Kory Preston |
|
Kory Preston
Title: Representation
Subtitle: A Better Student Experience
Main Points:
Advocate University Administration
Advocacy Priorities:
i. Elimination of the seizing of One Card funds
University is expensive enough without being forced to spend ridiculous amounts of your hard earned money at
the dining hall. Two years ago WLUSU decided to allow the University to implement a policy that allowed for the seizure of your unspent One Card funds. As WLUSU President, I would bring this issue back to the forefront of discussion, and do everything in my power to overturn this decision. One Card money is your money, you should be able to spend it where you want and when you want.
ii. Limit enrollment at Waterloo Campus
Like many students, I came to Laurier because of its small school atmosphere. Yet, with the University Administration continually over enrolling their admittance targets we are seeing larger class sizes, lack of study space, and insufficient space in residences resulting in the highly imprudent leasing of private apartment buildings. To combat this, as WLUSU President I would demand that the University meet their enrollment targets, and also pursue official involvement in the creation and monitoring of the Universities Multi-Year Accountability Agreement with the Provincial Government. This agreement sets out benchmarks that if unmet will lead to a reduction of government funding, one of which outlines that Laurier will have a 23:1 ratio. We need a student voice around that table to ensure that we are receiving the best possible education, and we need to hold the University accountable when they allow a 25:1 ratio.
iii. Expatiate growth at Brantford Campus
There are a number of easily identifiable areas for growth that would enhance the student experience at Laurier Brantford. In order to ensure that we are able to dedicate resources to the most urgent and relevant projects, as WLUSU President I will hire a General Manager of Brantford Operations and require them to create a vision for WLUSU Brantford Campus development. This vision will be developed through a series of consultations with students of Laurier Brantford.
iv. Better Dining Hall Services
There are a number of problems with the current operation of the Dining Hall. The quality of the food given the cost is suspect, and university food rating systems soften score Laurier with one of the lowest results in the country. In addition, the hours of use for the Dining Hall are minimal and fail to reflect the realities of a student’s schedule. As WLUSU President I would make better Dining Hall services an advocacy priority.
v. Introduction of Dining Hall services in Brantford
As WLUSU President, I will advocate for the creation of a Dining Hall in Brantford. Dining Halls not only provide students with a plethora of stress free food options, but also act as a social hub. For the community of the Laurier Brantford campus to thrive, it is crucial that these type of social and student support service centers are created.
vi. Development of more study space
Largely due to the university failing to meet its enrolment targets, there are far too few study spaces on campus for the number of students at Laurier. The ability to study on campus not only contributes to the community feel that Laurier treasures, but is a fundamental need that the university should be provided. As WLUSU President, I would make the development of more study space on campus is an advocacy priority, and it can start will something as simple as the opening of classrooms during exam periods and the posting of these classroom numbers to the WLUSU website.
vii. Enhancement of E-Learning Infrastructure (WEBCT)
If the university is going to rely on educational technologies such as WebCT for the provision of course content, it is critical that such technologies are easily accessed and reliable. Students continually experience problems with WebCT and often these problems can cause unjustified academic penalties if an online quiz is missed or course information is inaccessible. This practice cannot continue and as WLUSU President I would make the enhancement of educational technologies an advocacy priority.
viii. Improved Wireless on Campus and in Residences
The way Laurier students learn today requires a new learning environment. A reliable and high-speed wireless connection is imperative, as anything less negatively impacts the educational experience for students, as all too many Laurier students can attest. Furthermore, some residence buildings, while part of Laurier campus, do not have wireless capabilities. Other universities do not have the amplitude of problems that Laurier experiences, so as WLUSU President I would make an improved wireless connection an advocacy priority.
ix. More support for Residence Life Staff
Laurier’s Residence Life Staff are much more than babysitters, and it is time that we start treating them like the student leaders that they are. When our Dons reprimand behavior, they do so to ensure the safety of our Residences and the students that occupy them. As WLUSU President, I will ask our University Administration to stop overturning the decisions made by Residence Life Staff, and instead support the authority of our Dons.
x. Increased Safety in Residences
As WLUSU President, I will request that our University Administration conduct a safety review of our residences. We need determine the cause and find a way to reduce the instances of theft and trespassing.
xi. Reduce the Environmental Footprint of the University
Besides ensuring that the operations of WLUSU are sustainable, it is important that the WLUSU President makes a reduced environmental impact an advocacy priority for the university as a whole. This is crucial to ensure that future Laurier students have a healthy and vibrant university experience of a similar quality to what we experience as students today.
