AGM 2015: Candidates Guide

Candidates Guide For Annual General Meeting 30 September 2015, Lecture Theatre 6, 5pm

EXECUTIVE

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President David Knobel Secretary Michael Jefferies Treasurer Callum Lee Vice-President Education Helen Smith Vice-President Competitions Krishna Alister Vice-President Events Jessica Popple Vice-President Publications Amy McCann

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DIRECTORS

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Director of Information Technology Daniel Maegaard Director of Marketing and Design April Jones Director of Sponsorship and Finance Erin McLaren Director of Equity and Diversity Jessica Popple Tanisha Watts Director of Wellbeing Leigh Greening Rachel Last Madison Imhoff Director of Legal Hands Nickolis Black Director of Indigenous Perspectives Tori Pearson Director of Advocacy Competitions Krishna Alister Director of Skills Competitions Director of Professional Events Brady Dennis Director of Social Events Director of Special Events Helen Smith Director of Professional Publications Sarah Coombs Director of Internal Publications

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

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Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

Ballot Paper Contested nominations Director of Equity and Diversity Jessica Popple (pending VP Events vote) Tanisha Watts Director of Wellbeing Leigh Greening Rachel Last Madison Imhoff

Uncontested nominations Write below any position for which you vote to have nominations re-opened:

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

Executive President David Knobel Seconder: Jessica Popple I am nominating for the position of President because I believe I have demonstrated, through my 2015 tenure in that role, the leadership skills necessary to help guide the LSA through a period of consolidation after a strong growth year in 2015. Under my tenure, the LSA has, among other things:    

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Built the capacity of the Committee through an end of year review and instituted an annual Committee planning retreat, this year held at Rainbow Beach; Managed the incorporation of a new cohort of students, navigating the various administrative challenges which such a change brings to an organisation; Assisted the expansion of the competitions portfolio to include client interview, as well as a second year of mooting; Increased our community engagement through involvement in the QPILCH Legal Walk, QLS Law Week and USC Imaginarium Mock Trial, and collaborated with SCLS on ‘One Punch Can Kill’ legal education stall during USC Welcome Week; Generated approximately $7500 in sponsorship from: o Maurice Blackburn Lawyers (premium sponsor – Client Interview; Basic Supporter – Social Justice Forum series - $2400); o Sunshine Coast Law Association (premium sponsor – Mooting Tournament - $2000); o College of Law (basic supporter – Mooting Tournament - $500); o ANU Legal Workshop (basic supporter – social justice forum series - $1000); o USC Student Guild (2015 “Welcome Back Dinner” Gold Sponsor - $1000); and, o Shultz Toomey O’Brien – Slater & Gordon (basic supporter / table sponsor Law Ball $500)

If elected President for 2016, I will continue to consolidate the work of the LSA in three ways: 1. Review: our Constitution and By-Laws in order to incorporate as an Association; 2. Renew: we now have solid precedents for educational, professional / networking, social and wellbeing events, skills and advocacy competitions and community engagement that need to be renewed and expanded in 2016; and 3. Redo: our strategic plan for the next 12 months, 3 years and 5 years; we need to regularly be asking ourselves, and checking ourselves against, what is working and how we can improve.

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

Secretary Michael Jefferies Seconder: Callum Lee Hello, I am Michael Jefferies, aka mpj007@, the source of countless LSA emails everyone has been receiving throughout the past two years while I have been Secretary. In the LSA Committee generally, I can draw upon my skills and experiences as President of the USC International Relations Society and also Vice-President of Amnesty USC. These, in addition to my performance as LSA co-founder then Secretary of the LSA in 2014 and 2015, demonstrate my ability and desire to significantly contribute to the LSA and build it to greater heights.

