Month: January 2008

Categories
AMS Elections 2008 VP Admin

Candidate questionnaire: "Scary" Mike "the Rabbi" Kushnir

Why do you want to be the VP Admin of the AMS?
i’m really the only qualified candidate for the job, seeing as howneither of my opponents seem to be either scandal-free or capable ofhandling the intense pressure of the job. the way i see it, the VP-adminposition is more or less like being a First Lady; you have to be thereto welcome foreign dignitaries into your house, and generally be the”face” of the organization. the goal should be to make your constituentsfeel GOOD about being your constituents. i’ll be there to do it – in asea-foam green taffeta dress. (i challenge my opponents to do better).·

What personal skills and experiences could you bring to theportfolio?
i have a direct mandate from god. plus i mix a mean sour apple martini.in addition, having been in a brutal european thought-policedictatorship (france) for the last year, i have a unique view of studentgovernance: namely, more is more. i think that the electorate wouldagree with me that more bureaucracy, indeed, means that life runs smoother.·

If there was one thing you could change about the AMS whatwould it be?
i want to see a more convivial atmosphere in the AMS – one that hasEVERYBODY coming to events, not just student politicians. therefore, ipropose an AMS gulag; if you don’t hit up one beer garden a month, bam!to the gulag! (there will probably be a brewery at the gulag, allowingfor cheap beer at said beer gardens.) basically, the new motto of theAMS will be “have a good time! or else!” certainly, i would change thename of the organization – the AMS should stand for “the Awesome Motherf***ing Society”. long story short, the AMS needs to better defendthe rights of students; make sure that we have what we have struggledfor: a strong voice on campus, the right to responsible drinking andplenty of good times at UBC. (seriously, kids. the fun at this school isgoing down the toilets. pretty soon, we’re gonna be SFU.)·

If you could change the way SAC functions, how would you do it?
seeing as my victory is guaranteed, i’d probably hire sarah naiman as my vice-chair; that way, she does all the dirty work, and i take politicalcredit for what is quickly becoming her personal legacy project: the newSUB! (don’t worry, sarah – i promise to name it the Sarah Naiman SUB!)as for the rest of SAC, i’ll probably fire them all and get yian to dothe rest of the work.·

What’s your vision for a new SUB? How will you get it passed inreferendum?
it’s well-outlined in my platform that a 24-hour disco with aroller-derby is in the works for the SUB. this plan reeks of so much AWESOME that it’s impossible that it would fail. in any case, unlike oneof my opponents, who may or may not have been inspired by the partiquébécois policy of demanding failing referenda ad-nauseum, i’llprobably hire some goon to stuff the ballot boxes so that i get a 99.5%”YES” vote. like in cuba. (honestly, though: i’m all for renovating theSUB and making gradual additions to it, but do we really NEED abrand-new SUB? at the going rate of about $60 per head, i’m going to say”no”. with the exception of queues during peak periods, which areinevitable anywhere, i think that the damn thing works pretty well as-is.)·

There’s an AMS sustainability strategy currently in the works. What’s your vision for sustainability at the AMS?
i propose banning all disposable cups and/or food containers, to getstudents to bring their own. for those who feel that raping theenvironment is just too tempting, however, i propose an alternative:either buying a crapload of those fantastic re-usable plastic beer mugsand branded plastic containers and selling them for $1 each, or servingstudents in edible waffle cups in one of three tempting flavours:vanilla, chocolate and pumpernickel. not only does this provide nowaste, but it also lets you say “…and then i ate the cup!”

Categories
AMS Elections 2008 VP Admin

Candidate Questionnaire: Sarah Naiman

What personal skills and experiences could you bring to the portfolio?

I have done the position before! With a new General Manager and the upcoming SUB Renewal Referendum, it is essential to have at least one of the VPs return to provide the continuity. For the SUB referendum to be a success and the consultation process to continue in this transparent manner, we need a VP Administration who is aware of the history and the present situation.

Over my past year as VP Admin, I have learned a lot and I have accomplished a lot. In my first month as an Exec, I ran the YouBC Video Contest. After that, I started the annual All Presidents’ Dinner which was a first of its kind event that brought together student executives from all areas of the university, not just the AMS. I also sat on the Aquatic Center Management Committee (ACMC) to present and advocate for the student petition against closing the free gym then, recently, I used that committee to get AMS clubs who consistently use the Aquatic Center a discount equal to the Athletic Teams which saved those clubs thousands of dollars a year. Beside that, with the help of Brittany Tyson, I renovated the Pit and brought in AMS Link, the first step to streamlining the bureaucratic processes for clubs. Furthermore, in conjunction with the Debating Society, one of our clubs, I ran the Dean’s Debate which brought together the dean of Commerce, Arts and Pharmacy to debate the strength of their respective programs.