Proactive contract negotiations:
i. Demand that the University Administration include WLUSU representatives in faculty contract negotiations
In August of 2010 the Part-Time Faculty collective agreement with the University Administration expires. I don’t want a strike, none of us do. Too often Students’ Unions avoid being involved in these negotiations because they are afraid to offend the University Administration or the Faculty Associations. However, silence while student pay the costs of a strike is simply unacceptable. As WLUSU President I will implement a strike prevent plan. This plan involves approaching both sides of the negotiations early and demanding that a strike be avoided at all costs. Further, I will demand that the students have official representation during these negotiations.
ii. Develop contingency strategies in case of a faculty strike
With the expiration of Part-Time Faculty collective agreement with the University Administration approaching it is important for us to develop a strategy to ensure that our classes are not cancelled. To prevent a strike we need a plan. Our plan will involve engagement with the media, student activities, and continued proactive pressure on both the University Administration and the Faculty Association to find quick solutions that will avoid negative impacts on students. The Students’ Union must be vocal if we are to have any chance of avoiding a strike and the cancelling of classes.
iii. Advocate that WLUSU garner 50% of voting power for dispersal of SSAC
The SSAC funds our student services (health services, counseling services, accessible learning centre, athletics, etc.). As an undergraduate you pay a SSAC fee with your tuition to directly fund these services. Currently undergraduate opinion is underrepresented as the Student’s Union only garners 25% of the voting power, even though the amount of undergraduate funding is much higher. As WLUSU President I will pursue a more accurate representation through negotiations in regards to the WLUSU Operating Agreement with WLU.
iv. Demand that WLUSU representatives be present at all Multi Year Accountability Agreement proceedings between the University and the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities.
The Multi-Year Accountability Agreement (MYAA) outlines the benchmarks of what WLU promises to offer and accomplish. These benchmarks are mostly concerned with the quality of education that WLU promises to offer. It is important that our Students’ Union be involved in the development of future MYAAs and in the monitoring and reporting of the current MYAA. As WLUSU President I will request to be an official member of the MYAA negotiations.
Develop partnerships with the University to lobby the government for the needs of students
Some of my advocacy goals, such as enrollment caps, require the university to alter current practices and at a greater cost. In order to achieve these advocacy goals then, WLUSU must collaborate with the University to lobby for changes in government policy that will allow for enrolment caps to be fulfilled.
Hire a Policy Researcher to strengthen WLUSU’s advocacy and policy development
WLUSU provides the collective voice of students to university administration as well as politicians at the municipal, provincial, and federal level. In order to do this effectively, a full-time policy researcher is required to provide knowledgeable and experienced advice on advocacy and policy development and help student representatives overcome the learning curve to fulfill these tasks.
Title: Volunteerism
Subtitle: Giving Should Be Easy
Main Points:
Increase funding to the WLUSU Grant Fund
The WLUSU Grant Fund provides funding for new and exciting student led projects. The projects enhance the culture of Laurier and provide unique experiences for students. The current funding level is $15000. As WLUSU President, I will increase this amount to $30000 and allow any student or student group to apply, no matter their association to WLUSU.
Campus Clubs:
i. Encourage innovation
Campus clubs must be rewarded for innovation, not penalized. New campus clubs and innovative initiatives from existing clubs must be fully supported, promoted, and funded.
ii. Review policies relating to campus clubs
WLUSU is currently undergoing a rewrite of campus clubs policies. Once these are developed, I will ensure that their progress is closely monitored and that no campus club is abandoned by WLUSU.
iii. Allow campus club leaders to access their funds in a timely fashion
Campus clubs continuously experience great difficulties in gaining access to necessary resources to operate successfully. The biggest difficulties occur in sorting out club finances and so WLUSU staff resources should be prioritized in this area to ensure that clubs are not only informed as to the budgeting process, but also that they receive their approved funding in a timely manner. Instead of another restructuring of campus clubs finances, as WLUSU President I would prioritize staff resources to ensure clarity, efficiency, and timeliness so that our campus clubs can thrive.
iv. Faculty Association autonomy and allowing clubs to apply for multiple grants
The initiatives of campus clubs provide distinct benefits to their members, the Laurier community, and to multiple charity organizations. Many of these initiatives cannot be easily sorted into the strict guidelines outlined in the current funding structure for campus clubs. Further, clubs with large initiatives are forbidden from receiving the full amount of funding required and instead are limited to only applying to one source of funding. This is simply ridiculous. If a campus club requires more money than any one grant is able to supply, then they should be allowed to apply for as many grants as they wish. WLUSU controls the distribution of funds to these clubs, so we will still be able to ensure that funding for campus clubs is being spent appropriately. As WLUSU President, I would allow the faculty associations the freedom and autonomy to determine for themselves which projects merit funding.
v. Create a campus clubs Presidents’ Council
Rather than simply creating policy and dictating procedures from the top down that are meant to be in the best interest of campus clubs and the student body, WLUSU should be looking to form a campus clubs Presidents’ Council. This council would meet on a monthly basis and would be able to not only advice that Assistant Vice-President: Campus Clubs and Faculty Associations in regards to policy development, but also this would allow for further integration, cooperation, and the development of campus clubs partnerships. We need campus clubs Presidents to speak to each other and to work together in order to enhance our abilities as a student body.
Structurally Recognize Greek Life
Our Greek Life organizations provide unique opportunities for students to engage in philanthropic, personal development, and social activities. The existence of Greek Life on campus adds to the culture of Laurier and the student experience. As WLUSU President, I will formally recognize Greek Life as an activity of WLUSU. This designation will not provide funding, but instead will provide a secure place within the University that allows Greek Life organizations to take advantage of the support service available to campus clubs and committees.
