UVSS Voter Guide

Candidates for Lead positions running unopposed are subject to the approval of the UVSS members (commonly known as a “yes” or “no” ballot). As per section 6.9 of the UVSS Bylaw, the candidate running unopposed MUST receive the approval of the majority of the ballots cast to be declared duly elected.

DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH & UNIVERSITY RELATIONS 

• Griffin Foster

Vote Griffin Foster for Director of Outreach, a leader that will stand up for you!

I am Griffin Foster, political science student and impassioned advocate of the democratic process. In High School, I was Student Council President, founder of the school newspaper, and leader of the Coalition for Student Democracy. Here at UVic, I have been a member of the Political Science Undergrads Board, President of a youth political group, and founder of the UVic New Electoral Coalition (NEC).

I plan on being a strong advocate for the diverse needs of every faculty, and I believe my substantial experience in student government has me well-prepared to represent the students of UVic as Director of Outreach and University Relations. I will do what is necessary to lead effectively, and I pledge to be responsive and open to the opinions and input of this university’s undergraduate students, and to fight for your needs. I want to be a partner in your education, someone you can talk to and rely on.

I have spent my education standing up for my fellow students, and serving as a director of the UVSS is the greatest contribution I believe I can make to UVic. What I promise is to work towards building a UVSS that provides valuable services resulting in a better student life experience.

• Artem Kuklev

Hello! I’m Artem, a fourth-year BSc Psychology student and a proud first-generation immigrant to Canada. I’m running to ensure our student society will truly listens to students, spends funds responsibly, and works with the University administration in order to meaningfully improve campus life.

Over the past few years I have worked to amplify student voices through my various roles in academic governance and student leadership. This has included my work updating UVic Law School’s admission guidelines and collaborating with school, municipal and provincial officials on key student issues. With the connections and experience I have built up, I can push for real change.

My Priorities if elected will be…

Mental Health Support – Expand funding for mental health resources, reduce wait times, and strengthen peer support programs.

Student Voices in Decision-Making – Ensure students have a say in key decisions and push for transparency in university spending.

Better Food Options – Advocate for more affordable, diverse, and higher-quality food choices on campus.

Financial Accountability – Make sure student society funds are used efficiently and transparently, cutting wasteful spending.

Diversity & Inclusion – Promote an environment where all perspectives are respected and diverse voices are represented.

A better campus is possible, together!

FOR MORE INFO VISIT: https://linktr.ee/voteartem

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

• Katie King

Hi UVic! My name is Katie King, and I am campaigning to be your Director of Student Affairs. I am originally from Calgary, Alberta, on Treaty 7 territory. While this is my first time seeking an election for a director position at UVic, I was the Head of Student Affairs in high school, so I am familiar with a similar role. Our clubs and course unions are key in fostering student involvement in campus life in ways that interest them. As a student with physical disabilities, problems with accessibility at club events, as well as CCU days, are something that I have noted. As Director of Student Affairs, I would include creating more space for mobilizing, adding games and activities to divert foot traffic and advertising times where the SUB would be less busy. I would also like to work on promoting the wide variety of clubs, course unions, and campus. Adding to CCU days and advertising online resources, students could get involved in the school. I would also like to highlight the course unions available on campus as they are key centers for support and community. Lastly, I would like to add to sexual violence prevention training within clubs. I want clubs to have a member who has gone through training for any meeting, as well as increase the number of appointments available for training. Most importantly, I want to center my campaign around openness and consideration for the concerns, questions, and ideas of students, clubs, and course unions.

• Felipe Semedo

My name is Felipe, and I am running for a UVSS Lead Director position for the University of Victoria out of a deep commitment to the democratic process and a strong belief in the importance of student representation within university governance. Originally from Italy, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my experiences with electoral systems and political engagement, both in my home country and internationally.

My engagement in multiple election campaigns has given me hands-on experience navigating complicated political contexts while maintaining transparency and responsibility. These experiences have reaffirmed my belief in the need of upholding democratic values in decision-making processes.

With the support of many friends and my experience in political engagement, I am confident that I can contribute to an UVSS that serves the interests of all students and fosters the continued growth and success of UVic. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our university community.

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

• Lindsey Andrew

Hey, UVic! My name is Lindsey Andrew, and I’m running for Director of Events. I’m running for this position because I look forward to the UVSS events every year, and I want to work as hard as I can to give you the best events possible. I believe that the role of Director of Events goes beyond just planning parties or social gatherings. It’s about creating an environment that supports your physical, mental, emotional, and community needs. It’s about building a student body that thrives together and empowers one another. If elected, I will focus on organizing events that are not only fun but also provide you with useful life skills, and support your personal and academic success.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of my campaign and the events I plan to bring to life if I’m elected.

1. Practical skills-based workshops. These workshops will give students the tools they need to succeed, both during their time in school and in their post-graduation lives. Some of the workshops I’m excited to bring to the table include:

• First Aid & CPR Certification
• Financial Literacy
• Clothes Mending & Repair
• Nutrition on a budget

2. UVSS Prom Food Bank Fundraiser.

3. Student vendor market.

4. More collaborative events with advocacy groups (including Global Village and Femexpo).

5. Monthly free hot lunch.

6. Bi-monthly free clothing swaps.

I am committed to creating a campus culture that reflects the diversity, creativity, and drive of our student body. I want every student to feel like they belong

• Ezekiel Gregory

Hi there! I am Ezekiel Gregory, a second-year Mechanical Engineering student, and I hope to be your Director of Events! I have always strongly believed in the importance of having fun, well-organized events. From my time as a leadership student in high school to my current position as the outreach coordinator for the University of Victoria Rocketry Club, I have always aimed to provide opportunities for students to enjoy themselves in a fun and healthy way. These experiences as an organizer have given me the skills to effectively organize, plan, and communicate large-scale events. I promise to make this year one of the most exciting years so far!