All in all, I feel that I have done a lot this past year and still have a lot more to do. My primary goal for next year is to continue with SUB Renewal and ensure a successful referendum where students receive a building that meets their needs for the next 40 years. As well, I will continue with University negotiations to ensure that both the University and the province contribute to this building project.

If you could change the way SAC functions, how would you do it?
I think that SAC needs to have less people who work more hours. Right now, each individual Commissioner has their own, very specialized job on SAC so if, for example, there is a question by a Club Exec about bookings, that Club Exec will be referred to the Bookings Commissioner. In my opinion, this is not good customer service. If we reduce the amount of Commissioners and pay our employees better, we can expect more from them. Until we do that, SAC is essentially a group of volunteers that we ask way too much from. I have been lucky to have a great group of Commissioners and a very strong Vice-Chair. If I didn’t have strong individuals, SAC would not be able to work the way it does. By increasing the pay and hours and reducing the people, SAC can function more productively and effectively to meet the many needs of our clubs. As well, as AMSLink continues to develop, that will continue to help reduce some of the administrative strain put on the commissioners so they can focus on more rewarding tasks such as a second Clubs Days.

Categories
AMS Elections 2008 VP Admin

Candidate Questionnaire: Yian Messoloras

Yian is a VP Admin Candidate.

Why do you want to be the VP Admin of the AMS?
My experience is the driving force behind my decision to run for this position because I feel confident that I possess all the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and supervise the renovations and possible additions that will be made to the SUB in order to GET IT DONE and STOP WASTING MONEY.

What personal skills and experiences could you bring to the portfolio?
Thanks to my background in construction and my experience with project management and design garnered through complete home restorations and many summers working in and later directing construction, I possess the essential elements required to lead the SUB Renew project in the most efficient and responsible manner.

If there was one thing you could change about the AMS what would it be?
GET IT DONE and STOP WASTING MONEY.

If you could change the way SAC functions, how would you do it?
The Chair and executive should be more acountable. [SAC doesn’t have an executive, the VP admin chairs SAC -Ed]

What’s your vision for a new SUB? How will you get it passed in referendum?
Sustainability and efficient growth without over-stretching the budget or increasing student fees is one of my foremost concerns. We realize how important the environment is and this is finally an opportunity to make a substantial difference – I think most other students see things the same way, they just need to have someone in office that they can finally trust. People often make promises to get elected, but their only interest is in themselves. I actually give a $@!# about what happens and how things are done which I think will help me to see eye to eye with other students and present something that everyone will be ready to agree upon.

There’s an AMS sustainability strategy currently in the works. What’s your vision for sustainability at the AMS?
My primary objective is that the eventual product of SUB Renew will be a model of sustainability for the rest of the campus while simultaneously remaining an economically efficient hub of student life. More and better varieties of food and service providers as well as a substantially simpler, more accessible, and comprehensive waste and recycling management program will serve as an initial stepping stone to a better and more sustainable SUB.

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AMS Elections 2008 BoG

Candidate Questionnaire: Andrew Carne

Andrew Carne is a BoG candidate. Here were his answers.

Why do you want to be a student representative on the BoG?
I want to be one of the BoG reps because I am interested in university politics, administration and campus development. As my time here at UBC increases, i have found out more and more about the aforementioned topics, and what I learn often intrigues or angers me. I feel that I could do a very good job as a BoG rep, putting in the required time and effort to read through every issue in the docket, communicate important information to the students and back, as well as investigate every concerning element found in items presented to board.

How would you use your position on BoG to enhance students’ voice on campus?
I would do this primarily by ensuring very open lines of communication are maintained between myself and students. I would not hesitate to speak at Board on issues raised to me by the general student body, and I would ensure that everything public discussed at board is communicated effectively to interested students.

What specific changes to the University Boulevard project would you advocate?
I can identify several issues with the University Boulevard project. The biggest one is that the most recent consultation showed a very strong dislike for housing and non-food retail, yet these elements have not been completely removed from the current project plan. I fail to see the point in running a consultation if one of the biggest identified issues is being ignored. I believe the project needs housing removed, retail largely reduced or removed, and an increase in student study/social space, for there is not nearly enough currently present on campus.

