As a result of an appeal of last term's election to the Board of Governors for a Student from the Okanagan campus of UBC, the Registrar has voided the results of the previous election. That decision was confirmed by the University's elections committee earlier this term. A by-election is now being held to re-conduct the voided vote. The three candidates listed below all participated in the last election and indicated their desire to stand in the new election.
Voting
There are three candidates in this election. You may vote for one (1) by logging in to the UBC Student Service Centre (SSC) at https://ssc.adm.ubc.ca and clicking on "Elections" under "Grades and Records".
Cadidates
Each candidate was asked to provide a personal statement of no more than 250 words in support of their candidacy and (a) their degrees and the dates of them; (b) their occupation; (c) offices held by them at a university or in any other organization; (d) their other professional or business interests; (e) their publications.
Amarat Sandhu
Statement:
I have interest in transforming post-secondary education in Canada. Transforming it in a way that is first and foremost in favor of the student, both financially and academically. A large feat in its own right, not to mention intangible in the short term as UBC Okanagan Student Representative on the Board of Governors, but a goal nonetheless in the long-term. If granted by you, the students, the position of Student Representative would enable me to gain insight and experience in university affairs; a crucial requirement before one attempt’s to transform post-secondary education. We are a quarter into the school year, and another student election after this will be upon us soon. Thus, I cannot provide you with any campaign promises of what I might do for you if elected into this opportunity, this by-election is untimely. I can only vouch that as Student Representative for UBC Okanagan I will look though a variety of lenses that considers students in all fields of study, and every type of student. My relationships with students in all faculties on campus are more than just casual acquaintances, they are of great interest and value to me. My own family is a compilation of nurses, engineers, scientists, and teachers, alumni of UBCO; I myself am studying International Relations. I would like to serve you as UBC Okanagan Student Representative on the Board of Governors, because I believe students should strive to deserve more, because I believe UBC Okanagan deserves more.
Other Information:
Occupations: UBCO Recreation Varsity Events Staff, UBCO Heat Mascot "Scorch"
Other: Treasurer for UBCO Model United Nations
Nishat Tasmim
Statement
I am an MSc student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, running to be elected as a student member of the UBC Board of Governors, representing UBC Okanagan. In the five years I have spent on this campus, I have been part of various student life activities. My experiences include residence advisor, peer mentor, supplemental learning leader, and teaching assistant. I have served as a Graduate Student Representative at UBCO Senate, a member of the university’s Non-Academic Misconduct Committee, and as a committee member for UBCO Women in Science and Engineering Mentoring Program. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with students and members of the board to work on the next step in the evolution of our campus as an integrated and progressive institution.
Other Information:
Degree: BSc (Hon.) Biology
Occupation: Student
Professional and business interests: Science and technology
Publications:
Gorzelak M, Ahmdi Vand, Z., Tasnim N., Gill S., Jay M., & Gibson D.L., Storage and collection procedures affect microbial community analysis in human samples. Gut Microbes
Gibson D.L.,* Gill S., Brown K., Tasnim N., Ghosh S., Innis S., & K. Jacobsen (2014) Maternal exposure to fish oil primes offspring to harbor intestinal pathobionts associated with altered immune cell balance. Gut Microbes,
Terry Zhang
Statement:
As your previously elected BoG student representative for the April 2015/2016 before results were voided, I’m wholeheartedly eager to run again in the re-election. I'm a third year civil engineering student Nanaimo, BC, and ever since I came to UBCO I've been heavily involved in extracurricular activities in school, and I'm a friendly-face on campus known for my approachable personality! In the 2015/16 school year just in my 2nd year, I was Vice-President External for Engineering Society at UBC, Senator-at-Large for UBCO Senate, and Social Coordinator for Sigma Phi Delta fraternity, Other than that I like to drop in on a lot of events in and around campus!
The Board has faced numerous controversies in the past year such as Gupta’s resignation, opposing the divestment of $1.5 billion in fossil fuel industries, sexual assault cases, international tuition hikes, and general transparency issues in the Board. Some of the biggest complaints on campus are the lack of healthy food options, lack of study space, and general lack of infrastructure. To fix this, I want be an advocate for the UBC Okanagan Campus Plan which will provide the expansion of new academic/research facilities, new food services, and new campus resources, I will do this by seeking nomination to the Board’s Property Committee, where I can lobby for students’ interests by recommending changes and fund allocations to the Plan, such as the ongoing library expansion, formalized transit connections to Quail Ridge, and spaces for new food options and services.
Other Information:
Offices held: Fundraising Officer at Sigma Phi Delta fraternity 2015/2016, VP External at Engineering Society 2015/2016, Senator at Large at UBCO Senate 2015/2016, Social Events Coordinator at Sigma Phi Delta fraternity 2015/2016, VP Finance and First Year Rep at Engineering Society 2014/2015