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VP Administration

The vice president administration is responsible for the workings of the Student Union Building, from ensuring the New SUB project is on track to managing the use, maintenance, and conditions of the current building, and is responsible for ensuring SUB businesses comply with the Society’s Ethical Purchasing Policy. The vp administation represents the Society on a variety of UBC boards and committees, including the University Athletic Council and the Walter Gage Memorial Fund Committee, and chairs the Student Administrative Commission (SAC), offering guidance, room bookings, and office space to the over 300 AMS clubs.

Biography

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my short bio. My name is Ekaterina Dovjenko and I am your vice president administration. I am currently in my third year in the faculty of commerce here at UBC studying finance and international business. I plan to also complete a minor in international relations (fingers crossed) and do a term abroad after my term as vice president.

Throughout my academic career, I have had the opportunity to be involved in a variety of different organizations on campus. From the Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS) to the Alma Mater Society (AMS) to Greek life, I have been fortunate enough to “get involved” and meet a wide array of exceptional people. This past year, I sat on AMS Council as the representative for the CUS and briefly chaired the Business and Facilities Club.

As your vp admin, I chair the Student Administration Commission (SAC) – an important body of the AMS that is responsible for communicating with, constituting, and supporting over 350 clubs. I am also responsible for the maintenance and renovation of the current Student Union Building (SUB) as well as building the New SUB. This involves everything from getting agreements in place to ensuring the process is, above all, student driven. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, sailing, and travelling.

Please feel free to contact me regarding anything to do with the SUB, clubs or the AMS. I’d love to hear from you!

Ben Cappellacci, VP Academic & University Affairs

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 wellbeing, discrimination, quality of academic curriculum, and much more.

Biography

Having grown up in Toronto, Ben is proud to now call British Columbia home. Ben is a third year commerce student studying marketing and international business with a focus in French and hopes to do a term abroad at HEC Paris after his term as vice president. Ben has lived on campus all three years of his time at UBC and has become involved in many different areas. As a floor rep in Salish House at Totem Park, a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, or as a member of the Commerce Undergraduate Society, Ben has striven to make an impact wherever he has become involved. This past year, Ben represented students at the UBC Senate and served as the coordinator of AMS Safewalk. Ben is excited to represent students as vice president academic and is looking forward to developing projects that will make a difference for students.

Ben does have a life outside the AMS and enjoys taking in all the great things Vancouver has to offer. He is a man of many talents, but not very much time. He is an amateur photographer but he hasn’t gotten around to putting up any photos on Flickr. He is also an amateur DJ and will spin tunes at any party on campus where his skills are requested. Ben’s heritage is Italian and Dutch and while he doesn’t cheer for the Leafs, he does cheer for Azzuri, that is team Italy in the World Cup of soccer. Ben is very passionate about life at UBC and wants to do his best to improve the UBC experience for as many students as he can.

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University and External Relations Committee

The University and External Relations Committee shall:

1. develop and recommend to Council policies and principles that shall serve as the foundation for the Society’s provincial, federal, and municipal lobbying efforts and as the foundation for the Society’s campaigns during provincial, federal, and municipal elections;
2. assist the Executive in liaising with the various levels of government, with TransLink, and such local authorities as the UNA and the UEL, and with other student organizations;
3. assist the Executive in lobbying the appropriate level of government on issues of interest to students, including but not limited to:
   1. transit,
   2. student loans,
   3. post-secondary education funding,
   4. tuition,
   5. sustainability,
   6. child care,
   7. equity,
   8. student housing, and
   9. and government policies.
4. assist in the preparation of briefs, discussion papers, and policy documents with respect to post-secondary education for approval by Council and for submission to the University and to governmental or non-governmental bodies external to the University;
5. review the impact of provincial and federal government educational policy;
6. assist in liaising with the University’s Board of Governors and with other University bodies, including but not limited to as Treasury, Building Operations, Parking Services, Human Resources, UBC Properties Trust, and the University Counsel’s office;
7. advise the Executive Committee and Council on such issues as:
   1. student financial assistance,
   2. tuition and other fees,
   3. student access issues,
   4. housing issues,
   5. sustainability at the University,
   6. University funding and budgeting, and
   7. the University’s relations with its unions.
8. advise the Executive Committee and Council on how to communicate information about activities and issues facing the Society to the University and the community at large in a full, succinct and timely manner;
9. review policy, planning and implementation processes regarding campus development at the University;
10. establish eligibility criteria for U-Pass subsidies from the University’s U-Pass subsidy fund, and develop procedures through which the office of the vice president external will determine which applicants qualify for a subsidy;
11. report on its activities at every Council meeting; and
12. have such other duties as are outlined in the Bylaws or the Code or assigned by Council from time to time.

The University and External Relations Committee is currently comprised of:

• Tahara Bhate (Chair; Science);
• Ignacio Rodriguez (Science);
• Andrew Carne (Engineering);
• Joel Mertens (Senate);
• Ben Cappellacci (VP Academic);
• Katherine Tyson (Arts);
• Kyle Warwick (Arts);
• Jeremy McElroy (VP External);
• Alice Liang (At-Large);
• Mitch Wright (At-Large);
• Joshua Ryu

Committee Meeting Minutes Archive

Academic Quality Committee
Ad Hoc Executive Remuneration Committee
AGM Minutes
AMS Foundation Minutes
Appointments Review Committee Minutes
Business Operations Committee Minutes
Compensation Committee Minutes
Campus Planning and Development Committee Minutes
External Policy Committee
Impacts Committee Minutes
Oversight Committee Minutes
Renovations Planning Group

Agenda Committee

• Bijan Ahmadian (Chair; President);
• Aaron Sihota (Chair)
• Tahara Bhate (Science);
• Geoff Costeloe (Senate);
• Matthew Naylor (Arts);
• Fraser Young (Human Kinetics);

Legislative Procedures Committee

The Legislative Procedures Committee shall:

1. regularly review the Code and recommend to Council various options for appropriate Code changes to reflect changes within Council, its committees, the commissions, or the Society as a whole;
2. draft internal policies and amendments to the Code as requested by Council;
3. review internal and combined policies that have been in effect for three years, in accordance with Code Section II, Article 11;
4. recommend to Council various options for appropriate changes to the Constitution and bylaws of the Society for consideration by the Society;
5. advise on the current Constitution, bylaws, Code, and internal policies of the Society and on possible amendments to those documents;
6. advise Constituencies on internal legislative issues;
7. review SAC policies where appropriate;
8. advise on the determination of the Society’s fees and on the waiving of Society fees in accordance with Bylaw 14(7) and 14(9);
9. make recommendations to Council concerning financial compensation and review all terms of employment for persons holding appointed positions in the Society, including committee chairs and executive project officers, but not including the Society’s hired employees other than the executive coordinator of student services;
10. review, recommend changes to, and utilize a system of rubrics or rankings, to be approved by Council, to assess the appropriate level of financial compensation for each position;
11. make an annual report to Council, on or before January 30 in every calendar year, which shall include recommendations for financial compensation and terms of employment for all persons holding appointed positions in the Society, including committee chairs and executive project officers;
12. review the remuneration of the Executive members and the executive coordinator of student services and recommend changes in that remuneration to Council, in the course of which review and recommendation procedure the members of the Executive and the executive coordinator of student services, if members of this Committee, shall be excluded from deliberations;
13. establish and review regulations for the preservation of the Society’s records and the maintenance of its archive;
14. establish channels, protocols and standards for the Society to disseminate information, including but not limited to program announcements, advertisements, and press releases;
15. report on its activities at every Council meeting; and
16. have such other duties as are outlined in the Bylaws or the Code or assigned by Council from time to time.

The Legislative Procedures Committee is currently comprised of:

• Matthew Naylor (Chair; Arts);
• Andrew Carne (Engineering);
• Bijan Ahmadian (AMS President);
• Dia Montgomery (Law);
• Ignacio Rodriguez (Science);
• Julian Ritchie (Engineering);
• Maria Cirstea (Science);
• Jeremy McElroy (VP External);
• Colin Simkus (At-Large);
• Jenny Lian;
• Mike Kenyon.

Education Committee

The Education Committee shall:

1. develop and recommend to Council policy on academic issues, including but not limited to:
   1. student evaluations,
   2. the University’s ranking in outside evaluations,
   3. learning technology,
   4. exam scheduling,
   5. library hours and library holdings,
   6. academic concession,
   7. grading,
   8. plagiarism,
   9. space in courses,
   10. cancellation of classes,
   11. the role of sessional lecturers and TAs,
   12. working conditions of students employed in research or teaching positions by the University,
   13. the relative emphasis the University puts on research vis-a-vis teaching,
   14. innovative learning,
   15. flexible courses of study,
   16. interdisciplinarity,
   17. curriculum,
   18. research opportunities for students,
   19. transfer credits,
   20. admission criteria; and
   21. distance education.
2. assist and liaise with the Student Senate Caucus and constituencies on matters pertaining to academics;
3. assist the vice-president academic and University Affairs in liaising with the University’s president, vice presidents, deans, and other officials concerning academic matters;
4. develop ways through which the Society can improve academic quality and student engagement;
5. review research and develop policy for coordinating with third parties towards improving academic quality;
6. review the impact of the University’s academic policies on students;
7. consult with students on academic issues including through means of an AMS annual survey;
8. inform students about current academic issues and academic support programs;
9. encourage student involvement with the administration of the University’s library and bookstore;
10. report on its activities at every Council meeting; and
11. have such other duties as are outlined in the Bylaws or the Code or assigned by Council from time to time.

The Education Committee is currently comprised of:

• Geoff Costeloe (Chair);
• Aaron Sihota (Science);
• Bijan Ahmadian (AMS President);
• Joel Mertens (Senate);
• Ben Cappellacci (VP Academic);
• Kyle Warwick (Arts);
• Lin Watt (Engineering);
• Tahara Bhate (Science);
• Tagh Sira;
• Alex Lougheed;
• Vivek Menon.

Business & Facilities Committee

The Business and Facilities Committee shall:

1. assist with long-term business planning, such planning to include but not be limited to:
   1. providing the general manager with planning advice with respect to the commercial services under his or her management;
   2. assisting with the creation or major modification of Society commercial services;
   3. advising the general manager on potential commercial opportunities;
   4. developing, with the general manager, a long-term plan for commercial services that meets the service and income needs of the Society, for the approval of Council;
2. examine the budgets of the Society’s businesses and present its recommendations for changes to those budgets, if it has any, to the Budget Committee as part of the process of preparing the Society’s budget;
3. ratify any unbudgeted price changes in the Society’s businesses and of any other unbudgeted changes in the businesses, including but not limited to renovations and equipment purchases, such renovations and purchases to require the approval of the Committee if they are for more than $25,000;
4. be responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Society’s sustainability strategy and have the following additional responsibilities related to sustainability:
   1. investigating sustainable and fair business practices at the Society’s businesses, including a review of purchasing policy;
   2. setting annual sustainability priorities for actions and projects, and present those priorities to Council no later than the last Council meeting in June;
   3. presenting Council with an update on the fulfillment of the sustainability priorities no later than the last Council meeting in October;
   4. present an annual sustainability report to Council no later than the last Council meeting in March;
5. make recommendations about dealing with deficits, surpluses, and unallocated revenue from donors and sponsors, in accordance with Section IX B, Articles 4 and 5;
6. make recommendations to Council for amendments to the AMS Sponsorship Policy in accordance with Section IX B, Article 9(4);
7. establish eligibility criteria for SUB Renewal subsidies from the Society’s SUB Renewal Subsidy Fund, and develop procedures through which the Executive will determine which applicants qualify for a subsidy;
8. consider necessary or desirable renovations to the Student Union Building, the AMS Whistler Lodge, and any other Society buildings, as well as other capital projects, present options and recommendations about such renovations and projects to Council, and verify that all such renovations and projects have been completed satisfactorily;
9. consider improvements to the Society’s IT services, present options and recommendations about such improvements to Council, and verify that all such improvements have been completed satisfactorily;
10. in relation to appointments:
    1. form interview teams to interview candidates for the following positions: student service coordinators and assistant coordinators, commissioners, associate vice presidents, assistant to the president and assistants to the vice presidents, executive project officers, and such other positions as designated by Council;
    2. ensure that all vacancies in the positions referred to in paragraph(s) above are advertised in a campus publication, and that interested candidates have at least two (2) weeks to apply for such positions;
    3. ensure that each interview team develops standardized questions and evaluation criteria for each position for which it interviews, such questions and criteria to be approved by the team before interviewing begins, and to be applied equally to all candidates;
    4. make all reasonable efforts to ensure that for any given position the same individuals conduct all interviews;
    5. ensure that members of the Executive, service coordinators, and the executive coordinator of student services attend all interviews of candidates for positions reporting to them;
    6. ensure that interview teams invite the outgoing holders of positions applied for to attend interviews unless the outgoing individual is reapplying for the position;
    7. have the power, if an interview team chooses not to recommend a person for a position applied for, to have that person’s application considered for another position;
    8. ensure that interviews are open only to members of the interview team, members of the Executive, and guests invited by the interview team;
    9. receive recommendations from the interview teams, which it shall forward to the appropriate member of the Executive or the executive coordinator of student services;
    10. provide guidance to the Executive in negotiations with the Society’s unionized employees;
    11. report on its activities at every Council meeting; and
    12. have such other duties as are outlined in the bylaws or the Code or assigned by Council from time to time.
    The Business & Facilities Committee is currently comprised of:
    • Aaron Sihota (Chair; Science);
    • Ekatrina Dovjenko (VP Administration);
    • Guilaume Houle (Arts);
    • Antti Luukkonen (GSS);
    • Jimmy Yan (Science);
    • Maria Cirstea (Science);
    • Mike Silley (Arts);
    • Elin Tayyar (VP Finance);
    • Helge Ratvik (At-Large);
    • Oliver Bernardino (At-Large);
    • Patrick Crawford (At-Large).

    
    

    Student Life Committee

    The Student Life Committee shall:

    1. coordinate inter-constituency campus events and activities;
    2. plan campus events that enrich the social and personal lives of the active members of the Society and ensure visible and effective advertising for such events and for other campus events of interest to active members;
    3. assist in managing and coordinating ceremonies and dinners, including but not limited to the Great Trekker Award ceremony, Just Desserts, and the All-Presidents’ dinner;
    4. examine new and innovative ideas for engaging students in the Society’s activities and for other projects enabling the Society to fulfill its constitutional objectives and its mission statement;
    5. advise the Executive Committee and Council on how to communicate information about activities and issues facing the Society to the membership in a full, succinct and timely manner;
    6. establish channels, protocols and programs aimed at encouraging input from and consultation with the Society’s membership;
    7. oversee and administer the Society’s publications in accordance with Section IX D of the Code;
    8. oversee the management of the electronic communication network within the Society;
    9. oversee the Society’s web pages;
    10. arrange for the preparation and insertion of a Society information supplement into a campus publication or publications on a regular basis;
    11. review the Society’s relationship with external media, including but not limited to the Ubyssey and CiTR;
    12. assist and liaise with the executive coordinator of student services with regard to all the Society’s services;
    13. consider issues regarding campus and student safety and liaise with campus security;
    14. develop priorities and policies concerning equity issues within the Society and recommend such priorities and policies to Council;
    15. investigate barriers to engagement within the Society, and identify those areas where there exists an inequity of opportunity;
    16. oversee Society programs that are designed to promote equity, including:
        1. establishing metrics by which the success of such programs can be measured, and,
        2. evaluating the success of such programs;
    17. manage and allocate the Sexual Assault Initiatives Fund, subject to the Funds description in Section IX B, Article 6;
    18. administer the Student Initiatives Fund in accordance with Section IX B, Article 6;
    19. liaise with such University bodies as Athletics, Student Housing and Hospitality Services, and Classroom Services, and with such units within the Student Development and Services office as International House, Orientations, the Access and Diversity Office, and the Equity Office;
    20. report on its activities at every Council meeting; andhave such other duties as are outlined in the Bylaws or the Code or assigned by Council from time to time.
    The Student Life Committee is currently comprised of:
    • Fraser Young (Chair; Human Kinetics);
    • Carolee Changfoot (Arts);
    • Jeremy McElroy (VP External);
    • Ekaterina Dovjenko (VP Administration);
    • Brittany Perna (ISA);
    • Michael Duncan (Board of Governors);
    • Jimmy Yan (Science);
    • Ryan Trasolini (Arts);
    • Elin Tayyar (VP Finance);
    • Cindy Lynn (At-Large);
    • Karen Lee (At-Large);
    • Michelle Fan (At-Large).

