The Athenaeum

Tag: ASU

  • Opinion: Wake up, Acadia

    Opinion: Wake up, Acadia

    Words cannot describe how exactly I’m feeling but I’ll try. It’s taken me long to write this because I’m disappointed. Disappointed in a school that preaches diversity but nothing about the school is diverse. Before coming to Acadia, the recruiting officers promised me that Acadia would be a home away from home, a place where I could comfortably be myself and a diverse school that is rich in culture, but I got here and nothing.

    At first, I thought that it was just because it was the first week of school, but those weeks turned to months, turned to semesters and now I’m about to graduate and Acadia is finally giving us black students some sort of voice. No matter how loud we voice our concerns, often it falls on deaf ears. Every year during elections for ASU president, most candidates promise to promote diversity and inclusivity but every year nothing changes. Honestly, I’m over it.

    You want to know why you rarely see a black student run for any executive positions? It’s because we don’t see anyone that represents us on that committee or organization. One would ask, “how do you expect to see representation if you don’t run?”. Well the answer is simple. It’s because no one will vote for us. Everyone knows that these elections are a popularity contest, argue with ya frying pan. Excuse my blackness but it’s the truth, whether you want to admit it or not and this past election just confirmed it for me.

    For the first time we had two black presidential candidates. Two! My melanin was shook. This was a big deal because again, you never see this happen here. For once I was excited for this year’s election.  Was this a dream? Was this real? To make things even better, we had a lot of black students vying for positions on various committees across campus but guess what? None of them got elected. Call me salty all you want but something didn’t sit right with me so yes, I am saltier than a bag of Lays. I mean everyone is all for inclusion and diversity until it’s actually time to implement it- then everyone’s silent.

    Angry black woman aside, Acadia, thanks for making the effort #BlackStudentAdvisor but honestly, it’s 2019. You need to catch up with the rest of the world. You have to realize that black students make up a huge percentage of the population on campus. Not to mention every year the black student population will continue to grow so you must be able to accommodate us, not merely say you’ll accommodate us, but actually accommodate us. Open your eyes, look around, y’all are sleeping on this black excellence.

    Sincerely,

    Your friendly neighbourhood black girl,

    Wam

    Wambaire Gichuki is an Environmental and Sustainability Studies student  

  • SRC Decoded: What you Missed March 19th

    SRC Decoded: What you Missed March 19th

    The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is a council composed of a body of students elected by their peers, who are in charge of running the Acadia Students’ Union. The Council meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 5:15 PM in the Beveridge Forum which is located off of the Michener Lounge in the old Students’ Union Building (SUB). Every meeting is open to the public and students are encouraged to attend the meetings to learn more about the decisions being made on their behalf.

    On March 19th the council met primarily to be presented with and discuss the Kings Transit UPass Agreement, presented by ASU General Manager, Ian Morrison and Kings Transit General Manager, Glen Bannon. Additionally, the Council received updates from the Student Life Committee and on the Hours of Work Policy followed by the proposal for the new budget by Jared Craig, VP Finance and Operations. The meeting received various project proposals from committee members along with a look at the Acadia Athletics Complex’s future projections.

    Kings Transit University Bus Pass

    The Council spent the first part of the meeting discussing the details of the Kings Transit University Bus Pass (UPass) agreement and service. As Ian Morrison, ASU General Manager, began to show the proposed agreement to Council he noted that he, along with Kings Transit, feel as though this agreement is a solid first step towards the process of implementing a UPass as well as being fully transparent with the Council. The agreement presented dictates the UPass fee will be $180 and can change by maximum 5% year to year for all full-time university students and any part-time or co-op students will have the ability to opt out of the fee if they like.

    Morrison stressed that this is a two-tier agreement, meaning that in order for the UPass to become permanent it needs to pass through two referendums, one in the fall and one in two years. The UPass requires 25% of the student body to vote it in and provided that happens, Section 2 of the agreement states the term of this agreement will last from 2020-22, at which point a referendum must take place before the agreement is up. The agreement also highlights the perks of students being able to add a dependent onto the program along with a refund mechanism that will be in place in case of circumstances on campus where students do not receive a service.

