In just a few days (June 24th, watch your e-mail), AUSU Council will begin accepting votes for the current by-election. With six seats available on Council, that’s just under half the total votes, nearly enough to change the entire direction that Council is going, so it’s important that you consider who want to take those seats as they’ll have a major impact in the direction and priorities that AUSU chooses to follow. Fortunately, with eleven candidates vying for those seats, you do have some options. So to help you decide who’s going to best represent you, we sent a few questions to each of them. Candidates received the questions by Wednesday, June 16, and informed that answers needed to be in by early morning today, June 18. So, they didn’t have a lot of time to research (or honestly, even edit) their answers. We’re hoping that leads to some real talk to help you pick which candidates are the ones you think make the best fit.
We also suggested to the candidates they keep their answers fairly short, because if they all responded, it would make for a huge article that is probably going to lose some people.
Of the eleven candidates, we received responses from nine of them by the deadline. Their answers are printed in the order that we received the responses, with no editing at all other than making the formatting work. If there’s no answer for a candidate under a question, it’s because that candidate decided not to answer that question.
So, without further ado, let’s see what the candidates had to say!
What faculty are you in, if any, and how much longer do you expect to be studying at AU?
Eva Notter
BA – Psych major. I hope to complete my program by 2023, and haven’t decided on a grad school yet!
Leah Campbell
I am in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and currently in my fourth year of my program. I hope to graduate in the June 2022 convocation – if all goes according to plan!
Jesse Poriz
I am in the Faculty of Business and expect to be studying at AU for two more years.
Cassandra Mackay
Humanities and social sciences. I hope to graduate in the fall of 2023.
Amy Mayer
I am hoping to complete my BA in Sociology within the next two years.
Marley Curtis
I am a political science student in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. I will graduate with an undergraduate degree in April 2023!
Joel Palyga
I am currently a student in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. My major is in political science. I am also pursuing a minor in philosophy as well.
Diedra Mahabal
Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and I expect to study at AU until Spring 2023.
Dur-E-Najaf Syed
I am in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences! I hopefully plan on finishing my studies in two years.
Aside from tuition, what do you think is the most important issue AUSU needs to address for students?
Eva Notter
Increased communication between staff and students, and an update to online course packages.
Leah Campbell
As an out of province student, I find that sometimes it is hard to feel included. Inclusiveness and accessibility are important issues that I think need to be addressed on an ongoing basis as technology and life circumstances are constantly in flux. In the wake of the global pandemic, focusing on increasing the abilities of the online learning platform is a must as the world will undoubtably rely more and more on virtual experiences.
Jesse Poriz
I feel that with everything that is going on in the world at this time, the most important issue that AUSU needs to address is additional student supports.
Cassandra Mackay
Improved contact with tutors.
Amy Mayer
I think there are inefficiencies with how AU currently delivers their textbooks. Students should have the choice of hardcopy or softcopy books when possible.
Marley Curtis
One of the things AU struggles with the most is communication with students. Part of this is the result of being an “online” school; it is always going to be more difficult to connect with the student body here than at a regular university since AU students are scattered across the world, come from drastically different walks of life, and all have very different goals and aspirations. But I think there is a lot of room for improvement.
The COVID-19 pandemic showcased what a lack of communication infrastructure can result in: 7-10 day wait times for emails from administration, calls backed up for months, and phones completely disconnected with no plan as to how to deal with the hundreds of messages being left by students. When a disaster struck, AU “ghosted” the entire student body instead of engaging in deliberate communication and supporting them. That didn’t need to happen.
Unfortunately, the lack of quality communication standards demonstrated by the highest levels of administration trickles down to other aspects of life here at AU: I have had TAs take over one month to mark assignments this year, and completely ignore emails and phone calls (during office hours). When connecting with classmates is nigh impossible due to the online format, it shouldn’t be equally impossible to get a hold of the people who are supposed to be there to support you. Being a student at AU feels like being adrift on an ocean. I want to change that.