    
    

    Past Events

    • UBC Sustainability Coordinator Program Kick Off Lunch Workshop: Waste Reduction Date: Friday, January 15, 2010 Time: Noon to 1 p.m. Location: CK Choi Building, Room 120 Event Details: Member from the Waste Free UBC committee will give a presentation about current and upcoming waste reduction initiatives on campus Presenters: Kara Bowen, Coordinator, Sustainability Coordinator Program Sara Orchard, Outreach Coordinator, UBC Waste Management Anke Sieb, Project Assistant, Communications and Research Joyce Shen, Sustainability Coordinator, AMS Victoria Wakefield, Manager Logistics/Sustainability, UBC Supply Management
    • Student Leadership Conference “Sustainable Solutions at UBC” Workshop
      Date: January 9, 2010
      Time: 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
      Location: BUCH B303, UBC
      Event Details: The panel addressed the following questions:
      1. In what ways do we need to shift our own conception of leadership in order to create the shift towards sustainability in the world?
      2. How can we meaningfully engage students in sustainability planning on campus?
      3. What are the best examples of sustainability education at UBC?
      4. What are the major drawbacks to sustainable solutions at UBC?
      Panel: Aftab Erfan, 2010 Nestor Korchinsky Award winner Jean Marcus, project manager, Advisory Committee on Academic Programs on Sustainability Spencer Rasmussen, director, Common Energy Joyce Shen, sustainability coordinator, AMS Anelyse Weiler, president, Friends of the Farm Moderator: Cliare Seaborne, student engagement intern, UBC Sustainability Office
    • International Day of Climate Action (October 24, 2009)
    • AMS Annual FarmAde (September 24, 2009)
    • First AMS Farmer’s market (September 18, 2009)
    • Imagine Day Green Lounge (September 8, 2009)
    • World Changing Careers Symposium (July 23 to 27, 2009)

    
    

    Upcoming Events

    • Now! Conference:
      Date: March 11 to 13, 2010
      Location: University of British Columbia
      Event details: NOW! is a climate action conference empowering students to become climate leaders through their lifestyles, careers, and political voices. This is a collaboration between the AMS, Common Energy, Student Environment Centre, and the UBC Sustainability Office. The conference will be highly interactive and multi-disciplinary, including keynote speakers, cross-faculty panel discussions, inter-university videoconference, hypothetical situation discussions, and student talks and debates.

      For more information, please visit NOW! Website or join us on Facebook.

      
      

      Ongoing Events

      • Sustainability Coordinator Skills Enhancement Program: This is a joint initiative between the Sustainability Office and AMS that aims to enhance campus sustainability leaders’ ability to foster behaviour change, organize and lead teams, and communicate effectively with people who have different agendas and values. The first Skill Enhancement Program (09-10) will include the following workshops:
      • Fostering Sustainable Behaviour—Community Based Social Marketing (October 21, 2009)
      • Facilitative Leadership Workshop: this workshop will provide information on how to engage co-workers, facilitate discussion with people who have different agendas and values, and implement initiatives while maintaining good relationships with employees and colleagues.
      • Team-based Project Management Workshop: this workshop will provide tools for collaborative project planning, effective team building, and creating the ideal project culture for creativity, innovation and productivity.

      These workshops are free and open to everyone in the UBC community, including staff, students, alumni, and UNA members. Please note these workshops will focus on “soft skills” that help bridge the gap between passion and effective communication, individual effort and collaboration, as well as mandatory workload and volunteer commitment. If you need guidelines on specific topics, such as purchasing or energy saving, please do not hesitate to contact or visit http://www.sustain.ubc.ca/ for more information.

      
      

      Events and Workshops

      Students are a driving force behind the development of campus sustainability. One of the major functions of the Impact working group is to serve as an information hub and network node for campus sustainability initiatives, especially at the grassroot level. By doing so, we are hoping to: connect University administration efforts and student initiatives, and avoid recreating the wheel and build a stronger sustainability network on and beyond campus. Below is a list of events that the working group has contributed to either as an organizer, partner or sponsor.

      
      

      Waste

      Each year, AMS operations and business produce approximately 400 tons of waste. Minimizing waste remains one of the top priorities and challenges for the Impact Working Group. Various internal and collaborative actions have been taken to tackle this challenge.

      • Student Union Building Waste Audit: with funding support from AMS Impact Committee and UBC Sustainability Office, a two-phrase waste audit was conducted in 2009 to better understand the waste stream at the Student Union Building and identify next steps to minimize waste.
      • Think Outside the Bottle Campaign: in partnership with Common Energy Tangible Solution group, the AMS is examining its business operations to consider options for phasing out the sale of bottled water, and is looking to expanding this partnership with UBC Food Services, who is the other major bottle water vendor on campus.
      • UBC Waste Free Committee: the Sustainability Coordinator has been working closely with UBC Waste Free Committee and Sustainability Office to link AMS initiatives with campus-wide waste reduction efforts.
      • For more information on waste reduction initiatives from the AMS Food and Beverage Department, click here.

      
      

      Buildings

      The construction for the new SUB will begin in 2012, and is aiming for LEED Platinum+ and the Living Building certification. The building targets will focus on the new Student Union Building (SUB) because it would cost too much in terms energy, materials, and funds to implement any major upgrades to the current SUB.

      The New SUB Sustainability Advisory Committee, chaired by the New SUB coordinator, has been actively working with architect professionals, student representatives, AMS sustainability coordinator, and green building experts on developing the Sustainability Charter and administering overall sustainability objectives for the New SUB.

      
      

      Transportation

      The U-Pass Program is designed as an integrated comprehensive transportation package that provides students with universal, accessible, and affordable access to public transit and other sustainable transportation programs. Since its implementation, transit ridership has become the preferred mode of travel among all UBC commuters and now accounts for 42 per cent of all trips. It is expected that with U-Pass, transit ridership will continue to grow each year by an average of 10 per cent, as overall traffic volumes continue to decline.

      The AMS External Office has been actively working with the UBC TREK Program Centre and lobbying for better transit service. For more information, please visit: http://www.upass.ubc.ca/upass/upassindex.html and http://passups.ca.

      
      

      Communication

      The results of our most recent survey show that most people do not understand the relationship between food choices and sustainability. Based on this information, we will focus efforts on creating a greater understanding so are our customers can make more sustainable choices.

      Our communication efforts include:

      • We created an AMS sustainability outlet officer position for all AMS food outlets in an effort to increase the success of outlet participation in AMS sustainability initiatives and provide a mechanism for staff to discuss new ideas and existing challenges.
      • Raise awareness through various community events, such as the first AMS Farmer’s Market, AMS Annual Farmade, and Imagine Day Green Lounge during undergraduate student orientation.
      • Encourage staff and managers to participate in sustainability-related workshops, such as the Community Based Social Based Marketing workshop, to learn new skills that will help identify and overcome internal and external barriers to better sustainability practices.
      • Implemented various AGSC 450 proposals, such as the LOV (Local, Organic, and Vegan) menu line. Please check Teaching and Learning for more information.

      
      

      Waste

      • Reuse/reduce before recycle: customers who bring their own mug for hot drinks or containers for meals receive a $0.25 discount. All AMS employees are strongly encouraged to lead by example and use reusable containers and service ware from the office kitchen to reduce the use of disposable containers.
      • Responsible purchasing: All napkins are made from post-consumer recycled material. In addition, all foam coffee cups (lid excluded), plastic cutlery, and 1000ml foam containers have been replaced with compostable ones, and a full switch to 100 per cent compostable containers is planned for 2010.
      • Composting: The first pre-consumer composting program was introduced into AMS Food and Beverage Department in 2003. Now the program has been expanded to every AMS food outlet and we compost 100 per cent of our pre-consumer food waste. We have also included post-consumer composting stations at AMS eating areas, and are working on incorporating more tri-bin waste stations around the SUB.

      
      

      Teaching and Learning

      AMS Food and Beverage Department has actively supported and worked with AGSCI 450 teaching team and students, UBC food system project coordinator, UBC sustainability office SEEDS Program manager, in designing collaborative research projects, providing ongoing support, and implementing findings and recommendations. Selected projects include:

      • A Lighter Footprint menu line called LOV (Local, Organic, and Vegan) in 2008 to raise awareness of the impact of everyday food choices and help customers make more informed purchasing choices.
      • An initial monthly“Eco-Friendly Day” to promote the LOV product line, which has been expanded to a monthly Eco-Friendly menu that features the most in-season LOV items.
      • Implemented AGSC 450 proposals on recipe development, procurement, waste reduction, and awareness campaigns.

      
      

      Food Sourcing

      • A herb garden was planted in the SUB courtyard in 2009, with 11 large herb pots that are used by AMS Food and Beverage Department.
      • A produce procurement liaison (contract position) was hired in 2008 to create new relationships with local producers and identify steps to further increase local and sustainable procurement. A detailed report can be found here.
      • All dry goods and vegetables are purchased from local companies whenever possible. For example, when in season, much of the vegetables come from the UBC Farm, Delta, and only as far as the Fraser Valley.
      • All eggs AMS Food and Beverage Department served are cage free since 2008.
      • All coffee is certified organic, shade grown, and Fair Trade since 2004.

      
      

      Food and Beverage

      AMS Food and Beverage Department is the second largest provider of food services on campus, owned and operated by the students of UBC. One hundred per cent of the net profits are turned over to the students’ society to fund valuable services and resources to be enjoyed by all of the students at UBC. SafeWalk, Tutoring, Volunteer Connect, Minischool, and the Food Bank are just some of the many programs funded by the proceeds generated from the AMS businesses.

      The AMS Food and Beverage Department is committed to providing sustainably and locally produced foods whenever possible, supporting applied learning on food-related issues, reducing waste, and fostering positive changes through staff training, menu design, and various community events.

      Several other campus food providers, such as Sprouts, Agora, and UBC Food Services, are also committed to providing healthy and sustainable food at UBC. Together, we serve over 30-million meals annually, and your everyday dinning choices will help us make a difference on and beyond campus.

      
      

      Purchasing

      AMS purchases and uses environmentally-friendly products as much as possible, and is planning on collaborating with UBC Supply Management to support suppliers of socially and environmentally responsible products and services. With the support from AMS managers, we’ve made good progress in lessening our environmental impact in several areas:

      • Communication Department
        • All AMS insider agenda and mini-brochures are printed on FSC paper with environmentally-friendly inks and aqueous varnishes. To minimize packaging, no shrink wrap is used for shipping.
        • In 2009, all AMS promotional items are made from either biodegradable or recycled materials.
        • All display boards and banners for the Student Union Building are made from biodegradable foamcore and Bioflex.
        • All clothing is sweat-shop free.
      • AMS Copyright has switched to 30 per cent post consumer recycled paper since 1999.
      • Food and Beverage Department.
        • As of 2008, all coffee cups are compostable at AMS food outlets. In November 2009, all plastic cutlery and 1000ml foam containers were replaced with compostable ones. The department is looking to switch to 100 per cent compostable containers in 2010.
        • All coffee is certified organic, shade grown, and Fair Trade since 2004.
        • All eggs are cage free. Most of the vegetables are purchased from local farmers when in season.
        • For more information on purchasing initiatives from Food and Beverage Department, click here.

      What We Are Doing

      Purchasing
      Food and Beverage
      Transportation
      Buildings
      Waste
      Events and Workshops

      
      

      Partnerships

      Common Energy
      Canadian Youth Climate Coalition
      Go Beyond
      Sprouts
      Student Environment Centre
      UBC Sustainability Office
      UBC Waste Free Committee
      UBC Farm

      
      

      Impact Working Group

      The Impact Working Group advises the implementation of the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy and acts as the informational hub for major student environmental initiatives. The group is composed of representatives of key campus environmental groups, student councillors, and AMS managers with authority to take action in the relevant operational areas. The sustainability coordinator is the primary point person for the working group. They steer the implementation of AMS sustainability projects, connect campus environmental initiatives, and coordinate overall communication, annual report, and website maintenance.
      

      
      2009 – 2010 Working Group

      • Hanes Dempewolf, Student Councillor, AMS
      • Tom Dvorak, VP Finance, AMS
      • Chelsea Enslow, Representative, Student Environment Center
      • Alisa Senecal, Representative, Sprout Food Co-op
      • Claire Seaborn, Student Engagement Representative, UBC Sustainability Office
      • Jeffrey Smith, Facility Manager, AMS
      • Joyce Shen, Sustainability Coordinator, AMS
      • Rebecca Seifert, Representative, Student Environment Center
      • Nancy Toogood, Food and Beverage Manager, AMS
      • Angela Willock, Representative, Common Energy

      Sustainability Academic Strategy (SAS)

      The Sustainability Academic Strategy (SAS) aims to explore the various dimensions of sustainability through research, teaching, and learning, and to exemplify sustainability in the University’s operations and related activities both on and off campus. Campus as a Living Laboratory and University as an agent of change are the two cross-cutting themes for SAS, intended to tie together teaching and learning, research and partnerships, and operational/administrative activities and functions.

      SAS draft recommendations received unanimous endorsement from AMS Council on October 21, 2009, and have been incorporated into many of 2009-10 AMS sustainability initiatives. The final draft was submitted to the UBC Executive in October 2009. A decision about the recommendations is expected in January 2010. We look forward to the formal adoption of SAS, and are excited to work with the UBC administration to take campus sustainability to the next level.

      For more information about SAS, please visit http://www.sas.ubc.ca/reports/ or email: .

      
      

      AMS Sustainability

      The AMS represents over 45,000 UBC Vancouver students and operates student services, student-owned businesses, resource groups, and clubs. Recognizing the ecological crisis that humanity faces and the special responsibility universities and university students have in finding and implementing solutions, AMS Council passed an Environmental Sustainability Policy in January 2007 that called for the creation of a sustainability strategy for the AMS.

      As a result, the AMS introduced the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy in March 2008. This strategy provides a framework for fostering environmental justice in our own operations and lobbying for sustainability practices through our relationships with the University community and broader society. The AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy primarily falls under the portfolio of the vp finance. Crucial knowledge and direction for this strategy comes from the Impacts Working Group (former Impacts Committee) as well as the sustainability coordinator. The sustainability coordinator is the primary point person for the strategy and sits on relevant committees, works closely with Impacts, hires and manages interns and volunteers, oversees the strategy’s projects, and fulfills other responsibilities outlined in the strategy.

      
      

      Curriculum & Learning Spaces

      Work with faculty, the UBC Sustainability Office, and other groups to develop a more problem-based learning curriculum aimed at reducing our ecological footprint and creating a stronger ecological learning community.

      
      

      Campus Development and Policies (Interactive)

      Lobby UBC to adopt more environmentally sustainable development practices and policies.

      
      

      Building Energy (Interactive)

      1. Work with UBC Land and Building Services and the UBC Sustainability Office to reduce SUB energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by at least 33 per cent from 2007 levels by 2020.
      2. Continue to work with UBC to create a framework for the University to go beyond climate neutral and work with UBC to ensure its implementation.

      
      

      Transportation (Interactive)

      Reduce Single-Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) trips and increase transit ridership to campus by 33 per cent from 2007 levels.

      
      

      Building Materials (Interactive)

      1. Work with UBC and leaseholders to reduce the quantities of key materials used in the SUB and significantly reduce the ecological footprint of these materials. 2. Work with UBC and leaseholders to reduce the amount of water used in the SUB. 3. Lobby UBC to decrease the campus’ ecological footprint in terms of construction, renovations and waste management.

      
      

      Food & Beverage (Interactive)

      1. Encourage UBC Food Services to significantly reduce the ecological footprint at all of their food outlets, including franchises. 2. Work with student groups, the UBC Farm, and the UBC Sustainability Office to improve food security by increasing the amount of local food produced on campus and in the Vancouver community.

      
      

      Communications (Internal)

      1. Increase overall student awareness of the AMS’ environmental initiatives through communications strategies. 2. Incorporate sustainability into the AMS’ communications with staff, clubs, and constituencies.

      
      

      Materials (Internal)

      1. Track and reduce the quantities of disposable materials used in AMS operations and significantly reduce the ecological footprint per unit of these materials.
      2. Decrease use of toxic materials and ensure proper disposal of toxic materials, including E-waste, in compliance with all applicable legislation.
      3. Significantly reduce the ecological footprint of SUB renovations conducted by the AMS.

      
      

      Food & Beverage (Internal)

      Encourage the AMS Food and Beverage Department to significantly reduce the ecological footprint at all of their food outlets.

