THIS IS YOUR POTENTIAL LEADERSHIP

My name is Abdul Abbasi, and I am a fifth-year criminology student running to be your UASU President.

Over the past two years as VP-External, I have represented students at every level of government to advocate for student priorities. In this role, I have learned how to make changes within the system that lead student priorities into effective action.

As President, my focus is simple: Make the Students’ Union work smarter for students on all fronts!

This means realigning the budget so student fees are spent responsibly and on the priorities students actually care about.

I will advocate for expanding the City of Edmonton’s Leisure Access Pass to include students so they can access recreation centres, pools, arenas, and other city facilities at no cost or at significantly reduced rates.

Strong student communities matter. I will modernize student group regulations and speed up event approvals so students can spend less time on paperwork and more time building campus life.

I will lead a Students’ Union that delivers on both the big and the small things. That means strong advocacy on transit safety, academics and affordability, while also improving everyday campus life through practical changes like accessible microwaves, working water fountains and portable chargers; the things that shape everyday student experience.

I am ready to build a smarter Students’ Union that shows up, follows through and delivers where students can feel it the most. If you agree with this vision, vote Abdul Abbasi for President on March 4th and 5th.

If elected UASU President, I will:

1. Advocate for, represent, and mobilize students.
2. Expand services and supports.
3. Back clubs and improve the campus experience.
4. Protect your UASU fees.

My opponent is a two-term VP External. The UASU budget reveals he will receive $115K+ in salary and benefits for these two years. Here’s one question nobody should be able to dodge: provincial operating grant funding. uAlberta is receiving about $9,450 per student and uCalgary about $11,580 per student. That’s an over $2,000 (22%+) disparity for every student! Why are we getting less, and who is fighting to fix it? I WILL.

My day-one promise:

1. Financial leadership by voluntarily lowering my salary by $10,000.
2. Freeze SU Fees next year and reduce them the following year by increasing revenue and finding efficiencies (without cutting club funding).

With financial credibility onside, I will use the UASU President’s seat on the Board of Governors to push for:

1. Tuition freezes for current students.
2. Residence-cost freezes for current students.
3. Immediate student-involved review of residence services.
4. Improve safety with more lighting, monitored CCTV, and ONEcard-only access.
5. Library hours extended back to midnight.
6. Campus-wide expectation that professors mark exams and papers within 14 days of submission.
7. Opposition to Course Material Access fees.
8. Syllabus and material-cost transparency in all course listings.

For detailed platform please visit josephforprez.com and @josephforprez

I hope I’m entrusted to work tirelessly for you next year!

Hi students, my name is Arman and I am a fifth-year Sociology student running to be your next Vice President External. My journey in student governance began at the highest level of our association as a UASU Arts Councillor, where I have spent my term advocating for the diverse needs of the Faculty of Arts within the Students' Council. This experience, alongside my hands-on work as the current VP External for OASIS, has provided me with a deep understanding of how to navigate complex systems to deliver tangible results for the student body.

My platform is built on the principle of balanced, professional advocacy. Municipally, my priority is your security and well-being. I will fight for a transit safety coalition that pairs social workers with peace officers at LRT hotspots to provide proactive, compassionate support. I will also lobby the City to open the Leisure Access Program (LAP) to all students, ensuring that physical health and recreation remain accessible despite rising living costs.

Provincially, I will advocate for long-term institutional stability by pushing for an increase in the university operating grant and securing dedicated funding for Open Educational Resources (OER) to alleviate the burden of high-cost textbooks.

Federally, I plan to collaborate with CASA to expand paid Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs and strengthen student granting systems to ensure financial aid reflects the real needs of today’s students.

On March 4th and 5th, vote CHAUHAN for a safer, more affordable, and experienced voice in external advocacy.

Angel Raina (she/her) is a proud Kashmiri-Canadian based in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Having grown up in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir, often described as a conflict zone, she developed an early commitment to human rights, justice, and ensuring young people feel empowered to speak up on the issues that shape their lives.

