Presidential Candidates
Spencer Dawson
Patrick Foster
VPSS Candidates
Chip McCrimmon
Jad Nasser
VPFA Candidates
Faisal Hejazi
VPEA Candidates
Calvin Eady
Olivier Kayitaba
Antonio Sergi
Julia Wood
BOD Candidates (1 Year Term)
Alyssa Berardocco
Brandon Haidon
Mustafa Ali Rashid
BOD Candidates (2 Year Term)
Jonah Graham
Aidan Hibma
Mazin Mohammed
Spencer Dawson
4th Year – Bachelor of Business Administration, Minor in Philosophy
Why are you running in the 2016 Executive Elections?
I am running for the position of President because of the passion that I have for Brock, and the student experience. Over my last four years at Brock I have been heavily involved in many capacities across campus, from volunteering for Brock Cares Day of Service to working for Smart Start, Student Life & Community Experience, Recruitment and now as BUSU’s VP, Finance & Administration. I believe my experiences working with the university and the students union equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead the organization, support the priorities of students, and influence positive change on our campus. My year as VPFA has been one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences yet, and I hope to carry the momentum into next year as your President.
What makes you stand out from your competition?
My educational background and professional experiences have made me acutely aware of students’ needs and wants. Over my four years engaging with students on all different levels I have been able to identify not only what students love about the Brock experience, but also what is missing from it and how we can make it better! As the current VPFA, working in the BUSU office full-time, I have gained clear understanding of the inner workings of BUSU, Brock and how the two organizations work hand-in-hand to ensure the best possible experience for you. My position has allowed me to build and foster relationships in the Brock and greater Niagara Community, which will be beneficial when pushing and lobbying for our priorities through the appropriate outlets. To be a successful President, having established relationships and a clear understanding of the how the university and BUSU work is detrimental to the role, and as the current VPFA I can confidently say I have the relationships established and know how BUSU operates.
What is ONE issue or passion that you will bring forth to students at Brock University?
One of the overarching issues that I recognize as a university-wide shortcoming is lack of communication of various programs, resources, and opportunities that are available to all students. I think Brock and BUSU have tons of beneficial resources, programs and offer great opportunities for students to get involved with; however, they are not communicated in the best way, so often students miss out! If elected I plan to have a bi-weekly news letter that will go out discussing what to look forward to in the coming weeks and what opportunities are available for students to engage with. I’m currently working with the a university committee called the Student Experience Task Force, where we are creating a communication plan that will have all the available programs, services, and events in one centric location. We are also still looking into developing a more comprehensive phone application—a partnership between BUSU and Brock.
No candidate profile submitted.
No candidate profile submitted.
Jad Nasser
4th Year – Bachelor of Economics
Why are you running in the 2016 Executive Elections?
Over my four years here at Brock, I have learned a lot. I wish to better your experience here at Brock. Focusing on student involvement, engaging the students through all our Brock events and leave you with nothing but great memories and an unforgettable four years. I chose to run after realizing you have to be the change you’ld like to see.
What makes you stand out from your competition?
My passion! I am very dedicated and love everything I do here at Brock. Whether its a basketball game, or a Brock event I would definitely say my school spirit seperates me from the rest! When you love what you do, you will do it with a smile… that’s probably why you’ll always catch me smiling!
What is ONE issue or passion that you will bring forth to students at Brock University?
Increase School Spirit and better our student services. I wish to provide more for the students at a cheaper price. Affordability is an issue we all face as students while we still search for quality. I also wish to create a better connection between BUSU and the student body and better our communications as far as events and services!
No candidate profile submitted.
No candidate profile submitted.
No candidate profile submitted.
Faisal Hejazi
4th Year – Medical Sciences
Why are you running in the 2016 Executive Elections?
Through my experience with the BUSU organization thus far, I have had the incredible opportunity to hear the needs and wants of our students. Additionally, I have acquired the knowledge that enables me to meet our undergraduate population’s needs. Through my involvement with the Clubs Policy Committee, I was able to conceptualize what kind of budget is required to allow the various clubs on campus to function. I was also fortunate enough to be on the Internal Affairs Committee as the Vice-Chair which allowed me to understand the daily struggle of a Brock Commuter through the feedback from the Ride with me Campaign. Sitting on council for the past two years has helped me further understand the dynamics of the undergraduate population. Therefore, I believe that with my experience and acquired knowledge from BUSU I will be able to enhance the student experience and cater our essential needs.
What makes you stand out from your competition?
• Over the past four years, Brock has enabled me to grow both as an individual and as a student leader through an array of incredible opportunities including Medplus, conducting research, volunteering, workshops, joining clubs and working for ITS at the Computer Commons. Through my diverse experiences and mentoring I have grown and learned so much. Even though there is no competition in my race, I believe what makes myself stand out is student leadership and experience.
What is ONE issue or passion that you will bring forth to students at Brock University?
For the past three years I have been volunteering with Youth Net Niagara, which is a suicide prevention program that targets teens in high school. Prior to this profound experience, I didn’t truly understand the importance of the stigmatized topic revolving around mental health and mental illness. Even though it isn’t part of the VPFA portfolio, I am the most passionate about this subject in particular. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I look forward to work with the new Executive team to address this matter. I care about this topic because 1 in 5 Canadians will struggle with a mental illness and because suicide is the second leading cause of death among University Students. I believe that we can do a greater job at reaching out to those in need, and we can do more to provide anyone who struggles with the best mental health services possible.
No candidate profile submitted.
Mustafa Ali Rashid
4th Year – Bachelor of Business Administration
Why are you running in the 2016 Executive Elections?