      
      

      Student Legal Fund Society Candidate Statements

      
      Omid Atai
      Slavash Ahmadi
      STUDENTS FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP
      Aaron Sihota
      Alexander Shalashnly
      Anthony Bryson
      Hillson Tse
      JJ Maclean
      Paul J Godin

      Omid Atai

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      Slavash Ahmadi

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      STUDENTS FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP

      SRL is composed of six candidates from a diverse range of interests and disciplines who all share three common goals for the Student Legal Fund Society (SLFS): Responsibility, Accessibility and Renewal. Each SRL candidate has been highly involved in all aspects of student government and campus life; serving on their undergraduate societies, fraternities, student services and/or clubs. SRL aims to ensure that your SLFS will be used to its fullest potential and to increase awareness about the SLFS and its unique role in protecting student rights and interests at UBC. Read below for a more intimate introduction to your SRL candidates.
      Please visit http://www.srlubc.ca for more information on Students for Responsible Leadership (SRL)!

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      Aaron Sihota — Students for Responsible Leadership

      

      Hey!
      I’m running for re-election to the SLFS Board with the Students for Responsible Leadership (SRL) slate.
      I currently serve as Vice-President of the SLFS and chair of the Litigation Committee. The experience serving on the society’s board for almost 3 years has given me insight into the important roles the society can play in the preservation of student’s rights and interests, and I am committed to this.
      If re-elected I, along with the SRL team, would work to make the society more accessible to students through a variety of means including creating a more objective solicitation process for potential cases..
      The SLFS is in place to safeguard student’s rights, and therefore it’s important to have the resources in place and available to address any potential issues that would adversely impact UBC students-something Students for Responsible Leadership (SRL) thoroughly understands and will strive to achieve.
      I support a restrained and responsible form of student governance, with proper attention to real student issues and practical solutions.

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      Alexander Shalashnly – Students for Responsible Leadership

      

      Alexander is running for the SLFS Board with the Students for Responsible Leadership slate.

      Alexander is a second year student at the Faculty of Law. He holds a B.A. in Political Studies from the University of Saskatchewan. Alexander’s involvement at UBC includes serving on the executive of the UBC Young BC Liberals, founding the UBC BC Civil Liberties Association Club in the Faculty of Law and on the editorial board of the UBC International Law Journal and a member of the UBC Young Liberals of Canada, the UBC Venture Capital and Private Equity Club and the International Business Club. Outside of UBC he is also participates in the Vancouver chapter of the Canadian International Council and heavily involved in Global Vision, an organization promoting internationalism and business in Canada, and will be conducting a Junior Team Canada trade mission to Malaysia in February and organizing a G8 Global Leaders’ Centre in Vancouver in March.

      Alexander supports a restrained and responsible student form of governance with proper attention to real student issues and practical solutions.

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      Anthony Bryson – Students for Responsible Leadership

      

      Anthony is a 4th year Combined Honours Biochemistry and Chemistry student. Previously he has volunteered with the Undergraduate Chemistry Society, IMAGINE UBC, and performed in the orchestra of a Place Vanier Musical. He has worked in VGH and the GF Strong Rehabilitation centre as a Research Assistant for both a Biochemical study and a PhD candidate, respectively. He has taught First Aid weekly to a volunteer Brigade of St John Ambulance (Division 998) for the past 3 years, as well as performing First Aid at local and provincial events such as Canucks games and the Celebration of Light.He also volunteers in the downtown eastside Salvation Army, and works with International Crowd Management as an EMR paramedic.

      Anthony supports a restrained and responsible student form of governance with proper attention to real student issues and practical solutions.

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      Hillson Tse – Students for Responsible Leadership

      

      Hillson Tse is a fourth year double Political Science and Economics major. His involvement with student government and campus life has been a continuing journey ever since his first year. He has served as a student-at-large senator, a judge on the AMS Student Court and in his current capacity as the coordinator of the AMS Advocacy Office. He has also been on the executive of the UBC Dance Club for three consecutive years.
      Hillson is running for the position of SLFS Director with Students for Responsible Leadership because he believes strongly in transparency and accountability in student government. Having observed several questionable judgements occurring this past year in the AMS and SLFS, he looks forward to working with fellow like minded SRL members to ensure that the SLFS will be well maintained and nurtured for future litigation that will truly benefit UBC students.
      Hillson supports a restrained and responsible student form of governance with proper attention to real student issues and practical solutions.

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      JJ Maclean — Students for Responsible Leadership

      

      JJ MacLean is running for the SLFS Board of Directors with the Students for Responsible Leadership Slate.

      JJ is a third-year student; he is currently pursuing a dual-degree program in Arts and Sciences; working towards a B. Sc. in Chemistry and a B.A. in Economics. JJ has a long history of involvement at UBC, in his first year he served on the first year committee of the Science Undergraduate Society. Presently he serves as the Chemistry Department Representative for SUS; and sits on the Academic Committee, the Code and Policy Committee and on the Finance Committee as Vice-Chair. JJ is also involved with Pride UBC, and sits on their executive committee as a Fundraising Coordinator. He is a member of the Undergraduate Chemistry Society, the UBC Finance Club, the UBC Venture Capital and Private Equity Club as well as the UBC Consulting Club. In his free time JJ enjoys nothing more then a brisk jog first thing in the morning, a round of golf on a nice spring day, or curling up at home with a good book.

      JJ supports a restrained and responsible student form of governance with proper attention to real student issues and practical solutions.

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      Paul J Godin – Students for Responsible Leadership

      

      My name is Paul J. Godin and I’m running for the position of director of the SLFS with the Students for Responsible Leadership Slate. I’m currently in my fourth year at UBC studying chemistry and physics.
      Some of my past involvement at UBC includes MUG leader for UBC orientations, 1st Floor Rep on Place Vanier’s Hamber House Council, and Science One Survivors Club Vice-President. Currently I’m the Undergraduate Chemistry Society representative to the Chemistry Graduate Student Society, and Vice-President and Team Captain of the UBC Fencing Club. In addition to fencing, I’m also an avid swimmer and sailor.
      I’m running for this position because after 4 years at UBC I was dissatisfied with the irresponsible actions occurring in student government; so I decided to get involved so that my voice could be heard and can make a difference. I support a restrained and responsible student form of governance with proper attention to real student issues and practical solutions.

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      Board of Governors Student Representative Candidate Statements

      
      Azim Wazeer
      Blake Frederick
      Guillaume Houle
      Sean Heisler

      Azim Wazeer

      

      Born in Sri Lanka, raised in Saudi Arabia, I arrived at UBC in September 2006 immediately taking an interest in student life and the issues affecting it. Over the years, I have served the student community in a variety of positions of which the following are some highlights: AMS Business Operations Commissioner, President of Phi Delta Theta at UBC, President of the Inter-Fraternity Council, 4th year representative to the CUS Board of Directors and as a UBC Senator, elected by the students at-large for the last two consecutive terms.

      It is now my hope to represent your interests on the University’s Board of Governors. I will use my cumulative experience, diverse background and diplomatic ability to make sure the student experience, be it academic or otherwise is a central focus as the Board makes its decisions to strive for excellence at UBC. My priorities on the board surround advocating affordable student housing and ensuring a student friendly environment in any new governance structure. I have a number of other issues that I will lobby on behalf of including making sure a new SUB is not stalled any further and the alignment of UBC’s budget with the student experience.

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      Blake Frederick

      

      The UBC Board of Governors isn’t as well known as it should be. This body has doubled your tuition since 2002, built more million-dollar condos on campus than student housing, threatened the future of the UBC Farm, and allowed the quality of education at our university to decline. Simply put, a majority of the Board is comprised of unelected members who are out of touch with the student experience and run UBC as if it were a business.
      I’m running for Board because I think that UBC should be an affordable institution of higher education for all. I will continue to pressure UBC to provide students with more bursaries and scholarships and campaign for lower tuition for domestic and international students. I know how to convince UBC administrators and board members to follow a student-focused agenda because I have worked with them this year as AMS President.
      As students, we know best the changes that need to be made at UBC. As your Board representative, I will continue to argue for better student representation on all decision-making bodies at UBC. Vote for me and I will use my passion and experience to make our voices heard.

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      Guillaume Houle

      
      

      Hello there, my name is Guillaume Houle and I am a third year student in the Faculty of Arts majoring in Political Science with a minor in International Relations. I am up for election to be one of your student representatives on the Board of Governors for the upcoming year. At this point, what you need as a student is a representative that you can easily relate to, that has the same student issues as you and that you know will defend your interest in the best of possible ways with the other Governors.
      Indeed, having served on the AMS student council for a year and getting to know the students and their issues very well, I can proudly say that I am well positioned to be YOUR student representative on the Board of Governors of the University of British-Columbia. Furthermore, I have a profound interest in re-building and then foster a good relationship between the AMS and University administration and will make it one of my main priorities during my term.
      If you want a student that you can relate to, that will defend your interests, vote Guillaume for Board of Governors!

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      Sean Heisler

      

      I’m Sean Heisler and I’m running for a seat on the Board of Governors. I’m a 3rd year Integrated Engineering student hailing from Calgary. The Board of Governors is the highest governing body at UBC and as your representative it is my job to ensure that your interests are not pushed aside in any given initiative. It is also my job to inform you of Board ventures and be available to hear your feedback. One of the issues I am interested in is ensuring that ample student consultation is present for every project. It is hard to gauge how much student consultation is appropriate for any given venture. The solution for this would be to create a metric that measures student consultation. If elected to Board, I would work to see such a metric built and implemented for projects across campus. With my past experience as an Applied Science Senator and a key figure in working on the University’s Equity and Diversity strategic plan, I have the skills and knowledge to make this metric a success. Visit my website http://www.seanheisler.com for more on my platform.

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      Student Representative-at-large to the Senate Candidate Statements

      
      AJ Hajir Hajian
      Alyssa Koehn
      Aminollah Sabzevari
      Arielle Friedman
      Blair McRadu
      Blake Frederick
      Gary Tse
      Joël Mertens
      Johannes Rebane
      Miriam Sabzevari
      Nader Beyzaei
      Philip Edgcumbe
      Ryan Bredin
      Spencer Rasmussen

      AJ Hajir Hajian

      

      Too concerned with the changes made for the games this year? Tired of Exam
      Hardship that does not help you in any way? Afraid you might have an Exam
      Conflict?

      - Are you looking elsewhere for the ratings on the professors and
      instructors and lecturers? Do you prefer to have a more reliable source than
      the commercial online sources? Do you want access to the Teaching
      Evaluations?

      - Are you seriously concerned on where UBC shall fall on the next Times
      Higher Education World University Ranking? Even though it is not that
      accurate!

      - Are you worried about how the over-enrolment and the use of Academic Lands
      as the planning zones would affect your future at UBC?

      - Did you apply to live on campus and ended up in the waiting list?

      - Are you among the 15% international student population and wished you had
      more resources available to adjust?

      If you answered YES to any of the above questions, I strongly encourage you
      to get involved during this defining period.

      Due to the limitations on space, I shall invite you to visit “our UBC”
      campaign page at “tinyurl.com/ourubc” for the complete platform and updates.

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      Alyssa Koehn

      

      I have a strong background in Residence Life. From advising to being a part of the Residence Hall Associations, my time in UBC residence has afforded me the opportunity to get to know student needs, especially of International and First Year students. I feel that most beneficial thing I can bring to Senate is a knowledge base of how students want their campus to be shaped. Along with this, I can bring ideas and passion about attracting the best students from across the globe to our campus. I want to help create a campus that can meet their academic and diverse needs. I am an advocate of equity, diversity, and accessibility issues regarding admissions and campus planning, which I would hope to ensure are considered if on the Senate. My involvement within my department, on both the Political Science Students Association and on the associated journal, has opened my eyes to issues within the current curriculum and academic policy. My concern for my own journey to graduation has led me to respect the academic needs of all students and has pushed me to be more aware and more involved.

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      Aminollah Sabzevari

      

      I am studying law at UBC, and I am a residence advisor at Marine Drive. I have been very involved with UBC and student organizations during my many years at UBC. I have worked as the assistant coordinator for AMS Safewalk and AMS Tutoring, and I have volunteered at AMS Speakeasy, giving me a good grasp of how the AMS and AMS Services work. I have captained and played on several UBC REC soccer and ultimate teams. I have been involved with a variety of other UBC organizations and programs.
      I am interested in representing student interests and student involvement at the University Senate level. I believe that my past gives me a foundation of ideas and experiences to draw upon at this level of university government. I have a good understanding of Senate committees and procedure, and I hope that you will give me a chance to represent you in the UBC Senate.

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      Blair McRadu

      My name is Blair McRadu and I’m running for the position of Student Member-at-Large for the Senate. I will focus on improving undergraduate learning experience through greater use of programs such as the Carl Wieman Science Education Initiative. This program, focused on identifying effective methods of teaching and adapting curriculum accordingly, should be used as a model for teaching reform in all faculties. Another issue that I will address is improving student/teacher engagement and supporting better instructional training. This is particularly important for teaching assistants and greater use should be made of programs for developing teaching skills among TAs, such as those offered by the Centre for Teaching and Academic Growth. Finally, UBC should work on developing more innovative and interdisciplinary courses to promote broader knowledge and awareness of global issues among its students. The Terry course, ASIC 200 is an excellent example of this.

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      Blake Frederick

      

      My name is Blake Frederick and I am currently serving as AMS President and have previously served on the Senate. These positions have afforded me the opportunity to campaign on behalf of students’ interests and allowed me to work closely with university administrators.
      I have produced a comprehensive report on student housing, helped develop a list of recommendations to improve academics at UBC in response to our poor results on the National Survey on Student Engagement, and worked on developing the AMS’s Sustainability Strategy. I believe that my extensive knowledge of the Senate, ability and experience in critically assessing the strengths and weaknesses of teaching and learning at UBC, and insightful, yet realistic ideas will allow me to effectively lobby for your academic concerns.
      As your elected Student Senator, my priorities will be to focus primarily on:
      1) Making the results of teaching evaluations available so that students can make informed course selections.
      2) Integrating the issues of environmental sustainability into the curriculum.
      3) Giving students greater flexibility to take courses outside of their discipline.
      4) Enhancing the academic experience for international students.

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      Gary Tse

      

      Hello, my name is Gary Tse and I’m running for Senate. As a first year Science student, I’m interested in learning more about UBC, improving student experience on campus and becoming more connected to the UBC community. I’ve been active as a member of the Science Undergraduate Society’s First Year Committee as well as the Treasurer of the CSP Council. The controversies that arose last year in the student government made me realize how important it is for students’ voices to be heard. Personally, student representation is very important and I am prepared to speak out for students at UBC, across all Faculties. I intend to be part of the Academic Policy committee, in order to better integrate both first year and returning students into the UBC network. Furthermore, by being a part of the committee, I hope that student learning, student experience and academic policy can be enhanced.

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      Joël Mertens

      

      Hi!
      My name is Joël Mertens and I’m hoping you will choose me to represent you to the UBC Vancouver Senate for another year. I’m in my first year of a Master’s in Materials Engineering but this is my fifth year at UBC. So why should you vote for me?
      Experience:
      I’m the only incumbent student senator running in this election. Electing me ensures good continuity on Senate for students. I also have 2 years of experience representing students on AMS Council and 4 years experience with other UBC student organizations. I was also involved with a national organization for engineering students and was responsible for developing and implementing a national complementary education program.
      Passion:
      I’m a very active senator, and regularly provide feedback and opinions at both the Student Senate Caucus and UBC Vancouver Senate meetings. I enjoy attending Senate meetings and voicing students’ opinions. Students are one of the main reasons UBC exists and it is important for us to let ourselves be heard.
      Several projects I would like to work on include: – Diversification of Awards offered to Students – Re-examining the Exam Hardships policies – Establishing a University Exam Database
      For more information, check out joelforsenate.com

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      Johannes Rebane

      

      Hi! I am currently in my 3rd year studying Finance and International Relations. As a candidate for UBC Senate this year, I believe I can bring the experience, efficacy, passion, and vision that can make your student representation on Senate strong and effective.
      Over the past three years I have immersed myself deeply into UBC’s academic politics. I first got into student politics as VP Academic for the CUS, and this past year I served as the VP Academic and University Affairs for the AMS. Through those positions and the opportunities that have come with them, I have gained a lot of experience and perspective on how we as students can make positive change happen with the university.
      So, what do I stand for? Though I am passionate about a number of different academic issues, this year I would like to focus on keeping the first year experience and international engagement priorities of Senate. I have committed the last three years as a student to help improve the way that teaching and learning is done on campus. And I hope I can count on your vote to continue serving you to make your learning experience at UBC the best possible!

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      Miriam Sabzevari

      

      Most people call me the “sane” one.
      If I haven’t already bought your vote with that, read on:
      As a first year Arts One student, I bring a unique perspective on UBC’s academic environment, nearly an outsider’s panoramic (or dare I say, Vista.) Despite my rosy-cheeked youth, I am well-versed in UBC affairs and issues, and find myself getting more involved on and more in love with our amazing campus everyday. I am particularly passionate about students developing interdisciplinary knowledge.
      Of experience, I have a rich history in volunteering. My main priority last year was leading a cancer club, recognized by City Hall for community involvement, in fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society. I won’t bore you with my resumé, but I believe my volunteering has shaped me into much more than just an academic.

