Student media look towards brighter future
As the tuition hikes loom over anglophone universities, student media hope they stay afloat. Student media organizations across…
Hammad Baig
Hammad Baig and the Unionist Party have a vision for making the CSU more efficient and representative than ever before.
“I’m trying to discuss issues which actually make a difference, rather than issues which look good on paper,” Baig said.
These issues, which include an overhaul of the curriculum, better minority representation within the student union and increased opportunities for student exchange, all centre on one key concept: unity between ethnic or gender backgrounds, or even fields of study, from which the party’s name is derived.
“One of my mandate points is that we have equal opportunities and equal rights for all faculties on both campuses,” he said.
First and foremost on the Unionist mandate is the party’s strong opposition to educational budget cuts of any kind by the government.
“We will campaign very strongly against that,” says Baig. “We see [the cutbacks] as a rape of student rights, and the right to have affordable, good quality education.”
Good quality education, he said, can also be ensured by allowing students to have a say in the university’s professor-selection method. Baig wants to see a method devised where students can attend open lectures held by potential profs and then vote on their teaching competency.
Baig, a 22-year-old marketing student, also wants to dispel the notion that the CSU does not truly represent Concordia’s student body. “One thing that we’re advocating quite strongly is that [if elected] we would represent any and every student,” he said. “Whoever wishes to bring a positive change within the campus, we would provide them with very strong backup.”
The Unionist Party is among the most ethnically diverse groups running for office within the CSU this year. Emmanuel Moreira, Mat Siemaszkiewicz, Pavan Magon, and Luma Abu Judom make up the rest of the party, with four more officials yet to be elected. These four empty seats have been left open deliberately, says Baig, in order to choose candidates more democratically, “through an application process, so that we can hire good, deserving people.”
Meanwhile, the four current members of the Unionist vice-presidential slate have been chosen for their communication skills, versatility, and dynamic leadership within their own fields. “This is a package that comes with a lot of interpersonal skills and organization,” says Baig of his team.
Moreira, slated for VP external, has “a very strong background in terms of negotiating and getting along with other people.” Siemaszkiewicz was chosen for VP communications because of his “versatile, outgoing, and open” personality. Magon has “vast experience working as a promoter, organizing different fests and parties for the students.” His name is down for clubs commissioner, while Abu Judom, slated for VP internal, is “highly organized. She’s outstanding,” says Baig.
Baig sums up his party’s policy by saying that “we believe in delegating power to the students. By doing so, we will encourage students who want to bring positive changes to come forward and let their voice be heard.”
He will be talking with students about their rights and powers, something which, he notes, “not many governments have told students about in the past.”
“I’m trying to discuss issues which actually make a difference, rather than issues which look good on paper,” Baig said.
These issues, which include an overhaul of the curriculum, better minority representation within the student union and increased opportunities for student exchange, all centre on one key concept: unity between ethnic or gender backgrounds, or even fields of study, from which the party’s name is derived.
“One of my mandate points is that we have equal opportunities and equal rights for all faculties on both campuses,” he said.
First and foremost on the Unionist mandate is the party’s strong opposition to educational budget cuts of any kind by the government.
“We will campaign very strongly against that,” says Baig. “We see [the cutbacks] as a rape of student rights, and the right to have affordable, good quality education.”
Good quality education, he said, can also be ensured by allowing students to have a say in the university’s professor-selection method. Baig wants to see a method devised where students can attend open lectures held by potential profs and then vote on their teaching competency.
Baig, a 22-year-old marketing student, also wants to dispel the notion that the CSU does not truly represent Concordia’s student body. “One thing that we’re advocating quite strongly is that [if elected] we would represent any and every student,” he said. “Whoever wishes to bring a positive change within the campus, we would provide them with very strong backup.”
The Unionist Party is among the most ethnically diverse groups running for office within the CSU this year. Emmanuel Moreira, Mat Siemaszkiewicz, Pavan Magon, and Luma Abu Judom make up the rest of the party, with four more officials yet to be elected. These four empty seats have been left open deliberately, says Baig, in order to choose candidates more democratically, “through an application process, so that we can hire good, deserving people.”
Meanwhile, the four current members of the Unionist vice-presidential slate have been chosen for their communication skills, versatility, and dynamic leadership within their own fields. “This is a package that comes with a lot of interpersonal skills and organization,” says Baig of his team.
Moreira, slated for VP external, has “a very strong background in terms of negotiating and getting along with other people.” Siemaszkiewicz was chosen for VP communications because of his “versatile, outgoing, and open” personality. Magon has “vast experience working as a promoter, organizing different fests and parties for the students.” His name is down for clubs commissioner, while Abu Judom, slated for VP internal, is “highly organized. She’s outstanding,” says Baig.
Baig sums up his party’s policy by saying that “we believe in delegating power to the students. By doing so, we will encourage students who want to bring positive changes to come forward and let their voice be heard.”
He will be talking with students about their rights and powers, something which, he notes, “not many governments have told students about in the past.”