I joined the student advisory committee when I first enrolled way back in September 2020 (it feels like a decade ago), only to find that some of the students involved in the AUSU have the same low standards for communication. As a member of that committee, I went 4 months without receiving a single communication as to what I could contribute to or what was expected of the SAC. When I finally reached out to ask if my email had been left off a list or forgotten, I discovered that it had not. It was just par for the course to sign up to committees like this in the AUSU and do nothing (I was told SAC members could expect to get maybe 2-3 survery-esque emails per academic year). I think this is a symptom of the general tolerance for communication faux pas exhibited by administration and is not the fault of AUSU students. How can they be expected to have higher standards than the university itself? Students who WANT to help, and excuse my language, “get sh*t done,” can’t even get a hold of the necessary people or know where to look. For example, how many students reading this know about the AU student app? I only found out about it thanks to a brief mention in the AUSU student council candidate package, and I’ve been actively looking for ways to get involved since day one.
There are many, many, many problems to be fixed at Athabasca University. I think the obscene lack of communication between administration and students, students, and student orgs, and even students and students will be the easiest to address, and so that’s where I’m going to start if I’m elected.
Joel Palyga
Tuition is obviously a large issue for Athabasca University students, as well as the collective community of post-secondary students in Alberta and Canada. However, increasing diversity and inclusion, as well as continuing the campaign to defeat systemic racism is rightfully at the forefront of the political dialogue. I am proud to say that AUSU has done a phenomenal job in addressing these issues thus far. We all know that we have a lot of work left to do and it is up to each of us to positively contribute our voice to the conversation. If elected, I intend to expand and continue to work to ensure we always strive to be inclusive and supportive as we all undertake our higher education studies.
Diedra Mahabal
To make all sorts of volunteer positions available to help with both academic development and career endeavours to AU students.
Dur-E-Najaf Syed
I think accessibility is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Besides tuition there are a lot of extra fees one must pay in order to further their education here, whether it be costs for exam proctoring or just general school supplies. The students union should help to make school more accessible.
What’s the best part of an average day for you?
Eva Notter
My dog Max
Leah Campbell
Family is of utmost importance to me, so any time spent with my two children, and my spouse – oh, and my cats – is time well spent. Laughing is my favorite thing, and living with two constant goofballs (the kids, not the cats!) makes it a daily occurrence in our home.
Jesse Poriz
Spending quality time with my wife and 5 kids, they are my everything.
Cassandra Mackay
Honestly? Signing into AU…I love learning!
Amy Mayer
My favourite part of my day is picking up a book and relaxing at the end of a big day.
Marley Curtis
When my cat wakes me up by “singing the song of his people” as his food bowl is only ¾ full and he is basically starving to death. Just kidding! It’s the cup of coffee I make after filling his food bowl, and the beautiful silence that follows.
Joel Palyga
I LOVE the early morning hours. I find it is my most productive time of the day. I always wake up early, usually around 4 or 5, and spend my morning studying, meditating, and journaling. Additionally, I adore sitting and sharing a cup of morning coffee with my lovely partner.
Diedra Mahabal
The best part of an average day for me is being able to sit down with my family members for dinner as we enjoy each other’s company and discuss how good of a day we each had whether the topic is school, work, exercise/fitness or caring for our dog.
Dur-E-Najaf Syed
My favourite part of the day is taking long walks through the forest!
If there was a new service, program, activity, or degree you could convince AU (not AUSU) to offer to students, what would it be?
Eva Notter
For myself: More options for graduate programs relating to psychology
For everyone: The option to choose between e-text or hardcopy textbooks
Leah Campbell
It would really benefit me if somehow law school could be offered strictly online! This type of degree does not necessary fit with an online platform (at the moment). The ability to study law online would make the degree more attainable to people (like me) who cannot move to attend school where it is offered due to family and other life responsibilities.
Jesse Poriz
With all the diversification of careers that are taking place , I believe that AU should offer dual degrees to help students be better prepared for their prospective employments.
Cassandra Mackay
I’m wanting to get my bachelor of education after this degree and think it would be neat if AU offered that so I wouldn’t have to switch schools.
Amy Mayer
I would like to see an honours BA program. I would recommend this because some universities require it for entrance to their Master’s programs.