      I also love drawing, playing badminton, reading philosophy, and living at Totem.

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      Nader Beyzaei

      

      I have a vision to radically change the way education is being approached at UBC. This linked with my passion for education, and views to reform the education system as a whole will really drive me to make the right decisions that will impact modern students. I constantly research current progressions in the education revolution going on today, all around the world, especially with regards to bringing technology into the education system. Older methods of trying to effectively educate students are failing, and drastic change needs to be undertaken to motivate today’s students to do their best in the University environment.
      My top priority during my term on Senate is to find ways to better engage students within their classes. This is a huge problem with lecture type classes at the University, and a move has to be made towards involving students in these classes instead of having them passively listening to the ‘bobbling head’ at the front of the lecture halls. I am going to work closely with the various faculties to bring this up and find ways to integrate these concepts. One way or another, there needs to be a big change in the way we all look at education and where it is going in the next few years, and we all need to be a part of forming it.

      Thanks!
      Nader

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      Ryan Bredin

      

      Bio
      I am a third year BMLSC (Bachelor of medical Laboratory Science) major. I have been active in all aspects of university life and have always had a keen eye for the academic problems that exist at UBC. I am running for Senate because I believe that I have a huge amount of knowledge about particular issues within the University, and the pragmatism and resolve to find realistic solutions
      Reasons for Running
      Defending budgets. Low laboratory budgets mean that labs are often boring and less useful than they could be. I will fight potential cuts, and advocate for larger budgets.

      Class sizes. First and second year class sizes are unreasonably large. In Senate, I can advocate for lower class sizes, without cutting total seats.

      Class enrolment. In some majors, third year students miss out on taking required courses because there are so few seats available. Competent students should not be penalised by a lack of seats.

      Approach
      I will be pro-active and work with the University and Senate to achieve these goals, instead of being an ineffective egomaniac and issuing aggressive ‘press releases’ and UN complaints. I’ll go straight to NATO, because that’s where the guns are.

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      Spencer Rasmussen

      

      As a student senator, one of your representatives on the highest academic governing body at UBC, I will stand for sustainability, accountability and effectiveness. I have years of experience as a leader in the campus sustainability movement, working with the university – not against it – to get results. During this time, I have managed a funding relationship with the Sustainability Office, partnered with staff to engage students in the development of the Climate Action Plan, and helped bring 20 new water fountains to campus.
      If elected, I will hold the university accountable for the implementation of the Sustainability Academic Strategy. This will include the creation of new innovative courses, a system for rewarding instructors for quality sustainability teaching, and a minor in sustainability in every undergraduate program. I will search for a solution to UBC’s zoning controversy that hears the student voice loud and clear. Lastly, I will push for enough student housing to accommodate 45% of full-time students on campus within the next five years.
      For more information and my positions on other issues, search for the Facebook page “Spencer for UBC Senate.”

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      International Student Representative Candidate Statements

      Brittany Perna
      Charlott Sandor Johnson
      Ding Kun
      Se Won An

      Brittany Perna

      

      As international student representative I hope to be able to reignite the excitement with which international students originally came to UBC with. I would aim to make communication between this body of students and the AMS council much easier and open, removing the often daunting and intimidating element of voicing one’s concerns to the board. I want international students to feel like they have an equal voice in the goings on of UBC. Two personal concerns of mine are firstly, the opportunity for international students to receive scholarships beyond first year entrance awards, and secondly, the greater coordination between the school, students, and government on issues related to extending study visas, off-campus work visas, and residency statuses. UBC has decent infrastructure in place for addressing these issues but I hope to be able to improve upon these foundations.

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      Charlott Sandor Johnson

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      Ding Kun

      

      I am Ding Kun.It is my first year in UBC. I have won a lot of academic competitions, such as math, physics, chemistry and so on. I am also fond of debating and addressing speeches. I have ever addressed a speech in front of 2000+ people.I had few experience here, however, they are all painful. I have tried to join the debate club, but failed(because I have some trouble with speaking and listening, I can not quiet catch other native speakers).And I tried a lot of times to apply for an on-campus job, even though I failed every time, I will keep going. Where there is a will, there is a way. I will never ever give up and this is my promise to all the International Students.

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      Se Won An

      

      Hello. My name is Se Won An. Is it difficult to pronounce my name? You can call me Say One, since that is how you pronounce my name. As a first year science student, I am running for International Student Rep. this year. To be honest, I am a shy, quiet Asian girl, at first, but as you get to know me better, you can find a real Se Won in me as very cheerful, active, and always smiling for no reason. I love to get involve in various school activities, and help any student who is troublesome. That’s how I am, and how I always will be.
      Coming from such a small international school in Japan was a huge transition for me. I had to go through a lot of things as many other international students would since there is no home to go back during the weekend, have to adjust in a new environment, as well as experience cultural difference. Language problems, too! I believe the role as the international student rep is to create a comfort zone where everyone can easily access to available, helpful resources, fostering students’ life as they blend into a new community.

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      VP External Candidates Statements

      Aaron Palm
      Jeremy McElroy
      Stas Pavlov
      Timothy Chu

      Aaron Palm

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      Jeremy McElroy

      
      

      For the last two years the AMS has seen a great deal of controversy. These problems have stemmed from a significant disconnect between the student body and AMS Council. As Vice President External I would strive to reconnect students with AMS policy through openness, transparency, and fairness. From tuition to student loans, housing concerns to transportation, the AMS needs to better represent the students of UBC, not their own personal views. I am asking that you elect me to represent you, not to represent myself.
      For the past year I have served on AMS Council as a representative for Arts. I have proven myself time and again to be a voice of reason and understanding on Council, recognizing that there are more views than are represented at any one time, and that grandstanding and ideological mandates need to take a backseat to effective action and tangible results.
      Before the AMS I served on the Arts Undergraduate Society for the better part of 3 years. During this time I learned the ropes of student government, and became an integral member of UBCs political community. I have the experience necessary to bring legitimacy and effectiveness to the AMS External Office. Thank you.

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      Stas Pavlov

      

      As the Vice President External of the AMS, I will work on the following 3 goals:

      1. Ensuring that the Universal U-Pass remains affordable

      The Universal U-Pass remains one of the AMS’ most successful programs. As UBC is the second largest destination on the lower mainland and because of the relationship that the university has established with Translink, I am confident that the price of the U-Pass can remain low.

      2. Accessibility of Post-Secondary Education

      As it stands now, the systems in place to help students get funding for post-secondary education are not very strong. This includes student loan, bursary and scholarship systems. I will proactively approach the provincial and federal government to improve the accessibility of funding for post-secondary education.

      3. Student Representation with Governance Restructuring

      As per recent events that have occurred, it is clear that UBC might be going through a lot of restructuring in the ways that it is governed. There is little that the external office can do in terms of determining the actual structure, but I can guarantee that I will work hard to ensure that students’ needs and values remain relevant no matter what the new structure is.

      Stas

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      Timothy Chu

      

      My name is Timothy Chu and I am running for the position of VP External. I am running for re-election because we are currently at crossroads in terms of our education. In the past 8 years, we have seen our tuition fees double. We have seen our student financial assistance and funding for our University cut by more than $77 million dollars.

      As your VP External, I will work towards: – Reducing tuition fees – Increasing government funding and student financial assistance – Increasing transit service to UBC by supporting the UBC Line – Protecting our U-Pass program and allowing summer opt-ins

      We need to have a strong VP External to stand up to the governments and the University when funding is cut and when tuition fees increase. We need to change AMS tuition fee policy to lobby for reduced tuition fees because currently your student union thinks tuition fee increases are acceptable. Students need to choose whether or not they want to continue the path of increased tuition fees, cuts to funding and financial assistance or actually stand up and demand our government reduce tuition fees. It’s your choice and I hope you vote Timothy Chu for VP External.

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      VP Admin Candidate Statements

      Ekaterina Dovjenko
      Michael Haack

      Ekaterina Dovjenko

      

      Let’s build a better AMS — An AMS that is inclusive, representative that enhances student life. My name is Ekaterina Dovjenko and thank you for taking the time to read my short blurb. First off, a bit more about myself: I am a 3rd year commerce student with a big passion for student politics, activism and sustainable development. I hail from Kiev, Ukraine but am a true Vancouverite at heart.

      Create. Commit. Communicate. As your VP Administration I will create more club support and make the lives of clubs a lot easier through start-up grants, an online booking request and reimbursement process, and club networking meetings, among other things. I will commit to a sustainable and student-driven New SUB while ensuring the current SUB is maintained through a series of short-term renovations. I will negotiate for students with the University and will begin an extensive architect-selection consultation process for the New SUB. I will also improve the study space in the current SUB and replace old furniture and computers. Lastly, I will communicate all my progress to all stakeholders, allowing for a transparent and accountable AMS.
      It’s high time that the heart of campus be resuscitated. Let’s build a better AMS.

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      Michael Haack

      

      I’m Michael Haack, a 3rd year Political Science and Philosophy student. In the last three years I have been involved with non-profit organizations. Working diligently to finish negotiations with the University for the New SUB will actively engage students and give students a voice in our new building. Knowing the intricacies of how a society works will make me a responsible director and a strong leader for students. Experience has shown me the importance of separating political ideologies and my role as a director. I am excited to use my past experiences to bring new ideas to the AMS. I will reach out to communities of students that are otherwise not typically engaged. I will bring their concerns to the AMS and to give them a voice. Part of forward thinking is planning for the future, and I am ready to help build the community at UBC through the New SUB Project and increase student interest in our University. I am ready to be your VP Admin. I want to work with students, engaging them to make the campus a better place! Visit http://www.michaelhaack.ca for more information.

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      VP Finance Candidate Statements

      Elin Tayyar
      The Invisible Man

      Elin Tayyar

      

      My name is Elin Tayyar and I’m running for AMS VP Finance as a fourth year Economics (and International Relations) student, with experience working at the AMS.
      In the last 9 months, I have worked as the Vice-Chair of Student Administrative Commission, mainly dealing with over 300 student clubs. Over this period, I have become familiar with how the AMS works. My experience and understanding of the system, as well as my educational background, provide me with the knowledge to tackle the massive structural budget deficit we will be inheriting at the end of this school year.
      I plan to use my understanding of the AMS to safeguard the financial security of our student society, by increasing efficiency and reducing waste, and by working to increase revenues from our businesses.
      As a member of the executive, I plan to take a collaborative approach, and work constructively with all parties to make this university a better experience for students, while protecting the financial interests of our students.
      Furthermore, I plan to work with other executives to create volunteer opportunities at the AMS, allowing students to get more involved in student government.
      I look forward to the opportunity of working for you as the AMS VP Finance.

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      The Invisible Man

      BLANK

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      VP Academic and University Affairs Candidate Statements

      
      Ben Cappellacci
      Rodrigo Ferrari-Nunes

      Ben Cappellacci

      I’m Ben Cappellacci and I’m running for VP Academic and University affairs, a position that involves working with the University to develop the campus so that it can better serve you. Through my involvement in the Commerce Undergraduate Society as well as the UBC Senate I have learned that the best way to make change is working with UBC to get things done, not fighting UBC to force their actions. This year there are two major agreements with the University that need to be worked out, one is the redesign of the busloop and the other is the land agreement with the GVRD. I want to make sure that AMS can collaborate on a solution that will give the most benefits to the students. I want to advocate for a better learning environment for students by increasing the exam hardship time, looking at better uses for course evaluation, and reviewing first year introductory classes. Visit bencappellacci.com to read about some more of my ideas for the university, my past experiences as well as some of my passions. Feel free to send me an email at or add me on facebook.

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      Rodrigo Ferrari-Nunes

      

      Rodrigo Ferrari Nunes
      M.A., UBC (2010) B.A., UBC (2006)
      Email:

      Master of Arts in Anthropology, UBC (2010) – May convocation.
      Bachelor of Arts (2006) UBC: Double Major in Anthropology and Classics.

      UBC EXPERIENCE:

      (2008) UBC Graduate Student Society (GSS) Vice-President, Student Services. Committee work: Programs (chair), Orientation (chair), Publications (chair).

      (2008) UBC Anthropology Dept., Teaching Assistant: ANTH 200, Spring – Anthropological Theory, Dr. Alexia Bloch.

      (2007) UBC Anthropology Dept., Teaching Assistant: ANTH 353, Fall – The Ethnography of Latin America, Dr. Gastón Gordillo.

      (2006) UBC Anthropology Dept., Teaching Assistant: ANTH 300, Fall – Anthropological Theory, Dr. Heiko Henkel.

      VOLUNTEERING:

      (2009) Journalists for Human Rights, (UBC Chapter) Vice-President, External Affairs, November 2009-Present.

      (2008) Campus and Community Planning, UBC. Vancouver Campus Plan Steering Committee student member. Position held until the Fall of 2009. Elected by the GSS Council.

      (2007) Alma Mater Society, (UBC) AMS Councillor elected by the UBC Graduate Student Society Council. Position held from the Spring of 2007 to the Fall of 2009.

      (2007) Graduate Student Society, (UBC) GSS Councillor for the Anthropology Graduate Students Association. Position held from the Spring of 2007 to the Spring of 2008.

      SEE MY DETAILED PLATFORM AT:

      http://www.vpacademic.com
      or
      http://www.academicvp.wordpress.com

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      Presidential Candidate Statements

      Bijan Ahmadian
      Natalie Swift
      Pak Ho Leung
      Sean Kim

      Bijan Ahmadian

      

      Hello students,
      I am a third year MBA/Law student, now running for AMS President after having been elected by students to the UBC Senate, and Board of Governors three years and two years in a row respectively.
      During this time, I have seen the true payoff of strong student leadership for both current and future generations of students. Programs like the U-Pass have emerged from that kind of leadership. Currently, UBC ranks in the top 40 Universities globally, and is striving to be in the top 20. But due to the disconnect from the AMS, I feel that the University is driving to the top with students in the back seat. I am running for AMS President to rebuild relationships with the University and the Provincial Government, and to put students back in the driver’s seat.
      This year, I will continue my commitment to enhancing your student experience by working with UBC and the Provincial Government in order to: – enhance student financial aid programs; – increase affordable on-campus student housing; and – upgrade transit systems to and from campus
      Visit www.bijan.ca to see videos of past accomplishments and the current plan.

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      Natalie Swift

      

      I believe that an effective AMS President fosters positive relationships to pursue collaborative efforts so progress is made on issues that matter to you. A conscientious individual who is considerate of the diverse interests of the student body can best achieve this.
      I truly believe in the fundamental importance of students coming together in an organized manner to take ownership of their educational experience.
      This is evident in my commitment to representing the student voice: – Past President, VP Academic and Student Governor at an Ontario college – Leading students in a provincial tuition campaign and through a faculty strike – Involvement for two years on AMS council and current FUS VP External
      If elected as President, I will continue with my dedication to informed decision-making, consultation, and developing positive relationships.
      Some of my priorities include: – Implementing effective advocacy – Strengthening the student voice – Reviewing AMS policy regarding financial barriers – Supporting students during the Olympics
      I feel I possess the necessary qualifications and leadership characteristics to lead your AMS. I encourage you to peruse my website ( http://www.natswift.com ) and to attend the candidate debates to gain a better understanding of what I stand for.

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      Pak Ho Leung

      I am Pak Ho Leung, a 2nd year commuter student at Sauder. I am running for AMS president because it seems to me that the AMS has become a tad bit broken. As such, I understand why only such a small minority of you vote in these elections. Trying to grasp at the issues at hand is rather difficult when they are clouded by unhealthy disagreement within the AMS and even more so when the “main” issues are, simply put, petty.
      The AMS has repeatedly shamed us, the student body, under the guise of “accountability”, “democracy” and most ironically, “student body representation”. This is the real issue. Take the recent UN debacle for example. Our university was put on the public spotlight due to some very misguided actions by several AMS executives “on the student body’s behalf”. It is now my turn, as a student, to demand some accountability from the AMS. Why am I even demanding this accountability? Isn’t the AMS supposed to represent me?

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      Sean Kim

      

      To step ahead of the changes in our society, I will lead AMS with the focus on the challenges that student face today – student well-being, education expenses and future security. By working together with student body, student government and the university, we will upgrade students’ learning and university system to overcome the challenges that students encounter during their study and post-graduation. This is the time to leave behind the thoughts of the past and bring the innovative minds of students to step into a door of new opportunities.
      First, student health comes before student success. By promoting healthy and affordable food options around the campus, I will help students achieve a well-balanced student lifestyle.
      Second, we have the right to fair treatment of education expenses. I will contribute AMS to keep tuition fees at a minimal level. Also, I will introduce e-books replacing heavy and expensive textbooks for many courses at UBC.
      Third, the society today is challenging time for students to find a career after graduation. With establishment of ‘Student Life Center’, I will support the students to prepare for the future by offering practical learning opportunities not taught in the classrooms.
      Dare to achieve with Sean Kim!