I have the perfect skills for the role of Secretary in particular. The role requires organisational skills; anyone is welcome to have a look at my calendar to verify mine. I have significant competence with computers, another requirement; in the past I made Windows software with code (VB, C++, Javascript, Python) and almost pursued a career in IT instead of law. As the Secretary is the Association's first point of internal and external, my experience shaping the Association from the beginning demonstrates my knowledge of how it functions and why, and I am also very diligent handling numerous emails effectively and promptly. My work establishing the LSA Website, any of the meeting minutes (available via Blackboard), the brand new By-Laws, and even this Candidates Guide, are also clear evidence that I have what this role requires, and will continue to go far above and beyond these requirements next year.

Treasurer Callum Lee Seconder: Rachel Last I am completing my third year of study at USC and my second year of study in the Laws/Commerce (Accounting) degree. I have held the position of Treasurer since October 2014. In that time, I have brought professionalism and enthusiasm to the role.

It is important that the financial security and robust financial nature of the Association interests are given sufficient recognition. In my time as Treasurer I have been a strong advocate for ensuring that steps are put in place to prepare the Association for a time when it is one of the most vociferous student groups on campus. I have encouraged many financial goals being set such as the planning for being able to award scholarships and financial support within the law school to worthy recipients.

I am eager to support the Association as its role within the School and the University increases. I tender this, my nomination for re-election to the position of Treasurer, and request you consider my work to date and what I still have to offer the Association.

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

Vice-President Education Helen Smith Seconder: Michael Jefferies I am really passionate about bringing some new and exciting things into the education portfolio for the LSA that will benefit all the students. I have many ideas that I can bring to the committee and I will work 100% to the best of my ability and go out of my way to make sure the students get the education opportunities that they deserve.

Vice-President Competitions Krishna Alister Seconder: Callum Lee This year I believe I have fulfilled the requirements of my role as Director of Competitions (Advocacy).

Since July 2015, my responsibilities have stepped up considerably at the resignation of our current Vice-President (Competitions).

During this time I ran and organised the USC LSA's inaugural Client Interviewing Competition, with the final held at Maurice Blackburn's Brisbane office. Furthermore, I have worked very closely with my CoDirector of Competitions in running the 2015 Mooting Competition.

If elected as Vice-President (Competitions) for 2016 I endeavour to ensure that more competitions are available for members to compete: Semester 1: Negotiation, and Semester 2: Client Interviewing and Mooting. I also aim to enter our first team in an inter-varsity competition, along with competitors to ALSA 2016.

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

Vice-President Events Jessica Popple Seconder: Callum Lee In the past two years I have been involved in the LSA in two capacities as Director of Events in 2014 and VP Events in 2015. I believe that I have planned and delivered several successful events within the LSA, including both the 2014 Networking Event, the 2014 and forthcoming 2015 Law Ball and the 2015 First Year Welcome Dinner. I have also worked with the Director of Social and Sporting (2015) to assist in the planning of numerous social events including pub crawls and the LSA's first netball team. I believe I have made many valuable connections throughout my time in this role and believe that this experience will be invaluable to the position.

This semester, I have also taken on the Social Justice Forums and put on the R U OK? Day panel discussion.

I attended the Australian Law Students’ Association Conference in July this year as a Councillor and believe that I brought back knowledge that will further our association in the coming year. I would love to attend again next year as a Councillor (or general delegate) to bring back more information for our Association.

Next year, I am hoping to plan more events and am looking to putting in several mechanisms in place to ensure that deadlines are met. These include using time at the committee retreat to book dates and venues for the larger scale events that will be held next year, including Welcome Dinner, Networking Event, Law Ball and the Inaugural Law Revue. Further, next year I plan to work closely with the incoming VP Education and Director of Equity and Diversity to put on a Women in Law Breakfast/Brunch, which is something that I am very passionate about delivering.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Executive this year and have actively worked to be involved and assist in all portfolios in any way that I can. I believe that I work well in a team setting and am extremely committed to my role. I believe that my experience in this role within the LSA will be valuable with the incoming Executive and Committee to which I am looking forward to working with if elected.

