Race: VP Academic

The vice president academic acts as a liaison between the student body and University administration and organizations concerning education, campus planning, and other issues relevant to the constituencies represented by the Student Council. This includes issues such as student housing, the Campus Planning process, student health and well-being, discrimination, quality of academic curriculum, and much more.

—–

Name: Iqbal Kassam
Age: 19
Year: 3
Faculty or program: Political Science
Past Campus involvement:
Various AUS Co-ordinator and committee positions
Past non-campus involvement:
Charity work for the Union Gospel Mission
Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone
Covenant House
Real Estate Property management
WPGA valedictorian and student council president.

Assuming you are elected and everything passes through successfully, what would the summer semester look like?

(editor’s note: I did not receive a response to this question)

What is one unique quality/experience you have (that other AMS VP-A candidates don’t have) that would make you the ideal exec member?

3 years of experience as a real-estate property manager, managing private-sector student housing on the Vancouver west side. There is absolutely no reason non-market student housing should be more expensive than private sector units; my biggest gains in reducing the cost of housing has come from keeping units occupied for a greater portion of the year. I believe that this experience could be invaluable in helping UBC reduce the cost of housing for all students.

What reflects affordable on-campus housing to you? How will you work with the university in changing that definition and to ensure more students are afforded the opportunity to live on campus?

Significantly less-expensive than its private-sector equivalent. Currently, students can live at the gates of UBC for as low as $600/month, in units equivalent in space and comfort to the Marine Drive residences. This is possible, because the units are also occupied during the summer by gap-year students, or students taking summer courses at UBC. By expanding the summer semester, I believe that the resulting increase in demand for on-campus housing year-round would allow UBC to significantly reduce monthly residence fees.

What is your opinion of the 4 referendum questions?

1. This is a question students must rule on as a collective. While I support selling the Whistler Lodge, students must decide how much of their tuition should go towards maintaining public spaces in and around the Student Union Building. There is no clear-cut right and wrong answer to this question; it all depends on how much students are willing to pay to maintain the public spaces utilized chiefly by them.
2. Building an endowment fund is a very good step in the process of adding stability to AMS revenue streams. Having a steady stream of revenue outside of AMS businesses and more risky assets will allow the AMS to build more sustainable, and long-term projects, and have to worry less about funding being cut to existing programs deemed valuable.
3. I absolutely agree with the decision to sell the Whistler lodge. There simply is no good rationale to hold onto an asset losing hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.
4. I agree with selling the art. It is currently on display, and providing no benefit to UBC students. It is very important to create a sustainable source of revenue for the AMS, and putting proceeds from the art into the endowment fund is a good place to start.
—–

Name: Carven Li
Age: 21
Year: Fourth
Faculty or program: Arts – Socioiogy
Past Campus involvement:
AMS University and External Relations Committee
AMS Sociology Students’ Association President
AUS Advocacy Coordinator
AUS Wellness Coordinator
PrideUBC Political Coordinator
SLC Highlighted Project Presenter
Past non-campus involvement:
Our City of Colours – Board of Director
Health Initiative for Men
Vision/COPE Canvasser
City of Richmond Multicultural Advisory Committee
Maxwell Maxwell’s Pit Night dancer (2011)
SPITVancouver’s Dancing Chinese Ambassador (Gung Hay Fat Choy, everyone!)

Assuming you are elected and everything passes through successfully, what would the summer semester look like?

Summer semester would be structured, and in turn, populated like our winter semesters. This will draw in many students who prefer to enrol in classes during the summer of Vancouver and then leave our Canadian winter for a warmer vacation during our ‘Winter Terms.’ Right now, students who work full-time, year long, often do get to choose the courses they want in the summer due to the limited course offering. These students want an alternative to working 9-5 and heading to school in the dark, during winter terms; an expanded summer term allows for more students to study during a period with longer daylight hours. Another advantage would be that family with two student parents can better alternate school terms. Finally, increased student enrolment due to more structure and course availability in the summer term will keep open much-needed services like Safewalk, increase residency for Student Housing, and revitalize campus life and businesses. I see that with incremental expansion and the inclusion of campus resources, the Summer Term can grow to benefit many students. It will likely contribute to Student Housing revenue and may even, with active student leadership, inspire UBC administration to lower the cost of student housing for students in response to the restore of housing demand during the Summer Term.