    Glen Bannon, Kings Transit General Manager, then took over the presentation as he showcased the service end of the UPass to Council. There are three main aims to this program: (1) Enhance student experience (2) Enhance distance and travel opportunities for a discounted price (3) Promote public transit to the students on campus. Bannon believes that the service will be able to successfully meet all three aims over the course of its run.

    There will be year-round unrestricted travel on new transit routes, and the one travelling to Kentville will have a bus leaving every 30 hours during the extended hours of 10pm-12am. UPass will additionally offer round trip transportation between August 15th – May 15th from Acadia University to downtown Halifax with a minimum of two departures every Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon (Monday on the event of an extended holiday). Bannon also notes that four-day advanced booking is required and a stand by option will be available on the off-chance a student doesn’t show up.

    The SRC responded to the service and agreement with reasonable questions which were answered by Morrison and Bannon effectively and justifiably. The agreement will be voted upon at the next council meeting.

    Student Life Committee 

    Kyle Vandertoorn, VP Student Life and chair of the Student Life Committee (SLC) , provided the Council with an update of the ongoing SLC meetings that have been frequently taking place. Vandertoorn shared that the most recent meetings have revolved around preparing for the next year school year, particularly focusing on house council. Hiring for house council was supposed to take place Sunday, March 17th but due to a low number of applicants, the SLC has made the decision to reopen applications and to do interviews later on this month. The goal for the house council interviews is to make them more interactive so the applicants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills to the hiring committee. Additionally, the SLC went over the updated House Council Constitution and has been discussing that.

    Regarding Cheaton Cup the SLC has been discussing various ways to get all the residences on campus involved and not just Chipman and Eaton. There has been a Chipman fan club started as a way to get these other residences involved as well as events such as pancake breakfasts taking place. The SLC is striving for Cheaton Cup to be a campus focus event uniting everyone through a healthy rivalry and not a party focus.

    Hours for Work Policy

    The Hours to Work Policy underwent some significant changes that ASU President, George Philp, highlighted to Council. The definition ‘Mental health day’ got changed to ‘Personal day’ which encompasses needing a break from meetings and duties in order to take a break to rest, focus on schoolwork etc. Philp noted ‘Personal day’ was more reflective of what the definition actually said. The changes also included the possibility for a leave of absence in any of the roles along with the implementation of ‘Sick days’.

    Budget

    Jared Craig, VP Finance and Operations, presented the budget for the next fiscal year. This budget addressed the minimum wage raise in Nova Scotia and how it affects paid individuals in the ASU along with the full-time staff wage gap and decreasing the gap significantly. Craig noted that his team recognized how dated the ASU website is and created a budget specifically for improving and updating the website in cooperation with the University. Regarding student fees, Craig discussed how they kept all service fees that they deemed necessary to the University and student fees will only increase from $187.4 – $193.85. The goal was to keep student fees relatively low and Craig expressed his content with the final number.

    Craig stressed to the Council that as per usual, money is tight at Acadia and due to the amount of lost money from being closed during bar renovations at the end of last year and the ban that took place at the beginning of this year, we need to figure out how to address this loss. The goal for Craig is to have this new budget passed within the coming two weeks.

    Acadia Athletics Complex Future Projections

    It was announced to council that the Acadia Athletics Complex is looking into a 10+ year projection. Gabrielle Bailey, VP Events and Promotions, attended the original meeting regarding the projection and noted to council that the University views the pool as the biggest concern. It is currently very old and leaking and the University is looking for a good way to move forward with the concern. There is a push for the town to be paying more due to the fact that 75% of the individuals who use the pool are community members and not students.

    In addition to the pool, Bailey was tasked with asking council for any suggestions on how to improve the Complex. Councillor Christopher Vanderburgh suggested the track become a few lanes wider to limit traffic and run more efficiently. With the increased popularity Sustainability Officer, Hannah Machat suggested a bouldering wall would be a key addition and it was also noted the locker rooms be redone. An audience member commented that the workout facility is too small and it would be a good idea to expand the gym later down the line along with a studio space be built for dance, yoga etc.