I also think some serious thinking needs to be done regarding the underground bus loop. Translink has stated that the proposed project would not be large enough to accommodate anticipated traffic in the next few years. What is the point in building this hugely expensive facility if it is going to be overcrowded almost immediately after construction. Also, since the Skytrain line to UBC was finally announced this week, it seems ridiculous to be investing this huge amount of money in a bus terminal that is going to be replaced or at least seriously renovated by 2020.

This year Jeff served as both a governor and AMS president, which seemed to strengthen his voice at the BoG table. What would be your relationship with the AMS?
I am not running for any particular AMS position, as I feel that two positions would not leave me with enough time to fulfill either one properly. I do however intend to be active in AMS activities and meetings so people can get to know me and pass information back and forth.

What experience(s) and skills do you have that will enable you to convince the Board appointees that your point of view is preferable to theirs?
In regards to experience, I have worked fairly closely with the Dean of Applied Science on several matters, which has given me a taste of higher-level interactions. I also have spent the past two years in an executive role with the Engineering Undergraduate Society, which has given me many insights into what students want on campus, and what some of the important issues are. I feel that one of the best ways to ‘convince the appointees’ of my point of view would be to contact members of the Board in advance (prior to the actual meeting) with questions and arguments, as this provides a more one-on-one situation. I would also ensure that my points are very well researched and persuasively phrased, which will show them that I do actually know what I’m talking about.

What is your vision for the governance model of UBC?
It has always struck me as bizarre that the Board is largely composed of provincial appointees who don’t necessarily have any real interest in what goes on at UBC. They also are not stakeholders in any way, so the decisions they make don’t actually effect them. It seems to me that a body making such important decisions should be made up of representatives of the people effected by it’s decisions. As such, my vision would be that Board would be solely made up of the President, Chancellor, and representatives from students, staff, faculty and possibly a representative from the provincial government. In this vision, the total size of the Board would not be reduced greatly, which would mean more representatives each from students, staff and faculty.

On a related note, I would also like to see more transparency on the hiring policies and processes for senior administration (President, VPs) and Deans of faculties. I would like to see detailed guidelines showing how these people are selected, and the proper procedures for doing so. The policies currently available on the UBC website only list the composition of advisory committees and no other details.

Categories
AMS Elections 2008 President

Candidate Questionnaire: Matthew Naylor

Why do you want to be the president of the AMS?
I want to be president because I think that this organization has massive potential, and I think that I can be a part of unleashing that potential. This next year is going to bring some pretty significant changes to the organization, and I think that I can make a contribution in not only settling into the change, but making sure that this next year is a productive one. The executive has such an incredibly short time to make an impact on the organization – that’s why I am running, because I want to make an impact on an institution I really do care about, and I have the skills and knowledge to do it well.

What personal skills and experiences could you bring to the portfolio?
The most pertinent experience I have is the VP External Affairs portfolio this past year. This has given me tremendous insight into the internal workings of the AMS, and how to make them realize their full potential. As President, I would be responsible for management, which I have done this past year as the chair of the External Commission, and in past as one of the people responsible for the organization of the Dion Leadership Campaign in Alberta. I would be responsible for advocacy and policy. I have been described as a policy wonk, and as someone who is “hard working, dedicated student leader who has made a significant contribution to the student movement in BC and across Canada”*. My role model is Louis St. Laurent, who put a premium on hard work. That is how I will succeed as president – continually working for you, doing my research and being prepared for meetings.

*Mike Burton, President of the UofR Student Union

If there was one thing you could change about the AMS what would it be?
I would make council a more effective body. We have a team of fifty or so people who are committed enough to this student society to sit on its board of directors, but are little more than a rubber stamp on the decisions of the executive. These reps were elected by the people as well, and should have some sort of a say in the direction of the society. I want to move the chairmanship of committees out of the hands of the executive and give that to compensated councillors. We have a team of people who want to do something – who want to make a difference within the AMS. I think that its about time that we let them.

How would you be a good leader of the Executive team?
I view the role of the President as a sounding board. I think, therefore, that one of the most important things that I could be doing is to encourage debate and discussion amongst the executive. Creating this culture where debate and disagreement is acceptable is going to make our ideas better, as they will be tested more, and make us a stronger team, because we will have created a situation where nobody is going to be insulted by someone speaking their mind. I, as President, would not have a mandate to order people around, or direct their actions, but I think that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Provided that we continue to share our ideas and our progress, (things I hope to facilitate at exec meetings), we will remain informed as to what the others are doing, and, more importantly, be given the opportunity to comment and contribute to plans where there is an interest in the topic.