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      Referendum Questions

      Select whether to approve the following AMS referenda.

      1. Do you support the amendment of the AMS Bylaws as presented, based on the recommendations of a consultant hired to review the operations of Student Court and of a special AMS joint committee, for the purpose of revising the rules concerning Student Court?

      This revision would make Court decisions binding as soon as they are sent to Student Council, increase the amount of the fine the Court could levy on individuals, require that the Court include judges from faculties other than Law, require that there be judges from at least two faculties hearing any case, eliminate alternate judges, remove the Court’s power to interpret the AMS bylaws & its power to rewrite referendum questions, and set out new rules for referendum questions.

      Bylaw Changes 2010

      Bylaw 4 shall be amended to include the following section, and renumbering of subsequent sections:

      A referendum shall not be put to or acted upon by the Society if doing so would cause a change in fees, unless such proposed fee, change to existing fees, and/or alteration to the rate of change of fees is clearly stated in the referendum question.

      Bylaw Changes—Student Court and Referenda

      Additions are indicated by bold italics. Deletions are indicated by striking through (like this).

      BYLAW 21: STUDENT COURT

      1. 1. The Court shall, subject to the University Act, the Society Act, and the Constitution and Bylaws, exercise disciplinary powers over the Society’s organizations and members.
         2. Notwithstanding this Bylaw, the Court shall have no authority to fetter the discretion of Council with regard to handling or disbursing the funds of the Society.
         3. For greater certainty, the Court shall have jurisdiction:
            1. over individuals:
               1. for any alleged violation of the Society’s Constitution, Bylaws or Code, and
               2. for any alleged violation of any rule, resolution or regulation passed by Council or the Society, and
               3. for any behaviour deemed unbecoming to a Member of the Society.
            2. over the Society’s organizations:
               1. for any alleged violation of the Society’s Constitution, Bylaws or Code, and
               2. for any alleged violation of any rule, resolution or regulation passed by Council or the Society, and
               3. for alleged failure to maintain a proper standard of conduct at any event sponsored or organized by that organization or by the Society or any other organization, and
               4. for the violation of the constitution or bylaws of any subsidiary organization of the Society.
         4. For any violation of Bylaw 21(1)(c)(i), the Court may:
            1. impose fines not in excess of an amount to be determined by Council in the Code ten dollars ($10.00) per Member, and
            2. suspend that individual from all Society privileges for any period less than one School Year.
         5. For any violation of Bylaw 21(1)(c)(ii), the Court may:
            1. subject to Bylaw 21(1)(b), order that restitution be made by payment out of the general funds of that organization of such amount as the Court shall see fit in all the circum-stances, all such amounts to be applied towards remedying any loss or damage caused;in extreme cases, order in addition, the suspension of that organization from the Society;
            2. declare that an action is void and of no effect, and that the organization must take the ap-propriate steps to remedy the situation.
         
         
      2. The Court shall be constituted by and shall be governed by the following provisions.
         1. The Court shall consist of five (5) judges and two (2) alternate seven (7) judges who are active members and are appointed by Council, at least two of whom are drawn from faculties other than Law . Council shall also appoint a Chief Justice from the seven (7) judges.
         b. The Chief Justice and at least one alternate judge shall be members of the Law Constituency.
         2. A quorum of the Court shall be five (5) judges.
         3. Cases shall be heard by an odd number of judges, and for any sitting of the Court, judges must be drawn from at least two (2) different faculties.
         4. In the event that six (6) judges are available to hear a case, the Chief Justice shall determine which five (5) shall hear it, as long as those five represent judges from at least two different fac-ulties. In the event that all seven (7) judges are available, all of them may hear the case.
         d. When appointed by the Chief Justice to sit on a particular hearing, alternate judges shall have the full rank and authority of Judges.
         5. The Chief Justice shall be a member of the Law Constituency entering or enrolled in third year Law at UBC Vancouver.
         6. Council shall, in the Code, determine the rules of procedure to guide the conduct of all hearings be-fore the Court. These rules shall be consistent with the principles of natural justice which shall likewise govern the conduct of all hearings.
         7. Each individual brought before the Court is entitled to be represented by an active member.
         8. In any proceeding in which an organization of the Society is proceeded against:
            1. Service upon the President or Chair of that organization of the charge or of any notice re-quired by this Bylaw shall be deemed service upon the organization.
            2. The President and two (2) members in good standing of the organization proceeded against are to be appointed by resolution of the organization to represent the said organization in the proceedings.
            3. In addition to the representation provided by (ii) hereof, each organization of the Society proceed against shall be entitled to be represented by one additional active member.
         9. The Court shall be the final interpreter within the Society of the meaning of the Constitution, By-laws and Code of the Society and shall deliver a written opinion upon any portions thereof at the request of Council or any active member of the Society. The Court shall, in the case of any ambiguity existing in the meaning of a Bylaw, interpret that Bylaw as written, and in no other way.
         10. No appeal shall be taken from an acquittal by the Court.
         k.No judgment of the Court pronounced under the jurisdiction of this Bylaw shall be acted upon or become binding until that judgment has been received by a Resolution of Council.
         11. Decisions of Court shall be sent to the next sitting of Council, at which time they shall become binding.
         l. Court shall, within one (1) calendar week of Council referring a referendum to Court in accordance with Bylaw 4(2), supply Council with a suitable text for that referendum question.
         
         
      3. The Court may be summoned by Resolution of Council, or by any active member who may make an application in writing to the Clerk, as provided in the rules of the procedure of the Court. It shall be a duty of the Council to receive and inquire into the complaint of any Member or employee of the Society which is submit-ted according to the rules of procedure of the Court. Each person against whom, in the opinion of Council or its designated committee, there exists a prima facie case within the jurisdiction of the Court, shall be handed a formal charge, as provided in the Code no later than three (3) clear days before the date set for the hearing of his case.
      
      
      4. For any violation pursuant to Bylaw 21(1)(c) brought to the Court, Council shall appoint a Prosecutor who shall be an active member.
      
      
      5. A clerk of the Court shall be appointed by Council and his duties shall be:
         1. To publish a notice as provided in the rules of procedure of the Court before each sitting of the Court.
         2. To prepare a room suitable for a sitting of the Court for the time, day and place specified in the no-tice of charge duly received by the accused in that proceeding.
         3. To take possession of and be responsible for the production of all exhibits and other materials relevant to a proceeding.
         4. To record the judgment of the Court, the course of the proceedings and in particular, the points of evidence adduced by counsel and to keep the same in a bound volume in a secure place.
         5. To request of each witness and each accused called to give testimony and undertaking in the terms provided in the rules of procedure of the Court.
         6. To request of each witness and each accused a statement of his faculty and year.
         7. To publish by notice in the Ubyssey the decision of the Court.

      BYLAW 4: REFERENDUM
      
      

      1. A referendum for the Society shall be called by the President upon:
         1. a Resolution of Council; or
         2. a petition duly signed by five per cent (5%) of the active members or one thousand (1000) active members, whichever is the lesser number, evidencing their Registration Numbers, and delivered to the Vice-President.
         
         
      2. The text of the referendum shall be drafted to ensure that the question is capable of being answered “yes” or “no” and if in the opinion of Council a petition for a referendum does not meet this requirement, Council shall forthwith refer the referendum to the Court to prepare a clear and unambiguous question. Referendum questions shall meet the format requirements specified in the Code. Student Court shall determine if any given referendum question conforms to the prescribed format.
      
      
      3. Subject to Bylaw 4(5), a referendum shall be put to the members not less than ten (10) days and not more than thirty (30) days after the passing of a Resolution of Council calling for the referendum or the submission to the Vice-President of a petition referred to in Bylaw 4(1)(b), or not less than ten (10) and not more than thirty (30) days after the Court supplies Council with a suitable text for the question if the referendum is re-ferred to the Court in accordance with Bylaw 4(2).
      
      
      4. A referendum of the Society shall, subject to these Bylaws, be acted upon by the Society where:
         1. a majority, or such greater percentage as may be required by the Society Act, of the votes cast sup-port the referendum; and
         2. the number of votes cast supporting the referendum is equal to or greater than eight per cent (8%) of the active members of the Society.
         
         
      5. No referendum shall be held except during the School Year.
      
      
      6. Referenda shall be conducted by the Elections Administrator, with appeals to be heard by the Elections Appeal Committee, and ultimately, Student Court.
      
      
      
      2. Do you support the removal of Blake Frederick from the office of President?
      
      
      3. Do you support the removal of Timothy Chu from the office of Vice-President External?
      
      
      4. Do you support the AMS establishing a $5 refundable Engagement Levy to help improve student engagement by encouraging voter turnout and funding engagement related projects?
         • The levy would be refunded to any member who votes in the AMS Executive Elections in the same academic year.
         • The levy would be indexed to the Canadian Consumer Price Index.
         
         
         • Income would be placed in a fund that would be used to fund engagement related pro-jects, and from which individual students may be granted funds.
         
         
      5. Do you support indexing the current and future fees of the AMS to the Canadian Core Consumer Price Index (CCCPI)?

      “Do you support indexing the current and future fees of the AMS to the Canadian core Consumer Price Index?
      The CCCPI is about two per cent (2%) per year.
      This would not apply to fees that have already been indexed.
      This would not apply to the fee for the Health and Dental Plan or to the U-Pass fee.
      This would apply to the engagement levy if passed and to the following current AMS fees: CPAC: $15 Bursary fee: $12 Intramurals and Athletics: $21 External and University Lobbying: $3.50 Resource Groups: $1.50 WUSC refugee students fee: $2.50 Student Legal Fund fee: $1 Student Services fee: $9 Sexual Support services fee: $3 Operating expenses: $12.50 SUB Renewal Fee: $30 in 2009/10, increasing $10 a year up to and including 2016/17 This would NOT apply to any Constituency fees (Arts, Engineering, etc..).”

      6. Do you support the amendment of the AMS Bylaws as presented, for the purposes of enabling Student Council to remove an individual from a position as an officer of Council, and other amendments as outlined?
         • The Bylaws would be amended as outlined in Bylaw Amendments 2010, which is available.

         Bylaw Amendments 2010
         Insertions are in bold italics and deletions struck through (like this).

         BYLAW 5: Student Council

         2. Members

            Bylaw 5(2)(a) shall be amended by adding the following sections:
            (v) One representative for each distinct affiliated institution whose students are members of the AMS.
            (vi) Any Executive who has been elected following the removal of an individual as an executive officer by the Council.
            (vii) Any former members of the Executive Committee who have been removed from their position as an executive officer by Council whose terms as Directors have not yet expired.
            

            Bylaw 5(2)(h) shall be amended to read:

            A member of Council who is a constituency representative as defined in Bylaw 5(2)(a)(iv) shall be deemed in-eligible to continue to serve and lose his membership in Council if such member has missed five (5) regularly scheduled Council meetings during the School Year or if the constituency for which a member is a representative, by their own processes, deems them to be ineligible. A constituency representative shall, for the purposes of this provision, be considered absent even if he has appointed an alternate to attend in his place.

            Bylaw 5 (3)(b)(ii) shall be amended to read:

            The election shall constitute an election to a position as a Director of the Society, and a separate appointment by the membership to a position as an executive officer of Council. The Executive of Council shall take offices at the annual general meeting, and shall serve as Directors until the subsequent annual general meeting

            .

            1. The appointment as an executive officer may be revoked by Council by such means as established in the Bylaws. In the event that the appointment is revoked, the former executive officer shall not be entitled to compensation for expected remuneration.

            Bylaw 5 (3) shall be amended by adding the following sections, and renumbering subsequent sections:

            
            (d) An executive is not an employee of the Society, but rather an officer of Council. Council may set a rate of re-muneration for services as an executive officer, and may establish duties that must be fulfilled in order to receive this remuneration, but this shall not be taken to construe that serving as an executive officer constitutes employment.

            Bylaw 5 (3)(c)(i) shall be amended as follows, and renumbering subsequent sections:

            (i) A member of the Executive of Council may be removed from her position as an executive officeroffice upon:

            1. a Resolution of Council where such motion has passed by a Two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast, in-cluding abstentions and blanks, PROVIDED that notice of such motion has been given at a Council meeting held at least seven (7) clear days prior to such proposed recall, which notice has been signed by twelve (12) voting members of Council;

            (ii) A member of the Executive of Council may be removed from his/her position as an executive officer and as a Director upon:

            1. a referendum held in accordance with Bylaw 4; or
            2. a Special Resolution passed at a special general meeting held in accordance with Bylaw 3.

         
         Bylaw 12 shall be struck.

      7. 1) Do you support an increase in student fees beginning September 2010 of $1 per part-time student and $2 per full-time student per semester to be directed to the Access UBC Association of Disabled Students for the purpose of increasing accessibility, participation, and inclusion for all people with disabilities on campus and in society?
      
      
      8. Should the AMS actively lobby for reduced tuition fees and increased government funding?
      
      
      9. Should the AMS create a voting seat on AMS Council for students with disabilities by amending Bylaw 5.2(a)?

      Debates

      What: Senate
      When: Tuesday, January 19, 11: 30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
      Where: SUB Conversation Pit

      What: AMS President, VP External, VP Finance
      When: Wednesday, January 20, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
      Where: Norm Theatre

      What:: VP Administration, Board of Governors, VP Academic
      When: Thursday, January 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
      Where: Norm Theatre

      What: Board of Governors, VP Finance, VP Administration
      When: Friday, January 22, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
      Where: Norm Theatre

      What: President, VP External, VP Academic
      When: Monday, January 25, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
      Where: SUB Conversation Pit

      CiTR 101.9 FM will be hosting the following debates:
      

      • President, VP Academic: Friday, January 22, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
      • VP Finance, VP Administration, VP External: Monday, January 25, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

      Recent AMS Code Amendments

      Code Changes 2009: Clarifying Slates
      Code Changes For Safety Office
      Code Changes 2009: Committee Reform Re Business
      Code Changes 2009: Committee Reform
      Code Changes 2009: Agenda Deadlines
      Code Changes 2009: Communications Planning Group
      Code Changes 2009: Elections Appeals
      Code Changes 2009: International Student Elections
      Code Changes 2009: Internal Signing Authority

      Events

      AMS Elections Hackfest Bzzr Garden (19+ only)
      When: January 24, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
      Where: SUB Partyroom
      What: $2 Bzzr, samosas, beer pong, general hackery. Click here http://www.facebook.com/#/ical/event.php?eid=219872018245 for more information!

      AMS Elections BBQ Poll
      When: Wednesday, January 27 and Friday, January 29, lunch time
      Where: Outside the Grassy Knoll
      What: Come grab a cheap burger and vote at the same time!

      AMS Elections – Quiz Night!
      When: January 28, 8 p.m.
      Where: Koerner’s Pub
      What: Show up by 8 p.m. with your team of three or four to battle it out for quiz supremacy! Prizes include a lifetime supply of pride, satisfaction, and self-esteem! Other prizes include Pie R² gift certificates and bzzr!

      AMS Elections Results Night
      When: Friday, January 29, 6 p.m.
      Where: The Gallery
      What: Come find out the voting results first-hand!

      
      

      Voter-Funded Media

      All applications for the Voter-Funded Media contest must be submitted by midnight (12 a.m.) on January 18, 2010.

      Media Eligibility
      Open to any person, group, or organization, whether affiliated with UBC or not.

      Contest Judges
      Winners will be determined by UBC students voting in the January 2010 AMS Elections.

      Voting Format
      There is an additional section on the election ballot showing the media award contestants. Each student may vote for as many or as few media contestants as desired, by checking (or not checking) the box next to each contestant’s name. The media contestant with the most votes gets first prize, etc. This is a form of “approval voting”.

      Judging Criteria
      The contest is intended to encourage election coverage that is helpful to voters, including analysis of AMS issues, interviews and assessments of electoral candidates, and reviews of the other media contestants. However, students are free to vote based on any criteria they choose. Media contestants may communicate information to student voters via websites and/or any other means, in accordance with the Voter-Funded Media contest rules established by the AMS Elections Committee.

      Contestant Listing
      Each media contestant’s name and web link (if any) will be displayed on the AMS Elections web page. Contestant names will be listed on the January 2010 online ballot. Please contact Will Davis, Voter-Funded Media administrator, if you have any questions.
      More info about VFM can be found at Votermedia.org.

      If you have any questions, please contact the Voter-Funded Media Administrator Will Davis at .

