2022 SU Elections (Archive)
2022 Student's Union Elections: January 25, 26, 27
During the Students’ Union election, Laurier students will vote in undergraduate students to be the Students’ Union President & CEO, sit on the Students’ Union Board of Directors, student representative(s) on the WLU Senate, and student representative(s) on the WLU Board of Governors for the following school year.
Documents
Candidates, Platform Summaries & Referendum Questions
President & CEO Candidates
Ezra Ceniti
After years of facilitating real progress on the WLUSU’s Board of Directors, and eight months of helping students as Student Rights Advisory Coordinator (and a Foot Patrol walker), I am now seeking your support to solidify my successes as a student volunteer by electing me to be your next Students’ Union President and CEO.
Despite these uncertain times, I am proud to have put forward a platform for Laurier that can be executed both remotely and in-person, and one that benefits all students. Whether it is ensuring that students have ample opportunity to save money on insurance, or upholding what already makes the WLUSU amazing, everything in my campaign agenda is feasible, realistic, and necessary to enhance student life.
My name is Ezra Ceniti, and I am once again asking for your support to put Laurier on the right avenue for success, but this time, as your President and CEO.
Shane Symington
I’m Shane Symington – aka Simmer, or Sim – a fourth year communications student, with a variety of experiences at Laurier including:
● Students’ Union Director of the Board
● Habitat for Humanity Sponsorship Executive
● Department of Residence Don
● Laurier Multi-Sport Camp Counsellor
● Dedicated Phil’s attendee
My approach is simple, but will prove to be extremely effective. I believe that the Students’ Union can accomplish so much to benefit the student experience through collaboration, support, and communication. If executed properly, these items can translate to increased organizational awareness, increased student engagement, and will ultimately amount to a better student experience. So what does that experience look like?
● New events that engage ALL students
● Permanence and security surrounding social justice messaging
● Free Menstrual-Hygiene products for students on campus
● Revival of President Tarique Plummer’s Presidential Sponsorship Grant
● Collaborative events between Faculty Associations
● Reformation of the Students’ Union Calendar to include and engage more Laurier student groups
Board of Directors Candidates
Mohammad Abu-Rshaid, Brantford (Acclaimed)
Nicholas Betivoiu, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
Hi, my name is Nicholas Betivoiu and I’m a first-year student in the BBA program at the Waterloo campus. I’m currently running for a position on the Board of Directors of the Student Union. People should vote for me because I am a driven and well-disciplined worker who has a passion for the Golden Hawk community. My experiences in leadership, as well as team roles, have provided me with the necessary knowledge to become a valuable member of the board. My passion for the community as well as my determination for change will allow me to represent what Laurier students want from a Student Union. In this role, I truly believe that I can create valuable change and offer a fresh perspective on issues and opportunities that the board faces. I look forward to hearing back from the board and hopefully joining the team this year!
Carson Boettinger, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
My name is Carson Boettinger; I am a first-year economics and financial management student. I am running for the Student Union Board of Directors to enhance the experience of all at Laurier. I plan to make Laurier’s community more engaged throughout the hybrid semester. This comes with ensuring that students know and have access to mental health services. On the board of directors, I will help provide more accountability of the board and president to their students and themselves. I will also ensure that the board remains transparent to all. If elected, I will ensure that every voice at Laurier is heard on the board level. I hope you can place your trust in me to achieve these goals and to be your voice on the board.
Francesco Del Giudice, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
My name is Francesco Del Giudice. I am a fourth-year political science student, and I am seeking re-election for the Students’ Union Board of Directors as Chair of the Board. This past year I have proven my commitment to students, and I have proven to negotiate and work well with others. Having served as CRO in the September by-election, I have learned to achieve results, and improve the student experience. Having served in multiple executive positions, I have learned how to effectively manage conflict, and how to lead with a positive vision. As Chair I will further encourage avenues for students to have their voices heard, effective transparency, and I will provide a voice for those in the community who are not often heard. I hope you can place your confidence in me to take the board in a constructive direction to improve the student experience.
Cole Dermott, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
Hello everyone! My name is Cole Dermott and I’m a first-year student in business and computer science. At present, I’m running for a position on the board of directors, senate, and board of governors. In any role I may represent I plan on acting on behalf of the Laurier community at large – whether that be in an academic, extracurricular, or even further fields – the aggregate wishes of our community will remain of the utmost importance. Further, in any role I might represent I plan to actively engage our community with the happenings of the board through social media and other platforms. This will ensure that the interests of the community at large are kept at the forefront. Within this role, I believe that I can help Laurier at large thrive and offer a new perspective on issues within the boards. I look forward to hopefully helping everyone this coming semester!