Marley Curtis
Oooh this is a great question. Since communication is a big issue for AU, especially as an online school, I would like to see more virtual opportunities for students to connect. Other schools have clubs and hobby groups, and I don’t see why AU can’t either. How cool would it be to get to connect with other AU students in your city over a shared passion and maybe even meet up in-person? Real study groups that exist outside of lesser-known WhatsApp invitation-only chats would be nice, and advocacy groups as well.
Joel Palyga
I would love AU expand the philosophy minor into a major. We have great professors and tutors who have assembled some top-notch philosophy courses. It would be fantastic to see that continue to grow. Moreover, I truly believe deep philosophical thought and critical thinking skills are imperative to navigating the extremely complicated world we have today. Providing an increasingly comprehensive study of philosophy will help prepare students to undertake the many difficult challenges of the future!
Diedra Mahaba
A new service that I would convince AU to offer students would be an online/virtual tutoring service that teaches more up-to-date, relevant, and step-by-step tutorials on proper MLA and APA citation. Perhaps bringing students on board.
Dur-E-Najaf Syed
I think that there should be a way for students to select their instructors for certain courses. Unfortunately sometimes you get stuck with instructors or tutors that you don’t really mesh well with and that can greatly hinder your success in the course. Students should get more freedom to choose, similar to in-person universities.
What’s going to be the biggest challenge for you should you get elected?
Eva Notter
I anticipate the learning curve, I have never been a member of student government before
Leah Campbell
The biggest challenge for any student council is being able to identify the right course of action for a particular problem. Evaluating solution options will be a group effort, including potentially differing opinions. The eclectic nature of the council will allow for creative problem-solving efforts, and I know hard work will go into ensuring voices are heard and that everyone is provided an equal opportunity to express themselves.
Jesse Poriz
Although this may use up some of my family time, I have always felt the need to serve the communities that I am a part of.
Cassandra Mackay
I’m shy. I’m going to have to come out of my shell some more but don’t worry I can do it!
Amy Mayer
I believe a big part of AUSU is advocating for our students. So I think my biggest challenge will be connecting with students because our AU community is spread out over many communication mediums. But I would be honoured to be given the opportunity to try to connect with as many students as possible.
Marley Curtis
Figuring out where the communication issue is originating and convincing administration that solving it should be priority #1.
Joel Palyga
My biggest challenge will be juggling my various priorities. Luckily, I have become very adept at time management (through much trial and more error) and feel extremely confident in my ability to excel in my studies, support my family, and represent the AU student body.
Diedra Mahabal
The biggest challenge for me if I get elected would be to not bite off more than I can chew in other words take on too much.
Dur-E-Najaf Syed
Finding ways to implement all of my ideas!
Is there a program or activity AUSU does now that you think it should expand?
Eva Notter
AUSU has several career resources, and also provides webinars I’ve received links to. I think this could have potential for expansion to include some sort of alumni-student mentorship program, whatever that could look like.
Leah Campbell
There is always room to expand on awards and bursaries! With one of the largest student bodies at any Canadian university, AUSU needs an abundance of awards and bursaries to remain relative (competitive).
Jesse Poriz
I think the AUSU should expand on programs related to the mental health issues that are facing our student body; everyone student needs to feel safe, secure, and equal.
Cassandra Mackay
The monthly socials. I haven’t been in ages due to volunteering in my community at the same time. However I feel like these should happen more often (ex. Trivia one week, study session another week, an ordinary social the third week…a different type of social each week so there’s something for everyone).
Amy Mayer
I would like to see our AUSU mobile app updated. It is a great communication tool for the AUSU, but some features are not functioning inefficiently. Areas that could improve are the search feature and the classes and schedule features.
Marley Curtis
The AU student app has so much potential, but it seems to have ~30 active users out of a student population of ~30,000. Its existence is essentially a secret, but it should be the focal point of student connection and where the clubs and advocacy groups I mentioned before could bloom!
Joel Palyga
I think it would be great to continue expanding mental health resources. The past 18 months or so have been a great challenge for many of us. It is important that we ensure that we continue to have a caring, safe, and helpful community when addressing our mental health. I believe we all have it in us to succeed, but we always will find a point in our journey when we need the supports to help us do so.