Angel is an honors student in political science and economics at the University of Alberta, where she explores the nuances of Albertan politics, political theory, and international relations. She is particularly interested in understanding how institutions are formed, how they evolve, and how they interact with the people they are meant to serve. Passionate about people power, she is committed to advancing evidence-based policymaking and fostering meaningful civic engagement.

Angel currently serves as Co-Chair of the City of Edmonton Youth Council, where she works to create spaces for young people to engage directly with policy and decision-makers. In this role, she has collaborated with municipal leaders, advocated for youth-informed policy, and helped amplify diverse student voices.

As a past Arts Representative, and currently the Speaker, within the Students’ Union, Angel has learned from a wide range of perspectives across campus. She believes deeply in the power of education, dialogue, and community to create lasting change. Through her work and leadership, she remains committed to building inclusive spaces, strengthening student advocacy, and ensuring that every student feels heard, represented, and empowered.

Hello! I am a third-year Political Science major with a great interest in public advocacy and government relations! The reason I am running for the position of Vice-President External is that although my experience here has been great thus far, and we are a top 100 worldwide university, there are many problems I have seen here that are unbecoming of a top 100 worldwide university. I would like to tackle these problems I see, however, this would require dialogue between multiple groups such as the student populace, the university administration, and all levels of government. This includes many problems including the federal student grant reductions, the highly contentious butter dome remodeling, and many more that you can find on my policy platform! If elected, my goal is to provide students a better deal, working from the ground up in conjunction with all levels of government and various companies to help provide students a higher quality experience while here, and a smoother and more secure transition out into the real world job market. It is my belief that although we are on the upswing right now, we can shoot even higher, and if elected I will fight for your interests outside of the university! Together let’s fight for a Better Deal for Students!

Hi! My name is Susan Huseynova and I’m running to be your next Vice President Academic!

I currently serve as the VP Academic of the Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society, where I advocate daily for science students navigating university life. Through this role, I’ve seen firsthand the barriers students face: rising course material costs, limited access to advising, unclear accommodation processes, and disciplinary systems that feel more reactive than supportive.

I’m running because I believe our academic systems should work with students, not against them.

No student should worry about the cost of education without clear alternatives, or feel lost structuring their degree because prerequisites and pathways aren’t clear. No student should fear seeking help when facing academic integrity concerns, especially as AI rapidly reshapes how we learn. Students deserve holistic approaches to discipline, streamlined deferral and accommodation processes, and clearer navigation tools that empower success.

The University of Alberta is grounded in impact through excellence, community, accountability, and curiosity. To me, that means upholding strong academic standards while ensuring students have the clarity and support needed to achieve them.

As a Council of Faculty Associations member, I recognize the value of student representatives across campus collaborating. However, I also believe we can strengthen that structure to build a more engaged, organized body that connects the Students’ Union, faculty associations, and individual students in a way that is responsive and accountable.

Together, we can build a more accessible, supportive, and structured academic experience, and I hope to earn your support.

Hey! I’m Armaan, and I’m running to be your next VP Operations & Finance. Students deserve to know where their fees go, see resources used effectively, and have opportunities created by the Students’ Union benefit students first, not the status quo.

Transparency in student fees: Students pay around $700 a year to the Students’ Union, yet most don’t realize that roughly $540 of that is optional. I will make it clear what is mandatory versus optional and show exactly how every dollar is spent. No hidden fees. No confusion. Students have a right to know where their money goes.

Secure SU jobs for students: Students' Union jobs exist for students, period. I will ensure these positions are reserved and prioritized for University of Alberta students, giving our peers access to real work experience, professional growth, and financial support. Fees paid by students should create opportunities for students first, not outsiders.

Address food insecurity: Campus food insecurity is at record levels, and the food bank is under pressure. I will fight to ensure funds are prioritized for essential supports, so no student goes hungry while money sits idle or is wasted elsewhere.

Improve sexual assault reporting: Survivors deserve a system that is safe, anonymous, and barrier-free. I will work to implement a streamlined reporting process that removes fear, shame, and unnecessary obstacles, giving survivors the support and protection they need.

This campaign is about accountability, action, and making student fees work for students, not politics, not bureaucracy, not wasted resources.