How will you manage the organization internally given the transition of the GM and many permanent staff this year?
Transition is a vulnerable time for any organization, but it is also one that carries with it significant opportunities. I would like to take this chance to, in conjunction with reviewing the strategic framework, evaluate the long term goals of the organization, and, how, as ‘permanent’ staff members, they can be stewards of that long term plan. I also would like to ensure that there is a good transition between the outgoing and incoming staff, and will work to ensure a smooth transition where no balls get dropped and the projects of the society continue uninterrupted. I will also lean on the three most senior continuing AMS staff – Jane, Henry and Nancy are all incredibly capable and dedicated people who are going to be an unparalleled asset in this coming year.

What structural changes do you think would make council and committees more effective and cohesive in the organization?
As mentioned earlier, I think a decentralization of power from the executive is the best way to start. We should also be enshrining some of the useful new committees, like Lobbying Review or Academic Quality, and doing away with, or rolling together some of the others, as we did last year with U-Pass Subsidy Review. Let’s make the chairs of these committees more active and let councillors, and not just the executive, drive this organization for a change.

How will you make the AMS known, relevant, and an attractive place for involvement for all students?
The AMS itself, meaning the council, the commissions, and the general student government structure, will never be the place for broad ranging involvement that will appeal to all students, but it is for some, and we should make sure that we, as a government, do not shut doors on people who want to help out. Beyond that, the AMS must be the place where people can come to engage with their community, and that does include our clubs. I would like to provide more club support, and making AMS Link more relevant is going to be a key part of that. AMS Connect must be expanded, and give people the chance to really engage with their community, and as mentioned above, the AMS governance structure. We need volunteers for any number of things, and, through AMS Connect, we can connect with the student body simultaneously.

Jeff’s role as a governor on the BoG and President seemed effective in giving students a voice. How would manage your relationship with UBC decision makers?
I personally will commit to attending the BoG and BoG committee meetings. I also would like to build on the current set of relationships I have already created this year. I think that, in a number of areas, the university and students can work together for advocacy and providing services, and in those places where we do indeed disagree, our disagreements will be softened by a professional and familiar relationship, aided along by frequent meetings. I will continue to be frank but not insulting, direct but not brash, and in doing so, will get things done for students.

How would you implement the AMS strategic framework?
The AMS Strategic Framework is coming up for renewal this year, so, in addition to implementing it, we also have to decide what changes we wish to make to the document – how to update it for it’s next three year term. Within the greater framework of council empowerment, I would like to do more training on the strategic framework, so that the committee chairs who are going to have increased responsibilities in setting council priorities are also able to frame their decisions in the context of a long term strategic plan. I would also like to get the Code and Policies committee to review the document, perhaps including some guidelines for setting measurables. One of the downsides to the Strategic Framework is that it is a very broad document, and I would like it retooled, not to constrain the society for the next three years, but to provide an improved lens through which we can view our decisions.

Categories
AMS Elections 2008 VP Finance

Candidate Questionnaire: Stash "Irish Courage" Bylicki

Stash is a candidate for VP Finance. Here are his answers.

Why do you want to be the VP finance of the AMS?
To be direct and honest: I want to be VP finance because I think there has been a severe shift in the use of the lastmagical thing on campus, namely beer beer beeeeer. Not only do I feel that it is necessary to address the issues of disappearing beer gardens and parties, and increased watchfulness over ourability to have fun, but I am appalled at the fact that the AMS is turning a blind eye to the othermagical things in our world. With my deep connection to the mystic, through my wicked awesome leprachaun abilities, I feel thatI am the best for this job, to show UBC how money should be managed.

What personal skills and experiences could you bring to the portfolio?
Once my grand uncle Poddy O’Keefenhammer was making stew when I walked into the roomafter my morning beer and stroll- grand pint in my hand.I noticed something smelled funny, and before we knew it, uncle Poddy’s beard was on fire. Lucky for me, with a beer in my hand, I knew exactly what to do. I added salt to the stew, looked at my beer, took a grand ol’ swig, and told him to get his act together. I did not spill a drop that day, so let it be known. I stand up for my beer.I also have a friendship with the centaur and unicorn tribes- that’s pretty important.