What is one unique quality/experience you have (that other AMS VP-A candidates don’t have) that would make you the ideal exec member?

I am an outgoing, approachable leader who has a passion to proactively help students through active listening and collaborating; I’ve proven to myself that student advocacy is what I really enjoy and to other students that I am effective in introducing new ideas to both the City and UBC administration.I currently sit on AMS University and External Relations Committee: I learned about our University structure and how to navigate it when lobbying. I am aware it is important that AMS Execs are reflective and are proactively critical of any lobbying that may be tokenizing or premature in consultation.I have the experience in promoting social justice and respectful representation through vigilantly making visible our personal privileges and our duty to represent students who are not always heard by UBC, and, in campus culture.

What reflects affordable on-campus housing to you? How will you work with the university in changing that definition and to ensure more students are afforded the opportunity to live on campus?

“Affordable housing” for students is entirely different from “affordable housing” in the context of the City of Vancouver; therefore, I will bring a stronger student voice on issues of housing affordability and the land use governance model. Having attended an AMS-held forum on housing affordability, an issue I’ve identified is the shortage of students participating in the dialogue of housing affordability. If elected as VP Academic and University Affairs, I will not only respond to immediate student grievances but also actively inform students of their right, in the positive sense, to ensure the entire student body has access to affordable housing and a positive campus culture. UBC has the goal to house 50% of its full-time undergraduate population and only a handful of the attendees to affordability forums are students… this goes to show how UBC students and the AMS need to establish a stronger relationship, one that will encourage all members, especially our student governors, on the Board of Governors to take these forums as opportunities to observe students’ demands. I will hold more informational forums because, in addition to University-held consultations, forums allow Governors to access less restricted discussion on students’ ideas of designating student ratio to campus-centric housing and of different affordability models as offered by expert panelists. When there are not enough forums and not enough students for student Governors to, respectively, attend and listen to, I am committed to firstly resolve the problem of student engagement on the topic of housing affordability by stepping up as a leader who lobbies and problem-solves. Expansion of the summer term, for example, may be an answer to housing affordability due to the restore of housing demand from students in the summer.

What is your opinion of the 4 referendum questions?

I find the wording of the Student Art question imprecise as I support selling three pieces of art to fund the restoration and the preparation of an exhibition for the remaining art, in addition to funding AMS to “purchase additional art and support other on-campus arts programming and initiatives.”As for Whistler Lodge, students feel that the asking of the referendum question is premature and I agree that there needed to have been an open consultation at which more options were discussed, before a Yes/No campaign.
—–

Name: Kiran Mahal
Age: 21
Year: 4
Faculty or program: Biochemistry, minor Commerce
Past Campus involvement:
President, Science Undergraduate Society (2011/12)
Director of Administration, Science Undergraduate Society (2010/11)
Chair, SUS Code Committee and Building Management Commission (2010/11)
Science Grad Coordinator, Science Undergraduate Society (2010/11)
Internship Program Coordinator, AMS (2010/11, 2011/12)
Externship Program Coordinator, AMS (2011/12)
Member, AMS Student Life Committee (2011/12)
President, Young Women in Business UBC (2010/11)
Vice President and Mentorship Program Coordinator, Young Women in Business UBC (2009/10)
Squad Leader- Science, UBC Orientations (2011/12)
MUG Leader- Science, UBC Orientations (2009, 2010)
Past non-campus involvement:
Director of Chapter Development, Young Women in Business Network (2011/12)
Steering Committee Member, Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life (2007-2011)

Assuming you are elected and everything passes through successfully, what would the summer semester look like?