Simple. To create value for the students we serve and deliver the goods.
What makes you stand out from your competition?
My ability to negotiate, keeping in mind the best interests of the students. The ability to converse in three different languages with a good understanding of a few different cultures.
What is ONE issue or passion that you will bring forth to students at Brock University?
Liberate Choice for students.
Brandon Haidon
2nd Year – Economics Co-op
Why are you running in the 2016 Executive Elections?
I have always wanted a chance to campaign for a BUSAC or BUSU position but everything hasn’t worked out so far up until now. My ideology that I live by is to be able to leave a positive mark after every step I take. I’m always telling my friends at school that I want to see change happen around Brock. Instead of just talking about change, being able to run as a candidate of Director of the Board for a 1 Year Term gives me this opportunity to offer my ideas and I will also be able to listen to students to what they want to see changed, and bring it to the board and executives. It makes me feel honoured and privileged to just be able to run as a candidate and have the opportunity to represent students in any form possible. I want to make every students experience here at Brock as amazing as possible and allow them to have life-long memories of their time at Brock.
What makes you stand out from your competition?
I am not your typical BUSU executive or board candidate as I have had no experience in being involved with BUSU or BUSAC or any other affiliated organization. You could call me green or an outsider but this allows me to be able to offer a fresh perspective and ideas that other candidates my not consider. This may leave me behind the candidates who have had prior experience and that my learning curve is very steep but I am a fast learner and will be able to adjust quickly if I am elected. My background in Economics allows me to understand how to be cost effective and make sure financial responsibilities are being considered. I am the Treasurer of the Sigma Chi Fraternity at Brock where I handle budgets, financial statements, and other finances which gives me an upper hand when dealing with financial affairs. I always keep on top of things whether at my job or at school, and I’ll make sure I bring the same consistency if I am elected.
What is ONE issue or passion that you will bring forth to students at Brock University?
The one issue I really want to stress during this campaign and election period is that of accountability. Whether it is the Board, BUSAC, the Executives or anyone under the BUSU umbrella, the most important thing to consider is that we must be able to perform our duties efficiently and in a timely manner. In most case, these positions or duties would be brought through a hiring process by the company they applied for but this is different because these are elected positions. The students specifically chose us to represent them and they believe that those who are elected will do the most admirable job. This means that they must keep on top of their tasks so that BUSU, as an organization, is not behind and always moving forward onto new concerns. The reputation of BUSU sometimes gets a negative response from students but that shouldn’t be the case . It should be that students have full trust in the organization and be able to openly share their concerns.
No candidate profile submitted.
Aidan Hibma
3rd year – Science
Why are you running in the 2016 Executive Elections?
I am running in the 2016 Executive Elections as I want to bring my vision, and subsequently the students’ vision for Brock University to fruition. I am truly passionate about Brock University and believe I have the skills and determination needed to diligently enhance the opportunities for students’ campus wide. In addition to helping me grow as an individual, the Executive Elections are truly an amazing way for me to foreshadow to my fellow Badgers the type environment I wish to create within BUSU. This is an atmosphere built on the principles of acceptance, inclusion, tolerance, and clear communication. Through this I believe I will able to successfully enrich the benefits of attending Brock University.
What makes you stand out from your competition?
Throughout the campaign period I believe the students’ will come to realize that there are two main qualities that will allow me to effectively stand out from my competition. One of which is my knowledge about Board of Directors and all that the job entails. This ranges from the composition of the Board, the responsibilities of the Board, the duties of the Board, and the legalities of the Board in both the aspects of confidentiality and liability. Secondly, I am an extremely personable and charismatic individual. These characteristics will allow me to communicate my vision to as many Badgers as possible, while simultaneously giving them a voice that they feel comfortable in approaching. In the long term this will give my fellow Badgers someone who will not only be accountable, but will insure that all of the desires and needs of the student body are being heard. In turn, allowing me to work diligently to enhance all opportunity for students’ as I will be fighting to create and implement the students’ vision of Brock University.
What is ONE issue or passion that you will bring forth to students at Brock University?
One of the major issues that I will passionately bring forth to the student body is everything that the Board of Directors has to offer the students. Similarly to provincial and federal politics a majority of the voting population does not vote, to which I attribute this to a lack of knowledge about any given party. Therefore, I will be communicating what the Board of Director’s currently does for my fellow Badgers, what that process is, and how every student has the ability to benefit from BUSU’s Board of Directors. Thus, it is my mission to establish a clear line of communication between the students, the various clubs on campus, and myself. I will ensure that the student body is properly educated on all that the Board of Director’s can do for them, which will allow me to efficiently take their vision for Brock University to new heights.
Mazin Mohammed
3rd Year – Economics
Why are you running in the 2016 Executive Elections?
I am running because I feel that there needs to be some drastic changes on how students manage to get though day by day with high costs of tuition, textbooks, food and so on, but importantly, maximize the value of the education they receive. Are you getting enough face time with the professor outside class?
What makes you stand out from your competition?
My platform for the campaign is focused on transparency, accountability, and maximizing value for the students and faculty. By eliminating asymmetric information and increasing voter turnout.
What is ONE issue or passion that you will bring forth to students at Brock University?
One thing I want to do is bring in more transparency on what goes on between BUSU and Brock senior management. So for example, The UPass offered by Brock, cost $195.45, which covers Niagara Falls, St Catharines, and Welland, whereas the Upass by Niagara College covers the same regions plus Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Niagara on the Lake for $165. I want to address this discrepancy along others.