If there was one thing you could change about the AMS what would it be?
I would abolish unessential services such as safewalk, and hire a band of centaurs to protect the campus. Naturally though, Safewalk employees would be disgruntledand I feel that their livelihood is important so I would hire them to a new group calledUnsafewalk, in which they will wear orc costumes, and roam the campus so that the centaurs have something to deal with.

The athletics fee for UBC students is more than 200 dollars, most of which students never see back. How do you plant to lobby to make that fee accountable to regular non-varsity students? This is so simple. My plan is for the AMS to have unlimited funds. Rationally, gold and money can be always found at the end of the rainbow. What I am going to do is purchase the sole rights to all rainbows on earth from a personal loan from Warren Buffett and Bill Gates.With unlimited rainbows, always available to us at my command (NO ONE ELSE CAN DO THIS, SO NO ONE CAN JUST STEAL MEEE LUCKY IDEAS) the AMS will have unlimited. This means NOOO STUDENT FEEEEEES!!!!!

What’s your top priority for the AMS businesses? It will be mandatory that all coffee establishments serve they’re coffee’s “Irish”.My experience and budgeting stuff:I worked as a summer investment banker, analyzing portfolii, determining risks for investments, andworking on mergers and acquisitions for the the O’Leary’s Drunken Bank O’ Boozer Leprachaunis.

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AMS Elections 2008 VP External

Candidate Questionnaire: Stefanie Ratjen

Stefanie Ratjen is a VP external candidate. Here are her answers.

Why do you want to be the VP External of the AMS?
I am aware of the issues affecting students both on and off the campus. While some people treat this as a popularity contest or a resume-padding opportunity, I am running because of the issues themselves. I know what needs to change, and I want to this opportunity to do it.

What personal skills and experiences could you bring to the portfolio?
I’m familiar working from “within” and “without” a governing body at UBC. I have been active with the AMS Resource Groups for years, with the AMS Student Environment Centre (which is hosting its annual conference this weekend!!!!), as well as the AMS Social Justice Centre, AMS Clubs such as Students for a Democratic Society, and I host student-initiated programs including Cinema Politica and the Radio Free ubc segment on News 101 on CiTR 101.9. I have attended AMS and UBC Board of Governor meetings to see how decisions are made first-hand. I am also involved with the ongoing Trek Park initiative, which has played a prominent role in ensuring that student voices are listened to in the U-BLVD project.

In my activities at UBC I have had the opportunity to converse with a lot of students. Many concerns have come up, and a lot of these issues, such as increasing tuition, decreasing quality of education, and lack of a student voice in decision-making, need to be addressed through real action. I believe that the VPX is not just about asking the right questions, it’s about making sure that student voices are heard where and when it matters. I’m not just ready to work for students to ensure their interests are represented, I’ve already been doing this for quite some time.

If there was one thing you could change about the AMS what would it be?
The AMS needs to engage and inform more students about decisions and events that are taking place. Lack of AMS accessibility and awareness of current student-issues can be reversed by making real gains for students, and having the courage to tackle difficult but important high-profile issues. When the AMS stands up for students, students will notice the AMS and student apathy will disappear into thin air. The AMS and student issues matter. Students need to not only know that, but believe it. Previous executives have failed to make the AMS relevant. I won’t.

What would be your approach to the CASA/CFS relationship? What are your priorities on federal higher education lobbying?
With the current state of affairs, I don’t really see it as a “CASA or CFS” question. In regard to higher education lobbying, it’s the provincial level that has the most influence over higher education. Via the BC University Act, this is the level where decision making structures and funding programs for post-secondary education are determined. This is where students need a stronger voice.

The thing is that CASA, while maintaining a strong federal relationship for UBC, does not lobby, as a union, on a provincial level. This is where the Canadian Federation of Students, or CFS, comes in. One of the major differences between the two student unions is that CFS does lobby, as a union, at the provincial level. Furthermore, the UBC Vancouver AMS is the only student union in British Columbia to choose CASA over the CFS. This is not to say the CFS is the ultimate alternative. One of the reasons that the UBC Vancouver AMS is not a member of CFS is because its executive was not transparent enough, and because it costs more to join, which would entail an increase in student fees. In addition, over the last year, some of the other BC student unions have left CFS, and are choosing to operate independently.