Thus far changes to the summer semester have been mainly structural in nature and are a great start to revitalizing the term. My focus moving forward would be to increase the breadth of what the summer term offers as well as begin a shift in the general attitude towards it. The summer semester should be a viable alternative for student to take courses that are normally offered in the winter term. This means an increased number of courses offered with adequate information given to students early on as to which courses will be offered so students can plan their degrees accordingly. I would like to see the summer term take the form of a full semester; however I am aware of the many complications that may arise with that structure. As it stands, I am in favour of the new two-term split within the summer term and would like to see the removal of courses that are 3-4 weeks as I feel they do not send a healthful message to students.

I would also like to see a shift in the perception of the summer term and ensure that both professors and students see this term as equal to the winter ones. Professors should strive to maintain the same quality of learning experience and ensure that no material is removed from the course. Students need to follow suit and demand the same quality of education and learning from their faculties. With more restructuring of the summer term, we will hopefully see a campus that is vibrant and bustling year round with options for student housing and resources throughout. A year round presence from students on campus will allow us to bring forth a stronger stance on land use and transit to UBC.

What is one unique quality/experience you have (that other AMS VP-A candidates don’t have) that would make you the ideal exec member?

I have experience directly leading an executive team and council representing a constituency 7,000 students strong. Through my role as SUS President, I have shown that not only can I be a strong voice for students, I am also an innovative and encouraging leader. I am extremely proud of the results that SUS has achieved over the last year. The work that the executive team has done is directly in line with the platform that I campaigned on for the presidency. My ability to make reasonable and realistic campaign goals and see them through speaks volumes both during my Presidency and my term as Director of Administration. I understand how to balance my own portfolio while still being an active member of an executive team. I will work hard to ensure our team is cohesive as I understand how important it is to be part of a strong team that supports on another and keeps each other accountable. Getting students involved with consultations is a large part of the VP Academics role. My time as SUS President has also exposed me to the many issues that students face and has showed me that we need to take new and innovative approaches to engage students and collect feedback.

What reflects affordable on-campus housing to you? How will you work with the university in changing that definition and to ensure more students are afforded the opportunity to live on campus?

Affordable on-campus housing to me means rent that fits the budget and needs of students. I have personally worked part time throughout my University Career to be able to live on campus. Many students at UBC pay their own way and want to live within their means. The range of affordability for each student is different and I feel this is something that the university needs to recognize when making plans for new housing. Students want housing in central areas of campus that is accessible and affordable- we are not looking for luxury. This is not just an issue surrounding housing – with UBC’s decision to explore the idea of commuter student collegiums; we need to ensure that these spaces for commuter students are an affordable option. Students should not always be tasked with bearing the financial end of building community on campus.

The best way we can send a message to UBC about this issue is by mobilizing students and providing avenues for students to express concerns and share what they feel affordable housing should look like. With the work currently taking place surrounding the Housing Action Plan, the time is now for students to express their input and ensure our definition of affordable housing is communicated to the University.

What is your opinion of the 4 referendum questions?

I am currently an employee of the AMS Services; therefore I am unable to answer this question directly. What I will say is that students should aim to get informed about the questions and understand the impact they will have on the AMS before making their decision.
—–

Name: Bahador Moosavi
Age: 26
Year: Graduate student
Faculty or program: Mining Engineering
Past Campus involvement:
Serving on AMS Council as Graduate Student Representative: Feb 2010 – Present
Chairing AMS Education Committee: Sep 2011 – Present
Serving on GSS Council: Nov 2009 – Present
Have served on various committees at the AMS and GSS including, AMS Oversight, Agenda, Legislative Procedures, Education, Extraordinary Appointments and March Referendum committees as well as GSS Academic and External, House and Finance, Code and Policy and Hiring committees
Serving as Team Leader for UBC Thunderbird Robotics Founded and lead UBC Thunderbots
Heavily involved in the UBC Persian Language and Iranian Studies Initiative
Co-facilitated a Student Directed Seminar
Past non-campus involvement:
BCSoccer referee
Second degree black belt in Taekwondo
Very involved in Vancouver’s Iranian community

Assuming you are elected and everything passes through successfully, what would the summer semester look like?