Nur Elmasri, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
My name is Núr Elmasri, and I am a second-year Economics and Financial Management student seeking election to the Students’ Union Board of Directors, and senate as well as the Laurier Board of Governors.
In my free time, I like to meet new people and mentor children and youth. I am currently involved in community building and social action projects across Ontario that work towards community development.
I have demonstrated exceptional organization and communication skills as the organizer of “The Fun Day” and first-ever TEDx talk in Hamilton Ontario, formally known as, TEDxYouthAncasterHigh.
I am self-motivated to always look for more opportunities to enhance my volunteer work but also to augment my passion for business.
If elected I will make your voice heard and bring your concerns directly to the Boards.
Zachary Goodwin, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
Hello, my name is Zachary Goodwin and I’m a first year in the BBA program here at Laurier on the Waterloo campus. I am running for a position on the Board of Directors and Senate, as a part of the Student Union. You should vote for me as I am an incredibly hard worker and bring forth many strong leadership and communication skills to the team. In the past, I have had many team roles that not only have developed my skills as a leader but provided me with insights and passion for the communities and groups in which I am involved. I am eager to work alongside colleagues and other students who care about Laurier’s community as much as I do, and have the same passion and drive for positive change. I look forward to the opportunities Laurier has to offer and meeting everyone on the team!
Samar Hashmi, Brantford (Acclaimed)
My name is Samar Hashmi and with a position on the Board of Directors on SU, I believe I can cultivate an environment in which students feel more connected through such trying times. It is often times in which students can feel isolated through online learning and find difficulty in connecting with their peers. With my help, I will ensure that students feel that the SU is a safe and accessible place in which they can express their concerns. An example of how this could be achieved is by hearing from the students directly and opening up forums that would ask questions about the online learning environment and how we could potentially enhance their experience. With my influence I am someone who can introduce a brand new perspective with ideas that elevate a student’s experience. Providing these opportunities will be helpful in a student’s overall involvement at Laurier.
Nicholas Lafarciola, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
Hey Laurier!
As a Director of the Students’ Union, I would make it my goal to best support the students of Laurier. My platform will focus in on ensuring that students are supported in both their academic and non-academic life as well as establishing adequate representation of the Laurier student body at the board level. By leveraging board resources, I will strive to create meaningful and actionable improvements to student life at Laurier.
In addition to supporting students in their day-to-day life, I will seek to evaluate and assess board policies to ensure that they are designed in a way that is transparent, accessible, and in the best interest of the student population. Through these initiatives, it is my goal to develop a holistic approach in representing the students of Laurier, and to put my best foot forward as a Director on the Students’ Union Board of Directors.
#MakeNickYourPick
Michel LeClair, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
My name is Michel LeClair – I am a fourth-year Geography Student at Laurier’s Waterloo Campus. I am seeking election for the WLU students’ Union Board of Directors. While living in both Waterloo and Brantford I have gained an insight into the challenges that both campuses face. As a director, I will ensure transparency and communication with the student body. In addition, I will advocate for more environmentally-conscious practices to be used on campus and increased support for mental health resources.
Emma Murphy, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
My name is Emma Murphy, I am currently a third-year Biology student seeking election onto the Board of Directors. Throughout my time at Laurier I have been very involved both on campus and in the classroom.
On the board of directors, I want to use my platform to advocate for a more inclusive board that represents the student body. The board is currently very male dominated and may not be the best representation of our community. I want to help create an environment where there are equal amounts of representation and that regardless of gender, students feel represented by the board. I also want to advocate for more mental health resources for students, especially in times of isolation and lockdowns.
By creating a more inclusive environment and advocating for more resources for students, I aim to bring the student body together as a strong community in these hard times.
Blake Phillips, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
Hey Golden Hawks! My name is Blake Phillips, and I’m a second year BBA and Computer Science major. I’m running for re-election to the Student’s Union Board of Directors. Having spent a semester on the board, I have a strong understanding of how the Student’s Union operates and have shown myself as a director capable of speaking up to represent the interests of student body. This term, I want to further expand student access to SU Board meetings to keep students informed of the changes happening in their community, as well as help facilitate an effective return to in-person operations. It’s important to me that our students have easy access to meaningful Student’s Union resources, and I will continue to represent the student body if re-elected to serve on the Board this year.
