Brannon Sumner Arts & Science Representative
Hello and Oki,
My name is Brannon Sumner (he/him), and I am in my 4th year at the University of Lethbridge, pursuing a degree in Neuroscience. I am running for one of the positions as a 2025-2026 Arts & Science Representative. My move from Medicine Hat to Lethbridge was driven by my desire for the university's distinctive academic opportunities. Since moving, I have actively participated in and currently spearhead several research projects at our university. As a transfer student and as an active member in research, I have learned how to navigate both academics and the challenges many students face during undergrad. Furthermore, I am deeply rooted in the campus community, contributing much of my spare time to various clubs and events. Over the past two years, I have been actively involved with the University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club, Metabolomics Journal Club, Pronghorns Track and Field, and various community organizations such as Alberta Health Services. Drawing on my diverse interactions with fellow students, I am committed to developing a collaborative environment that embraces varied perspectives and supports students in developing strong interdisciplinary skills fostered through the University of Lethbridge.
Outside academics, you can find me running around Lethbridge, particularly at the weekly Park Run at Henderson Lake, or hiking scenic ranges alongside the Canadian Rockies.
What do you know about the position you are running for?
First, I will focus on strengthening communication between students and faculty by organizing and promoting events where professors can introduce upcoming courses, share research openings, provide departmental updates, and collaborate with students. Working closely with department heads, student councils, and the administration will ensure these events are well-integrated into existing schedules and receive proper support. Moreover, these gatherings can foster a more inclusive environment by actively collaborating with first-year representatives and reaching out to first-generation students, working students, and those who may otherwise feel disconnected from campus resources.
Second, I will advocate for expanded research and experiential learning options for hands-on skill development in the Arts and Sciences. In collaboration with faculty, I will work to establish regular workshops on approaching professors for research opportunities. Simultaneously, I aim to promote student-run journal clubs, poster sessions, and mini-conferences for undergraduates, providing student-driven platforms to present their work and build critical resume skills such as collaboration and interpersonal skills.
Finally, I will advocate for standardizing lecture recordings and providing high-quality learning resources for all courses via our existing Moodle platform. Recognizing the substantial financial and personal investment students make, even a single missed lecture can weaken that investment and the quality of education when the material becomes inaccessible. With recent events, uploading lecture videos has become straightforward and minimally burdensome while greatly benefiting students who juggle multiple commitments or face unexpected absences. To quantify the ongoing need and impact, I propose conducting student surveys that measure satisfaction, usage, and overall demand for recorded content. By securing a consistent baseline of easily accessible instructional materials, we respect the investment students make in their education and ensure fairness and academic continuity for the entire Arts and Science community.