Vice-President Publications Amy McCann Seconder: Callum Lee I would like to continue my work as Director of Publications in the new role of VP Publications. In my time as D. Publications I have established an LSA Newsletter and I have many ideas for how to improve it in the future. The publications portfolio for the LSA will expand in 2016 with the inclusion of a clerkship guide, mental health guide and so on. If elected as the VP of Publications, I will also be looking at improving the readability of emails, the website and Facebook posts as it has come to my attention that many LSA members do not get past the first sentence. I look forward to applying what I learn in both my law degree and journalism degree to this position in the LSA.

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

Directors Director of Information Technology The Director of Information Technology works with the Secretary to maintain and oversee the Association’s digital presence. As such, competence with computer technology is essential to fulfilling this role. The D. of Information Technology will participate in the Social Media Subcommittee, as per the Social Media Policy in these By-Laws.

Daniel Maegaard Seconder: Michael Jefferies

Director of Marketing and Design The Director of Marketing and Design is responsible for posters/flyers, graphics and other designrelated work within the Association, much of which will be used to increase the Association’s digital presence. This role will work with the Publications team, where design is involved in the production of publications. An interest or background in graphic design will be beneficial in this role. The D. of Marketing and Design will participate in the Social Media Subcommittee, as per the Social Media Policy in these By-Laws.

April Jones Seconder: Tayleigh Jenkins

Director of Sponsorship and Finance The Director of Sponsorship and Finance works with the Treasurer and President to obtain sponsorship and support from outside entities to facilitate the Association's activities. The Treasurer may, at their sole discretion, delegate responsibilities to the D. of Sponsorship and Finance to act as the Treasurer’s proxy on committees and subcommittees.

Erin McLaren Seconder: Callum Lee As a first year student, I hold a great interest in the success and operation of the law program, and the role the Law Student Association plays in it, at our University. As I am doing a dual degree in both a Bachelor of Law and Business, the role of Director Sponsorship and Finance would complement this, as I would be able to contribute any knowledge gained from a combination of my business and law studies. Additionally, the role would also be a learning experience of great value for someone in my area of study.

As part of the Law Student Association, I would be a dedicated and valuable member, eager to see the program I love so much succeed and flourish, even beyond what it is now. To be chosen for this role would be a great honour and privilege, and I would love the opportunity to be able to start giving back to the program and people who have already given so much to me.

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

Director of Equity and Diversity The Director of Equity and Diversity works with the VP Education to advocate the interests of members from diverse backgrounds or those who face discrimination in the legal system (such as racial and ethnic minorities, people living with disabilities, sexual and gender diverse minorities, and women).

This will include organising at least two (2) social justice forums each year to explore issues around equity, diversity and social justice. This role will also provide assistance to and advocate the interests of members who are under-represented in the legal community or face issues such as discrimination and harassment.

While this is not an identified position, the D. of Equity and Diversity would best be held by a member from a diverse background or one who faces discrimination as a result of their identity.

Jessica Popple Seconder: Callum Lee In the past two years I have been involved in the LSA in two capacities as Director of Events in 2014 and VP Events in 2015. I believe that I have planned and delivered several successful events within the LSA, including both the 2014 Networking Event, the 2014 and forthcoming 2015 Law Ball and the 2015 First Year Welcome Dinner. I have also worked with the Director of Social and Sporting (2015) to assist in the planning of numerous social events including pub crawls and the LSA's first netball team. I believe I have made many valuable connections throughout my time in this role and believe that this experience will be invaluable to the position.

This semester, I have also taken on the Social Justice Forums and put on the R U OK? Day panel discussion. I attended the Australian Law Students’ Association Conference in July this year as a Councillor and believe that I brought back knowledge that will further our association in the coming year. I would love to attend again next year as a Councillor (or general delegate) to bring back more information for our Association.

Next year, I would like to work with the events portfolio and the VP Education to deliver a successful Social Justice Series, including an event about Women in Law, in the form of a Breakfast or Brunch. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the LSA for the past 2 years. I have actively worked to be involved and assist in all portfolios in any way that I can. I believe that I work well in a team setting and am extremely committed to my role. I believe that my experience in this role within the LSA will be valuable with Committee to which I am looking forward to working with if elected.