Title: Brantford Campus
Subtitle: An Enhanced Experience
Main Points:
Hire a General Manager of Brantford Operations for WLUSU
If WLUSU Brantford autonomy is to be actualized, the operations of WLUSU in Brantford must be empowered so that these decisions can be made with certainty and vision. The position of General Manager would add a level of expertise in management the operations of WLUSU in Brantford that can fulfill what many students have envisioned as a more autonomous campus organization.
i. Produce a business plan for the creation of a WLUSU operated bar in Brantford
Before WLUSU begins the development of any further business operations in Brantford, we need to develop a plan. As WLUSU President, I will require the General Manager of Brantford Operations create a business plan that will meet the needs of students.
ii. Control finances in Brantford
WLUSU operations in Brantford should be controlled by students and staff of Brantford Campus. In order to ensure that all WLUSU operations are truly providing value to students of Brantford Campus, I will provide the General Manager of Brantford Operations with the control of WLUSU finances in Brantford.
Provide quicker financial support for student run clubs and committees on Brantford Campus
When student run initiatives require students to pay out of pocket and then apply for reimbursement, it is important that as an organization, WLUSU act to reimburse those students as quickly as possible. By implementing a petty cash system on Brantford Campus, we will be able to ensure that students are reimbursed at a much more acceptable pace.
Create a representational coordinator position entitled Coordinator of External Affairs
Currently there is an External Affairs Committee at Waterloo campus that deals with advocacy through lobbying, policy development, and campaigns. This committee has been successful but requires a Coordinator of External Affairs at Brantford for such a committee to take hold there and advocate on behalf of Laurier students at Brantford campus.
Title: Sustainability
Subtitle: Good For You, Good For The Community, Good For The Planet
Main Points:
Environmentally conscious Terrace expansion
i. Expand the lower Terrace to increase seating and enhance Union Market
The Terrace, which is owned and operated by WLUSU is a popular eating centre for students, so much so that it is often crowded and Union Market can become cluttered to the point of confusion. I would like to expand the lower Terrace in atrium style to both increase seating capacity and to widen the Union Market area.
ii. Ensure that expansion is as environmentally friendly as possible; now and future
If this expansion is to occur, it must happen in so as to minimize the environmental footprint created. Physical expansion should not come at the price of sacrificing our principles.
Investigate upgrading the FNCC to be LEED certified
One important way WLUSU can show environmental leadership is through the achievement of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a rating system for “green” buildings. As the owner of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre, WLUSU can many environmental upgrades to the building and pursue LEED certification that is available for existing buildings (LEED-EB). Not only would this improve the environmental performance of the building, but it would also show great leadership on the part of WLUSU and Laurier students.
Use Locally Grown food in the Terrace and Wilf’s where possible
We are blessed in Waterloo to be surrounded by some of the richest farmland in the country and as a result there is an extensive amount of locally grown food available. Yet this potential has been underutilized. The environmental and health benefits of a 100 mile diet have become clear, and WLUSU should be thinking fresh, never frozen, and make a priority of integrating these local foods into both of food businesses: the Terrace and Wilf’s.
Tie into advocating university admin for:
i. Reduce Environmental Foot Print of the University
Besides ensuring that the operations of WLUSU are sustainable, it is important that the WLUSU President makes a reduced environmental impact an advocacy priority for the university as a whole. This is crucial to ensure that future Laurier students have a healthy and vibrant university experience of a similar quality to what we experience as students today.
Title: First Year Experience
Subtitle: The Adult Treatment
Main Points:
Explore amending liquor license in the Turret to allow all ages on bar night
As owners of WLUSU, all students must have the right to attend all open events at the Turret. No matter the age, students need a safe and fun environment to socialize with friends and peers. In order to accommodate both of age and underage students at the Turret, we will take advantage of some of the structural strengths of the Turret and create a 19+ section for the purchase and consumption of alcohol. The rest of the Turret including the dance floor will be all ages. As WLUSU President I will not jeopardize the organization or the liquor license of the organization, however I will explore all possible options to ensure that all students have access to the businesses they own.
v. Section off areas for the sale and consumption of alcohol
vi. Allow dance floor to be all ages
Tie into advocating university admin for:
More support for Residence Life Staff
Laurier’s Residence Life Staff are much more than babysitters, and it is time that we start treating them like the student leaders that they are. When our Dons reprimand behavior, they do so to ensure the safety of our Residences and the students that occupy them. As WLUSU President, I will ask our University Administration to stop overturning the decisions made by Residence Life Staff, and instead support the authority of our Dons.
Increased Safety in Residences
As WLUSU President, I will request that our University Administration conduct a safety review of our residences. We need determine the cause and find a way to reduce the instances of theft and trespassing.
Elimination of the seizing of One Card funds
University is expensive enough without being forced to spend ridiculous amounts of your hard earned money at the dining hall. Two years ago WLUSU decided to allow the University to implement a policy that allowed for the seizure of your unspent One Card funds. As WLUSU President, I would bring this issue back to the forefront of discussion, and do everything in my power to overturn this decision. One Card money is your money, you should be able to spend it where you want and when you want.