    At the moment nothing is solidified and the 10+ year projection is currently just a ballpark estimate but could range anywhere from 5-15 years. The discussions are in their early stages and so far nothing regarding the Athletics Complex is set in stone.

    New Business

    All of the new business that was to be voted upon at this meeting was all projects and changes proposed at the last SRC meeting with the exception of Katie Winters’, Arts Senator, Culture Show which dealt with proposed changes discussed later in the meeting. Everything voted upon at this meeting was passed unanimously.

    Project Proposals

    The meeting dealt with numerous project proposals, the first coming from First Year Officer Blake Steeves who proposed Acadia’s First Annual Freshmen Games to be held in the Acadia Sports Complex. Each residence can enter as many teams of 5 people as they want although 4 students must be freshmen on the team. Teams are required to be made from within your residence, there will be no mixing residences. The games will consist of physical and mental challenges and prizes will be awarded to the winners.

    Hannah Machat, Sustainability Officer, proposed the implementation of lanterns in the Michener Lounge. These lanterns also serve as diffusers and it will spruce up along with providing light and comfort to the lounge. The money for these lanterns will be coming from the wellness budget.

    A charity dodgeball tournament was proposed to take place on March 31st between 8-10pm. It will cost $2 per person and all proceeds will be going towards an alzheimers disease rehabilitation initiative. There is hope for 8 teams to enter but there is the expectation for more teams. Any money donated towards this fund is highly encouraged.

    Rylie Moscato is a first year English student and Columnist for The Athenaeum

  • SRC Decoded: What You missed March 5th

    SRC Decoded: What You missed March 5th

    The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is a council composed of a body of students elected by their peers, who are in charge of running the Acadia Students’ Union. The Council meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 5:15 PM in the Beveridge Forum which is located off of the Michener Lounge in the old Students’ Union Building (SUB). Every meeting is open to the public and students are encouraged to attend the meetings to learn more about the decisions being made on their behalf.

    On March 5th Council met to discuss the financial update as of March 4th, Ad-Hoc Committee’s March report, Amendments to the Athenaeum Constitution, and House Council Committee. Sacha Russo presented Council with the general election re-cap long with an outline for the upcoming special election. In addition, the Council received numerous project proposals from members regarding various activities that will be held around campus.

    Financial Update

    Jared Craig, VP Finance and Operations, presented council with the ASU’s most recent financial update as of March 4th. Most services are performing at an expected average net income loss such as the Information Desk and Union Market, however, two areas took a much greater than anticipated loss in this update. Perkin’s net income loss came in around $15,220 which is $12,372 more than Perkin’s was expected to lose. Additionally, bar services only profited $19,847 during this past period which was a significant hit compared to the estimated profit of $59,404 that was expected. Craig attributes some of the bar’s loss to the fact that the bar can’t get enough people there on Saturdays and reached out to the Council in a request that they brainstorm ideas to increase the bars net income. Overall, Craig believes that the ASU is doing average financially with a total net income loss of $4,450 and is pleased with most of the ASU’s services.

    Ad-hoc Committee Report

    As per requirement the Ad-hoc Committee, which was established in order to respond and propose changes to the new bylaws, must give an interim report of their progress as of the first Council meeting in March. Molly Anderson, SRC and bylaw committee chairperson, presented Council with a report update updating them on the work that has been done within the Ad-hoc committee to address the concerns of students about the newly implemented bylaw 3 regarding impeachment and referendum. Through research, the committee has discovered variety across institutions regarding the procedures of impeachment and referendum. There have been student members appointed the the committee and Anderson believes that wider consultations will begin within the coming weeks. Anderson stressed that the committee is aware of the time constraints and will be meeting o a regular basis to accomplish what is needed.

    Amendments to The Athenaeum Constitution

    Council discussed the recommended suggested amendments (2019-03-04) to the current Operating Procedure 11 of The Athenaeum Constitution. It is recommended that all hired personnel of The Athenaeum ‘shall attend all required meetings of The Athenaeum unless excused by the Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor’. There were no questions nor arguments to the proposed changes which will be voted upon in the next meeting.