Logan West (she/they) is in her sixth year of a Bachelor of Arts degree and is in the process of completing the Certificate in International Learning. Logan is currently the Vice President Student Life for the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU), where she has spearheaded initiatives such as the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Task Force and the ONEcard Access Pilot Project. You may recognize Logan from her blog series “Letters from Logie” on The Flame or from her Instagram Reels series “Lights, Camera, Logan.”

Logan strongly believes in leaving things better than she found them, and the UASU is no exception. Following a year focused primarily on advocacy to the University, Logan has become acutely aware of the ways in which the UASU will need to grow and evolve in the coming years, and is ready to turn her focus inwards. The next VP Operations and Finance will need to execute on a variety of objectives laid out in the new UASU Strategic Plan, and Logan is confident in her ability to accomplish this, alongside strengthening support for student leaders and ensuring the UASU’s mission and messaging remain relevant to students. Logan’s passion and experience has allowed her to develop a platform that is realistic, yet bold, and envisions a bright future for the UASU and the students that it serves. Logan’s platform can be found at https://linktr.ee/loganwestforvpof. If you have any questions, please contact Logan at lmwest@ualberta.ca or @loganwestforvpof on Instagram.

Hello, my name is Brish Goorimoorthee, and I am a third-year Media Studies student in the Bachelor of Arts program. I am seeking a position within the University of Alberta Students’ Union because of my continued involvement in campus life and my commitment to strengthening student representation.

Over the past several years, I have actively contributed to the university’s culture through leadership roles in student organizations, executive experience within campus clubs, and consistent engagement with the broader student body. These experiences have strengthened my skills in communication, collaboration, and initiative-building, while allowing me to work closely with diverse student groups.

I am passionate about representing and empowering students in meaningful, tangible ways. I aim to build upon the work of previous executives while introducing thoughtful, student-centered initiatives that foster community, accessibility, and engagement. My goal is to help establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth, enhanced student support, and a more connected campus experience.

I am committed to ensuring that the Students’ Union continues to effectively represent and advocate for its student body.

Hello Everyone! My name is Nolan Greenwood and I am a 4th year Business Economics and Business Law Student! I have also served as the President of the Lister Hall Students’ Association for the past two years and as a faculty of business representative on GFC for the past year. These experiences have shown me how vital student advocacy is to the overall student experience, while also highlighting areas that fall short and need improvement. In order to help address these gaps I am running for VP Student Life. My goals are to increase student advocacy, continue the goals of the Sexual and Gender Violence Taskforce, and to continue to call on residence to address rent rationalization and the challenges facing students living in residence. If you have an any questions feel free to reach out to me at ncgreenw@ualberta.ca.

Hi, I'm Manyu! I’m finishing my second year as an international student in BSc Computing Science, and I’m hoping to be your next VP Student Life as I enter my third. <3

I truly believe that, as a university, we could be happier. My platform focuses on improving the financial, physical, mental, and social well-being of our campus community.

I want to host the first-ever UASU Prom: a space for the entire university to come together, build connection, and actively fight social apathy. I will also streamline the student group event approval process, reducing delays so clubs can focus on building community instead of navigating bureaucracy.

Food insecurity remains urgent. UASU’s 2025 Food Welfare Survey found that 19% of students are severely food insecure : nearly 8,000 people; and 61% have experienced food insecurity overall. I will strengthen collaboration with the Campus Food Bank and better support the ASA Food Pantry. I also want to reevaluate rent and meal plan pricing in UofA residences to address rising living insecurities.

With 29% of students reporting they tried and were unable to find work, I will expand promotion of the SU job portal (Bamboo) and work with the City to create a joint job board connecting students to government roles aligned with their studies.

like last years ‘Get Out The Vote’ which I had the privilege of managing for the Municipal election; I want to organise social campaigns for awareness on campus for topics like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Sexual

Hi, my name is Paige Wall, and I’m running for Vice President Student Life with the UASU.

I’m putting my name forward because I believe student life should feel fair, transparent, and grounded in what students actually experience day to day. Since arriving at the U of A, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to students across campus about what works, what doesn’t, and what often feels hidden behind the scenes.