Title: Athletics and Recreation
Subtitle: All Work And No Play Makes Students Something Something
Main Points:
Prevent further cutting of athletic teams
Laurier has a strong tradition of athletic excellence, and this tradition cannot be sacrificed in these times of economic insecurity. As WLUSU President, I will encourage the University Administration to seek all other options before considering further cuts to athletics team. We must do whatever we can to preserve our athletic teams.
Expand the Athletic Complex’s hours of operation during exams
Exams are stressful, and we all need a safe and healthy way to blow off our steam. For this reason I will be pursuing longer hours of operation for the athletic complex during exam periods.
Encourage growth in the recreational and intramural use of the athletic facilities
Our intramural and recreational programs impact the most students, and it is the inclusive nature of these activities that makes them so strong. Dance classes, workout facilities, and intramural teams must be supported, and as we move forward must be increased to accommodate the ever growing student population.
Title: Transparency
Subtitle: Of All The Things That Happen In The Dark, Having Your Money Spent Shouldn’t Be One Of Them
Main Points:
Require all student executives to hold office hours in common areas (Concourses and Atriums)
While the student executives that work for WLUSU have extensive office hours with an open door policy, many students feel intimated by the experience of entering the WLUSU offices or as if they were bothering the work of these executives. This should not be the case, and as WLUSU President I would require student executives to hold office hours in common areas all around campus to encourage interaction and openness with the students they serve.
Active Openness
i. Monthly Platform Updates
Promises are easy to make but harder to keep. I truly believe that everything outlined in my platform can realistically be worked on and tangible results achieved. To demonstrate this, as WLUSU President I would report to students every month on what progress has been made on achieving the platform goals seen before you now.
ii. Daily Blogs
It is important that you have an opportunity to read into and better understand the inner workings of the executive of the Students’ Union. As WLUSU President, my executive team and I will post at least one new blog each day to help inform you of the issues and projects that we are working on. This will also give you the opportunity to comment on the direction of the 2010-2011 executive, and to have your voice heard.
iii. Post the President’s Schedule and Availability on the WLUSU website
Students can become frustrated when they visit the WLUSU offices with a question but the President is not present because of meetings or other activities. To help with this problem, as WLUSU President I would post my schedule and availability to the WLUSU website for all students to see.
iv. All Policies and Documents of WLUSU available through the WLUSU website
You should be able to read the policies and documents that govern how your money is spent. If you are a student, you are an owner. As WLUSU President I will respect your ownership and ensure that you have access to our policies through the WLUSU website.
v. Up to date Website information
WLUSU has a history of failing to update the website. The last minutes posted from the Board of Directors are from March 2008. If you don’t believe me, check for yourself. As WLUSU President there are countless documents that I would post online to ensure that WLUSU is more open and accessible.
Utilize tools such as Facebook and Twitter to connect with students
As members, customers, and owners of WLUSU, it is important that every student has an effective and easy way of voicing their questions, suggestions, and concerns. As WLUSU President, I will utilize tools such as Facebook and Twitter in order to provide students with an easy way to contact me and receive a prompt response.
Title: Business Operations
Subtitle: If You’re A Student, You’re An Owner
Main Points:
Daily value menu options at Wilf’s
WLUSU business operations are another source of revenue and thus reduce the dependence on student fees to fund student activities. Wilf’s is also a service to students and provides a fun and safe atmosphere for all. Yet, without value priced options, some students feel isolated or are forced to spend beyond their daily budgets in order to participate in student run events and social outings.
Avoid unnecessary aesthetic based renovations
The spending of student money comes with the obligation to ensure that the money is being used in a prudent manner and in accordance with student needs. Aesthetically based renovations to the Fred Nichols Campus Centre are often unnecessary and as WLUSU President I would ensure that such renovations do not occur.
Use Locally Grown food in the Terrace and Wilf’s where possible
We are blessed in Waterloo to be surrounded by some of the richest farmland in the country and as a result there is an extensive amount of locally grown food available. Yet this potential has been underutilized. The environmental and health benefits of a 100 mile diet have become clear, and WLUSU should be thinking fresh, never frozen, and make a priority of integrating these local foods into both of the food businesses: the Terrace and Wilf’s.
Environmentally conscious Terrace expansion
i. Expand the lower Terrace to increase seating and enhance Union Market
The Terrace, which is owned and operated by WLUSU is a popular eating centre for students, so much so that it is often crowded and Union Market can become cluttered to the point of confusion. I would like to expand the lower Terrace in atrium style to both increase seating capacity and to widen the Union Market area.
i. Ensure that expansion is as environmentally friendly as possible; now and future
If this expansion is to occur, it must happen in so as to minimize the environmental footprint created. Physical expansion should not come at the price of sacrificing our principles.
