Yash Dixit VP Operations & Finance Candidate
Hello, I am Yash Dixit, a candidate for the Vice President of Operations and Finance at the University of Lethbridge Students' Union. As a third-year international student from India with a major in Finance, I have embarked on a journey marked by resilience, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to excellence within the dynamic environment of the University of Lethbridge. My candidacy is supported by a solid background in operations and financial management, underscored by my ongoing pursuit of a Finance Degree and a commendable track record in strategic planning, budget oversight, and enhancing operational efficiencies.
Throughout my academic and volunteer engagements, I have played a pivotal role in refining operational processes, instituting cost-effective measures, and leading teams to surpass their objectives. Further enriching my competencies, I have undertaken external courses in financial management and operational development, which have significantly honed my skills. My adeptness in financial analysis and strategy formulation has been instrumental in fostering growth and ensuring the sustainability of various projects and initiatives I have been involved with.
In aspiring to this role, my goal is to apply my expertise to guarantee financial stability, streamline operations, and spearhead strategic endeavors that will advantage our community. I am firmly committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and excellence, convinced that these are vital for the attainment of the organization's objectives. With a progressive mindset and a commitment to service, I am well-positioned to contribute to steering the position towards a flourishing and sustainable future.
What do you know about the position you are running for?
The position of Vice President of Operations and Finance, for which I am running, represents a pivotal role within the University of Lethbridge Students' Union. It is a role steeped in responsibility, demanding a keen oversight of the financial health and operational efficiency of the union. My perception of this position is that it acts as the backbone of the organization, ensuring that resources are managed wisely, and that the union's operations are aligned with its strategic goals.
In my view, this position is not just about managing budgets or overseeing financial transactions; it is about fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation. It requires a strategic thinker who can navigate the complexities of financial management while being proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and growth. The Vice President of Operations and Finance must be a visionary, capable of anticipating future challenges and steering the organization towards sustainable success.
Moreover, this role is inherently collaborative, necessitating a strong ability to communicate and work alongside other members of the Students' Union and the broader university community. It involves engaging with students and understanding their needs, ensuring that the union's operations and financial strategies are responsive to those needs.
I perceive this position as an opportunity to make a significant impact on the student experience at the University of Lethbridge. It is about more than just numbers and reports; it is about making strategic decisions that enhance the overall well-being and satisfaction of the student body.
Through effective financial stewardship and operational excellence, the Vice President of Operations and Finance can contribute to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment that enriches the university journey for every student.
What are some of the initiatives you would like to implement if you are elected?
As a candidate for the Vice President of Operations and Finance, my main initiative will be to provide students with opportunities for grants and bursaries for both domestic and international students. I aim to increase student awareness of the benefits offered by the Students' Union, such as Dental, Health, and UPass plans, and to bring positive changes to these plans.
My platform is built on three pillars: fiscal responsibility, operational excellence, and resource awareness.
Fiscal Responsibility: I aim to enhance the SU’s financial health, enabling more investment in grants and bursaries to support individuals and groups in achieving their financial goals. I will manage the SU budget with utmost care, ensuring every dollar is spent wisely to maximize the benefits for students by implementing rigorous budgeting practices and financial audits.
Operational Excellence: Streamlining operations is key to increasing effectiveness and the ability to respond to opportunities and challenges. I will assist in organizing events and initiatives on a larger scale that matter most to our community. Additionally, I will prioritize the development of clear operational guidelines and procedures to ensure consistency and quality in our work.
Resource Awareness: I will initiate a strategic review of our operations and finances to inform students about the resources provided by the SU that could benefit them. I propose significant changes to the Dental and Health plan coverages. Reducing the Transit pass fund will also be a priority, as it is one of the most utilized facilities by students. I will propose making the payment of Transit pass fees optional for students.
Standing in this election as the representative and guardian of each student’s funds at the University of Lethbridge, I commit to providing my best service if elected.