Senate Representative
| Jonathan Hughes |
Born on May 20th, 1986, Jonathan Hughes has essentially spent his entire life living in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, a small section of the Halifax Regional Municipality. As he grew he attended Colby Village Elementary School, Astral Drive Jr. High School and Auburn Drive High School where he was involved with the Rugby team and the theatre productions. From the age of 12, he began to play hockey and through that began officiating as a part time job. While attending Dalhousie University, Jonathan has changed majors twice trying to find the right fit, which he now has in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology. He still holds the same part time job, but has advanced to the elite levels of hockey in Nova Scotia, right up to the AUS level. After graduating from Dalhousie Jonathan plans to apply to law school where he will take business law and hopefully represent athletes and entertainers as an agent. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys exercising (to keep on top of his officiating game) and doing home renovations like his television hero, Mike Holmes.
|
| Eric Snow |
My name is Eric Snow, and I'm running for DSU Senate Representative. I have served on the DSU Council for three terms, and as an executive of the Computer Science Society. I also have experience on committees at the Society, Faculty, Student Union and even Senate level.
My platform consists of five main points.
Academic Integrity: First and foremost, I shall work to maintain the academic integrity of our university by protecting our students and our reputation as a prominent institution.
Accountability: I shall help ensure a level of transparency from our student union government and our university administration, and hold them accountable to the student body.
Committees: Using my previous experience, I shall work in committees to improve our governance structure and protect the interests of students.
Lobbying: With the help of our external lobbying groups, I shall work to bring about real results for students, particularly on local issues such as transportation
Sustainability: I shall work with the sustainability initiatives on campus, help those under the DSU to establish good governance, and promote communication to facilitate collaboration among them.
Want to know more? Check out ericsnow.ca to learn about my campaign!
|
| Andrew Christofi |
My name is Andrew Christofi, and I want to be your next DSU Senate representative. The Senate is one of the most important academic institutions at Dalhousie. Its committees determine academic policy as well as hold hearings for students accused of plagiarism. It is vitally important that DSU members elect those individuals that are best capable of representing the interests of students. DSU Senate reps must also work collegially with other Senators to ensure favourable outcomes and to establish appropriate lines of accountability. I believe I am that individual. If elected, I will work diligently to solve the problems faced by students at Dalhousie.
My experience as a member of the Society Policy Review Committee is a testament to my ability to strike compromises between opposed interests that are acceptable to all parties. My tenure as the Member-at-Large of the Sodales Debating Society has also cemented my critical thinking skills that will inevitably end up serving you. I wish to continue my work as a steward of the students. I believe I have the skills necessary to be your Senator. From March 18th to 20th, I ask for your vote. Together we can build a successful and sustainable DSU.
|
| Blair Mason |
|
My name is Blair Mason and I am a second year engineering student at Dalhousie. I enjoy long walk on the beach, martinis......ummm wrong blurb. I have been actively involved in the Dalhousie community through the DSU sitting on multiple committees of the DSU and being involved in several societies. As a senator I would be responsible to the students who elect me and the constitutions of the DSU and the Senate But really I want ensure students do not get lost in the bureaucracy of the Senate. As well I want to hear their concerns and bring these concerns to the attention of the administration. I don't want students to just have a voice in senate but I want them to have a loud voice which will let the administration know that we mean business. So if you only vote for one person vote Blair Mason and make me the new face of the DSU Senate Representative. If you have any question you can email me at blair.mason@dal.ca or find join my Facebook group.
|
| Kaylyn Fraser |
Hi, my name is Kaylyn Fraser and I am ready to commit to being your next Undergraduate Senate Representative. As an active Dalhousie student across the Dal campus, I understand the importance of student engagement and active communication. If we as a student community are to succeed and grow, we require responsible governance and active involvement. From experiences on society executives, as a facilitator at leadership programs, and as the registrar for the Dal Chorale (Dal's 185 voice choir!), I have developed the skills and understanding to thrive in this position. As your next DSU Senate representative, I will listen to, engage, and communicate on behalf of the student body.
I'm dedicated.
I'm a leader.
I'm here to represent and strive for responsibility and commitment.
|
Graduate Senate Representative
| Yannick Tremblay- Yes |
My Fellow Students,
My name is Yannick Tremblay, and I am a PhD candidate in Microbiology & Immunology. My experiences include:
- DAGS VP (External and Communication);
- Member of the FGS Academic Appeal Committee
- Chair of CASA's Graduate Student Committee;
- Member of ANSSA Student Assembly;
- Member of the DSU Academic and External Relation Committee.
Dalhousie graduate students represent 23% of the student population and face the lowest funding situation among research-intensive universities in Canada. The current situation handicaps Dalhousie in its graduate student recruitment effort while other universities are trying to double their graduate student enrollment. The solution is to raise the profile of graduate student issues within the DSU and the university level. My dedicated involvement with DSU and Senate committees will help.
Academic integrity is an issue affecting for both undergraduate and graduate students and disciplinary actions resulting from offenses will impact someone's academic experience. Education about academic integrity offenses and its consequences are an answer to this problem.
My experience as a university student (8 years and counting) and with several organizations makes me the ideal candidate to represent you on the Senate.
A vote for Yannick is a vote for experience.
|
HSA Referendum
| HSA Referendum- Yes |
The Halifax Student Alliance is an advocacy group created by the student unions of Dalhousie, Saint Mary's, MSVU, and NSCC.
HSA will work on a variety of student issues within the municipality, including crime and safety, housing, and transportation.
The levy of one dollar per semester will go towards office space, a staff person to coordinate and assist this student effort, and public campaigns. Arrangements have already been made to share office space and resources with other non-profits to increase efficiency.
Some recent successes of the new organization include a survey of 1500 students on issues of crime and violence, commitments from the government to make Bedford Highway crosswalks safer for MSVU students, and media coverage on issues including violent crime against students, tenancy and neighbourhood issues and the need for late night transportation.
One of the major advocacy goals of the new organization is increased late-night bus service that will allow Dalhousie students to use their U-Pass to travel downtown safely at night.
Please vote yes to give students the support they need to make progress on these issues.
For full details, or to comment on the referendum, visit www.hsainfo.ca. The website will be offline during voting.
|
** Please note: Only voters who are members of DAGS will see this position on their ballot. **
DAGS VP Student Life
| Ashley O'Brien - Yes |
Hello, I am a student in the Master of Public Administration program and I am currently running for the position of Vice President Student Life for DAGS.
I would appreciate your support in voting for me and can only hope that I can do whatever manageable to make next year with DAGS as fun and eventful as possible. As this years Chair on the DAGS council I am already well versed in the running of the society and look forward to using my experience with DAGS, and other student government bodies experience from my undergraduate, to effectively act in my role as VP Student Life.
I look forward to enhancing many aspect already alive within the graduate community here at Dal. I have some great ideas for the coming year and am open to any suggestions that you as the graduate populous would like to see planned and implemented. I am committed to making sure the website is up to date at all times, making sure grad students are informed about Gradhouse events and ensuring that lines of communication are open with all DAGS societies.
|
|