First, fair and accountable campus life. I will advocate for transparency around residence rent standardization, clearer expectations for building standards, and stronger follow-up on maintenance and safety concerns so issues are not left unresolved.

Second, transparency and accountability in student life advocacy. Students deserve to know what the Students’ Union is working on, what conversations are happening with the University, and where progress has been made or delayed.

Third, stronger support and communication for student groups. Student groups are central to campus life, yet many face unclear policies and sudden changes. I will push for clearer communication, better feedback loops, and greater recognition of the work student groups do.

Finally, accessible supports and basic needs. I will advocate for clearer information around support pathways, continued support for food security and mental health services, and reducing barriers that prevent students from participating in student life.

Thanks for reading this far, and for being part of what makes this campus a community worth fighting for.

Hi! I’m Amaan Khan and I am running to be your next Board of Governors Representative! I am a current student leader who believes in decision making as a student inclusive process. I currently serve as a Science Councillor, have worked as a Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) for the 2025 General Elections, I have lived in UAlberta residence for most of my major and worked in several roles in Residence Life, I also sit on the Dean’s Advisory Committee and have concurrent consultations with student groups on campus! These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the university’s policies, the current student experience, what the students want, and what governance frameworks can be used to advocate for the improvement of our academic careers, campus experience and student life.

As it stands, The board of Governors (BoG for short!) is disconnected from the student experience and I intend to change that by making efficient use of the current systems in place to reflect on what the students actually think.

If elected, I will be committed to bringing a combination of data-oriented experiences and student stories to the Board, making sure that decisions made about the students are made with students, and for the students!

Vote for me to be your next Board of Governors Representative on March 4th and 5th! If you ever see me around campus, please say hi and if you’re ever looking for a study break, come join me for a rock climbing session!

I was born and raised in Iran and moved to Canada as an international student at 18. Prior to getting accepted into the Medical Laboratory sciences program in 2022, I studied at MacEwan university. I have been involved with educational advocacy as the Co-Vp External of MLSA and Co-Vp academics of HSSA , in addition to being a university Ambassador and an AI task force member at UASU. Serving as a two-time executive within student associations has given me the opportunity to represent students' voices and raise awareness about issues often overlooked in healthcare, particularly the role of Medical laboratory professionals.

Through my experiences, I have learned how to effectively listen, communicate, educate and advocate for both students and patients' concerns and voices.

In addition to my involvement in student leadership, I am also a swimming instructor and an employee at HEAL on campus, where I have had the opportunity to interact and connect with The university of Alberta community.

Outside of academics I enjoy painting and experimenting with different textures and mediums. I appreciate the freedom, creativity and the grounding feeling it brings. I played the piano for 10 years before moving to Canada and continue to enjoy swimming and cooking in my free time, as meal prep has become an integral part of my life.

Janardhun Alagarsamy Vignesh is a third-year Bsc. Honours Neuroscience student at the University of Alberta with a strong commitment to principled, student centered governance. His experience spans institutional decision making, student advocacy, and community leadership thereby giving him a comprehensive understanding of how policy and decisions shape the student experience.

He has previously served on the General Faculties Council (GFC) Academic Planning Committee and contributed to academic planning and institutional policy discussions. He currently serves on the GFC Council on Student Affairs and holds a judiciary role in the Student Misconduct Appeal Panel and University Appeal Board, where he works to uphold fairness, accountability and procedural integrity. In addition, he is actively involved in the university community by adopting leadership roles in student groups focused on fostering collaboration and sustainable impact. Beyond campus, Janardhun serves on the board of a nonprofit organization and is actively engaged in advocacy by bringing an equity and people oriented lens to governance.

Janardhun values strategic decision making and transparent governance processes that hold institutions accountable and drive for meaningful change. He primarily highlights that university governance and student life are often disconnected spheres even though they hold significant impact on each other. He aims to remain grounded in the everyday realities students face, from affordability pressures to academic workload, and to be a friendly face to receive support, answers and most importantly decisive action that drives meaningful/lasting change.