As your Director of Events, I promise to streamline communication of events on campus (reducing the number of spam emails you get from the school), plan exciting, well-coordinated events, and create an environment where students feel truly supported by the student body that governs them.

I appreciate your support 🙂

• Mickey McDonald

Howdy, I am Mickey McDonald. I grew up on Treaty 7 (Calgary, AB). I am a Trans-masc Queer half-Asian person in my third year of Geography. I am excited for the opportunity to support the on-campus community in positive and lasting ways. I am passionate about community building, and have experience helping facilitate queer-focused events.

The main two points of my platform are encouraging non-hierarchical governance within the UVSS board and continuing the work of the previous directors by running inclusive events that meet the needs of all UVIC students, with a focus on intersectionality.

I believe the multitude of identities represented on campus is a strength, and it is my intention to fight for the continued inclusion of marginalized people even in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile. I will put my best effort into listening to and learning from all students about their perceived gaps relating to events and activities happening on campus. I also believe in the importance of decolonized thought within organizations through collective and collaborative decision-making.

In terms of continuing the legacy of my predecessors, FEM-EXPO (formerly known as SEXPO) is one of my favourite events of the year, and I look forward to the opportunity to help support its continued growth.

If I am elected, I will work to cultivate a strong sense of community on campus, encourage decolonial thought within the board, and stand up for marginalized people on and off campus.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS

• Lachlan Van Egmond

I have become annoyed enough with the current functioning of the UVSS to justify spending the time to run in this election despite not being in need of resume padding. I stand nothing to gain from this positing because I intend to reduce its scope along with the entire scope of the UVSS. My service will never appear on any resume and if it does I will eat 100 copies of the offending document.

Things to do:

Fix the image of the UVSS, we have been known to look unprofessional compared to other student societies. Act like an adult.

Cut fees across the board. The UVSS wastes money left and right on random esoteric referendum topics nobody has the time to care about. I will limit the spending creep. I am targeting a 30$ fee for full time students.

Will carve out a budget section to lobby the university to figure out how to diagnose a snow day before everybody comes to campus.

Will make food bank means tested so there isn’t any shortage for those who need it most.

Will form a DOGE style body to investigate the inefficiency of the student society. I expect that at least a million dollars of waste occurs annually.

We will no longer run weird events and will instead focus on restoring 1950s style networking and community events. Imagine lemonade on the quad. Nobody will be lonely  or sad anymore.

I am a man of the people. I love the people more than I love myself.

DIRECTOR OF CAMPAIGNS & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Eva Thompson

I’m running for Director of Campaigns and Community Outreach to amplify student voices and push for real change on key issues. With experience in community outreach, campaigns, volunteer management, and advocacy, I know how to build momentum, engage students, and drive action.

I’ve worked as a Constituency Advisor for Ministers Murray Rankin (Oak Bay-Gordon Head) and Grace Lore (Victoria-Beacon Hill), coordinating outreach and helping individuals navigate systemic issues. I’ve managed volunteers in successful local and provincial campaigns and serve as the LGBTQ+ representative for MP Laurel Collins, advocating for equity and inclusion.

Additionally, I’ve participated in climate rallies, pride events, and other rallies advocating for social justice, environmental action, and equality. These experiences have deepened my commitment to collective action and mobilizing people for causes that matter.

UVic students face serious challenges, and I will fight for:

• Affordable Housing – More on-campus housing and tenant protections.
• Mental Health Support – Increased counseling services, peer support, and better funding.
• Financial Transparency – Clearer university budgeting and protection of student services.
• Stronger Student Engagement – Town halls, consultations, and grassroots organizing.

Campaigns should be strategic, inclusive, and action-driven. I have the experience to lead, mobilize, and win on the issues that matter. Please vote EVA THOMPSON for a stronger, more engaged UVic!

• Acorn Wasserman

I think everyone deserves a seat at the table & that changing the world starts with kindness & gratitude. Our journey forward should emphasize respect for the people & places around us. We can show our respect, in part, with transparency in our intent, words & actions.

Housing Now: We all deserve access to safe, affordable housing. I will amplify your voices to UVIC & local authorities to find stable places within student budgets.

ReThink Mental Health: You are not alone in your feelings of stress, anxiety or depression. Let’s revive the ReThink campaign & make a dedicated space for talking about mental health.

FedUp: Many students are experiencing difficulties affording groceries. The Food Bank & Free Store has seen increasing use yet UVIC still refuses to fund it. I am #FedUp and will do everything I can to find alternative sources of funding.

Shift Our Campus: The pandemic & shifting politics have taken a toll on our POC communities, including our Chinese, Palestinian, & Jewish communities. I hope to work with the SOCC, NSU & others to make sure I am properly advocating for all of our communities here at the UVSS.

Access4All: Founded by the SSD, A4A works to promote hybrid education & uplift accessibility via recorded lectures.

ATRS Fees: The closure of the McKinnon pool & fitness centre has students wondering what we’re paying for, & struggling to find accessible & affordable exercise options. I will advocate for financial transparency from UVIC & accessible fitness options.