UBC Insiders

This post was originally written by Tim Louman-Gardiner.

It’s this writer’s humble (and biased) opinion that BoG Rep is among the two most important positions up for election (the other being President). Why? Three reasons:

1. Face time. There are no student reps who get anywhere near as much time with the actual decision-makers, and the face time can translate into influence.
2. Strategic decisions. The decisions at BoG aren’t operational, they’re strategic, big-picture stuff. And even though a decision may not go the students’ way, the BoG rep has the ability to influence the next decision.
3. Numbers. There are twenty(ish) student Senators, five elected executives, forty(ish) Councillors… and only two student reps on BoG. On the other bodies, the student voice is easily diluted, and it can be harder for any one student to exercise influence. But not on BoG.

So, what skills make a good BoG rep?

• First and foremost, the ability to make a good argument. Persuasion. If they can even come close to convincing the Board members, then their opinion will stick with them, and hopefully make a difference, sooner or later.
• Political savvy and inter-personal skills. If the Board members respect you personally, they’ll respect what you say. The converse is also true. So it’s important to speak their language, to treat the room with respect, and to constantly make friends in that room.
• A collaborative attitude. Any student who goes into the room with a “you’re out to get us” attitude will automatically be ignored. Think about it – who likes being told that they’re wrong? The position requires not a “you’re failing students” attitude, but a “this is how you can help student more” approach.
• Professionalism. Take it seriously, and they’ll take you seriously.
• Confidence. It can be very difficult trying to hold your own against CEOs, doctors, lawyers, administrators, academics, and, quite frankly, people who have more experience and knowledge than you do. Speaking your mind in such a situation ain’t easy, and it takes guts.

This is what we see as important in a BoG race. And we’ll be assessing the candidates accordingly.

This post was originally written by Tim Louman-Gardiner.

January 12, 4pm – Nominations Close
January 12, 6pm – All Candidates Meeting. (Drop by SUB Council Chambers to see the largest gathering of wannabe politicians all year. It’s an amazing event. Has to be seen to be believed. Don’t forget to bring beer. Not that we endorse illegal drinking, or anything.)
January 19, 9am – Campaign Period Begins. (Prepare for posters, classroom announcements, leaflets, web sites, e-mail blasts…. the usual. Anybody have any guesses how many trees die for AMS candidates to get the word out?)
January 23 – Our endorsements will be released.
January 24 – Online voting begins
January 31 – Voting ends; results! (Ain’t no party like an election night party. Well, except a real one.)

All info taken from the AMS Elections Web Site. We’ll put up a permanent link as soon as we figureo ut how.

This post was originally written by Tim Louman-Gardiner.

Responsibilities:

• Lobbying, but with an external (read: government) focus.
• Working with the AMS policy advisor and President to produce lobbying tactics and strategies when meeting with government officials.
• Includes budget submissions, meetings, and lobbying day in Victoria
• Liaising with Translink around issues relating to the U-Pass
• Working with CASA, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. They work with a number of Universities to engage the federal government on student issues.
• Working with External Commission, a group of hired students, to achieve the above.

The issues include:

• Student debt load. HOw much debt are students taking on to graduate?
• Tuition. How should it be spent?
• How to work with other student societies, that belong to other lobbying groups like the Canadian Federation of Students?

This post was originally written by Tim Louman-Gardiner.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the maintenance, renovation of the SUB. If there’s something wrong with the building, or any other issues relating to AMS buildings, that’s it.
• Chairing the Impacts committee, which handles sustainability
• Planning the Student Leadership Conference
• Oversee SAC – Student Administrative Commission. SAC is responsible for:
• Communicating with clubs, and organizing their activities
• Regulating clubs, and organizing clubs days
• Liaising with bookings of SUB space

The typical contentious issues include:

• Controversial bookings/use of space. For instance, the annual “Genocide Awareness Project” or Israel/Palestine forums
• Access to SUB spaces, and ensuring that students have access to the space
• Balancing needs in renovating spaces. How to make the Conversation Pit more appealing, for example?
• Ensuring that clubs don’t get too much of a run-around from the AMS, yet ensuring they’re accountable and follow the rules.
• Trying to make sure everybody has a chance to book the SUB.