Here are the statements for candidates running in the 2024 Spring ASSU Elections. Candidates will be elected at the March ASSU Council meeting on March 22nd. There is one (1) position for President and four (4) positions for Executive available.

Candidates for President

Firdaus Sadid

Hello ArtSci!

I hold much gratitude for the support I have received from everyone, making my two terms on ASSU as an executive possible. I am absolutely thrilled to be running for re-election – this time, as President, to unite student voices and advocate for an even better 2024-2025 academic year to come.

In the past year, it has been a great privilege to advocate on behalf of students at meetings with the Dean, deeply engaging in conversation and consultations to ensure the progress made best reflects the interests of all students. Additionally, it was a pleasure to serve as the Co-Editor-In-Chief of the Arbor Journal, guiding and motivating a team of skilled undergraduate editors, extending Robarts Library hours from 10PM to 2AM upon consultations with the Chief Librarian, writing an intro-to-research guide for students, and implementing free printing services with my team.

My past two years on ASSU have provided valuable insights and experiences, which I am certain will assist me in effectively advocating for student interests. If re-elected, I will advocate with great tenacity the reduction of deferred exam fees, the requirement of a defined midterm date on syllabi, and the introduction of subsidized services available to students.

Advocating for UofT students is and has continually been a core endeavor of mine. Your support has been remarkable, and I ask that you put your trust in me, once more, to represent you as President of ASSU.

Eugene Seo

Hello everyone!

Student governance and initiatives are not just a part of my student life, they are deeply ingrained in my heart. From my time as an ASSU executive to my role as an Arts and Science Council representative, I’ve been continuously immersed in student governance. With profound admiration, I’ve watched your unions’ tireless efforts to transform our campus into a connected, equitable space.

My entire undergrad has been dedicated to serving the student community. I’ve been a community advisor for my college, a senior program assistant for a first-year foundations program, the only ArtSci representative for a cross-campus advisory committee, and for three years a representative for various committees under the ArtSci Council.

My past involvement with ASSU has given me a deep understanding of the experiences and responsibilities needed to lead as your president. I’ve had the privilege of discussing student concerns with the Dean, organizing speaker events, reviving Open Mic Night after the COVID hiatus, and moderating the Undergraduate Research Conference.

As president, I will advocate for significant union solidarity for current events and student issues, increased event collaborations with student groups and unions, and bring greater awareness surrounding student rights, research opportunities, mental health, and general resources to off-campus students through online and in-person initiatives, and more significant efforts in connecting to each college.

My passion, commitment, and empathy are evident in everything I do. I believe in my experience, confidence, and comfort in contacting you directly and working to do what’s right for your voices.

Candidates for Executive

Aditya Gautam

I was taken aback the first time I heard ASSU’s name pronounced. Now, it just rolls off my tongue like it’s nothing.

I see ASSU as a way to interact with the rest of the arts and science community in a meaningful way. I like doing stuff that makes me feel good, whether it’s something outside of my comfort zone or something that warms my heart. Studies say that controlled amounts of unpredictability are good for happiness and well-being. Choosing a tough course, learning a new language, helping someone understand quantum mechanics, or taking up a new responsibility like this one, all these things are what put you in an environment to experiment and grow. I have met many people through council meetings, events, and just hanging out at the ASSU lounge. This position is not only just a platform to do good in the community but also to do something fun outside of what I’m used to. I want to improve things at UofT to enhance everyone’s experience, including my own. Some things that come to mind are the websites, funding, and organization for course unions and study spaces, especially during after-hours. Being involved with the CSSU as the interim President has given me a lot of stress, but it has also taught me a lot about how things work. Math has taught me one can always be wrong, but I will make a difference, and hopefully it will be with your support.

Farida Kayed

STOP, READ, THRIVE!

