The polls open March 20; Excalibur brings you the facts about the upcoming YFS election
News Department
@excalweb
The candidates for next year’s YFS executive and director roles have been finalized, and the chief returning officer (CRO), Cécile Des Vignes, is overseeing both campaigns for the final student vote next week.
Unlike last year, when the incumbent party faced no opposition with the exception of two faculty positions, this year there is a competing slate. As a matter of fact, there are only seven acclaimed positions in this election.
There is a race for every executive, director, and faculty position except for the following positions: Science and Engineering, Fine Arts, Education, Stong College, New College, Founders College, and McLaughlin College. The candidates for these positions will win by default.
All candidates will be participating in two election debates which will be held on March 13 and 14 at Keele and Glendon campuses respectively.
Students will be able to vote from March 20 to March 23.
Des Vignes is ensuring that candidates are following election bylaws, and that all issues and complaints about the election process are addressed.
Free York University “The main goal for Free York University (FYU) is to enhance student life”—Jonathan Jupiter
“I always wanted to be more involved in York,” says Brathwaith, who is currently a member of the LA&PS student council and employed by both goSAFE and Sports and Recreation York. He also enjoys engaging with students and affecting their experience at York. “I would like to see students come to class and stay after class,” he says.
Villangran has been involved at York as a safety staff member for goSAFE, a job that he says will help him in this position that is largely based around promoting safety on campus. “I know what to look for when it comes to safety,” he says. He intends to promote a “safer school and stronger community,” where a sense of community can promote a neighbourhood watch.
Jupiter is a current don at Winters College and a member of the goSAFE team. Jupiter wants to take on a role that ensures students have a good experience on campus. “These are considered the most critical moments of our life,” says Jupiter, explaining that he intends to work closely with all members of his team to guarantee that students enjoy their time at York.
Leonard is a Glendon student hoping to get the campus more involved with events and issues at Keele. “They don’t know what services are offered,” says Leonard. She wants to make sure all finances of the union are fully disclosed and transparent. “Talking to students during the campaign, they don’t know what types of services are offered, how their money is spent.”
A native of Barbados, Millington worked in the police force for seven years before coming to York in 2010 to study criminology. Millington’s initiatives include dealing with sensitive issues on campus and lending unbiased support to all students to promote equity. “It’s about ensuring that there’s a playing field that’s fair for all,” says Millington.
York United “Our dedication is to improve campus safety, community, affordable services, and be vocal advocates on students’ behalf”-—Alastair Woods
Thyriar has a year’s worth of experience behind her as LA&PS director for the YFS this year. This year, she is aiming to be involved on the executive board. As part of York’s commuting population, Thyriar understands the importance of building community on campus. “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely in all YFS events held on campus,” she says.
Woods has been heavily involved in several on-campus organizations, like the Senate and TBLGAY. He recognizes that many of the ongoing campaigns require time and dedication—such as the continuing rally to drop tuition fees. “I want to stick around to be a strong advocate for the next year,” he says. One of his goals, he says, is to expand tuition grant eligibility.
After having served one term as YFS president, Hunt is preparing herself for another round of elections. “I’ve been with the YFS two years now,” she says. “You work hard on a lot of things that come to fruition, and it’s hard to let go of that.” One of Hunt’s top priorities is to push to implement a policy dealing with sexual assault on campus.
Cerjanec has been on campus for five years and been through all walks of campus, including working with the YFS and serving as the president of Founders College, but he feels there is always room for improvement. “There’s something that can always be done better and built upon.” For instance, student space. “We want to provide a good service for students,” he says.
Husein worked closely with the YFS before joining them on the York United slate. Previously, she has had a chance to work with the Centre for Human Rights. “I have an interest in exploring student social issues,” she says. “I’ve always helped out.” Husein believes that the fight for equity must be a collective initiative by the entire campus community.
Compiled by Tamara Khandaker, Jacqueline Perlin, and Yuni Kim. Photos by Mark Grant