      Participants
      UBC Spectator
      UBC Insiders
      Radical Beer Tribune
      Geoff’s Place
      Social Capital
      AMS Confidential

      
      

      Nominations

      Nominations are now open. Nomination forms can be collected from the AMS administrative assistant’s office (SUB 238A) or can be downloaded from the sidebar on this page.

      The dead line for submission of nomination forms is January 8 at 3 p.m. to SUB 238A. Forms submitted after this will not be accepted.

      
      

      Election Rules

      For a full and comprehensive guide to the rules and regulations governing the AMS Elections 2010 please click on the following links:

      Electoral Code

      Electoral Code changes — Clarifying Slates

      Electoral Code changes – Election Appeals

      Electoral Code changes – International Student Elections

      AMS By-laws

      UBC Postering Policy

      
      

      Vote Online

      CLICK HERE TO VOTE.

      Online voting will commence at 8 a.m. on Monday, January 25, 2010 and will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2010. The results will be announced before 6 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2010.

      
      

      The Candidates

      Nominations closed on January 8, 2009.

      The Candidates
      The Positions

      The Candidates

      Click on the title to read the candidates’ statements to students

      President
      Bijan Ahmadian
      Natalie Swift
      Pak Ho Leung
      Sean Kim

      VP Academic & University Affairs
      Ben Cappellacci
      Rodrigo Ferrari-Nunes

      VP Finance
      Elin Tayyar
      The Invisible Man

      VP Admin
      Ekaterina Dovjenko
      Michael Haack

      VP External
      Aaron Palm
      Jeremy McElroy
      Stas Pavlov
      Timothy Chu

      International Student Representative
      Brittany Perna
      Ding Kun
      Se Won An

      Student Representative-at-large to the Senate
      AJ Hajir Hajian
      Alyssa Koehn
      Aminollah Sabzevari
      Blair McRadu
      Blake Frederick
      Gary Tse
      Joël Mertens
      Johannes Rebane
      Miriam Sabzevari
      Nader Beyzaei
      Ryan Bredin
      Spencer Rasmussen

      Board of Governors Student Representative
      Ahmed Azim Wazeer
      Blake Frederick
      Guillaume Houle
      Sean Heisler

      Student Legal Fund Society
      Aaron Sihota – Students for Responsible Leadership
      Alexander Shalashniy – Students for Responsible Leadership
      Anthony Bryson – Students for Responsible Leadership
      Hillson Tse – Students for Responsible Leadership
      JJ Maclean – Students for Responsible Leadership
      Paul J Godin – Students for Responsible Leadership
      Omid Atai
      Slavash Ahmadi

      Ubyssey Publications Society Board
      President: Campbell Bryson (yes/no)
      Student-at-large: Neil Andrews
      Blake Frederick
      Imran Habib
      Oliver Thorne
      Sandy Buchanan

      The Positions

      Elections for the following positions will take place during the election period.
      1. AMS Executive Elections
      The Executive, also referred to as the Executive Committee, consists of the president, the vice-president academic and university affairs, the vice-president finance, the vice-president administration, and the vice-president external. The Executive provides leadership and direction for the AMS, but is subject to the authority of Student Council.

      Candidates: President

      Candidates: VP Academic and University Affairs

      Candidates: VP Finance

      Candidates: VP Administration

      Candidates: VP External

      2. UBC Representatives
         1. Board of Governors
         
         By legislation, the Board of Governors is responsible for the management, administration, and control of the property, revenue, business, and affairs of the University, including the appointment of senior officials and faculty on the recommendation of the president. This election is for the two student members of the BoG.

         Candidates: Board of Governors
         

         2. Senate
            The Senate is the governing body on all University academic matters. They have the following responsibilities:
            • Determine admission and exam policy;
            • Hear student appeals in matters of academic discipline, academic standing, and admissions;
            • Approve, recommend, and revise courses;
            • Provide and grant degrees;
            • Recommend the creation of faculties, departments, courses, and scholarships;
            • Advise and assist the president in University budget matters;
            • Make recommendations to the Board of Governors.
            This election is for the five “at-large” student senators elected from the general student body.
            Candidates: Senate
      3. Student Legal Fund Society – Board of Directors
      
      This is a student run society which works for students interests in the legal arena. For further information visit: www.studentlegal.org.
      Candidates: Board of Directors
      4. Non-Voting Seat for International Student on Student Council

    
    

    Contact AMS Elections

    If you encounter any problems while voting or have any elections-related questions the Elections Committee will be happy to assist you.

    Isabel Ferreras — Elections Administrator
    The Elections Administrator (EA) chairs the Elections Committee and is the initial contact for any general elections questions. The EA also handles most Code & Policy issues and issues dealing with campaign regulations. You can contact Isabel by email at .

    Ricardo Bortolon — Chief Returning Officer
    The Chief Returning Officer (CRO) is responsible for the technical aspects of elections and referenda, from the administration of the WebVote system to the coordination and accuracy of ballot counting. The CRO also heads up the hiring processes used to staff the Elections Office with poll clerks and other support. You can contact Ricardo by email at .

    Brian Monaghan — Promotions Officer
    The Elections Promotions Officer handles, naturally, all of the promotional activities surrounding the elections/referenda process. Effective promotion ensures that information about elections events and activities are disseminated to campus publications and the general student body. You can contact Brian by email at .

    Will Davis — Voter-Funded Media Administrator
    The Voter-Funded Media Administrator oversees the Voter-Funded Media Contest, an initiative of the AMS introduced for the 2007 Elections. VFM is a concept pioneered by Mark Latham, who has supplied the award money for the contest and hopes to eventually expand it to federal elections. You can contact Will by email at .

    
    

    FinCom Minutes and Agendas

    AMS Finance Commission meetings occur bi-weekly during the academic year. Minutes of Finance Commission meetings can be found in the right-hand bar. For more information, please contact the AVP Finance at .

    Campus Planning and Development Committee

    This committee is comprised of:

    • Johannes Rebane (VP Academic, Chair);
    • Alex Lougheed;
    • Andrew Carne (Engineering);
    • Bijan Armandian (Board of Governors);
    • Jack Hind Smith;
    • Jeremy McElroy (Arts);
    • Pierce Nettling;
    • Tim Chu (VP External).

    
    

    Academic Quality Committee

    The Academic Quality committee is comprised of:

    • Lin Watt (Engineering, Chair);
    • Bryan Tomlinson (Science Senator);
    • Joël Mertens (Senator-at-Large);
    • Johannes Rebane (VP Academic);
    • Sean Heisler (Applied Science Senator);
    • Tahara Bhate (Science).

    External Policy Committee

    This committee is comprised of:

    • Tim Chu (VP External, Chair);
    • Adrienne Smith (Policy Advisor);
    • Dusty Chipura;
    • Ekatrina Dovjenko (Commerce);
    • Kinapreet Dhillon;
    • Kyle Warwick (Arts);
    • Matthew Naylor (Arts);
    • Tahara Bhate (Science).

    
    

    2010 Olympics

    Welcome to the information resource page in regards to the 2010 Winter Games on campus. This page is brought to you by the AMS, your students’ union at UBC, and, in particular, the External Office.

    The Games are coming and many of us have questions about the specific details of the planning, the consultation process, the road closures and other impacts from the Games. The AMS is here to help you find answers to questions like:

    • What roads will be closed and how to get around them?
    • How will living by the venue impact your daily life?
    • When will spectators arrive on campus?
    • What are the exact details of the venue agreement between UBC and VANOC?

    On this site you can expect to find the road closures map, the transit re-routes, the documents governing the Games on campus, pertinent news articles about the Games on campus and much more.

    Please feel free to contact the AMS if you have any information or questions about the Games.

    Jeremy McElroy
    Vice-President, External Affairs
    
    604-822-2050
    Room 238J, Second Floor SUB

    Jeremy Wood
    Olympics and Paralympics Commissioner
    604-822-2050
    F: 604-822-9019
    
    Room 238J, Second Floor SUB

    In The Media

    “UBC sells its free speech soul for $50 million” National Union of Public and General Employees

    “Olympic sublets forbidden at UBC dorms” The Hook Blog, The Tyee

    “Free speech at risk during 2010 Olympics, group says” CBC.ca

    Memorandum Concerning UBC Thunderbird Park and the 2010 Winter Games

    Student Olympic Conference

    “UBC sells student freedom for $50 million facility” Vancouver Courier

    “Olympic Information” Ubyssey

    “Free Speech Faces olympic-Sized Threat” BC Civil Liberties Association

    “Civil Liberties Group: Vancouver Olympics Threaten Free Speech” Digital Journal

    
    

    Independent Contractor Agreement

    Independent Contractor Agreement Use Policy

    At times, services are provided to the AMS under arrangements other than regular employee appointments. Unless the provision of such services is restricted (bylaws, code of procedures, collective bargaining agreements, other established policies, etc.), the AMS may contract for these services with an independent contractor carrying on business as an individual or as a company. In this regard, the AMS provides the AMS Independent Contractor Agreement 9-09 for use while at the same time honour its statutory obligations.

    The AMS Independent Contractor Agreement 9-09 is not intended to replace bona fide agreements provided by third parties, but is available for use in the absence of one.

    Where an employer/employee relationship exists in respect of the performance of services, the AMS is required by law to provide statutory benefits (CPP, EI and WCB) and to follow specific source deductions and reporting procedures. In this circumstance, the AMS Independent Contractor Agreement 9-09 should NOT be used and the employee must be setup on AMS payroll.

    In determining whether an employer/employee relationship exists, several factors are used. The following criteria are provided as reference only but are neither definitive nor exhaustive:

    1. Intent – what was the intention of the working arrangement: contract of service (employer/employee relationship), or business relationship for services (independent contractor). Usually the intent can be found in a written agreement.
    2. Control – the relationship is one of subordination where the payers often direct, scrutinize, and effectively control many elements of how the work is performed (employer/employee relationship), or does the worker work independently within a defined framework with little or no oversight (independent contractor).
    3. Tools and equipment – the payer supplies most of the tools and equipment required to perform the service and is responsible for repair, maintenance, and insurance costs (employer/employee relationship), or does the worker provide the tools and equipment required to perform the work (independent contractor).
    4. Subcontracting work or hiring assistants – the worker cannot hire helpers or assistants (employer/employee relationship), or the worker can hire another party to complete the work, or help complete the work, and pay the costs of doing so (independent contractor).
    5. Financial risk – the worker is not usually responsible for any operating expenses and is not financially liable if the obligations of the work is not fulfilled (employee/employer relationship) or the worker is hired for a specific job rather than an ongoing relationship and is financially liable if the obligations of the contract is unfulfilled (independent contractor).
    6. Responsibility for investment and management – the worker has no capital investment in the business and does not have a business presence (employer/employee relationship), or the worker has capital investment, employs and manages staff under its own organization, and has established a business presence (independent contractor).
    7. Opportunity for profit – the worker is not in a position to realize a business profit or loss (employer/employee relationship), or the worker can hire and pay a substitute to perform the work, and the worker is compensated by a flat fee and incurs expenses in performing the service (independent contractor).

    Where there is uncertainty or a difference of opinion about whether an employer/employee relationship exists, the AMS Administration Office should be consulted, and if required, may seek a ruling from Canada Revenue Agency after consultation with the department involved.

    
    

    IPF Committee

    This committee is comprised of:

    • Blake Frederick (Chair, President);
    • Tom Dvorak (VP Finance);
    • Student-At-Large;
    • Student-At-Large;
    • Anne DeWolfe;
    • Janet Mee;
    • Peter Marshall.
    
    

    Student Court

    This committee is currently comprised of:

    • Emmanuelle Frederic (Chief Justice);
    • Sara Askari (Judge);
    • Feruza Abdajalieva (Judge);
    • Alexander Cooke (Judge);
    • Wilfred Chan (Judge);
    • Adam Flanders (Alternate Judge);
    • Jordan Snel (Alternate Judge);
    • Constance Chan (Clerk).
    
    

    Student Legal Fund Society

    To reach this committee please contact Clare Benton (Law).

    
    

    U-Pass Subsidy Review Committee

    This committee is currently comprised of:

    • Tim Chu (Chair, VP External);
    • Tom Dvorak (VP Finance).
    
    

    Voter-Funded Media Committee

    The committee is currently comprised of:

    • Mitch Wright (Chair);
    • Vacant;
    • Vacant;
    • Elections Administrator.
    
    

    Ad Hoc SUB Renewal Committee

    Members

    • Ekaterina Dovjenko (Chair; VP Administration);
    • Bijan Ahmadian (President);
    • Jensen Metchie (SUB Renewal Coordinator);
    • Guillaume Houle (Arts);
    • Guillaume Savard;
    • Ronan Chester;
    • Ross Horton (General Manager);
    • Jeffrey Smith (Facilities Dev. Manager);
    • Michael Kingsmill (AMS Designer);
    • Jeremy McElroy (VP External);
    • Luke Luukkonen (GSS);
    • Max Unger;
    • Michael Duncan (Board of Governors).

    AD Hoc Executive Remuneration Committee

    Members

    • Aaron Sihota (Chair);
    • Jimmy Yan.
    
    

    Constituency Aid Fund

    Who is eligible? All active AMS constituencies. The constituency needs to have an approved budget and executive list, and not have defaulted on a loan within the past two years.

    What can I use the CAF for?

    • Election and fee referenda expenses. Please note that the amount granted to a constituency for an election or fee referendum shall be a total of 15 cents per constituency member, but shall be no less than $75 and no more than $375 in any one fiscal year;
    • Communication expenses (incurred through mail-out or newsletter production). Please note that the amount granted to a constituency for a newsletter or mail-out shall be a total of 15 cents per constituency member, but shall be no less than $75 and no more than $375 in any one fiscal year;
    • Special projects related to your constituency’s academic interest area;
    • Out-of-town conference fees/travel expenses;
    • Furniture/equipment purchases (eg. rugs, file cabinets, computers, audio-visual equipment). Please note that the furnishings and equipment purchased shall be owned by the Society for the use of the constituency; and the type of furnishings and equipment purchased must be directly related to the constituency’s area of academic interest;
    • Other projects deemed worthy by the Finance Commission.

    How much is the CAF worth? Up to $750 per club, but cannot cover more than half the cost of the project. Constituencies can receive a CAF grant a maximum of once per fiscal year (the AMS fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30). Constituencies must show that they have exhausted all sources of funding (i.e. personal contribution, sponsorship, fundraising, etc.).
    
    When can I submit my application? Applications should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date of the project. We cannot accept submissions for projects that have already occurred.

    How do I apply? The application for CAF can be found online here. Please make sure to read all instructions on this page and in the application carefully.

    APPLY NOW!

    
    

    Clubs Benefit Fund

    Who is eligible? All active AMS clubs. The club needs to have an approved budget and executive list, and not have defaulted on a loan within the past two years.

    What can I use the CBF for? The CBF can only be used for one-time projects. Projects that occur on an annual or on-going basis should be factored into your club’s budget.

    • Special projects related to your club’s academic interest area;
    • Out-of-town conference fees/travel expenses;
    • Furniture/equipment purchases (eg. rugs, file cabinets, computers, audio-visual equipment). Please note that furnishings and equipment purchased shall be owned by the Society for the use of the club, and must be directly related to the club’s area of interest as stated in its constitution;
    • Philanthropic activities;
    • Other projects deemed worthy by the Finance Commission.

    How much is the CBF worth? Up to $450 per club, but cannot cover more than half the cost of the project. Clubs can receive a CBF grant a maximum of once per fiscal year (the AMS fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30). Clubs must show that they have exhausted all sources of funding (i.e. personal contribution, sponsorship, fundraising, etc.).

    When can I submit my application? Applications should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date of the project. We cannot accept submissions for projects that have already occurred.

    How do I apply? The application for CBF can be found online here. Please make sure to read all instructions on this page and in the application carefully.

    APPLY NOW!

    
    

    Student Initiatives Fund

    Who is eligible? All active AMS members (i.e. individual UBC students who have paid their student fees).

    What can I use the SIF for?

    • Conference fees/travel expenses;
    • Philanthropic activities;
    • Academic programs;
    • Other projects deemed worthy by the Finance Commission.

    How much is the SIF worth? Up to $500 per project, but cannot cover more than half the cost of the project. Students can receive a SIF grant a maximum of once per fiscal year (the AMS fiscal year runs from May 1 to April 30). Applicants must show that they have exhausted all sources of funding (i.e. personal contribution, sponsorship, fundraising, etc.).

    When can I submit my application? Applications should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date of the project. We cannot accept submissions for projects that have already occurred.

    How do I apply? The application for SIF can be found online here. Please make sure to read all instructions on this page and in the application carefully.

    APPLY NOW!

    
    

    Sponsors

    We would like to thank the following sponsors for their their in-kind or entertainment donations. Thank you for supporting the Great Farm Trek ’09!
    

