The race for President of the Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) began this week as candidates start their campaigns.
A presidential debate was held on campus Wednesday, Feb. 26th, where candidates answered questions and discussed topics submitted by students.
“I think really making sure our voices are heard. That’s something that I think is super important,” says Jackie, a Graphic Design student at Fanshawe.
“We’re the ones who are paying lots of money to be here. It’s nice to have those resources because a lot of us suffer with mental health (issues), money issues, it’s a lot.”
Candidates discussed problems revolving around the challenges students face with food insecurity, improving the communication between students and the college, and ensuring that all students have access to the same resources.
One of the main topics brought up was the struggle the college is facing with the continuing decline in international students as the federal government has placed a cap on enrolment for students coming from outside of Canada.
One student hopes that a decline in international students will lead to an improved focus on Canadian students.
“Domestic students, by the sounds of it, don’t get a lot here. Even though international students are important too, we do want to have that equal balance for everybody,” says Emma, a Business – Human Resources student at Fanshawe.
Candidates for the Fanshawe Student Union Presidential election sit on stage at Fanshawe College during debate (Credit: Dan McCracken)
The President of the FSU acts as the voice and face of the student body. The elected student would have the power to negotiate the cost of student fees, speak on behalf of students at faculty meetings, and create new events for students to enjoy on campus.
Seven students are running for FSU President:
- Adam Boyce
- Shadé Dias
- Harpinder Kaur
- Bernardo Macapagal
- Farhan Malek
- Drashti Patel
- Jerry Thomas
Voting is scheduled to take place between March 2nd and March 5th, with the results announced shortly after the polls close. Students will have access to vote through Fanshawe Online. More information can be found on the Fanshawe Student Union website.