Explore amending liquor license in the Turret to allow all ages on bar night
As owners of WLUSU, all students must have the right to attend all open events at the Turret. No matter the age, students need a safe and fun environment to socialize with friends and peers. In order to accommodate both of age and underage students at the Turret, we will take advantage of some of the structural strengths of the Turret and create a 19+ section for the purchase and consumption of alcohol. The rest of the Turret including the dance floor will be all ages. As WLUSU President I will not jeopardize the organization or the liquor license of the organization, however I will explore all possible options to ensure that all students have access to the businesses they own.
i. Section off areas for the sale and consumption of alcohol
ii. Allow dance floor to be all ages
Title: Representation
Subtitle: A Better Student Experience
Main Points:
Advocate University Administration
Advocacy Priorities:
i. Elimination of the seizing of One Card funds
University is expensive enough without being forced to spend ridiculous amounts of your hard earned money at
the dining hall. Two years ago WLUSU decided to allow the University to implement a policy that allowed for the seizure of your unspent One Card funds. As WLUSU President, I would bring this issue back to the forefront of discussion, and do everything in my power to overturn this decision. One Card money is your money, you should be able to spend it where you want and when you want.
ii. Limit enrollment at Waterloo Campus
Like many students, I came to Laurier because of its small school atmosphere. Yet, with the University Administration continually over enrolling their admittance targets we are seeing larger class sizes, lack of study space, and insufficient space in residences resulting in the highly imprudent leasing of private apartment buildings. To combat this, as WLUSU President I would demand that the University meet their enrollment targets, and also pursue official involvement in the creation and monitoring of the Universities Multi-Year Accountability Agreement with the Provincial Government. This agreement sets out benchmarks that if unmet will lead to a reduction of government funding, one of which outlines that Laurier will have a 23:1 ratio. We need a student voice around that table to ensure that we are receiving the best possible education, and we need to hold the University accountable when they allow a 25:1 ratio.
iii. Expatiate growth at Brantford Campus
There are a number of easily identifiable areas for growth that would enhance the student experience at Laurier Brantford. In order to ensure that we are able to dedicate resources to the most urgent and relevant projects, as WLUSU President I will hire a General Manager of Brantford Operations and require them to create a vision for WLUSU Brantford Campus development. This vision will be developed through a series of consultations with students of Laurier Brantford.
iv. Better Dining Hall Services
There are a number of problems with the current operation of the Dining Hall. The quality of the food given the cost is suspect, and university food rating systems soften score Laurier with one of the lowest results in the country. In addition, the hours of use for the Dining Hall are minimal and fail to reflect the realities of a student’s schedule. As WLUSU President I would make better Dining Hall services an advocacy priority.
v. Introduction of Dining Hall services in Brantford
As WLUSU President, I will advocate for the creation of a Dining Hall in Brantford. Dining Halls not only provide students with a plethora of stress free food options, but also act as a social hub. For the community of the Laurier Brantford campus to thrive, it is crucial that these type of social and student support service centers are created.
vi. Development of more study space
Largely due to the university failing to meet its enrolment targets, there are far too few study spaces on campus for the number of students at Laurier. The ability to study on campus not only contributes to the community feel that Laurier treasures, but is a fundamental need that the university should be provided. As WLUSU President, I would make the development of more study space on campus is an advocacy priority, and it can start will something as simple as the opening of classrooms during exam periods and the posting of these classroom numbers to the WLUSU website.
vii. Enhancement of E-Learning Infrastructure (WEBCT)
If the university is going to rely on educational technologies such as WebCT for the provision of course content, it is critical that such technologies are easily accessed and reliable. Students continually experience problems with WebCT and often these problems can cause unjustified academic penalties if an online quiz is missed or course information is inaccessible. This practice cannot continue and as WLUSU President I would make the enhancement of educational technologies an advocacy priority.
viii. Improved Wireless on Campus and in Residences
The way Laurier students learn today requires a new learning environment. A reliable and high-speed wireless connection is imperative, as anything less negatively impacts the educational experience for students, as all too many Laurier students can attest. Furthermore, some residence buildings, while part of Laurier campus, do not have wireless capabilities. Other universities do not have the amplitude of problems that Laurier experiences, so as WLUSU President I would make an improved wireless connection an advocacy priority.
ix. More support for Residence Life Staff
Laurier’s Residence Life Staff are much more than babysitters, and it is time that we start treating them like the student leaders that they are. When our Dons reprimand behavior, they do so to ensure the safety of our Residences and the students that occupy them. As WLUSU President, I will ask our University Administration to stop overturning the decisions made by Residence Life Staff, and instead support the authority of our Dons.
x. Increased Safety in Residences
As WLUSU President, I will request that our University Administration conduct a safety review of our residences. We need determine the cause and find a way to reduce the instances of theft and trespassing.
xi. Reduce the Environmental Footprint of the University
Besides ensuring that the operations of WLUSU are sustainable, it is important that the WLUSU President makes a reduced environmental impact an advocacy priority for the university as a whole. This is crucial to ensure that future Laurier students have a healthy and vibrant university experience of a similar quality to what we experience as students today.