Although, a very important part of my plan includes consultations with students of various faculties about what they would like their summer semester to look like, here’s what I currently have in mind:All the 3-week courses will be eliminated becuase they are not suitable for students’ mental health. The main purpose of taking courses over the summer is to learn and it’s hardly possible for students to have a very successful learning opportunity in a short and intense time frame. The whole 4-month term will be divided to two 2-month terms where courses are offered. Also, there will be a large extension to the number of courses that are already offered. The reason behind this (rather than having 4-month courses) is to allow both students and faculty to be able to take/offer courses for 2 months and take a break (or do field research and attend conferences in case of faculty) for the rest of the term. Also, the extension will ensure that students have the option of taking courses or participating in internships/coop programs.Please note that the course offerings will vary from faculty to faculty and it’s my hope to work with the different faculties and the respective undergraduate societies to come up with a plan that makes sense for them.

What is one unique quality/experience you have (that other AMS VP-A candidates don’t have) that would make you the ideal exec member?

I have been a student at UBC for about 8 years now and have watched the AMS as a regular student (during my undergraduate studies). Also, I have been heavily involved with the AMS in the past two years, as an AMS councilor, making me the most experienced candidate in terms of involvement with the AMS. This combination provides me with a good understanding of how the organization works, how the university works and how students deserve to be represented.

What reflects affordable on-campus housing to you? How will you work with the university in changing that definition and to ensure more students are afforded the opportunity to live on campus?

Generally, housing is affordable if it doesn’t cost more than 30% of one’s income. For UBC students, this would be housing that doesn’t cost more than 30% of a typical student income (including student loans). The university has been avoiding the use of the term “affordable” and has replaced it with “non-market student housing.” This is troublesome for students, especially since as part of the guiding principles of the UBC-V Housing Action Plan, the Board of Governors has required providing housing options “for people of all income levels assuming housing costs of not more than 30% of a single income.”Currently, this promised is to be upheld for some of faculty and staff housing. If elected, I will work with the university to make sure this promise is upheld for students as well.

What is your opinion of the 4 referendum questions?

I, personally, approve of the four referendum questions for the following reasons:

Reduction of student fees: I’m in support of this because the UBC Ombuds Office has proven to be a very valuable resources for students. Also, currently there’s more funds available in the Student Spaces Fund than needed and the most responsible plan of action for the AMS is to return the excess amount to students.
Establishing a Student Endowment Fund: The establishment of this fund (which already exists in the AMS code) in the Bylaws will ensure that the fund itself will only be accessed if the membership permits it, therefore, creating a plan that ensures the long-term financial sustainability of the organization, while ensuring that growing services for students each year.
Selling the Whistler Lodge: I do understand that many students already use the lodge as it is a very affordable option while in Whistler. However, a professional review on the lodge has shown that selling the lodge is the only option that financially makes sense to the AMS. Also, all the proceeds will go to the Student Endowment Fund, which will benefit all students. If elected, I will work together with the students (such as the Ski and Board Club) who are currently using the lodge to come up with a long term plan which ensures that they are still able to keep all the benefits that the lodge has offered them in the last 40 years.
Paintings of the Art Gallery: Currently, the AMS Permanent Art Collection is maintained in very poor conditions and is under-appreciated (since it’s only displayed to the public twice a year). Thus, I’m also in favor of this action, since by selling up to 3 items of the permanent art collection, the AMS will not only provide sustainable benefits local artists, but also it will be able to maintain the existing collection in a better manner.

As of 11:28pm Jan 22, 2012, Ian “Party Rock” Campbell has not submitted his/its responses to UBC Insiders.