Yewoe Sackey-Forson President
Hello and Oki! My name is Yewoe Sackey-Forson, and I will be entering my seventh year of my chemistry degree with the goal of becoming a research chemist. I am re-running for an executive position, hoping to become the next president of the ULSU! Honestly, I was never the biggest fan of attending this university, and you would think that the university experience would change my mind. However, the added stress of finding affordable places to stay, paying for expensive textbooks that I only used twice, and not having appropriate food/grocery locations that are easily accessible here on the west side made me want to get my degree and leave as fast as I could. But why graduate and leave when I can be part of the change to try and reduce the different kinds of stress that University of Lethbridge students deal with? That is why I would describe myself as a committed student eager to drive change at our university. I want to ensure that student needs are better met, encourage increased engagement, and ultimately enhance the overall student experience here at the University of Lethbridge. This starts with having the right conversations with the right people and departments to ensure your voices are heard, speaking up when no one else is advocating for students, and making sure there’s a clear understanding of the challenges we face. I’m ready to fight for your needs and fight for our needs. I was there, I am here, and I want the best for all current and future University of Lethbridge students.
What do you know about the position you are running for?
What are some of the initiatives you would like to implement if you are elected?
During my time with the student union, I’ve gained insight into the diverse needs of students and am committed to implementing changes to address them. My main objectives this year are increasing student support, diversifying food and housing on campus, and creating a zero-textbook cost model. Student support, both academically and financially, is crucial. One ongoing issue is academic advising, especially for students in the arts and science faculty. I want to improve access to academic advisors, whether virtually, in person, or by phone. This requires collaboration with the right people and departments to resolve this long-standing issue. As president, I aim to finally put an end to this problem. I also plan to increase the financial aid available through the ULSU, whether through scholarships or emergency grants. I’ll work closely with the ULSU accountant and VP of Operations and Finance to better allocate funds. With an approved referendum, we’ll be one step closer to solving this issue. I’ve personally experienced delays in receiving student loans due to provincial processing times and will work with the incoming council to ensure sufficient emergency funding is available. On the food and housing front, I will work with the university to diversify food options and ensure student needs are prioritized in decisions around the South Campus development. Given our location in a food desert, it’s essential that we have affordable grocery stores and student housing. Lastly, I aim to create a zero-textbook cost model by looking at successful examples from institutions like the University of Alberta. I will work with departments to expand open educational resources and reduce costs for students. My experience with the ULSU has prepared me to take on the role of president and advocate for students. I’m ready to face the challenges ahead and fight for our needs.