Hi, my name is Farida, I am in 2nd year life science (PharmTox, HumanBio, IMM). I want to empower YOU to take charge of YOUR academic journey! I am an Arts and Science Students’ Union (ASSU) executive and I already advocate for YOU. What is CHANGE?  Change is tangible solutions. When I tackle issues, my advocacy is undeniable because I propose solutions. Through my ASSU initiative, as I promised in October of 2023, I proposed the implementation of a platform for a Syllabi Library for students which is now an institutionalized endeavour! This is CHANGE, this is following through on promises; this is what I can continue to do for YOU with YOUR vote 😊

Farifta Rahman

Hello everyone! I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to run as your executive at the ASSU. My name is Farifta and I am a third year Philosophy Specialist and Astronomy and Astrophysics Minor. In my three years at UofT I have gathered solid experience in navigating the school community and understanding the struggles students have. I currently also serve as a financial assistant at the Bangladeshi Student Association here at UofT. In running for executive, I have two priorities that I want to highlight:

  1. With our current economy and job market it is no surprise that students have been one of the hardest hit groups in terms of Whilst paying tuition and living expenses, students are REQUIRED to purchase hundreds of dollars worth of textbooks for many courses. I want to tackle this issue by urging the Dean to eradicate the cost of textbooks for any courses we can. For example, for many philosophy courses, readings can be found online for free, or through many of our already established partnerships such as Jstor. Yet courses require us to purchase books with the same material! I want to help you keep the hundreds of dollars in your pocket to put towards your groceries, entertainment, or whatever else holds priority to you.
  1. Showing you your resources! Did you know that you have access to discounted personal trainers on campus? Probably did not, but you do! Aside from fitness, there are food, events, and academic resources scattered all over

Mia Rodrigo

My name is Mia Rodrigo and I’m a second-year undergraduate, studying Political Science, Sociology and English. As I navigate my academic journey, I have grown aware of the importance behind accommodating different learning styles and experiences. Arts & Sciences is an incredibly varied faculty and it is crucial that our engagement occurs beyond textbooks and lectures. I want to:

  1. Push for more accessibility in ACORN’s Absence Declaration, where students are granted more than a single use per
  2. Support increased organization of events across course unions, similar to the URC, with instructors, professors and researchers to create more opportunities to become involved in active field work and develop strong networks for students of all
  3. introduce a program supporting course content transparency, so students can understand materials beyond the syllabus upon

This year, I have also had the honour of serving as an Executive Assistant to the VP of Equity at the UTSU, where I gained experience in understanding union structure, conducting research on our current student equity initiatives, and the process behind presenting findings that support equity and freedom of expression in academia. I also work on the executive team at the PEARS Project, and have had the chance to create educational resources that support survivor-centric practices for a safe campus.

It would be an honour to represent you and your needs during our time here at UofT, as an ASSU exective. I want to show that learning is an experience to empower us. Thank

Michelle Wong

Hello Arts and Science!

My name is Michelle, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for ASSU Executive!

This year, as an Executive, I have contributed to the Budget Review Committee, which oversees course union budgets and special project funding, and the Arbor Journal, which highlights the research of Arts and Science students across the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Additionally, I designed an ASSU t-shirt showcasing our course unions!

Through conversations with students during office hours and learning from the current Executive, I have gained a deeper understanding of student perspectives and effective advocacy. I am grateful for the trust you placed in me by electing me last year, and I am eager to continue serving you as an ASSU Executive.

If re-elected, I aim to:

  1. Continue working on the Arbor Journal, highlighting the work of Arts and Science
  2. Expand the past paper library, prioritizing more recent tests for all courses and increasing resources for upper-year
  3. Establish a student input form, providing a platform for students to submit their concerns and ideas for discussion at Dean’s
  4. Enhance ASSU’s Instagram presence, increasing student awareness of services such as travel grants and donations, and spotlighting different course unions and their

I would be honored to support and represent you all as an ASSU Executive once again. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the Arts and Science community!

Thank you for your time and consideration, and remember to vote for Michelle!

Safia Zaman

During my time on ASSU, I achieved my main goals:

  1. Hosted events for students to drop-in and learn about the graduate school application process
  2. Began budget negotiations with UTSU to fund a project I am calling the Application Review Program

This coming year I want to:

  1. Begin the Application Review Program this summer

Program Overview:

  1. UofT students will be able to receive feedback on their application materials from students attending UofT’s graduate programs. Application materials may include personal statements, CVs, resumés, reference templates, and more.

Goals:

  1. Begin providing services for larger programs.
    1. Applied Science & Engineering
    2. Management

iii. Medicine

  1. Arts & Science
  2. OISE/UT
  3. Public Health
  1. Begin providing services for smaller programs.
  2. Create a database of resources for applicants using the advice of hired reviewers. This database may include commonly found “mistakes”, Dos and Don’ts, etc.
  3. Address rules and guidelines that directly/indirectly harm UofT students
    1. Final Assignment and Exam Schedules
    2. Petition System
    3. Protocol for Discrimination, Sexual Assault + Harassment