    House Council Hiring Committee

    Applications have been distributed for the 2019-2020 house council positions Kyle Vandertoorn, VP Student Life, announced at the meeting. Vandertoorn is hoping to do interviews on Sunday, March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) and requested two people from the Council help to conduct the interviews on that day. All candidates will be brought to the SUB and the interview will be an interactive group one, in order for the hiring committee to acknowledge the candidates potential and talents. Vandertoorn emphasized that it was an amazing experience to have, and the Council then voted on the two volunteered members that will join her.

    Election News

    Sacha Russo was present at the recent SRC meeting in order to provide the Council with a recapitulation of the 2019 General Election and Winter By-Election, as well as to discuss the upcoming special election. Regarding the past election, all positions were open and a total of 23 candidates were running in both elections. There were four acclaimed positions, one withdrawal and one disqualification. The election followed Russo’s timeline which was proposed in January and commenced with the results first being distributed to the candidates and then the general student body. There was also a total of seven complaints concerned with campaign violations against three candidates that triggered two Elections Committee meetings during this election.

    Regarding the upcoming Special Election for the 2019-2020 school year, Russo explained that the VP Finance and Operations position was not filled by a candidate in the past election and it is required a student fill this role before May 1st, 2019. The nomination period will open March 5th and close March 8th with an All-Candidates meeting taking place in the Michener Lounge at 5pm. There will be the usual candidate’s debate along with candidates written statements being published in The Ath. Voting Period will last from March 14th to March 19th and the results will be distributed in an all students email shortly after voting concludes.

    Project Proposals

    There were several projects proposed by council members in the recent meeting. The first project proposed was from Katie Winters, Arts Senator. Winter proposed a Culture Show that will take place in the Mackeen Room sometime in late March/early April. The Culture show carries the same premise of a traditional talent show and emphasis’ encouraging students of all cultures to perform. Winters believes this event will allow students to celebrate the variety of talent and diversity we have at Acadia.

    Jared Craig, VP Finance and Operations proposed an event that will focus on the financial considerations for students before and after university. Partnering with Investors group, there will be a presentation on budgeting along with a question period for any lost or confused students. Craig is currently unsure of when this will take place but wants students to have the resources required to make financially stable choices.

    The third proposal came from Councillors Christopher Vanderburgh and Jonah Van Driesum. The two proposed an open discussion regarding the state of politics in Canada at the various levels of government. The discussion will take place April 1st at 7:30pm in the KCIC Auditorium featuring engagement from students and professors on campus. Vanderburgh and Driesum will be the moderators of this discussion and hope it will provide an ‘analysis of what politics in Canada might look like in the near future’.

    Mackenzie Jarvin, incoming VP Academic and External and Dahlia Chahine, Student Board of Governors Representative proposed a mock LSAT and MCAT which will be provided by Princeton Review. The LSAT is currently scheduled for March 20th 4:30pm-8:30pm (4h) in BAC 132 but Jarvin and Chahine are thinking about changing it to the following Sunday instead. The MCAT will take place March 23rd 9:30am-5:00pm (7.5h) in BAC 132. Both tests will be proctored by Jarvin and Chahine and scantrons will be sent off to get marked.

    Rylie Moscato is a first year English student and columnist for The Athenaeum

  • Kyle Vandertoorn: Our Commitment

    Kyle Vandertoorn: Our Commitment

    After an intense and very-worth it campaign period, we made it! I want to thank immensely each and every student who supported me and voted for me. Thank you for electing me as your 2019-2020 ASU President and thank you for having your voice heard.

    My focus for the coming year is your experience at Acadia University; I want to improve student life on all fronts through advocating for enhanced and increased student services, by supporting a diverse and opportunistic ASU, and ensuring a transparent, engaged, and communicative SRC. I aim to work in strengthening the community that we share here by prioritizing student needs and representing our students effectively.

    The Acadia pride is unlike any other and I hope that you join me in furthering this spirit in the coming year. It all depends on and begins with student success, so get ready for an unforgettable year ahead, Acadia!

  • Kyle Vandertoorn wins race for ASU President

    Kyle Vandertoorn wins race for ASU President

    Kyle Vandertoorn has won the race for ASU President.