We need to have a strong voice at the provincial level. Neither national student union guarantees this. We need to have schools and students working together to be effective. Building a strong relationships and positive relationships with other BC schools is necessary. The outgoing VP External has already been working on this idea, and has established relationships with some of the other post-secondary education institutions in BC, particularly those that are now independent. I will work with other schools in British Columbia to establish a well-organized coalition to advocate for students, pushing for the necessary governance and funding changes through detailed recommendations (we’ll do the work for the government).

What’s your stance about access to higher education? What’s your vision of a fair tuition and financial aid system for UBC, B.C., and Canada?
Education is a right, not a privilege. The burden of debt faced by half of UBC students averages nearly $25,000. The financial cost of getting a degree has a serious impact not only on students but on who gets to be a “student.” Furthermore, unequal access to education is deepening the rifts in our society caused by sexism, racism, and financial background or class. This is completely unacceptable. All people should have access to the same educational opportunities. We need to look beyond “assistance” based financing towards affordable education. One of my top priorities is to restructure funding and an increase in government transfers for education. The provincial government is the body that makes the most important decisions regarding how much funding goes into what kind of financial assistance program for post secondary students. I will work with other post-secondary institutions in BC to address such issues at the provincial level, where it counts the most. Working with AMS policy analyst(s), I’ll do a comparative analysis of grant and debt forgiveness models from across Canada (and the world) in drawing up concrete proposals.

How do you feel about the AMS passing principled policy motions on external political issues?
Maybe it’s influenced by UBC’s geographic location, but I feel that it’s very easy to get wrapped up into a UBC bubble. However, what goes on outside UBC can affect what goes on inside UBC. The relationship between Vancouver housing costs and on-campus development, or transit fare hikes and the U-Pass, are just two examples. Global citizenship is a cornerstone of the UBC marketing strategy. We should be able to acknowledge our roles as citizens not only in the University, but in local and global social networks.

How will you build relationships with politicians for lobbying? Be specific
I believe that the AMS VPX should be representing the interests of students to the municipal, provincial, and national governments, rather than the other way round. Legislative governments need to listen to their voters, especially if that message is loud and clear. As I mentioned before, what I want to do is build strong relationships with other BC schools to establish a well-organized coalition to advocate for students, at the decision-making levels that have the most impact. We need to build and maintain solidarity with local and national universities to ensure that this happens.

Categories
AMS Elections 2008 BoG

Candidate Questionnaire: Tim Blair

Tim Blair is a candidate for the UBC BoG

Why do you want to be on the Board of Governors?
The BoG need a clear voice in favor of the UBC Farm and one that has experience in promoting sustainable building practices. The BoG listens to students through the AMS, the two elected officials and through student consultations but direct student consultations have typically been poorly designed and poorly recorded.

How would you use your position on BoG to enhance students’ voice on campus?
I would strongly advocate for proper student consultation. True consultation involves inclusion of students at the beginning. The university must be open about its preferences and its future ideas, otherwise students do not know to what they are expected to respond. Consultation questions should be specific, or if they are vague then adequate explanation should be provided as to why, and student responses should publicly tracked so future students can easily understand how ‘the plan’ evolved from the input of past students. I would use my voice to ensure that the mistakes made in planning the University Boulevard and the problems with the consultations of the 1997 Official Community Plan and the 2000 Campus Community Plan are not repeated.

What specific changes to the University Boulevard project would you advocate?
The University Boulevard, while far from being complete, is almost out of the hands of the BoG. The problems we have encountered over the past several years on this project are the result of decisions made many years ago (by the BoG and others). I would focus small design details related to the project to ensure it helps create a central vibrant core, with green space, that serves students.

This year Jeff served as both a governor and AMS president, which seemed to strengthen his voice at the BoG table. What would be your relationship with the AMS?
The BoG rep needs to be continually communicating with students and I plan to serve the AMS though the referendum committee and help with the ongoing work of VP Admin and the SAC. While Jeff’s dual role gave him some clout (as representing students), due to his busy schedule he also needed Darren to provide deep insight and foresight into some issues. The pair worked really well.

What experience(s) and skills do you have that will enable you to convince the Board appointees that your point of view is preferable to theirs?
I have experience in sustainable community planning from my past work with engineers and community planners. The BoG are struggling with the ideas of sustainable building design (or more specifically they are struggling against the developers resistance towards green building construction practices). The new BC Green Building Code will be release this spring and it is important that UBC not only meet but exceed the standards for ALL new construction projects. I have been involved in LEED building design (example 1) and I understand the benefits, requirement, and most importantly the pre-requirements needed to make a building ‘sustainable’ by today’s standards.