Tanisha Watts Seconder: Jessica Popple I am applying for the role of Director of Equity and Diversity because I believe it will be a great opportunity for me to enhance my knowledge when it comes to matters of equity and diversity and assist others to do the same. I am very passionate about social justice and believe that I will be a good candidate for this task because I am organised, dedicated and motivated. I am a strong believer that everyone in society is equal no matter what type of background that they come from and that multiculturalism should be celebrated. If elected for this role I will do my best to organise and facilitate events on behalf of the LSA that raise awareness on issues pertaining to equity and diversity. Thank you for the opportunity to apply.

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

Director of Wellbeing The Director of Wellbeing will be responsible for supporting and advocating for the social and emotional well-being of the membership. The D. of Wellbeing would work collaboratively with the VP Education, D. of Equity and Diversity, as well as D. of Social Events to organise activities that raise awareness of and support the mental health of members of the Association.

Leigh Greening Seconder: Michael Jefferies I have a great passion for supporting and advocating for people in need. This passion is reflected in my future goal of wanting to be a Human Rights Lawyer as well as my participation in Amnesty Events which Michael can confirm as Vice-President of Amnesty USC and my seconder. I was shocked to hear the statistics of the significant number of people in the law industry suffering from mental illness and as a sufferer of severe anxiety myself I know what it is like to suffer in silence. I would bring to the table an enthusiastic attitude and my approachable nature which will assist me in establishing events and concepts to help raise awareness of mental illness such as the R U OK Day panel and the mental health handbook as well as providing support for my fellow students. I look forward to being a part of something that helps support and advocate for future law students suffering with mental illness.

Rachel Last Seconder: Callum Lee I strongly believe in the implementation of a wellness program in the USC LSA as mental health and wellbeing is such an important issue. Through my own personal journey, I have seen the negative effects of stress and anxiety and I am learning to overcome these hurdles through the assistance of the services available to us as USC students. As we are aware, mental health is an increasing issue amongst university students, and in particular, law students.

If I am elected as the Director of Wellbeing, I will endeavour to work closely with our VP of Events to organise casual get-together's and wellness events such as yoga and mindfulness sessions especially around peak-assessment periods when students may not coping. I will also seek assistance from R U OK?, Open Minds, Beyond Blue, Reach Out and other such mental health organisations to further awareness.

Finally, I will endeavour to work with our VP of Publications to produce a Wellness Guide which can be given to our first year students and made available in the Law School. This Guide could include information on warning signs, where to go/who to go to for help, as well as recipes and tips for staying healthy in both body and mind.

Madison Imhoff Seconder: Erin McLaren As a student who suffers from mental health issues myself, I feel as though I can offer first-hand experience to those who are also struggling. Additionally, as someone not native to the Coast, I understand the anxiety faced by new students not only starting university, but in moving away from home, finding new friends and seeking independence. Although I know now that members of the LSA are more than willing to reach out, I believe that by having a specified role, new and existing students have a place to direct their worries, and a forum to use to seek out other students who are facing the same difficulties.

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

As the Director of Wellbeing, I feel as though I could use this position to support and advocate mental health, not only through educational aspects, but socially, in conjunction with the VP Events. Although the R U Ok? Day was a success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of those involved, I was incredibly disappointed by the lack of attendance at this event, particularly in First Year. In fact, the lack of attendance at both social justice forums by First Years in particular has disappointed me, as I found these events both interesting and inspiring. In conjunction with advocating mental health in the life of students, I also think it is necessary to advocate the importance of these forums, as a way to develop as an 'entire' law student, as opposed to advocating simply the importance of study in a law career. To sum up this incredibly long statement, my personal experience with mental health, coupled with my background as a rural student, and passion in social justice, leads me (and hopefully you) to believe I would be an excellent candidate as the Director of Wellbeing. Thanks :)

Director of Legal Hands The Director of Legal Hands will be responsible for the Association’s community and schools engagement; providing a hand of support for future students. The D. of Legal Hands will work with VP Education to increase awareness of the Law School and the Association amongst prospective students from schools within the University’s catchment area. This may include hosting welcome events and fundraising activities that provide engagement opportunities with prospective students.