Senate Candidates
Mohammad Abu-Rshaid, Brantford (Acclaimed)
Nicholas Betivoiu, Waterloo
Hi, my name is Nicholas Betivoiu and I’m a first-year student in the BBA program at the Waterloo campus. I’m currently running for a position on the Board of Directors of the Student Union. People should vote for me because I am a driven and well-disciplined worker who has a passion for the Golden Hawk community. My experiences in leadership, as well as team roles, have provided me with the necessary knowledge to become a valuable member of the board. My passion for the community as well as my determination for change will allow me to represent what Laurier students want from a Student Union. In this role, I truly believe that I can create valuable change and offer a fresh perspective on issues and opportunities that the board faces. I look forward to hearing back from the board and hopefully joining the team this year!
Evan Cameron, Waterloo
My name is Evan Cameron, I’m a third-year Political Science and North American Studies student, and I’m running to represent YOU on the Wilfrid Laurier University Senate. My commitment to you is simple: I will be an accessible, engaged, and transparent leader who amplifies the diverse voices of Laurier’s students within the senate.
If elected I will bring my vast experiences to the position of Senator. I’m a two-term president of the Association of Political Science Students on campus, and I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a student representative within my department and at the Faculty of Arts level.
Over the past two years, the Senate has made some big decisions that affect every student on our campuses. YOU deserve to have your voice heard when these decisions are being made.
Elect Evan Cameron as YOUR voice in the Wilfrid Laurier University Senate.
Cole Dermott, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
Hello everyone! My name is Cole Dermott and I’m a first-year student in business and computer science. At present, I’m running for a position on the board of directors, senate, and board of governors. In any role I may represent I plan on acting on behalf of the Laurier community at large – whether that be in an academic, extracurricular, or even further fields – the aggregate wishes of our community will remain of the utmost importance. Further, in any role I might represent I plan to actively engage our community with the happenings of the board through social media and other platforms. This will ensure that the interests of the community at large are kept at the forefront. Within this role, I believe that I can help Laurier at large thrive and offer a new perspective on issues within the boards. I look forward to hopefully helping everyone this coming semester!
Nur Elmasri, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
My name is Núr Elmasri, and I am a second-year Economics and Financial Management student seeking election to the Students’ Union Board of Directors, and senate as well as the Laurier Board of Governors.
In my free time, I like to meet new people and mentor children and youth. I am currently involved in community building and social action projects across Ontario that work towards community development.
I have demonstrated exceptional organization and communication skills as the organizer of “The Fun Day” and first-ever TEDx talk in Hamilton Ontario, formally known as, TEDxYouthAncasterHigh.
I am self-motivated to always look for more opportunities to enhance my volunteer work but also to augment my passion for business.
If elected I will make your voice heard and bring your concerns directly to the Boards.
Zachary Goodwin, Waterloo
Hello, my name is Zachary Goodwin and I’m a first year in the BBA program here at Laurier on the Waterloo campus. I am running for a position on the Board of Directors and Senate, as a part of the Student Union. You should vote for me as I am an incredibly hard worker and bring forth many strong leadership and communication skills to the team. In the past, I have had many team roles that not only have developed my skills as a leader but provided me with insights and passion for the communities and groups in which I am involved. I am eager to work alongside colleagues and other students who care about Laurier’s community as much as I do, and have the same passion and drive for positive change. I look forward to the opportunities Laurier has to offer and meeting everyone on the team!
John Reid, Waterloo
My name is John Reid, and I am a third-year business student minoring in computer science. I am extremely adamant about joining the Laurier Senate and representing my fellow undergraduate students. Through my roles as a Student Senator, executive on Foot Patrol, and training manager at PRISM, I have shown teamwork, leadership, and a passion to support the Laurier student body. I strongly believe in student wellbeing and would like to help everyone make the most out of their years at Laurier. I hope to continue my role as a Student Senator and continue my efforts to make a difference in the Laurier community.
Matthew Schwarze, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
I’m Matthew Schwarze, a fourth-year double-degree student studying business administration here at Laurier and mathematics over at UW—of course, Laurier will always come first in my heart. I’m running to represent you on the WLU Senate and Board of Governors.
My time spent in student government, as well as on UW’s Senate and Board of Governors, has given me loads of experience in effectively navigating university systems to apply student values and perspectives to the issues that students face each year.
As we finally return from the pandemic, it’s vital that we have a strong student voice to carry concerns into the boardroom and onto the Senate floor. I want to ensure that Laurier is being proactive, transparent, and responsible about our return to campus. With all the difficulties students are confronting—from housing to health—students’ best interests need to be top-of-mind at every turn.
Brandon Vale, Waterloo (Acclaimed)
For results, engaged, and committed.