Proactive contract negotiations:
i. Demand that the University Administration include WLUSU representatives in faculty contract negotiations
In August of 2010 the Part-Time Faculty collective agreement with the University Administration expires. I don’t want a strike, none of us do. Too often Students’ Unions avoid being involved in these negotiations because they are afraid to offend the University Administration or the Faculty Associations. However, silence while student pay the costs of a strike is simply unacceptable. As WLUSU President I will implement a strike prevent plan. This plan involves approaching both sides of the negotiations early and demanding that a strike be avoided at all costs. Further, I will demand that the students have official representation during these negotiations.
ii. Develop contingency strategies in case of a faculty strike
With the expiration of Part-Time Faculty collective agreement with the University Administration approaching it is important for us to develop a strategy to ensure that our classes are not cancelled. To prevent a strike we need a plan. Our plan will involve engagement with the media, student activities, and continued proactive pressure on both the University Administration and the Faculty Association to find quick solutions that will avoid negative impacts on students. The Students’ Union must be vocal if we are to have any chance of avoiding a strike and the cancelling of classes.
iii. Advocate that WLUSU garner 50% of voting power for dispersal of SSAC
The SSAC funds our student services (health services, counseling services, accessible learning centre, athletics, etc.). As an undergraduate you pay a SSAC fee with your tuition to directly fund these services. Currently undergraduate opinion is underrepresented as the Student’s Union only garners 25% of the voting power, even though the amount of undergraduate funding is much higher. As WLUSU President I will pursue a more accurate representation through negotiations in regards to the WLUSU Operating Agreement with WLU.
iv. Demand that WLUSU representatives be present at all Multi Year Accountability Agreement proceedings between the University and the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities.
The Multi-Year Accountability Agreement (MYAA) outlines the benchmarks of what WLU promises to offer and accomplish. These benchmarks are mostly concerned with the quality of education that WLU promises to offer. It is important that our Students’ Union be involved in the development of future MYAAs and in the monitoring and reporting of the current MYAA. As WLUSU President I will request to be an official member of the MYAA negotiations.
Develop partnerships with the University to lobby the government for the needs of students
Some of my advocacy goals, such as enrollment caps, require the university to alter current practices and at a greater cost. In order to achieve these advocacy goals then, WLUSU must collaborate with the University to lobby for changes in government policy that will allow for enrolment caps to be fulfilled.
Hire a Policy Researcher to strengthen WLUSU’s advocacy and policy development
WLUSU provides the collective voice of students to university administration as well as politicians at the municipal, provincial, and federal level. In order to do this effectively, a full-time policy researcher is required to provide knowledgeable and experienced advice on advocacy and policy development and help student representatives overcome the learning curve to fulfill these tasks.
Title: Volunteerism
Subtitle: Giving Should Be Easy
Main Points:
Increase funding to the WLUSU Grant Fund
The WLUSU Grant Fund provides funding for new and exciting student led projects. The projects enhance the culture of Laurier and provide unique experiences for students. The current funding level is $15000. As WLUSU President, I will increase this amount to $30000 and allow any student or student group to apply, no matter their association to WLUSU.
Campus Clubs:
i. Encourage innovation
Campus clubs must be rewarded for innovation, not penalized. New campus clubs and innovative initiatives from existing clubs must be fully supported, promoted, and funded.
ii. Review policies relating to campus clubs
WLUSU is currently undergoing a rewrite of campus clubs policies. Once these are developed, I will ensure that their progress is closely monitored and that no campus club is abandoned by WLUSU.
iii. Allow campus club leaders to access their funds in a timely fashion
Campus clubs continuously experience great difficulties in gaining access to necessary resources to operate successfully. The biggest difficulties occur in sorting out club finances and so WLUSU staff resources should be prioritized in this area to ensure that clubs are not only informed as to the budgeting process, but also that they receive their approved funding in a timely manner. Instead of another restructuring of campus clubs finances, as WLUSU President I would prioritize staff resources to ensure clarity, efficiency, and timeliness so that our campus clubs can thrive.
iv. Faculty Association autonomy and allowing clubs to apply for multiple grants
The initiatives of campus clubs provide distinct benefits to their members, the Laurier community, and to multiple charity organizations. Many of these initiatives cannot be easily sorted into the strict guidelines outlined in the current funding structure for campus clubs. Further, clubs with large initiatives are forbidden from receiving the full amount of funding required and instead are limited to only applying to one source of funding. This is simply ridiculous. If a campus club requires more money than any one grant is able to supply, then they should be allowed to apply for as many grants as they wish. WLUSU controls the distribution of funds to these clubs, so we will still be able to ensure that funding for campus clubs is being spent appropriately. As WLUSU President, I would allow the faculty associations the freedom and autonomy to determine for themselves which projects merit funding.
v. Create a campus clubs Presidents’ Council
Rather than simply creating policy and dictating procedures from the top down that are meant to be in the best interest of campus clubs and the student body, WLUSU should be looking to form a campus clubs Presidents’ Council. This council would meet on a monthly basis and would be able to not only advice that Assistant Vice-President: Campus Clubs and Faculty Associations in regards to policy development, but also this would allow for further integration, cooperation, and the development of campus clubs partnerships. We need campus clubs Presidents to speak to each other and to work together in order to enhance our abilities as a student body.
Structurally Recognize Greek Life
Our Greek Life organizations provide unique opportunities for students to engage in philanthropic, personal development, and social activities. The existence of Greek Life on campus adds to the culture of Laurier and the student experience. As WLUSU President, I will formally recognize Greek Life as an activity of WLUSU. This designation will not provide funding, but instead will provide a secure place within the University that allows Greek Life organizations to take advantage of the support service available to campus clubs and committees.
