This is an election being held to fill the one position for a student representative on the Board of Governors for a one-year term ending March 31st, 2020. All students of the Okanagan campus are eligible to vote in this election.
Voting Instructions
- Go to your SSC and find "WebVote" under the "Grades and Records" menu
- Click “Vote” next to “2019 Okanagan Student Board of Governors Representative"
- Vote for your preferred candidate by clicking on the box next to the candidate’s name
- Click on “Submit Vote” then click “ok” to confirm your submission before logging out.
- Polls will close at midnight on Thursday, February 28th, 2019.
Candidate Information
Tyler Arnold
While I work towards my honours degree in psychology through the Faculty of Arts, I feel my three and a half years in the program have provided me with a strong understanding of my colleagues’ opinions and views. Seeing the innovative direction of UBC has inspired me to be part of the future. I have learned the importance of getting involved and thinking critically from this university so I am excited to put that knowledge to good use. Consistently achieving high standards and my passion for student well-being would make me an excellent student representative. My experience working at the homeless shelter has taught me the importance of being inclusive and that the well-being of everyone is important. I’m a self-motivated person and am consistently looking for self-improvement opportunities that will directly assist me in being a productive and engaged member of the community. My current position as a board member on The Foundry’s Youth Advisory Action Council where we strive to better youth programs and youth well-being should demonstrate my community commitment. When the Foundry opened its’ doors it was a natural fit for me to be part of it. Given the opportunity, I will show you that I would be a student representative that engages thoughtfully and professionally with all members of the committee towards a mutual goal of a progressive UBCO.
Antonia Ciocoiu
My name is Ana and I am a third-year electrical engineering student. I am very excited to be running for the student representative position for the Board of Governors. Since the start of my degree, I have held positions as an undergraduate research assistant and teaching assistant, which have provided me with fair insight into course scheduling, degree navigation, and other internal academic processes.
I have previously worked to promote engineering and research to junior-high and high-school students as part of the GoEngGirl and SEED programs, which aim to make engineering accessible to a wider audience. I am also currently spearheading a project that will bring a world-renowned academic and author to guest lecture
at UBC-O.
I am running for this position because I want to give you a voice. A lot of what goes on behind the scenes happens with minimal student input, and I want to change that!
I would like to address student concerns related to:
- Campus development and associated costs,
- Campus housing availability, quality, and cost
- Scholarship continuity and financial support,
- Course content, prerequisite waivers, and degree requirements
I also feel that there are a few notable non-academic issues that must be addressed, namely, our woefully inadequate sexual assault policy as well as the permitted exam scheduling hours. I would also like to work on integrating Wellbeing week within the current schedule.
I would address these issues by communicating openly with students and lobbying for changes within the Board of Governors’ meetings and committees.
Shola Fashanu
My name is Shola Fashanu, I am a third-year Mechanical Engineering student and your current Board of Governors Student Representative. Since arriving at UBCO I have developed a love for student leadership through my involvement on campus. I now serve as President of Women in Engineering and VP Communications of the Engineering Society in addition to my position on BoG.
This year on BoG has been an exceptional opportunity and I have a deep found appreciation for the work the Board does. While on BoG I have been able to sit on committees that work to improve the student experience. I have worked to amend policy that improves transparency of Board proceeding, voted for an increase to student wellness initiatives, worked to oppose tuition increase and more.
Last year I ran on a platform of transparency and student engagement. In addition to my work directly with the Board, I worked to improve communication between myself and fellow students. I started a comprehensive blog giving updates on key developments of the BoG and implemented a feedback form
to allow students to easily provide feedback.
Being a member of the board has a steep learning curve, being one year into serving on the board makes me so passionate to continue this important work and gives me an appreciation for all that I’ve learned. If given the opportunity to serve for a second term it would allow me to hit the ground running and continue my work now with more experience and knowledge.
