2020 Presidential Candidate Platforms
The 2020 SMUSA student elections are here! The Journal reached out to all Presidential candidates through the election’s Chief Returning Officer (CRO) and asked each of them for a statement on who they are and what their platform consists of. Not all candidates replied to the Journal’s request in time for publishing. This post will be updated as other candidates reach out to the Journal. You can find out more about the 2020 SMUSA elections by clicking here or by emailing the CRO at elections.smusa@smu.ca. Photo credit to Dénis Amirault, Marketing & Communications Officer for SMUSA.
“Hello Friends,
My name is Salman and I am currently studying in my 4th year majoring in Accounting. I have been super involved on campus since my first year and I identify myself as an empathetic leader. I believe that leadership is all about taking a real action while also taking care of everyone around us including all the students who we are representing.
This is my second time running for SMUSA President and this year I am ready to serve you as your SMUSA President. I have been welcoming many new students during welcome weeks in both September and January session and I have been actively volunteering for SMUSA and working for students in many capacities for the past three years. I am very passionate about student advocacy and student success because I know the feeling of being deprived of opportunities in life which is also why I want to create opportunities for the youth and university students with right mindset and authentic leadership.
On 11th February, I am travelling to Northern Ireland for the second time with Peaceful Schools International to represent Saint Mary's University. This is my second time travelling to Belfast, NI and I feel honoured to be the only International student to get this opportunity and travel with 17 other dedicated students this year. We facilitate workshops in primary schools of Halifax & Belfast, NI and teach conflict resolution skills to children. The impact is absolutely huge if we think about what we are planning to accomplish in the long run because our main goal is to create a positive environment by promoting peace.
My platform focuses on feasibility. I have a great vision to continue working for sexual violence prevention initiative team and consent culture. Additionally, I want to work on social media issues to reduce cyber bullying because mental health should be a top priority in any university. It is important because students perform well academically if they are in both good physical and mental health condition. There is definitely a great correlation. Furthermore, I would also like to work on climate change action and snack initiatives because most of the students addressed these issues during my campaign since I am running "Student Voice Project" where students get to share feedback what they want to see happening on campus. The primary focus would be increasing student engagement of Saint Mary's by coming together as a community. I am very excited this time and I am willing to do great things for people in future regardless of the outcomes of election.”
- Salman Sadib