Title: Brantford Campus
Subtitle: An Enhanced Experience
Main Points:
Hire a General Manager of Brantford Operations for WLUSU
If WLUSU Brantford autonomy is to be actualized, the operations of WLUSU in Brantford must be empowered so that these decisions can be made with certainty and vision. The position of General Manager would add a level of expertise in management the operations of WLUSU in Brantford that can fulfill what many students have envisioned as a more autonomous campus organization.
i. Produce a business plan for the creation of a WLUSU operated bar in Brantford
Before WLUSU begins the development of any further business operations in Brantford, we need to develop a plan. As WLUSU President, I will require the General Manager of Brantford Operations create a business plan that will meet the needs of students.
ii. Control finances in Brantford
WLUSU operations in Brantford should be controlled by students and staff of Brantford Campus. In order to ensure that all WLUSU operations are truly providing value to students of Brantford Campus, I will provide the General Manager of Brantford Operations with the control of WLUSU finances in Brantford.
Provide quicker financial support for student run clubs and committees on Brantford Campus
When student run initiatives require students to pay out of pocket and then apply for reimbursement, it is important that as an organization, WLUSU act to reimburse those students as quickly as possible. By implementing a petty cash system on Brantford Campus, we will be able to ensure that students are reimbursed at a much more acceptable pace.
Create a representational coordinator position entitled Coordinator of External Affairs
Currently there is an External Affairs Committee at Waterloo campus that deals with advocacy through lobbying, policy development, and campaigns. This committee has been successful but requires a Coordinator of External Affairs at Brantford for such a committee to take hold there and advocate on behalf of Laurier students at Brantford campus.
Title: Sustainability
Subtitle: Good For You, Good For The Community, Good For The Planet
Main Points:
Environmentally conscious Terrace expansion
i. Expand the lower Terrace to increase seating and enhance Union Market
The Terrace, which is owned and operated by WLUSU is a popular eating centre for students, so much so that it is often crowded and Union Market can become cluttered to the point of confusion. I would like to expand the lower Terrace in atrium style to both increase seating capacity and to widen the Union Market area.
ii. Ensure that expansion is as environmentally friendly as possible; now and future
If this expansion is to occur, it must happen in so as to minimize the environmental footprint created. Physical expansion should not come at the price of sacrificing our principles.
Investigate upgrading the FNCC to be LEED certified
One important way WLUSU can show environmental leadership is through the achievement of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a rating system for “green” buildings. As the owner of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre, WLUSU can many environmental upgrades to the building and pursue LEED certification that is available for existing buildings (LEED-EB). Not only would this improve the environmental performance of the building, but it would also show great leadership on the part of WLUSU and Laurier students.
Use Locally Grown food in the Terrace and Wilf’s where possible
We are blessed in Waterloo to be surrounded by some of the richest farmland in the country and as a result there is an extensive amount of locally grown food available. Yet this potential has been underutilized. The environmental and health benefits of a 100 mile diet have become clear, and WLUSU should be thinking fresh, never frozen, and make a priority of integrating these local foods into both of food businesses: the Terrace and Wilf’s.
Tie into advocating university admin for:
i. Reduce Environmental Foot Print of the University
Besides ensuring that the operations of WLUSU are sustainable, it is important that the WLUSU President makes a reduced environmental impact an advocacy priority for the university as a whole. This is crucial to ensure that future Laurier students have a healthy and vibrant university experience of a similar quality to what we experience as students today.
Title: First Year Experience
Subtitle: The Adult Treatment
Main Points:
Explore amending liquor license in the Turret to allow all ages on bar night
As owners of WLUSU, all students must have the right to attend all open events at the Turret. No matter the age, students need a safe and fun environment to socialize with friends and peers. In order to accommodate both of age and underage students at the Turret, we will take advantage of some of the structural strengths of the Turret and create a 19+ section for the purchase and consumption of alcohol. The rest of the Turret including the dance floor will be all ages. As WLUSU President I will not jeopardize the organization or the liquor license of the organization, however I will explore all possible options to ensure that all students have access to the businesses they own.
v. Section off areas for the sale and consumption of alcohol
vi. Allow dance floor to be all ages
Tie into advocating university admin for:
More support for Residence Life Staff
Laurier’s Residence Life Staff are much more than babysitters, and it is time that we start treating them like the student leaders that they are. When our Dons reprimand behavior, they do so to ensure the safety of our Residences and the students that occupy them. As WLUSU President, I will ask our University Administration to stop overturning the decisions made by Residence Life Staff, and instead support the authority of our Dons.
Increased Safety in Residences
As WLUSU President, I will request that our University Administration conduct a safety review of our residences. We need determine the cause and find a way to reduce the instances of theft and trespassing.
Elimination of the seizing of One Card funds
University is expensive enough without being forced to spend ridiculous amounts of your hard earned money at the dining hall. Two years ago WLUSU decided to allow the University to implement a policy that allowed for the seizure of your unspent One Card funds. As WLUSU President, I would bring this issue back to the forefront of discussion, and do everything in my power to overturn this decision. One Card money is your money, you should be able to spend it where you want and when you want.
Title: Athletics and Recreation
Subtitle: All Work And No Play Makes Students Something Something
Main Points:
Prevent further cutting of athletic teams
Laurier has a strong tradition of athletic excellence, and this tradition cannot be sacrificed in these times of economic insecurity. As WLUSU President, I will encourage the University Administration to seek all other options before considering further cuts to athletics team. We must do whatever we can to preserve our athletic teams.
