Voting Now Open!

Voting is now open for the 2011-2012 UNBSU General Election! Don't forgot to log onto eServices and cast your ballot! You have until next Friday at 11:59pm!

Bruns Article

Hey,

Last week I was interviewed by the Brunswickan about my platform and goals for next year. You can find the article here.

Cheers,

Jordan

Q&A Session for the Exec Candidates

Hey everyone,

There is a Q&A session tomorrow (Feb. 23) in the SUB Cafeteria for the Executive candidates. The session runs from 1pm to 2pm. You can submit a question online here, or you can ask one at the session itself!

Come on out an bring friends!

Cheers,

Jordan

Facebook Page

Hey, since you're here, who don't you join the facebook page?

Cheers!

Jordan

Advancement

A successful organization is one that is forward looking and anticipating challenges ahead and setting up plans for the future. I propose that the SU undertake a strategic plan to look at the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and put forth a vision for the long-term.

Communication

Communication to members is vital for the success of the Student Union. Steps have been taken the past couple of years to approve the visibility of the SU on campus, such as a new website and more SU presence on Facebook and Twitter. However, improvements can still be made. If election, I commit to the following:

SU Listserv: One of the most direct ways the SU can message its members is through an e-mail listserv. One has been in the works for the past year and a half, but has been halted in the University bureaucracy. I will continue to push for a listserv and help make it a reality.

SU Information Booths: Another way to communicate is to actively engage students in a discussion. These Information Booths would be a table set up biweekly in the SUB staffed by Executive members or councillors to engage students and provide them with information about the SU.

Monthly audio/video podcast: These would be released monthly and would update students on what the SU has done in the past month and what the SU has planned for the month ahead.

Advocacy

The decisions of government and the University have an impact on our day-to-day lives as students. One of the main roles the SU plays is an advocate for its members. If elected, I will advocate for the following:

Targeted financial assistance: Financial assistance that helps those most in need in the form of up-front grants, targeted at underrepresented groups.

Tuition: it is no secret that tuition fees have increased dramatically in the past twenty years, far outstripping the rate of inflation. Students need predictable and affordable levels of tuition, which is why I will advocate for a continuation of the tuition freeze and the auxiliary fee freeze.

Adequate student representation on decision making bodies: students are one of the major stakeholders in the Post-Secondary Education system, the others being faculty and administration. I will advocate for more representation on the decision making bodies of the University.

Experience

One question you are probably wondering is, what experience do I have in order to fulfill the office of President?

I have been involved with the Student Union for the past two years now, first as Business Faculty Representative in 2009-2010, then as VP Finance & Operations in the current year. This gives me knowledge of the Unions policies (such as the by-laws, financial policy, and committee policy) and familiarity of the working environment of the Union. I has also given me the opportunity to worked alongside the full-time staff in order to advance the objectives of the Union.

My experience as VP this past year has also given me the understanding on how to optimize our one-year terms. The year goes by quickly and I understand how best to use my time in office.

Role of the President

So, what exactly is the role of the President? Basically, the President is the CEO of the Student Union and is responsible for the management of the Union's employees, seeing that the will of council is carried out, is the spokesperson for the Union, and acts as a liaison between the Administration, media, and other student associations.

Here is the role of the President as laid out in Bylaw 1, section 39:

The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Union and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Council are carried into effect and shall:

(a) provide direction and leadership for the advancement and promotion of the objectives of the Union;

(b) be the official spokesperson for the Union;

(c) act as a liaison between the Union and
(i) the University of New Brunswick Administration;
(ii) campus, local, Provincial and National media;
(iii) other student associations;
(iv) other entities not otherwise provided for in these Bylaws with which the Union liaises;

(d) serve as the primary contact person for the Council and Chair

(e) serve as the primary contact person for the UNBSU legal counsel in regards to legal matters

(f) serve as the primary contact person for the UNBSU employees

(g) ensure adequate student representation in the decision making processes of the Union;

(h) ensure a detailed agenda for all meetings of the Members and Councillors is prepared and delivered to all Councillors and the Chairperson;

(i) present a report of all activities undertaken on behalf of the Union at all regular meetings of the Council;

(j) supervise the Vice President External, Vice President Internal, Vice President Finance & Operations and Vice President Student Services;

(k) be a non-voting member of all standing and ad hoc committees unless otherwise appointed to the committee;

(l) until such time as such Executive Councillor returns to office or until such time as such Executive Councillor is appointed or elected in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws, fulfill, or arrange for the fulfilment of, the duties of any Executive Councillor who is, by reason of illness, family emergency, suspension in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws, or any other reason deemed appropriate by the Council, unable to fulfill his or her duties;

(m) take no more than two courses per term during the academic year;

(n) co-sign, along with the Secretary, the minutes of each Council meeting upon approval by two thirds of the Council;

(o) in the absence of the Chairperson and the Chief Returning Officer, preside at meetings of the Council in which case the President will lose his or her right to vote at such meeting of the Council;

(p) fulfill and perform those duties as may be required and or necessary to achieve Union purposes and/or objectives;

(q) present an annual written report, in the form prescribed by the Council from time to time, to the Council before leaving office;

(r) determine and supervise coordinators and directors that fall under the jurisdiction of the Presidential portfolio;

(s) represent the interests of students in all internal non-academic issues of the
University; and,

(t) maintain the Bylaws of the Union.