Jassim Naqvi
My name is Jassim Naqvi and I am a 4th year medical biochemistry and economics student at UBCO. I am a current Senator-At-Large and have worked with the UBCSUO on-and-off since my first year, most recently as the Student Senate Caucus Representative to the UBCSUO Board of Directors (2018–2019) and as the AVP Finance and Operations for the 2017-2018 academic year.
This year I’m running for both the UBC Okanagan Student Representative to the Board of Governors and the Okanagan Senate. I have observed and learnt from the past four years’ worth of student governance, ranging from issues including social network integrity, the UBCSUO, the Okanagan Senate and the Board of Governors. In order to turn ideas into a reality, I believe that the three bodies that govern UBCO must be collaborative, in-sync and operate seamlessly. Being on both the Board of Governors and Senate will allow me to also serve on UBCSUO Board of Directors, ensuring your voice is heard on all platforms.
Worked on previous events for the UBCSUO Expo (2015-2019), the UBCSUO ACC Night (2018), Eid-Diwali (2015-2017), Age-Link and Harmony UBCO. Administrator of the UBCO–Class of 2018/2019/2020 groups. As a Senator, I hope to sit on two specific committees this year, the Appeals of Standing and Discipline Committee and the Buildings and Resources committee. One of my strongest qualities is being able to understand, adjust and help create space for new policies/protocols whilst ensuring that timeline-wise, matters are conducted as swiftly and promptly as possible.
Nicole Michalewicz
My name is Nicole Michalewicz and I am running to be the Okanagan student representative for the Board of Governors. I am a third year Arts student who is majoring in PPE (Philosophy, Politics, & Economics) and minoring in psychology. I have been involved in many different parts of the school during my three years here and currently hold five volunteer positions. I have also volunteered at numerous events in the past to support the student body. I currently work four jobs and have had relevant experience, as the student representative on the committee to elect a new Provost and VP Academic last summer. Many people recognize me as one of the busiest people they know, but everything I do comes from a place of enjoyment and commitment.
If elected to the Board of Governors, I will take a firm stance to ensure the Okanagan student body is represented both professionally and respectfully. I understand that, although our campus is smaller than Vancouver’s, our population is still diverse and that needs to be represented at the table. It is important to me that students are aware of what is happening in these meetings and I will be sure to effectively and efficiently inform you of the agendas and information discussed. I believe that because of my vast involvement and diverse exposure to many of the university’s workings, I can best represent the students at UBC Okanagan and be an asset to this board. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Angie Pinchbeck
I am a 4th-year Mathematics and Computer Science major, about to complete my second year at UBC’s Okanagan campus. In my time here, I have been the recipient of the Irving K. Barber Women in Technology Scholarship, have twice won an Aboriginal Undergraduate Research Mentorship grant, have served as a student representative on the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences Faculty Council, and have served as the Okanagan’s student representative on UBC’s Program for Undergraduate Research Experience steering committee. Further, my dedication to the success and growth of my fellow students led me to become a TA within my first year at this school, and I have remained one ever since.
My background is as varied as my current interests: I originally come from Penticton and proudly represent both my family and Syilx heritage. However, I have also spent many years overseas, settling for five years in Guangzhou, China, where I was a musician and journalist. I eventually came to the path of math and computer science out of a desire to improve life for those around me. My dream is to see robotic limbs for people who have lost them.
I am committed to enhancing the experience and education of all students at UBC. I know the struggles that we all face when transitioning from academia into industry, and I plan to continue advocating for more undergraduate opportunities in research, projects, and enterprise.
Simran Sandhu
My name is Simran Sandhu and I am a third year Human Kinetics student. I transferred from Vancouver, and this is my second semester at UBCO. Although I haven’t been at this university for a long time, it has already become a second home to me. Along with my prior experience as a student representative on the board of governors at the previous college I attended, and my strong desire to make UBCO a better place for every student, I believe I am a suitable candidate to represent students in a professional and proficient manner. My next year at UBCO will also be my last, therefore I’m determined to be more involved in my community and would like to share my strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
Questions
Contact elections.information@ubc.ca if you have any questions or if you experience difficulty voting.