The BoG is also getting involved in the recently initiated review of UBC’s Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP). Up until now UBC has had a very piecemeal approach to stormwater management with the usual plan to flush our slat ridded stormwater out into the sensitive seagrass ecosystem next to Wreck Beach. I have worked on several ISMPs (example 1, example 2), and I am able to help lead the BoG though this process to ensure it is done right, that proper questions are asked, and that time and money isn’t wasted.

What is your vision for the governance model of UBC?
Metro Vancouver (formerly GVRD) wants UBC to decide what it’s going to be when it grows up. Metro believes that the existence of UBC outside of a municipal boundary has had adverse effects on both residences and neighbouring communities.

The campus population is 40,000 daytime and 20,000 night-time and we are still unincorporated. There are many incorporated town in this province with populations of 2,000 or less. Following the failed attempt by Metro to get the provincial government involved it has become obvious that we have to resolve this issue ourselves. It’s not rocket science that we need an adequate governance system and this will be a major topic at the BoG this year.

There are many difficult details to work out but the future system must be free of development red tape that can cause political interference. There will likely be a mayor and council, who can manage the municipal services and infrastructure, but who will approve permits to build, who will continue the community planning? We will likely need to develop a sharing model whereby half the members of the Advisory Urban Design Panel, and the Development Permit Board must be appointed by the Mayor and Council. The UBC appointees would likely help keep the approval process streamlined while a sober second look is provided by council. Community Planning should be handed over to council and given a clear mandate to work the UBC Campus Planning.

There are still many outstanding issues; such as how will students in residence be represented? How will cost sharing work for recreation facilities? Will UBC pay municipal taxes?

Other models include creating two municipalities (UBC and UEL) that may lead to municipal bickering and appeals to Victoria, or annexation of UBC into the City of Vancouver (most unlikely option).

Categories
AMS Elections 2008 VP External

Candidate Questionnaire: Freeman Poritz

Freeman Poritz is a VP External candidate. Here are his answers.

Why do you want to be the VP external of the AMS?
Because I want to dedicate a year of my life to working for my University. I have gained so much from my time here that I really want to give something back. I am interested in experiencing university from the student government side of things. I think I will make a great VP external. Most importantly, I am willing to work for it.

What personal skills and experiences could you bring to the portfolio?
Excellent social skills, good communication, optimistic personality, strong work ethic.
Journalistic prowess: I know how to ask the right questions and get the right answers. I am persuasive and can meet deadlines.

I hold a fellowship position with CJPAC (Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee), a multi-partisan organization which promotes political engagement. Through them I have met many high level politicians including Conservative MP’s Stockwell Day and John Baird, Liberal MP Scott Brison, NDP MP Pat Martin.

I know how to work within a governing body. I served on the executive board of my fraternity as secretary.

If there was one thing you could change about the AMS what would it be?
I would try and limit the bureaucratic red tape in all cases as much as possible. It is always difficult to get things done in governing bodies, and from what I see the AMS is no different.

What would be your approach to the CASA/CFS relationship? What are your priorities on federal higher education lobbying?
UBC is a founding member of CASA. CASA gives UBC a professional federal lobbying group for about $44,000/year. I believe this is a small price to pay for membership when compared with CFS. CFS would cost approximately $125,000/year to join and also requires a referendum vote to gain membership. I say why leave a good thing that costs less. The UBC-CASA relationship is a strong one, and I believe it should remain strong. However, I would like CASA to work together with CFS on issues of strong mutual commitment.

Lobbying Priorities:
1) Due to the strong Canadian dollar, I would like to lobby the federal government to keep tuition low and affordable.
2) I also want to lobby with regards to loan policy – the ‘middle class crunch’ is affecting too many of us. Students do not have enough money to pay for school, yet do not qualify for financial aid. This must be remedied.

What’s your stance about access to higher education?
Anyone who meets the academic requirements of a post-secondary institution should be allowed to attend, regardless of financial background.

What’s your vision of a fair tuition and financial aid system for UBC., B.C., and Canada?
If a qualified student is unable to pay his own way, he must have an avenue of recourse.
Fair tuition = Low tuition.

How do you feel about the AMS passing principled policy motions on external political issues?
In my opinion this should not be part of the VP External portfolio or the AMS council mandate. We are elected to serve the interests of the student body with regards to student affairs. Individuals in the AMS may express their views on an individual basis, but not on behalf of the AMS.