Diedra Mahabal
AUSU should expand on the outside services and resources to help students out financially such as Student Price Card (SPC) memberships and also providing full access to learning services like Grammarly, Inc., and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
Dur-E-Najaf Syed
The scholarships and bursaries should be expanded to help more widely cover the costs of education for more people. As well, the AUSU should better advertise all the great services they offer!
Is there a program or activity AUSU does now that you think it could cut back?
Eva Notter
None that I can think of, but I may have a different answer with more experience.
Leah Campbell
Jesse Poriz
Absolutely not, all the programs and activities that AUSU puts on are valuable and worthwhile.
Cassandra Mackay
I feel as AU has students so geographically far apart, anything AUSU can do to make us feel closer and more united, especially during this pandemic, is a plus. The last thing we need is for the AUSU to cut back on anything.
Amy Mayer
I currently do not know of any programs that AUSU could cut back on, but I believe that a cost/benefit approach is best when these discussions are made. The AUSU must make sure that they use their efforts and resources to produce the most significant benefit for our fellow students.
Marley Curtis
I don’t know enough about other faculties and programs outside of my own to speak about where cutbacks should occur. I could say ___ program or activity should be cut, simply because I don’t understand that activity or like that field of study. That would be silly, wouldn’t it? This is something AU needs to be asking students about their own programs and analyzing data to figure out.
Joel Palyga
I have not come across a program or activity that I have felt is unnecessary with AUSU, which speaks volumes to our past council members, and those who currently serve on student council.
Diedra Mahabal
No there is not a program that AUSU does now that I think it could cut back on.
Dur-E-Najaf Syed
No.
Outside of AU, what’s your passion?
Eva Notter
My passion is helping people and seeing their lives visibly improve as they gain new knowledge and tools to help themselves.
Leah Campbell
I am passionate about learning, being in nature, self-expression through the written word, working on bettering myself each day, and ensuring I am providing a good role model for my children.
Jesse Poriz
My passion is for Papua New Guinea. My wife is from there and I have fallen in love with the people and their culture. My plan is to relocate there after graduation to start a non-profit child and youth program.
Cassandra Mackay
My faith. I know there’s people of all faiths on here so I’ll keep this vague but I’ve been struggling with my faith for a few years and recently had an experience that reignited my faith in me so that has to be my biggest passion right now.
Amy Mayer
My passion is the outdoors. I love to hike, canoe and camp, and I’m excited about the warmer weather.
Marley Curtis
I am a politics and grass-roots advocacy nerd. I volunteered on both the provincial election and federal election and have remained involved with my local MLA since. I am the president of an executive team that supports him, and together we develop strategies for engagement and fundraising. Municipal elections are coming up in Alberta this fall! A few days ago, I joined the campaign team of a city council candidate who is shaking things up and making headlines in a very good way (their platform is youth-focused). The very next day I joined the campaign team of another city council candidate who has an all-female team. I am going to be busy getting them both into office in October, but I am passionate about putting good people into positions where they can do good things and I believe they both will make excellent council members and help solve some budgetary issues Edmonton has had since… forever.
In my spare time I am a gamer and a crazy cat lady. I spent hundreds of hours on ARK: Survival Evolved and way too much time mastering Fortnite before I gave it up when the map changed for the umpteenth time. My very vocal cat, Nikki, has a following of almost 15,000 on Instagram (@nikki_forest_cat) because he walks on a leash and is very adorable while doing so. I enjoy taking him and my spouse hiking in Banff, Drumheller, and Jasper in non-pandemic years.
Joel Palyga
Living so close to the mountains gives me a paramount opportunity to be able to quickly step away from urban life and connect with nature. Both my wife and I are avid hikers and campers, and love to spend our days taking in the beautiful country we live in. However, when my legs are sore from all the hiking or we don’t have time to head out to the mountains, I will bury myself in a history or philosophy book.
Diedra Mahabal
My passion outside of AU is to elevate myself and others in all that we do. I find this comes from a place deeply within each of us. As for me it is simply just being a better person by building new or repairing old relationships and setting aside time for the individuals who humble me the most.
Dur-E-Najaf Syed
My passion has always been to help people in any way I can!