    She won with 48.4% of the ballot for a total of 726 votes. In a statement provided to The Athenaeum, noted that her major commitments are to “improve student life on all fronts through advocating for enhanced and increased student services, by supporting a diverse and opportunistic ASU, and ensuring a transparent, engaged, and communicative SRC. I aim to work in strengthening the community that we share here by prioritizing student needs and representing our students effectively.”

    Voter turnout was approximately 39.5%, with 1564 students voting online.

    Kyle will start her term on May 1.

  • SRC Decoded: What You Missed February 12th

    SRC Decoded: What You Missed February 12th

    The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) is a council composed of a body of students elected by their peers, who are in charge of running the Acadia Students’ Union. The Council meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 5:15 PM in the Beveridge Forum which is located off of the Michener Lounge in the old Students’ Union Building (SUB). Every meeting is open to the public and students are encouraged to attend the meetings to learn more about the decisions being made on their behalf.

    On February 12th, SRC met very briefly to discuss changes to the Acadia Mental Health Initiative Constitution, the status of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Student-Initiated Petitions, and the final voting days of the current General Election.

    AMHI Constitutional Amendments

    Vice-President Student Life Kyle Vandertoorn outlined some of the changes being made to the constitution of the Acadia Mental Health Initiative (AMHI). She stated that she and AMHI Coordinator Jenna Purkis have been developing these for a while now. Changes include adjusting the name within the Operating Procedures document to refer to the AMHI as an Internal Organization (it is currently incorrectly referred to as a committee), the addition of a clause through which to impeach officers, and the addition of a Community Outreach Officer.

    Ad-Hoc Bylaw Committee Update

    Acting Chairperson Evan Shergold shared that the Council members of the committee had met, and had been assigned tasks to complete over the break to ensure that everything is on track to commence regular meetings. He also shared that they had received 6 applications for the 3 general student positions on the committee, and that they hoped to finalize those appointments as soon as possible.

    New Business

    President George Philp announced a new ASU policy draft that would include changes to the Operating Procedures, a new House Council Constitution, and changes to student organization funding and registration. The House Council Constitution changes will be discussed in the House Council Presidents committee, and the changes to student organization funding and registration will be discussed in the Student Life committee.

    Announcements

    Community Relations Officer Gordon McLaughlin reminded Council of the upcoming Relay For Life (March 23rd) and expressed interest in putting together an SRC team.

    Arts Senator Katie Winters reminded Council of the open mic night planned by the Black Students Association (February 12th at 6pm in the Axe).

    Theology Senator Zach Goldsmith reminded Council of his upcoming “God and Science” talk (February 27th at 6pm in Fountain Commons). He stated that the projected turnout is greater than he originally anticipated and thanked Council members for their help in promoting the event.

    President George Philp reminded Council of the need for poll clerks for the final two days of the 2019 General Election voting period, and of the results announcement event at the Axe on  Thursday the 14th at 5:30pm.

    Rylie Moscato is a first year English student and Columnist for The Athenaeum

  • Vice President Academic & External: Molly Anderson

    Vice President Academic & External: Molly Anderson

    Hey Acadia! My name is Molly, I’m a third year Music and Political Science student and I want to be your VP Academic & External!

    I’m a proud Axeperson, passionate student leader and a strong voice for student need on campus. Through my experiences as an RA, volunteering across campus and as the Chairperson of SRC I have proven my leadership ability, compassion and fierce commitment to Acadia students.

    My platform is based on 3 pillars: Accessibility, Affordability, and Accountability.

    Acadia has a diverse student population that needs to be served fully and equitably by its representatives. As VP A&E I will advocate for the use of accessible font and resources in classrooms. I will listen to minority groups on campus to address barriers faced by students and continue to support the decolonization of Acadia. I will fight for quality health care on campus by providing mental health resources and advocating for a nurse practitioner.

    Financial status should not be an indicator of academic ability.

    I will fight against rising tuition costs. I will address textbook inaccessibility by providing resources to students and pushing for the use of shared resources in classrooms.

    Elected representatives have a duty to hold the university and the ASU accountable to students.

    As VP A&E I will be open and transparent with students by holding office hours in accessible spaces and maintaining open communication with students.

