Students Elect Students To The Student Seats Of Said Students’ Uni’s Council

It’s been a full week since we had a student-based election round these parts – far too long, in Critic’s opinion. So for your voting pleasure, we present the Student Elections to the University Council. The Council is the governing body of the Uni, so it’s pretty important that there are students on there representing us. Voting starts at 9am on Monday October 8, and closes at 3pm on October 10. And without further ado, here are your candidates:

Caleb Wicks

I am Caleb Wicks, a third-year Philosophy and Politics student. If elected to the University Council, I will ensure that the University treats all students fairly and that the aims of the Council are upheld. I believe that I will be able to ensure that all students are treated fairly through my experience dealing with many different students in my position at Clubs and Societies, and through my experiences in other countries including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and parts of Europe.

An issue that is faced by the University Council every year is rising fee costs. As a representative of the students, I will vote against the rise in fees and other issues that I feel are important to the students. I will always be available for students to talk to about their issues.

Logan Edgar

Degree: BCom, Double Major, Finance and Marketing.

Gidday Stranger,
I’m Logan Edgar the current OUSA President. I’m without doubt the most experienced student on this campus to be the voice of Otago University students around the Council table. With this potentially being my third term on the University Council, I would love it if you’d give me the chance to serve you one last time.

I’ve been the only student on this campus for the last two years who has worked full-time, focussing solely on representing you, the Otago student body. It’s what I’ve been paid to do, and it’s what I do well. I’ve been your Council rep alongside Jono Rowe since 2011. We make an awesome duo, and we’re good mates. We go in prepared and informed on every agenda item. Together we have earned the respect of our fellow Council members, and we have the confidence to express how students really feel.

My time on University Council has taught me that to be effective in the position, you need three pivotal attributes: Respect, Relationships, and Confidence. I’ve got all three, and I hope I’ve also got your vote.

Sincerely,
Logan Edgar

Ashlea Muston

Degree: Studying towards a BA, English major

As a student who has been immersed in many aspects of the student experience, I feel well-equipped to stand as a candidate for the University of Otago Council for 2013. I am currently studying Film & Media and English, and have been involved in a wide range of environmental groups, sporting groups, and activist organisations on and off campus. This has allowed me to gain experience in council and committee meeting situations and learn how best to communicate ideas. I believe I am in touch with the wants and needs of a diverse range of students, and am passionate about relating this knowledge to and upholding these values within the Council. I am excited about pushing for a sustainable, innovative campus and maintaining the lowest possible fees for students. I also hope to convey to the members of the Council the significance of student culture and what this means for the wider educational experience of Otago students.

Francisco Hernandez

Degrees: BA(Hons)(Otago 2011); Studying towards a Masters in Entrepreneurship
Other relevant information: OUSA President Elect 2013

It's vital for me as the OUSA President for 2013 to be on the University Council next year to represent your views and make a difference for you. Vote Francisco for University Council.

Politics should be about making a difference.

As OUSA Welfare Officer, these are some areas that I have made a difference in this year:
- Collected nearly 5000 signatures to stall the liquor ban
- Delivered cheap food through $3 Dinners
- Successfully lobbied the University for more campus recycling
- Secured funding for Satellite Campuses

As your University Council Representative next year, here's what I'll work for:
- Stopping the Liquor Ban
- Better Flats
- No Fee Rises
- Cheaper Food on Campus
- Carbon-Neutral Campus
- Doing what students want
- Continued support for Satellite Campuses

Help me keep making a difference for you.
Vote Francisco for University Council.
This article first appeared in Issue 27, 2012.
Posted 5:59pm Sunday 7th October 2012 by Staff Reporter.