2020 UMSU ELECTION GUIDE
David Wang Shihao | Community for UMSU
I am David Wang, and I am a final year MPH international student. I want to address the welfare of our students in the University of Melbourne. I believe that the individuals’ welfare and student well-being is extremely crucial. This includes, community support, mental health awareness, and intellectual disabilities inclusivity. This is my commitment and my vision after being elected into the Welfare Department as a committee member. I will advocate for vulnerable groups, whilst promoting an equitable, safe and inclusive environment.
Ezra Bangun (VVholesome)
Well, well, well, this is my welfare committee statement. Well, well, well, what should I say? Well, well, well, maybe vote for me? Well, well, well, that’s all from me. Well, well, well, thank you! Always be VVholesome, and don’t forget to vote [1] (and [2], and [3], and etc.) for the ticket you prefer (it can be us, or anyone else)!
Harry Syson | Stand Up!
Hey everyone, my name is Harry Syson (he/ him) and I’d love to be a part of the Welfare Committee. University is stressful under normal circumstances and this pandemic has only exacerbated those aspects of uni life. Everyone has had a vastly different university experience this year but some students have been adversely impacted on during this time and they need fighting for. It is imperative to create as good an environment as possible for everyone to allow for students to perform their best and enjoy their university experience. Make sure to vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!
Jordan Di Natale (Stand Up!)
Hey hey superstars! Welfare is by far the most important aspect of university life! No matter where you come from or your socioeconomic status, all students must be supported during their university journey, especially during difficult times! As a welfare committee member, I value the utmost care for all students and will raise awareness on all issues relating to student poverty, racism, accessibility, mental health and much much more! I will tirelessly support this student union in any way to ensure that all students have a memorable university experience. So vote [1] for Stand Up! As always, keep being superstars!
Kamyar Karimifakhr | Community for UMSU
Hello! My name is Kamyar and I’d love to be a member of the Welfare committee! The department provides many students with extracurricular events and is a vital point of call. My plan for next year is to focus on transitioning Welfare to the online space and to support the student community even more. I am passionate about supporting students from vulnerable backgrounds, especially international students. Community is essential for welfare so that’s why I think you should vote for Community! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!
Sami Zehir | Stand Up!
Hi I’m Sami (he/him) and I believe welfare has never been more important, UMSU has a vital future in ensuring the mental wellbeing of students in these uncertain times. Getting support is hard, and can be costly wherever you may be in the world. I want to secure better online support for students, rather than letting the university leave our wellbeing behind. I am passionate about safety on campus and want to ensure that students are in the safest possible environments when uni is back, and at student accommodation around campus. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight!
Sophie Nguyen | Stand Up!
Hi everyone, my name’s Sophie (she/her) and I’m running for the Welfare Committee. Many students struggle to attend university, and often there aren’t many support systems in place for students. With the amount of money paid to the university from students, there should be proper funding put into services to provide for students struggling. I believe everyone has the right to attend university and to feel supported when they do so. I’m passionate about holding the university accountable and making sure more support is provided to students. Vote [1] Stand Up!, Keep up the Fight!
Thomas Coulter | Community for UMSU
Hey there! My name is Thomas and I’m a first-year science student with passion for providing support to others who need it. I want to join the Welfare Committee because I believe that everyone, irrespective of who they are, has the right to be a part of a community where they feel safe, and have as much support as possible. Our time at university is limited, and it is the role of the Welfare department to make it enjoyable and safe for everyone! Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!
Timothy Lilley | VVholesome
“Beware the Ides of March.” – William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar
Yashna Malhotra | Community for UMSU
The role of Welfare stood out to me the most as providing services to all students regardless of their background. I would like to be part of the Welfare Department to play an active role in cultivating the changes I wish to see in my community. With my background in management, I also believe that I would be able to add value to the team through my strengths in logistics and events management. I can confidently guarantee that I would be able to enthusiastically and efficiently fulfill my duties. Zahra Ataie | Community for UMSU) I’m Zahra, a second-year med student highly motivated to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. Maintaining and improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of students should be prioritised. Taking a generalised approach to students’ needs
Zahra Ataie | Community for UMSU)
I’m Zahra, a second-year med student highly motivated to advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. Maintaining and improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of students should be prioritised. Taking a generalised approach to students’ needs shows a lack of understanding of differences in student experiences. I want to advocate and further improve student’s self-reliance and availability of services and facilities. To achieve this vision, we need every student to stand by our side. Community – to represent student’s voices and advocate for their best interest within UMSU and the university. Vote [1] Community, your community fighting with you!
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE
Ananya Agarwal | Community for UMSU
I’m Ananya Agarwal, a second year Bachelor of Commerce student. I believe in leading through empowerment which makes me an eligible candidate to stand for the post of women’s Committee. Moreover, coming from a country and background where women constantly fight for cerebral equality and opportunity, I seek to use a more refined approach for the welfare of women. I can’t just say that I am trustworthy, reliable or responsible but people who know that I possess these traits and situations where I have shown or proven these traits will believe that I can make a difference for this university.
Anna Olivia Smith Burnett | Stand Up! Hi everyone! I’m Anna (she/they), a passionate first year Arts student, and proud feminist. As a gender-non-conforming queer womxn from regional Victoria, I completely understand the diversity of experiences and challenges faced by women and non-binary students today, not only within our uni campus but beyond. I am running for Women’s Committee to continue to push for change; cultivating a culture of inclusion and safety. I will work to ensure that the women’s office bearers will consider the interests of all women and non-binary students. Vote [1] Stand Up! Keep up the Fight! (And demolish the patriarchy) Aria Sunga | Stand Up!
I’m Aria (she/they) and I’m a third year Arts student, majoring in English & Theatre Studies and minoring in Politics and International Studies. I was the Women’s Officer in 2019,and 2020 and have a thorough understanding of the Women’s Department’s function and responsibilities to students. I’m running for Women’s Committee because of my deep love for the department and I just can’t keep away! Vote [1] Stand Up! to smash the patriarchy! Keep up the Fight!
Iley Johnson | Stand Up!
I’m Iley (she/her) and I’m an honours student. I wish I could do my honours in loving women, but alas, it is not. I love women!
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