    For more information on my platform check out my Facebook page!

    For a dedicated, informed and passionate representative, Vote Molly.

  • Sustainability Officer: Caroline Beddoe

    Sustainability Officer: Caroline Beddoe

    I am running for this position because I truly care about making change, and know that I have the experience and enthusiasm to work with others here at Acadia to do so. I love it here and the community has done so much for me, and I want to give back in helping to create a more sustainable Acadia. My vision for Acadia involves strong environmental leadership, which we need and I know we can achieve together. As sustainability officer, I would build on past successes and achievements to continue making Acadia more sustainable and committed to environmentalism and social wellness in general. I have a few main focus areas, derived from my work on campus and in conversation with students over the past few years. However, I recognize that this is not an extensive list and that circumstances may change, and new issues may arise over the year too.

  • Sustainability Officer: Max Abu-Laban

    Sustainability Officer: Max Abu-Laban

    Hello People!

    My name is Max Abu-Laban and I’m a 1st year Environmental & Sustainability Studies student as well as the current Environmental Representative for Cutten House Residence. Acadia University has progressed leaps and bounds over the past few years in terms of on-campus sustainability, but with climate change being the most pressing issue of our generation’s time, I feel that we are just not doing enough. My platform for change is based largely around the problems I observe on a day to day basis, which I know we as a community could solve. Addressing issues such as food waste in meal hall, idling on campus, and wasteful behaviour are all addressable through education, and an environmental awareness seminar in O-Week could help sow those seeds early. The high-minded ideals of my campaign include becoming a “paper-towel free” campus and transitioning away from coal energy and towards renewable energy sources.

  • Vice President Academic & External: Helen Allen

    Vice President Academic & External: Helen Allen

    Hey Acadia,
    My name’s Helen Allen and I’m a second-year Biology major running to be your VP Academic and External in the upcoming election! In the past year, I was the second-year representative for the biology society as well as a TA for the biology department. I feel confident in the change I’ve instilled in my own department and I’m eager to bring forward the same attitude into our student union!
    My major goals revolve around student success, starting with more frequent and accessible feedback. I suggest some form of publication for course or professor evaluations. This would set students up for more successful course selections, especially the incoming freshman who may feel overwhelmed and lost by the generalized course outlines currently offered.
    I believe that the elected individuals should accurately represent our student body. I want to have the ability to bring attention to the needs of Acadia’s students and seek the required change through this position.
    I want to continue the great work in action within Acadia’s student advocacy organizations, such as the Canadian Alliance of Students Association and Students Nova Scotia in order to drive external improvement on behalf of our student body, both provincially and federally.

  • Councillor: Scott McKnight

    Councillor: Scott McKnight

    As the position of Councillor was unopposed, I am both honoured and excited to be a member of the future student council. I hope to bring a thoughtful, rational, and steady perspective to this position and utilize it in working alongside the rest of the elected members on behalf of the student body.

  • Vice President Student Life: Megan Titcomb

    Vice President Student Life: Megan Titcomb

    Hey Acadia! My name is Megan Titcomb and I’m a second year Community Development and Environmental and Sustainability Studies student from Victoria, BC. I am running for the position of Vice President Student Life in the upcoming election! I’m very excited to be running, and I think I would be a great addition to the ASU Executive. Spending the current academic year as the Vice President of Events in Dennis has shown me just how important house council is to student life, and has provided me with the experience to help lead the next group of house council executives as well as working with the IO coordinators and all students on campus.

    I would like to improve the relationships between RA’s and House Councils in each residence, giving them the opportunity to work as one collaborative team instead of two separate leadership teams. I would also like to promote the resources that we have available on campus so that on and off campus students find them more accessible. While making sure that both of those goals are accomplished, I hope to also promote equity and inclusion across campus.

  • Vice President Events & Promotions: Caitlin Steacy

    Vice President Events & Promotions: Caitlin Steacy

    Hello Acadia!

    My name is Caitlin Steacy, and I am a second year Politics major, from Vancouver BC. I am running for Vice President Events & Promotions in the upcoming ASU election. I’m super excited to be running for an executive position, because I think I could be a great addition and I want to really improve student enjoyment on campus! This past year, I have had the position of Vice Presidents of Events in Cutten House. This position has given me the experience, and excitement to want to do events for all of campus.

