I lead through action and following ongoing conversations and discussions with students, as well as seeing first hand the systemic issues that plague students; I can confidently say that my platform is not one that is of a singular mind, rather it represents the collective undergraduate student population and is a compilation of ideas, thoughts, and concerns that we all have shared. My platform recognizes the intersectionality of each and seeks to ensure that not just one area of the student experience is highlighted but all areas are supportive of each other in order to bolster change on campus. I am driven by my passion for effective advocacy efforts and throughout my time here as your current President, I have continually sought your input and will use this platform to advocate for your best interest. My platform aims to address issues that reproduce notions of systemic barriers that exist within our institution. It is reflective of the array of communities that makes up the student body and is supported by four main pillars: Affordability Mobilization Equity & Accessibility Student Experience Affordability College life is one that is very expensive and many students like myself struggle to balance financial concerns with academic experience. There are so many additional, unexpected increases in costs such as textbooks, food, rental and housing costs, and tuition fees especially. I view affordability through many different lenses and hope to tackle this issue by working alongside the ULSU team to lobby both the institution, municipal, provincial and federal governments to work to improve the student financial aid system. Mobilization I believe all students want a university where the student leaders and their decisions are held to account. In an effort to ensure that this is fulfilled, there are two bases of the mobilization pillar, communication/ transparency, and engagement. Communication: My aim is to increase communication between the Students’ Union and the students to try and provide everyone with regular updates on what the Student’s Union is doing to improve the experience of all students. Engagement means seeking student opinion on crucial topics, but also creating casual, friendly connections as your student representatives. I aim to engage you authentically and bring each of you to the table in efforts to convey what we do for you. Equity & Accessibility Equity and accessibility are foundational values that guide my platform and goals, it is also what I believe should guide all decisions made in a university setting. The students on our campus come from a vast variety of backgrounds and lived experiences and while no student experience will be the same, it is my hope that we can work together to close the gap of inequities. In the efforts of Indigenization and the commitment to reconciliation, I intend to work with the Indigenous community of the Treaty 7 Territory in which our university sits to foster positive relationships that will ensure that the TRC 94 calls to action are actively being worked on. Additionally, I will advocate for international students in ensuring that the necessary support is increased and provided. Lastly, I aim to continue to advocate for students who have been historically excluded to ensure that the lack of academic support, funding, and resources issues that they disproportionately face are addressed. All in all, I wish to actively guide the ULSU in developing a campus culture that is equitable, accessible, and safe. Student Experience There should be a relationship with the university that recognises us for what we are- students paying for an educational service. But more than that, students need a relationship with the university and the ULSU that fundamentally works. Essentially, there needs to be a strong platform where students are able to bring a unified voice to the table to ensure a better student experience. Improving student life on campus requires a myriad of things, one being a student government with a strategic plan who ensures that measures are put in place to support students. This includes but is not limited to the development of the food services offered to students, more funding for mental health services that ensures cultural competency training, increased support for emergency bursaries, more accessible accommodated learning services. I will ensure that the ULSU does work that is directly in the best interest of all students it represents. This platform is not cemented nor will it ever be complete. I will make every effort to seek knowledge from the ULSU team and students. I encourage and remain open to making changes that are reflective of your voices, concerns, and needs. Throughout this election, campaign, and if elected, the presidency, I will continue to be that someone you can relate to, someone you can trust, someone you can count on, and most importantly, someone you can call a friend. As my pillars are centered on lessening student burdens, I will ensure that I communicate and cooperate effectively and efficiently with you as I aim to create a better student experience. Finally, I hold that it takes a shared commitment of all community members of our campus to build a BETTER NOW. Stay in Touch With Me! I am readily available for any comments, questions, and any feedback you may have to provide me. Please email at maleeka.thomas@uleth.ca, or reach me through my social media on Instagram @maleekathomas https://www.instagram.com/maleekathomas/ Thank you and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you!