My name is Brandon Vale, and I am a fourth-year business student. I am seeking to represent undergraduate students on the Laurier Senate and Board of Governors. Through my leadership as a Student Senator on the Laurier Senate and as a Governor on the Laurier Board of Governors, I have proven my ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve results and engage with the undergraduate student body and administration to address student concerns. I believe in the importance of the overall student experience at Laurier, and it would be a privilege to continue to represent my peers on the Laurier Senate and Board of Governors.
Karl Zhu, Waterloo
Hello Golden Hawks! My name is Karl Zhu, and I am a fourth-year Computer Science and Business double degree student! This election, I am seeking to sit on the Laurier Senate. Since November 2021, I have served on the Senate, providing me with strong experience and aptitude towards administrative collaboration and student governance. Together, the Senate has worked extensively to ensure that student concerns are heard and executed upon, and I want to ensure that this stays the same for the upcoming years.
In addition, I have worked as a Residence Life Don here at Laurier and as an Instructional Assistant for the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, helping me understand the needs and desires of our student population, which will assist me with planning our strategic long-term action plan for Laurier.
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students face the uncertainty of how COVID-19 will change the instruction they receive from their classes, the current housing situation, and how they will affect their immunocompromised family and friends when we go back to in-person classes. As your Senator, I will take it upon myself to help students find the answers and solutions they desire, so (platform summary exceeded word limit).
Board of Governors Candidates
Cole Dermott, Waterloo
Hello everyone! My name is Cole Dermott and I’m a first-year student in business and computer science. At present, I’m running for a position on the board of directors, senate, and board of governors. In any role I may represent I plan on acting on behalf of the Laurier community at large – whether that be in an academic, extracurricular, or even further fields – the aggregate wishes of our community will remain of the utmost importance. Further, in any role I might represent I plan to actively engage our community with the happenings of the board through social media and other platforms. This will ensure that the interests of the community at large are kept at the forefront. Within this role, I believe that I can help Laurier at large thrive and offer a new perspective on issues within the boards. I look forward to hopefully helping everyone this coming semester!
Nur Elmasri, Waterloo
My name is Núr Elmasri, and I am a second-year Economics and Financial Management student seeking election to the Students’ Union Board of Directors, and senate as well as the Laurier Board of Governors.
In my free time, I like to meet new people and mentor children and youth. I am currently involved in community building and social action projects across Ontario that work towards community development.
I have demonstrated exceptional organization and communication skills as the organizer of “The Fun Day” and first-ever TEDx talk in Hamilton Ontario, formally known as, TEDxYouthAncasterHigh.
I am self-motivated to always look for more opportunities to enhance my volunteer work but also to augment my passion for business.
If elected I will make your voice heard and bring your concerns directly to the Boards.
Brandon Vale, Waterloo
For results, engaged, and committed.
My name is Brandon Vale, and I am a fourth-year business student. I am seeking to represent undergraduate students on the Laurier Senate and Board of Governors. Through my leadership as a Student Senator on the Laurier Senate and as a Governor on the Laurier Board of Governors, I have proven my ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve results and engage with the undergraduate student body and administration to address student concerns. I believe in the importance of the overall student experience at Laurier, and it would be a privilege to continue to represent my peers on the Laurier Senate and Board of Governors.
Referendum Questions
To enable the Laurier student body to better respond to a growing number of humanitarian crises and sponsor a greater number of students and refugees from countries whose education has been disrupted by conflict, do you support an increase to the non-refundable levy for the International Students Overcoming War Scholarship Fund to $2 per half credit to a maximum of $8 per term?
The date of the implementation: September 1, 2022
Specific information as to which members it applies to (such as specific campus or program): All Laurier undergraduate students.
Any associated and inflationary costs: N/A
Any applicable information regarding former referendum questions of a similar nature: This is a proposed increase to an existing fee.
Do you support an annual increase to the $66.83/hour Music Student Coach/Accompanying Fee, dictated by the relevant Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association Collective Agreement, not to exceed 2% per year?
The date of the implementation: September 1, 2022
Specific information as to which members it applies to (such as specific campus or program): All BMus students, with the exception of those enrolled in the Community Music stream.
Any associated and inflationary costs: Up to 2% annually.
Any applicable information regarding former referendum questions of a similar nature: Proposed annual increase to an existing fee.
Do you support the selection of KPMG as the auditors for the Students’ Union for the 2021/2022 fiscal year?
The date of the implementation: N/A
Specific information as to which members it applies to (such as specific campus or program): All Laurier undergraduate students.
Any associated and inflationary costs: N/A
Any applicable information regarding former referendum questions of a similar nature: N/A