Expand the Athletic Complex’s hours of operation during exams
Exams are stressful, and we all need a safe and healthy way to blow off our steam. For this reason I will be pursuing longer hours of operation for the athletic complex during exam periods.
Encourage growth in the recreational and intramural use of the athletic facilities
Our intramural and recreational programs impact the most students, and it is the inclusive nature of these activities that makes them so strong. Dance classes, workout facilities, and intramural teams must be supported, and as we move forward must be increased to accommodate the ever growing student population.
Title: Transparency
Subtitle: Of All The Things That Happen In The Dark, Having Your Money Spent Shouldn’t Be One Of Them
Main Points:
Require all student executives to hold office hours in common areas (Concourses and Atriums)
While the student executives that work for WLUSU have extensive office hours with an open door policy, many students feel intimated by the experience of entering the WLUSU offices or as if they were bothering the work of these executives. This should not be the case, and as WLUSU President I would require student executives to hold office hours in common areas all around campus to encourage interaction and openness with the students they serve.
Active Openness
i. Monthly Platform Updates
Promises are easy to make but harder to keep. I truly believe that everything outlined in my platform can realistically be worked on and tangible results achieved. To demonstrate this, as WLUSU President I would report to students every month on what progress has been made on achieving the platform goals seen before you now.
ii. Daily Blogs
It is important that you have an opportunity to read into and better understand the inner workings of the executive of the Students’ Union. As WLUSU President, my executive team and I will post at least one new blog each day to help inform you of the issues and projects that we are working on. This will also give you the opportunity to comment on the direction of the 2010-2011 executive, and to have your voice heard.
iii. Post the President’s Schedule and Availability on the WLUSU website
Students can become frustrated when they visit the WLUSU offices with a question but the President is not present because of meetings or other activities. To help with this problem, as WLUSU President I would post my schedule and availability to the WLUSU website for all students to see.
iv. All Policies and Documents of WLUSU available through the WLUSU website
You should be able to read the policies and documents that govern how your money is spent. If you are a student, you are an owner. As WLUSU President I will respect your ownership and ensure that you have access to our policies through the WLUSU website.
v. Up to date Website information
WLUSU has a history of failing to update the website. The last minutes posted from the Board of Directors are from March 2008. If you don’t believe me, check for yourself. As WLUSU President there are countless documents that I would post online to ensure that WLUSU is more open and accessible.
Utilize tools such as Facebook and Twitter to connect with students
As members, customers, and owners of WLUSU, it is important that every student has an effective and easy way of voicing their questions, suggestions, and concerns. As WLUSU President, I will utilize tools such as Facebook and Twitter in order to provide students with an easy way to contact me and receive a prompt response.
Title: Business Operations
Subtitle: If You’re A Student, You’re An Owner
Main Points:
Daily value menu options at Wilf’s
WLUSU business operations are another source of revenue and thus reduce the dependence on student fees to fund student activities. Wilf’s is also a service to students and provides a fun and safe atmosphere for all. Yet, without value priced options, some students feel isolated or are forced to spend beyond their daily budgets in order to participate in student run events and social outings.
Avoid unnecessary aesthetic based renovations
The spending of student money comes with the obligation to ensure that the money is being used in a prudent manner and in accordance with student needs. Aesthetically based renovations to the Fred Nichols Campus Centre are often unnecessary and as WLUSU President I would ensure that such renovations do not occur.
Use Locally Grown food in the Terrace and Wilf’s where possible
We are blessed in Waterloo to be surrounded by some of the richest farmland in the country and as a result there is an extensive amount of locally grown food available. Yet this potential has been underutilized. The environmental and health benefits of a 100 mile diet have become clear, and WLUSU should be thinking fresh, never frozen, and make a priority of integrating these local foods into both of the food businesses: the Terrace and Wilf’s.
Environmentally conscious Terrace expansion
i. Expand the lower Terrace to increase seating and enhance Union Market
The Terrace, which is owned and operated by WLUSU is a popular eating centre for students, so much so that it is often crowded and Union Market can become cluttered to the point of confusion. I would like to expand the lower Terrace in atrium style to both increase seating capacity and to widen the Union Market area.
i. Ensure that expansion is as environmentally friendly as possible; now and future
If this expansion is to occur, it must happen in so as to minimize the environmental footprint created. Physical expansion should not come at the price of sacrificing our principles.
Explore amending liquor license in the Turret to allow all ages on bar night
As owners of WLUSU, all students must have the right to attend all open events at the Turret. No matter the age, students need a safe and fun environment to socialize with friends and peers. In order to accommodate both of age and underage students at the Turret, we will take advantage of some of the structural strengths of the Turret and create a 19+ section for the purchase and consumption of alcohol. The rest of the Turret including the dance floor will be all ages. As WLUSU President I will not jeopardize the organization or the liquor license of the organization, however I will explore all possible options to ensure that all students have access to the businesses they own.
i. Section off areas for the sale and consumption of alcohol
ii. Allow dance floor to be all ages