    • Western Canada Wilderness Committee
    • East End Food Coop
    • Capers
    • Public Dreams
    • Sambata
    • Spud
    • Sweet Cherubim
    • Food Not Bombs
    • Urban Aboriginal Community Kitchen Garden Project (UACKGP)
    • Papa Thom and the Shepherd’s Pie Tour ’09
    • Agora String Band
    • Blackberry Wood
    • Lesley Stowe Fine Foods
    • Cuppa Joe Coffee
    • Stong’s Market
    • Solidarity Notes Labour Choir

    

    Strategy Targets

    The targets in this strategy are ambitious, but attainable. Unlike many other strategies that set dozens of targets, we decided to limit the number of targets in the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy for a couple of reasons. First, this strategy is entirely new and contains general targets that aim to set more specific, quantitative targets once additional information is collected. Second, the high turnover and lack of institutional capacity in the AMS inhibits our ability to undertake too many projects at once.

    Each target is categorized as either an internal target or an interactive target. This distinction is made because the audit we conducted divided the impacts the AMS has influence over into these two broad areas. The targets are further divided into nine categories, which although not mutually exclusive, help to organize and prioritize the targets.

    In the strategy, the targets are also listed with a set of actions that are designed to either directly address the target or aim towards setting quantitative, informed targets once more data is available. Each action is specified as either short-term (one to two years) or long-term (three to five years). Due to their length, the actions for each target do not appear here but are instead included in the Target section of the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy.

    
    
    1. Food & Beverage (Internal)
       
       • Encourage UBC Food Services to significantly reduce the ecological footprint at all of their food outlets, including franchises.
       • Work with student groups, the UBC Farm, and the UBC Sustainability Office to improve food security by increasing the amount of local food produced on campus and in the Vancouver community.

    2. Materials (Internal)
       
       • Track and reduce the quantities of disposable materials used in AMS operations and significantly reduce the ecological footprint per unit of these materials.
       • Decrease use of toxic materials and ensure proper disposal of toxic materials, including e-waste, in compliance with all applicable legislation.
       • Significantly reduce the ecological footprint of SUB renovations conducted by the AMS.

    3. Communications (Internal)
       
       • Increase overall student awareness of the AMS’ environmental initiatives through communications strategies.
       • Incorporate sustainability into the AMS’ communications with staff, clubs, and constituencies.

    4. Building Materials (Interactive)
       
       • Work with UBC and leaseholders to reduce the quantities of key materials used in the SUB and significantly reduce the ecological footprint of these materials.
       • Work with UBC and lease holders to reduce the amount of water used in the SUB.
       • Lobby UBC to decrease the campus’s ecological footprint in terms of construction, renovations, and waste management.

    5. Building Energy (Interactive)
       
       • Work with UBC Land and Building Services and the UBC Sustainability Office to reduce SUB energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by at least 33 per cent from 2007 levels by 2020.
       • Continue to work with UBC to create a framework for the University to go beyond climate neutral and work with UBC to ensure its implementation.

    6. Transportation (Interactive)
       
       • Reduce Single-Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) trips and increase transit ridership to campus by 33 per cent from 2007 levels.

    7. Campus Development & Policies (Interactive)
       
       • Lobby UBC to adopt more environmentally sustainable development practices and policies.

    8. Curriculum & Learning Spaces (Interactive)
       
       • Work with faculty, the UBC Sustainability Office, and other groups to develop a more problem-based learning curriculum aimed at reducing our ecological footprint and creating a stronger ecological learning community.

    Who is Responsible?

    Council’s involvement in the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy takes place primarily through the Impacts Committee. Impacts is responsible for setting yearly priorities, overseeing the strategy’s implementation, and reporting progress to Council each year. Impacts must set a manageable number of targets (in consultation with staff and other interested parties) and create action plans for achieving them.

    The AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy primarily falls under the portfolio of the vp finance. The vp finance chairs the Impacts Committee and directly oversees the sustainability coordinator. Every member of the AMS Executive Committee, however, has specific responsibilities. Successful implementation of the strategy will necessarily involve building partnerships with the University, lobbying external organizations, and modifying the operations of our businesses. The Sustainability Coordinator is the primary point person for the strategy. They will sit on relevant committees, work closely with Impacts, hire and manage interns and volunteers, oversee the strategy’s projects, and fulfill other responsibilities outlined in the strategy.

    Measuring Progress

    Indicators are the metrics that will be used to assess our progress and measured each year as part of an annual progress report. The indicators used in the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy have been adapted from two sources: the Campus Sustainability Assessment Framework (CSAF) and the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). The indicators can be found in a supplemental document, AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy: Action Plans and Indicators.

    An annual report will be produced by the Impacts Committee to provide accountability and continuity for the following year’s committee and sustainability coordinator. Every five years, the AMS must undertake a major revision and review of the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy in order to keep it up to date and modify targets accordingly.

    Who is involved?

    This document was prepared by the AMS Impacts Committee 2007 to 2008, Blake Frederick (then associate vp university affairs), Miriam Stein (then sustainability strategy coordinator), and Brendon Goodmurphy (then vp academic). The AMS would like to extend a special thank you to Eric Doherty, who contributed extensively to the development of the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy through his role as associate vp university affairs, 2006 to 2007, and through his professional project in the School of Community and Regional Planning, MA program.

    
    

    Renovations Planning Group

    This committee is currently comprised of:

    • Ekaterina Dovjenko (VP Administration);
    • Andrew Carne (Engineering);
    • Elin Tayyar (VP Finance);
    • Jimmy Yang (Science);
    • Carolee Changfoot (Arts);
    • Michael Kingsmill (AMS Designer);
    • Jeffrey Smith (Facilities Manager);
    • Joyce Shen (Sustainability Coordinator);
    • Mike Brown (Business Operations Coordinator);
    • Ross Horton (General Manager);
    • Vacant (SAC);
    • Vacant (FinCom).
    
    

    The Great Farm Trek ‘09

    HOW YOU CAN HELP SAVE UBC Farm

    Come to the Great Farm Trek 2009!
    Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 3:30 p.m.
    The Trek will gather at the Student Union Building at 3:30 p.m. and trekkers will walk to the UBC Farm for a celebration with food and music, and a ceremonial planting. Free parking is available at UBC Farm anytime, and a free bus shuttle will take you from there to the Trek in progress between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. To get involved, email .

    The Schedule
    PAST: UBC Farm History
    PRESENT: The Vancouver Campus Planning process and the UBC Farm
    FUTURE: The Great Farm Trek 2009

    Come help celebrate the UBC Farm and its future! It has been a great year for the Farm, in terms of innovative programming, awards, and media attention. However, the future of the 24-hectare Farm is still not clear, so it is time to come together to celebrate the Farm’s accomplishments and show our unified support for a bright future for the Farm! This is a celebratory, family-friendly event. We want thousands to join us as we trek from the UBC Student Union Building (SUB) via the Board of Governors meeting and then on to the UBC Farm.

    We invite you to please book off Tuesday, April 7, 2009 from 3:30 p.m. into the early evening to attend the Great Farm Trek 2009! If you can’t make it until after work, we will be shuttling late-comers by bus from free parking areas near UBC Farm directly to the Trek crowd anytime between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., the crowds will be located at the UBC Farm for festivities. Come to the UBC Farm, 6182 South Campus Road for free parking (see map) http://www.landfood.ubc.ca/ubcfarm/images/new-farm-directions.jpg.

    Bring costumes, music, banners, posters, spirit, kids, moving art shows, farm love, floats, hot air balloons, circus performers, sandwich boards, party favours, whistles, bells, dancers, fire twirlers, clowns, bicycles, novelty cars, trapeze artists, scooters, painted school buses, TV camera crews, and other sundry fun items. Oh yes, bring snacks, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. The event will happen rain or shine!

    During the Trek we will have Vancouver’s own ever-wacky and danceable Carnival Band, the high-energy percussion ensemble known as Sambata, Papa Thom from the Shepherd’s Pie Tour ’09, Agora String Band, and much more! At the UBC Farm there will be music (the soul-quakin’, boot-shakin’ bluegrass boys of the Agora String Band, and the hip hop alt country tom waits-sylin’ Blackberry Wood), as well as food, addresses from James MacKinnon (100 Mile Diet author). Rex Weyler (Greenpeace founder), special recorded greetings from David Suzuki and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, and a ceremonial planting.

    Contact if you have questions.
    For a route map and event location see:http://www2.ams.ubc.ca/index.php/ams/news/ams_great_farm_trek_2009/.

    Also on Facebook: Great Farm Trek 2009.

    We can’t wait to see you there!
    Save the Farm: Join the Trek!

    The Schedule

    • 2:30 p.m.: Shuttles and van drivers start running between UBC Farm and SUB (until 8 p.m.)
    • 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Gathering at the SUB
    • 3:15 p.m.: Sambata, fantastic percussion ensemble, performs!
    • 3:45 p.m.: Shane Pointe — Traditional Musqueam welcome
    • 3:55 p.m.: Rex Weyler — founder of Greenpeace
    • 4:00 p.m.: James Mackinnon — co-author of the 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating
    • 4:05 p.m.: Michael Duncan – AMS welcome
    • 4:15 p.m.: Trek departs SUB
    • 4:30 p.m.: Trek passes Board of Governors meeting
    • 5:45 p.m.: Trek begins arriving at UBC Farm
    • 5:45 p.m.: Agora String Band and Planting Ceremony
    • 6:30 p.m.: Mark Bomford — UBC Farm welcome
    • 6:35 p.m.: David Suzuki and Gregor Robertson video addresses
    • 6:45 p.m.: Blackberry Wood
    • 7:45 p.m.: Andrea Morgan — (Friends of the Farm) Closing
    • 8 p.m.: Time to go home

    Top
    

    PAST: UBC Farm History

    As one of the founding faculties at UBC, agriculture has played a major role in academic and land-use activities at the University. The University was initially established around a 100-hectare farm.

    Over time, as the UBC population grew and buildings expanded, the Farm was re-located from main campus to mid-campus. After extensive research into the best possible remaining site for a farm on campus, Farm activities were re-located again in the 1970s to their current location across 16th Avenue in south campus. During this time, the academic focus of UBC shifted to other areas. Field trials gave way to lab tests, and the importance of integrated sustainable field agriculture was de-emphasized.

    In 1997, UBC’s Official Community Plan (OCP) was approved. UBC identified the last remaining on-campus working landscapes (the vestiges of our agricultural heritage in the south and mid-campus areas, including the Farm) for housing development. However, the faculty of land and food systems’s curriculum and vision changes in 1999 to 2000 as well as renewed student interest prompted a fresh look at the on campus agricultural land base, focusing on new possibilities for the south campus fields. In 2000, the faculty published a paper entitled, “Reinventing the UBC Farm,” articulating a vision for renewing the existing land base as an integrated farm system focused on hands-on sustainability education.

    The development and growth of the UBC Farm, also referred to as the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (CSFS), during the last nine years follows the general vision first shared in the “reinventing” document, with some refinements to its scope and programs. The strong student leadership that was crucial for the Farm’s “re-invention” gave rise to a focus on student-centred learning as the primary mandate of the CSFS. Closely interwoven with an emerging research program and community service activities, the “new” Farm can be considered a direct descendant of the University Farm first envisioned in 1915.

    Over the last century agriculture has left a rich legacy to UBC. As we enter the 21st century with all its associated ecological challenges, the UBC Farm provides a place of rich learning on a many of the key sustainability issues of our time.

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    PRESENT: The Vancouver Campus Planning process and the UBC Farm

    In 2007 the UBC Farm hosted 41 for-credit student courses, over 2,000 students, over 20,000 visitors. The Farm also hosted 35 active research projects from 14 of UBC’s faculties, schools, and colleges on some of the most challenging sustainability issues of our time such as low-carbon food production, alternative energy, nutrient cycling, and honeybee colony collapse disorder, to name a few. It is home to a Saturday Farm market during the summer season, and a number of innovative programs that involve residents from the Downtown Eastside, children from various Vancouver schools, academics, youth, elders, and everyone in between.

    In response to Campus Planning’s proposals to shrink and move the UBC Farm to make way for housing development, UBC staff, students, and community members have worked very hard during the last year to preserve the UBC Farm and promote a vision for its future. Among other achievements, this year of work resulted in hundreds of letters written in support of the UBC Farm (including a from Dr. David Suzuki) and a motion of support for the Farm was unanimously passed by the Metro Vancouver Board. At the Nov. 27, 2008 Board of Governors (BoG) meeting, AMS, GSS, and Friends of the UBC Farm representatives collaborated on a presentation conveying the Farm’s importance in helping make UBC a global leader in sustainability. The BoG responded with a media release in which they directed the UBC administration to conduct an academic planning process for the 24-hectare Farm to determine how best to make it an “academically rigorous and globally significant” centre for sustainability research and teaching. This represents a positive step forward. Students and the broader community want to make a clear statement before the end of this school year that it is critical to sustainability education at UBC to keep the Farm at its current 24 hectare size and location, to provide stable funding for the Farm’s programs and operations, and to include key Farm users in determining the shape of the Farm’s future.

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    FUTURE: The Great Farm Trek

    The AMS decided to organize the Great Farm Trek 2009 to celebrate all that the Farm has accomplished in the last nine years, and to send a very clear message to UBC that thousands of people from the academic and wider community support the Farm and wish to see it preserved and supported for the future of students and faculty at UBC, residents of Vancouver and B.C., and citizens of the world concerned about sustainability.

    This is following upon a long history of Treks at UBC. In 1915, UBC halted construction on its Point Grey campus due to WWI shortages, which left students increasingly cramped on a makeshift campus (now the site of Vancouver General Hospital). After collecting petition signatures and gaining media and public support, in 1922 1,200 students marched from their makeshift campus to the Point Grey campus to demand the provincial government resume building on the site. The students dedicated a stone cairn as a symbolic foundation for the long-term prosperity of the campus. Under the student and public pressure, the provincial government resumed building.

    In that time honoured tradition that has given us our beautiful campus, we will trek to the UBC Farm to show our strong support for its future. With seeds and plants in hand, we will march to the Farm and put them in the ground as a symbol of the desire to grow deep roots at the Farm site for the kind of innovative teaching and research about sustainability issues that future generations will need. Come help us save Vancouver’s last working farm!

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    Transit Quality of Service Survey

    Your AMS External Office wants to hear about your experience with transit and getting to school! Please answer the questions regarding your most recent commute.
    Take the Survey

    
    

    Environmental Sustainability Policy

    Whereas the AMS has long been a leader in environmentally sound practices at UBC, including:

    • The U-Pass program, which has resulted in a reduction in greenhouse gas pollution of over 16,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year;
      
    • Selling only organic, bird-friendly coffee;
      
    • Providing discounts for students who bring their own mugs to AMS coffee outlets; and

    Whereas the Alma Mater Society has long fulfilled the role of holding the University to account on behalf of the students of UBC for issues important to students, including environmental responsibility; and

    Whereas the AMS does not yet have a sustainability policy or strategy to guide and provide continuity to our sustainability initiatives;

    Therefore be it resolved that Council adopt the following Environmental Sustainability Vision and Purpose, which will guide subsequent strategy and targets.

    Vision

    The AMS recognizes the ecological crisis humanity faces and the special responsibility universities, and university students, have in finding and implementing solutions. We acknowledge our obligations as global citizens and strive to create a sustainable and equitable future for all.

    The AMS will be a leader in reducing the University campus’ ecological footprint to sustainable levels and in fostering environmental justice in our own operations and through our relationships with the University community and the broader community. The AMS will be an engine for new ideas and innovation, and will be a model for the University and for other student organizations to follow.

    Purpose

    • To work towards environmental sustainability independently and in cooperation with organizations such as UBC, other students’ organizations, and relevant governmental bodies.

    • To maintain and enhance the AMS’ leadership role in promoting environmental sustainability on and off campus.

    • To showcase the AMS’ leadership in order to distinguish the AMS and our businesses from the University as a whole and other businesses on campus.

    • To guide the AMS’ work to areas where we can have the greatest effect, directly through AMS operations and through interaction with other organizations.

    • To establish the Impacts Committee as the body responsible for overseeing the Sustainability Strategy and presenting an annual progress report, including new or updated targets, to Council by Oct.30 of each year.

    • To set a manageable number of goals and time lines (in consultation with staff and other interested parties), and assign responsibilities to pertinent persons and departments for achieving them.

    • To establish procedures for monitoring and reporting on progress. Procedures for updating and adjusting targets will also be part of the Strategy.

    
    

    AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy

    

    To see the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy’s targets, please scroll down. The targets are divided into two broad categories, internal and interactive:

    • Internal targets are those that the AMS can act on without the cooperation of external parties, such as changing AMS purchasing practices.
    • Interactive targets are those that require interaction with groups such as the UBC administration, TransLink, or the City of Vancouver.