    I feel that I could successfully improve promotion of all events on campus, so that all students can stay informed, and never miss out on an event they would have loved. We all know that social media is where the majority of our generation gets their information, so a stronger, more interactive presence on multiple is super important! Not just on Facebook anymore.
    Although Acadia is clearly a school that loves to get rowdy, I feel it’s important for the ASU to increase focus on events that interest students who may not be the wild type. Dry events, or other opportunities for a more relaxed experience is necessary.
    There is also an absence of international student representation within events on campus. Although the events are happening, stronger promotion through the ASU is needed to increase attendance at them and therefore, diversity on campus!

  • Vice President Student Life: Dahlia Chahine

    Vice President Student Life: Dahlia Chahine

    My name is Dahlia, I’m in second year business, and I am running for your VP Student Life. Apart from being the past First Year Officer and current Student Board of Governors Representative, you can often find me cruising around Chase Court, rocking the RA fanny pack. Throughout my time being involved with the ASU and Residence Life, I have gained experience working with a diverse student body, planning and organizing events, as well as working closely with House Council and Residence Life. I have also been able to sit on the Student Life Committee, Events and Promotions Committee, Academic Affairs, and the Governance Committee for the University. But, enough of the past! My platform revolves around maintaining communication, representation, and accessibility on campus, with the overall goal of promoting an inclusive environment beyond the classroom. I want to push for a more inclusive health and wellness network on campus; making sure students are aware of the resources on campus and in town when they are looking for support. Further, it is extremely important that the ASU listens to the voices of students, and ensures that the university hears those voices when we represent them, especially for Indigenous peoples, minority groups, and underrepresented students. With my experience and love for the ASU, I believe that I can best serve you as VP Student Life.

    I love Acadia and hope you share the love by voting this Valentine’s Day (or before!).

  • Vice President Student Life: Robbie Holmes

    Vice President Student Life: Robbie Holmes

    My name is Robbie Holmes and I am excited to say I am running for Vice President of Student Life for the 2019-2020 academic year! In high school I was an elected co-president and currently am president of Cutten House, these roles are great experience for a position like this. My campaign points focus on things such as sustainability, communication, making changes to training week and more!

    These are not just ideas, I have real plans on how to put these changes in place! In regards to sustainability I promise to do things such as put a bin for electronic waste in every building and add responsibilities to environmental representatives. To improve communications I promise to add responsibilities to the house council team, focussing heavily on communication and begin bi-weekly communication with Chartwells. The changes I plan to incorporate are the addition of a pride representative who will communicate with Acadia Pride and ensuring the health & wellness representatives communicate with Acadia Mental Health. Regarding training week, I promise to add training with Naloxone kits, these kits stop overdoses in their path and RAs are not trained to use them. Finally, I promise to incorporate more team building between RAs and HC Executives. When these teams improve so does student life.

    I am confident I will do a fantastic in this position, if you would like to learn more follow my campaign on instagram @Robbie4VPSL. When you go to vote on Monday February 11th ensure you vote for Robbie Holmes.

Betzillo positions itself as a versatile gaming hub where structured bonuses and adaptive gameplay mechanics support both short sessions and extended play.

Built with a focus on innovation, Spinbit integrates modern casino architecture with rapid transactions, appealing to players who value speed and digital efficiency.

Ripper Casino emphasizes bold entertainment through high-impact slot titles and competitive promotions crafted for risk-oriented players.

A friendly interface and stable performance define Ricky Casino, offering a casual yet reliable environment for a wide spectrum of gaming preferences.

King Billy Casino channels classic casino spirit into a modern platform, delivering recognizable themes supported by contemporary reward systems.

Immersive visuals and layered slot mechanics are at the core of Dragonslots, creating a narrative-driven casino experience.

Lukki Casino appeals to players seeking direct access and minimal friction, focusing on fast loading times and intuitive controls.

Casinonic provides a structured and dependable gaming framework, blending modern slots with transparent operational standards.