Harassment at Algoma U: is there a better way to handle it?

Tomorrow, Algoma University Students' Union holds a general election, with voting from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The following statement on issues in the AUSU election was prepared for SooToday.com by incumbent President Vanessa Gastaldo, who's being challenged by Lance Nee-klu Adejtey.

************************* The last two years have been exciting for AUSU [Algoma U Student Union].

In preparation for the end of Premier McGuinty’s Reaching Higher framework, I, along with your elected officials, have been hard at work making your issues known to the university, the community and both senior levels of government.

Passion, leadership and professionalism - these are the virtues around which I have continued to represent you.

Under my leadership, AUSU has undergone its greatest transformation since its inception.

Since general management of AUSU is the responsibility of the president, I have worked with boards and students at large to reform our structure to better serve your needs.

Meetings are now held at the same time each month.

Committees have been struck to deal with the impacts of university policies on students.

As well, the role of the president has been decentralized so a more balanced decision-making approach can be observed.

I believe that all of my actions over the last two years can be attributed to my grassroots approach to leadership.

My role as president has involved not only overseeing the affairs of the union but also empowering students who champion student and community issues with resources such as the Canadian Federation of Students.

I have also focused on generating public awareness and providing my experience and knowledge to help students take action on issues that matter to them.

In January 2010, I was a key contributor to the Canadian Federation of Students Northern Caucus policy submission on the new funding framework.

In the presentation of this document, I brought forward the issues that are central to students’ lives in Northern Ontario.

I brought forward your horror stories of finding apartments, travelling on the bus, the lack of affordable food near campus and juggling work-heavy hours while studying.

For the first time in AUSU’s history, a local campaign is achieving province-wide attention.

The Empty Glass for Water Campaign (EG4W) is only a glimpse of AUSU’s potential to be at the forefront of the student movement.

If re-elected, I will work with SASA [Shingwauk Anishinaabe Student Association] to spearhead a provincial campaign highlighting the myths of post-secondary education for the Anishinaabe people and the need for the federal and provincial governments to create access for the students who will make up one-quarter of the next generation’s workforce.

I have taken great pride in being the person students have come to with their issues related to both with university and union services.

In the wake of strong opposition to current administration of the campus health plan, your board of directors moved quickly and brought in sweeping changes, including: the opt-in of full-time international students, the ending of the blackout period for all returning students, and moving to e-applications that will ensure fewer errors and a more expedient claim service.

There are still many opportunities for AUSU to grow in order to better meet the needs of its membership.

Through talking to students over the last year, I have compiled what I believe are the necessary next steps for the union.

My goals for 2010-11 include: - Providing training for leaders of clubs, essential services and associations on policies, budget-making and cost-saving resources that are available through AUSU, and the Canadian Federation of Students. - Continuing recognition of the self-determination of the Anishinaabe students on campus through the creation of a joint working agreement, which will also help AUSU make a more informed budget.

- Building sustainable programming through local initiatives and focusing on local artists in order to both lower programming costs and support community initiatives.

- Supporting a more inclusive frosh week, highlighting events that will teach students how to save money on textbooks, day-to-day expenses and large expenses, as well as promoting local, provincial and national campaigns.

- Transitioning all advertising to social media, and minimizing or eliminating all costs associated with the advertising of the Speak Easy.

- Taking advantage of the transition in the university’s administration to promote student-centric solutions related to the need of an independent harassment officer, more expansive access to campus and the library, and matching funding to the student-run food bank.

I have been proud to serve you over the past two years, and I look forward to put momentum behind the progress that has been created in my third mandate.

The students united, will never be defeated!

In solidarity, and at your continued service.

************************* More SooToday.com coverage of this story

Algoma U food prices: are students being gouged?