Nickolis Black Seconder: Michael Jefferies

Director of Indigenous Perspectives The Director of Indigenous Perspectives provides the Association with an approachable and visible Indigenous point of contact within the Law School. This is a unique role that seeks to increase and embed Indigenous perspectives within the Association’s events, meetings and engagements as well as within the Law School, University and wider community. This role will work to advance the interests of Indigenous law students through connections with the Barunga Centre and advocate for Indigenous legal perspectives within the Law School curriculum.

This is an identified position, and as such, only those members who identify as Indigenous may nominate for this role.

Tori Pearson Seconder: Callum Lee

Director of Advocacy Competitions The Director of Advocacy Competitions works with the Vice-President Competitions to assist and organise in all advocacy-related competitions, such as mooting and witness examination.

Krishna Alister Seconder: Callum Lee

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

This year I believe I have fulfilled the requirements of my role as Director of Competitions (Advocacy).

Since July 2015, my responsibilities have stepped up considerably at the resignation of our current Vice-President (Competitions).

During this time I ran and organised the USC LSA's inaugural Client Interviewing Competition, with the final held at Maurice Blackburn's Brisbane office. Furthermore, I have worked very closely with my CoDirector of Competitions in running the 2015 Mooting Competition.

If elected as Director of Advocacy Competitions for 2016 I endeavour to ensure that advocacy competitions are performed and conducted in a way that is bigger and better than 2015.

Director of Skills Competitions The Director of Skills Competitions works with the Vice-President Competitions to assist and organise in all skills-related competitions, such as client interviewing and negotiation.

Director of Professional Events The Director of Professional Events will work with the VP Events to put on the Annual Networking Event and any other professional events that will fall under the category of networking and/or professional. The D. of Professional Events is also expected to work with the VP Events and be involved in the Law Ball Sub-Committee.

Brady Dennis Seconder: Jessica Popple My combined experience in event co-ordination and management has developed the ability to execute tasks with excellence and a professional demeanour while facing time and quality pressures while working closely with guest speakers and board-level management. Therefore I believe that my skill set would be ideal for the role of Director of Professional Events.

Director of Social Events The Director of Social Events will work with the VP Events to organise events such as pub crawls, social dinners, end of semester break ups, and other such events. The D. of Social Events will facilitate the involvement of the Association in various sporting clubs and groups both on campus and externally.

The D. of Social Events is also expected to work with the VP Events and be involved in the Law Ball Sub-Committee.

Director of Special Events The Director of Special Events will work with the VP Events to plan and execute anything that can be deemed a “Special Event”. These events are likely to include the establishment of an Annual Law Revue, working with the Law School and University on University Open Days, and facilitating the Association’s involvement in external events (for example QLS Law Week Mock Trial or QPILCH Legal Walk). The D. of Special Events is also expected to work with the VP Events and be involved in the Law Ball Sub-Committee.

Helen Smith Seconder: Michael Jefferies I would be able to contribute to things such as law revue due to my extensive performing arts background.

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies

“Building our students, building our profession”

Director of Professional Publications The Director of Professional Publications is responsible for working with the VP Publications and D. of Marketing and Design to deliver ‘professional’ publications including clerkship and careers guides, and other like publications.

Sarah Coombs Seconder: Amy McCann I have always been interested in writing, so I feel this would be an appropriate position for me. While I am not studying journalism, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to any LSA publications as someone who is not from the Coast and has experience with another USC degree (Psychology). Being a member of the LSA has made for a terrific first year in law, and I would love to have to opportunity to give back to the LSA and future students.

Director of Internal Publications The Director of Internal Publications is responsible for working with the VP Publications and D. of Marketing and Design to deliver ‘internal’ publications such as Yearbooks, First Year Handbook, Newsletters, Wellbeing Guides and other relevant materials.

University of the Sunshine Coast Law Students’ Association

Documentation compiled by Secretary: Michael Jefferies