How will you build relationships with politicians for lobbying? Be specific.
As I mentioned earlier, I have already been in close contact with some politicians. I plan to improve on those relationships and through CASA receive introductions to the relevant politicians and committees for student needs. I plan to make the necessary effort to contact all politicians relevant to students’ needs (federal, provincial, and municipal).

Categories
AMS Elections 2008 BoG

Candidate Questionnaire: Bijan Ahmadian

Why do you want to be a student representative on the BoG?
As a student senator of three years, I have built a constructive working relationship with the University administration. For example, I successfully drafted and negotiated a new policy for viewing marked work which requires instructors to respond to students’ requests within 30 days. I feel that my skills and experience will make me an effective voice for students – a voice that can bring tangible results. I would like to use the position a representative to bring more constructive engagement between students and the Board and to help support student communities such as student clubs on campus.

How would you use your position on BoG to enhance students’ voice on campus?
I have learned that as a student leader, my strength comes from my ability to negotiate in a collaborative manner. Rather than attacking the University, I have learned to engage with the University and attack the problem together. I would first get to know the members of the Board and start off with setting a collaborative atmosphere between us. I would listen, educate myself and pick my “fights” carefully to maximize my effectiveness with the members. I have been very effective with bringing positive change for students and I have a track record supporting that.

When I was appointed the AMS Ombudsperson, it was well known that the administration did not think highly of the Ombuds Office, convinced that it created more conflicts than resolutions. I decided that I would devote myself to transforming the office of Ombudsperson, making it a useful resource for both students and administrators.

Over the course of the year I put effective new protocols in place for dealing with student-administration conflicts. I also began to hold a workshop I called ConRes to help train students to deal with conflict on their own. The workshops consistently filled up, and soon particular departments began requesting private sessions for the benefit of their students and staff. A turning point for me was the day a student walked in saying his Associate Dean had told him to file his complaint with my office. I had progressed in transforming the image of the Ombuds Office. At the end of my term, the Ombuds Office was granted the 2003 Helen McRae Award from UBC for “exceptional contributions and significant improvements to the student experience and learning environment at UBC.”

What specific changes to the University Boulevard project would you advocate?
I would advocate for a a campus development vision that emphasizes an accessible, welcoming, sustainable and and environmentally friendly space for students. Whether it’s about the University Boulevard, the University Square or generally the campus plan, students are a significant stakeholder. They care about affordable housing. They want to see buildings that use energy efficiently and are environmentally friendly. Students need affordable access to suitable space for project work, conferences, meetings, studying and for running licensed events.
Students also have their differences on what they think the campus plan should look like. Issues such as the amount of green space, the presence of retailers and development of the endowment lands have been sources of tension for many students.

Issues around the campus plan are complex and involve many stake holders. As a leader with a track record for reconciling competing demands, I am committed to ensuring that students’ diverse opinions are sought and taken into account by the Board.

This year Jeff served as both a governor and AMS president, which seemed to strengthen his voice at the BoG table. What would be your relationship with the AMS?
I would stay engaged with the AMS by regularly going to Council meetings. I would also keep AMS executives involved with discussions that relate to their portfolio. My goal would be to speak with a sense of confidence that I have consulted my peers and can represent their views as accurately as possible.

What experience(s) and skills do you have that will enable you to convince the Board appointees that your point of view is preferable to theirs?
I have graduated from a three year negotiation program at the Justice Institute of BC and have since then run Conflict Resolution workshops on campus. As a Senator, I worked constructively with the University executives and with the current Chair of the Board. As AMS Ombudsperson, my job was to influence the University to try an alternative approach that also takes students’ interests into account. The Ombuds Office was recognized for excellence at the end of my term.

What is your vision for the governance model of UBC?
The governance of UBC is done by two boards: the Senate and the Board of Governors. Along with students, the academics on the Senate preserve the academic rigour and integrity of the University. The Board of Governors preserves the fiscal integrity of the University – making sure that University stays financially viable. This has proved to be a functional model to protect both academic and financial aspect of the University. While effective, the model presents some challenges.

One challenge is in how these two bodies communicate and work together. As a member of the Agenda Committee of Senate, I was part of creating a communication process that overcame some of the challenges especially around expediency.

Another challenge is striking a balance between the Board of Governor’s duty to ensure that the University is fiscally responsible and its duty to providing an accessible education to students.

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