    Supporting material can be found in the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy Appendices or the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy Indicators and Action Plans. Please note that these are living documents. The targets and action items will continue to grow and evolve as new opportunities (e.g. UBC Sustainability Academic Strategy) and partnerships (e.g. Canadian Youth Climate Coalition) come along.

    1. Food & Beverage (Internal)
       1. Encourage AMS Food and Beverage Department to significantly reduce the ecological footprint at all of their food outlets.
    
    
    2. Materials (Internal)
       1. Track and reduce the quantities of disposable materials used in AMS operations and significantly reduce the ecological footprint per unit of these materials.
       2. Decrease use of toxic materials and ensure proper disposal of toxic materials, including E-waste, in compliance with all applicable legislation.
       3. Significantly reduce the ecological footprint of SUB renovations conducted by the AMS
    
    
    3. Communications (Internal)
       1. Increase overall student awareness of the AMS’ environmental initiatives through communications strategies.
       2. Incorporate sustainability into the AMS’ communications with staff, clubs, and constituencies.
    4. Food & Beverage (Interactive)
       1. Encourage UBC Food Services to significantly reduce the ecological footprint at all of their food outlets, including franchises.
       2. Work with student groups, the UBC Farm, and the UBC Sustainability Office to improve food security by increasing the amount of local food produced on campus and in the Vancouver community.
    5. Building Materials (Interactive)
       1. Work with UBC and leaseholders to reduce the quantities of key materials used in the SUB and significantly reduce the ecological footprint of these materials.
       2. Work with UBC and leaseholders to reduce the amount of water used in the SUB.
       3. Lobby UBC to decrease the campus’ ecological footprint in terms of construction, renovations and waste management.

    6. Building Energy (Interactive)
       1. Work with UBC Land and Building Services and the UBC Sustainability Office to reduce SUB energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by at least 33 per cent from 2007 levels by 2020.
       2. Continue to work with UBC to create a framework for the University to go beyond climate neutral and work with UBC to ensure its implementation.

    7. Transportation (Interactive)
       1. Reduce Single-Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) trips and increase transit ridership to campus by 33 per cent from 2007 levels.

    8. Campus Development & Policies (Interactive)
       1. Lobby UBC to adopt more environmentally sustainable development practices and policies.

    9. Curriculum & Learning Spaces
       1. Work with faculty, the UBC Sustainability Office, and other groups to develop a more problem-based learning curriculum aimed at reducing our ecological footprint and creating a stronger ecological learning community.

    
    

    Appointments Review Committee

    Formerly the Compensation Review Committee

    Members

    The Appointments Review Committee is currently comprised of:
    • Johannes Rebane (Chair; VP Academic);
    • Tom Dvorak (VP Finance);
    • Timothy Chu (VP External);
    • Ekatrina Dovjenko (CUS);
    • Aaron Sihota (Science);
    • Vincent Tse (Student-at-Large);
    • Angela Geib (Payroll);
    • Jane Barry (Human Resources);
    • Pelican Mann.
    
    

    SUB Renewal Committee

    The SUB Renewal Committee is a committee of AMS Council, and is responsible for:

    • Organizing consultations with students and the community to determine their needs and to harness their creativity and expertise;
    • Communications and promotions;
    • Negotiating with the University administration;
    • Interviewing consultants and recommending the hiring of consultants (architects, programmers, construction managers, etc.) to AMS Council;
    • Making recommendations to AMS Council vis-a-vis the SUB renewal process.
    
    

    Members

    The SUB Renewal Committee is currently composed of:
    • Crystal Hon (AMS VP Admin, Chair);
    • Blake Frederick (AMS President);
    • Guillaume Houle (Permanent Member, Arts);
    • Michael Duncan (Permanent Member, Board of Governors);
    • Ross Horton (AMS General Manager);
    • Michael Kingsmill (AMS Designer);
    • Jeffrey Smith (AMS Building & Facilities Manager);
    • Guillaume Savard (Project Manager, MHPM);
    • Ronan Chester (Project Manager, MHPM);
    • Jeremy McElroy (Student-at-Large);
    • Max Unger (Student-at-Large);
    • Luke Luukkonen (Student-at-Large).
    
    The SUB Renewal Committee generally meets Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in SUB room 224. Email for info or to request attendance.

    
    

    Student Administrative Commission

    This committee is currently comprised of:

    • Ekaterina Dovjenko (Chair, VP Administration);
    • Sima Shoker (Administrative and Communications Commissioner);
    • Jeremy Jaud (Art Gallery Commissioner);
    • David Le (Bookings Commissioner);
    • Kyle Lai (Buildings and Facilities Commissioner);
    • Elaine Chin (Clubs Commissioner);
    • Cindy Zhan (Special Projects Commissioner);
    • Andrew Walker (Associate Vice-President Finance Commission — Non-Voting);
    • Jeffrey Smith (Facilities Development Manager — Non-Voting).
    
    

    Budget Committee

    The Budget Committee is currently comprised of:

    • Elin Tayyar (Chair; VP Finance);
    • Ben Cappellacci (VP Academic);
    • Kyle Warwick (Arts);
    • Dia Montgomery (Law);
    • Joel Mertens (Senate);
    • Klazina van den Berg (Student-at-Large);
    • Carolee Changfoot.
    
    

    Primary Appointments Committee

    Members

    • Johannes Rebane (Chair; VP Academic);
    • Tom Dvorak (VP Finance);
    • Luke Luukkonen (Student-at-Large);
    • Avneet Johal (AUS);
    • Andrew Carne (EUS);
    • Crystal Hon (VP Administration).
    
    

    Oversight Committee

    Members

    • Kyle Warwick (Chair);
    • Jimmy Yan (Science);
    • Joel Mertens (Senate);
    • Laura Sylvester (Commerce);
    • Tony Yang (GSS).
    
    

    Impacts Committee

    The Impacts Committee investigates ways the AMS, our businesses and subsidiaries, can increase positive and reduce negative impacts on students, the environment, and the University community. We also promote adherence to sustainable and fair business practices and policy, and work to foster cooperation between campus and community groups around issues of sustainable and ethical operating practices. The Impacts Committee is currently comprised of:

    • Tom Dvorak (Chair, VP Finance);
    • Crystal Hon (VP Administration);
    • Hannes Dempewolf (GSS);
    • Kyle Warwick (Arts);
    • Liska Richer;
    • Madeleine Schaefer (Engineering);
    • Mike Brown;
    • Student Environment Centre Rep;
    • Social Justice Centre Rep;
    • Nancy Toogood (Food and Beverage Manager — Non-Voting);
    • Jeffrey Smith (Facilities Manager — Non-Voting);
    • UBC Liaison;
    • Joyce Shen (Sustainability Coordinator);
    • Adrienne Smith (Policy Advisor).
    
    

    Business Operations Committee

    Members

    The Business Operations Committee is currently comprised of:
    • Elin Tayyar (Chair; VP Finance);
    • Ekaterina Dovjenko (VP Administration);
    • Ross Horton (General Manager);
    • Nancy Toogood (Food & Beverage Manager);
    • Jeffrey Smith (Facilities and Retail Services Manager);
    • Joyce Shen (Sustainability Coordinator);
    • Haafiz Dossa (Student-At-Large);
    • Mike Brown (Business Operations Coordinator);
    • Aaron Sihota (Science);
    • Guillaume Houle (Arts);
    • Laura Silvester (Commerce);
    • Joël Mertens (Senate);
    • Pit Pub.
    
    

    Municipal Lobbying Principles 2008

    AMS Municipal Campaign Principles

    Whereas the July 17, 2008 policy party adopted these principles as AMS priorities for the upcoming municipal elections; and

    Whereas other student unions in the Lower Mainland are in agreement with these principles; therefore

    Be It Resolved That the AMS adopt the following priority principles for the municipal election:

    Transit

    • Representation for UBC residents in the Translink governance structure;
    • Increased transit service to UBC for commuter students in general:
      • Increased late-night bus frequency;
      • Service to ‘dead zones.’
    • That the Translink Mayors’ Council hold its subsidiaries financially accountable.
    Housing
    • Policy changes to increase access to housing for students.
    Governance
    • An examination into potential governance structure options for the unincorporated Electoral District A area encompassing UBC.

    Be It Further Resolved That the AMS support its allies in the student movement in calling for:

    • Improved access to childcare;
    • Environmental improvements;
    • The formation of a Municipal Arts Council.

    Be It Further Resolved That the AMS dedicate $10,000 from the University and External Lobbying Fund to an AMS publicity campaign conducted by the External Policy Committee for the municipal election emphasizing both increased voter turnout among UBC students as well as the issues as recommended by the External Policy Committee.

    Be It Further Resolved That the campaign also implement non-costed media such as social networking pages, the AMS website, letters to the editor, UBC Broadcast email, classroom announcements, word-of -mouth, and face to face meetings with candidates.

    Be It Further Resolved That AMS staff and officers be directed to make our priorities known to candidates for municipal elections in Vancouver and other municipalities where UBC students live.

    
    

    Guide to Student Rights and Responsibilities

    Last summer (2008) the AMS Ombuds Office updated its Guide to Student Rights and Responsibilities. The guide is a comprehensive account of the range of different rules and regulations that effect students, including everything from academic discipline concerns to parking fine disputes.

    The guide covers:

    • Academic standing issues;
    • Student discipline;
    • Student finances;
    • University policies;
    • Your responsibilities as a UBC student.
    Our hope is being aware of these rules and regulations and how with them efficiently and correctly will enhance students’ overall academic experience and decrease stress and conflict.

    The Little Guide to the Guide to Student Rights and Responsibilities is a “user manual” which will help you zero in on exactly what you need to know from the larger guide. The Little Guide contains brief overviews of each section, as well as a glossary of words that are typically used in the academic world.

    
    

    Eco Friendly Day

    

    Eco Friendly Menu

    Look for items at AMS outlets that are LOV: local,organic,vegan.

    November

    Blue Chip Cookies
    • Hot Apple Cider with a caramel drizzle
    • Gluten Free Peanut Butter-Chocolate Cupcakes
    • Pumpkin Spice Lattes with organic syrup and organic fair trade espresso beans (organic)
    
    The Honour Roll
    • Yam Tempura Rolls
    • Delicata Squash Rolls featuring squash from the UBC Farm (local)
    
    The Pendulum
    • Apple and Beet Salad featuring local, low-impact apples and organic beets from the UBC Farm (local)
    • Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with apple cider-sweet potato mash (vegan)
    
    Bernoulli’s Bagels
    • Vegan Maple Walnut Bagels
    • Rum and Raisin Cream Cheese
    • Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Bagel Melt featuring organic squash from the UBC Farm (local, organic)
    • Home-made Apple Crisp featuring local, low-impact apples (local)
    
    Pie R²
    • The Beet Lover’s pizza featuring organic beets from the UBC Farm (local)
    
    The Burger Bar
    • Wild Pacific Salmon Burger with home-made tartar sauce (local)
    
    The Moon Noodle Bar
    • Spicy Eggplant with Ground Pork
    
    The Pit Pub
    • Granville Island Winter Ale (local)
    
    The Gallery Lounge
    • Granville Island Winter Ale (local)
    • “Blueberry Tea” with Amaretto, Grand Marnier, and Earl Grey

    About Eco Friendly Day

    Eco-Friendly Day was inspired by a project developed by students from Agricultural Sciences (AGSC) 450 from the faculty of land and food systems. This class aims to teach students through case-based learning how to integrate knowledge learned throughout their degree in dealing with real world issues related to UBC’s food system. Each AGSC group ultimately provides recommendations to the department studied by them. These departments include: UBC Sustainability Office, UBC Food Services, AMS Food and Beverage department, UBC Waste Management, and UBC Farm.

    This class creates the opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with various food-related departments across campus. In addition, students are able to aid staff and faculty in devising sustainable solutions/innovations for their departments/outlets that many times their busy routines would have not allowed them to do.

    The Impacts Committee, an AMS sustainability group comprised of students, staff, faculty, and clubs, worked on the recommendations of these students throughout the summer of 2008 to make their projects a reality by that fall.

    Eco-Friendly Day was created to raise consumer awareness of food choices and sustainability initiatives as part of a larger effort to help the AMS lighten its ecological footprint as stipulated in the AMS Lighter Footprint Strategy. Recently, a new line of menu items were launched at AMS Food and Beverage department outlets that are local, organic, or/and vegan (LOV). These products were created to help make our food system more sustainable, by providing support to local growers, sustainable production methods, and accessibility to foods that have a lighter ecological impact – ultimately helping provide opportunities for customers to make more informed purchasing choices. This new LOV product line is promoted on Eco-Friendly Day at every AMS Food and Beverage department outlet in the SUB.

    There are a variety of other sustainability initiatives the AMS is introducing from green discounts, provision of free range eggs, and fair trade items, to recycling and composting. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to raise awareness, participation, and support among students, faculty, and staff of AMS Sustainability efforts and other campus sustainability initiatives to help our campus and the broader community become true leaders in sustainability.

    
    

    Newsletter

    Code & Policy Committee

    The Code & Policy Committee is the AMS internal rules committee, and reviews and revises the documents which create the framework for our students’ society. This year we are taking on an ambitious program of committee reform, to make our committees of council more effective and more accountable. The committee is currently comprised of:

    • Matthew Naylor (Chair);
    • Blake Frederick (AMS President);
    • Johannes Rebane (VP Academic);
    • Andrew Carne (EUS);
    • Emily Griffiths;
    • Tahara Bhate (Science);
    • Tim Chu (VP External);
    • Adrienne Smith (Policy Advisor);
    • Sheldon Goldfarb (Archivist).
    
    

    Communications Planning Group

    The Communications Planning Group focuses on the overall communications for the society. It meets bi-weekly and discusses everything from the AMS Insider, to the branding of the AMS, to the ways we communicate with our members.

    Members

    The Communications Planning Group is currently comprised of:
    • Blake Frederick (Chair; President);
    • Crystal Hon (VP Administration);
    • Bill Matthews (Communications Designer);
    • Joyce Shen (Sustainability Coordinator);
    • Kelli Seepaul (Communications Manager);
    • Matthew Naylor (Arts);
    • Pavani Gunadasa (Executive Coordinator of Student Services);
    • Lyanne Evans (Facilities Marketing Coordinator).
    
    

    Executive Committee

    The Executive Committee meets once a week to discuss all the current issues in the Society. We have a very broad mandate and are used to ensure effective collaboration between the executives on major projects and issues. The Executive Committee is currently comprised of:

    • Bijan Ahmadian (Chair; President);
    • Ben Cappellacci (VP Academic);
    • Elin Tayyar (VP Finance);
    • Jeremy McElroy (VP External);
    • Ekaterina Dovjenko (VP Administration);
    • Pavani Gunadasa (Executive Coordinator of Student Services — Non-Voting);
    • Ross Horton (General Manager — Non-Voting);
    • Kelli Seepaul (Communications Manager — Non-Voting);
    • Adrienne Smith (Policy Advisor — Non-Voting);
    • Sheldon Goldfarb (Archivist/ Researcher — Non-Voting).
    
    

    Ad Hoc Representation and Engagement Reform Committee

    This oddly named Ad Hoc committee looks into ways to get the general student body more involved in the AMS and its many functions. For further information on this committee please contact .

    
    

    Fundraising and Sponsorship Committee

    The Fundraising and Sponsorship Committee reviews all contracts and proposals made by AMS staff members or by outside individuals and corporations seeking to provide sponsorship to the AMS. We are also in charge of reviewing policy regarding sponsorship and fundraising for the AMS. The committee is currently comprised of:

    • Tom Dvorak (VP Finance);
    • Kyle Warwick (Student-At-Large);
    • Tagg Jefferson (Student-At-Large);
    • Madeleine Schaefer (Student-At-Large);
    • Pavani Gunadasa (Executive Coordinator of Student Services);
    • Kelli Seepaul (Communications Manager);
    • Ross Horton (General Manager).
    
    

    Sexual Assault Support Services Fund Committee

    This committee recommends to council the percentage of the money in the Sexual Assault Support Services Fund (this fund collects money from each student yearly- currently 95% directly goes to SASC and 5% goes into the Initiatives Fund) that goes to SASC. This committee also manages and allocates the Sexual Assault Initiatives Fund which is available to any member or group of the university including but not exclusive to SASC to fund projects directly related to sexual assault on campus.

    Committee Members

    • Johannes Rebane (VP Academic);
    • AMS Safety;
    • Elana Kusaka (Arts);
    • Nicky Brighid (SASC Support Services Coordinator);
    • Pavani Gunadasa (ECSS);
    • Safewalk;
    • Speakeasy.
    
    

    AMS Committees

    Please click on the links in the menu on the left to see a description and contact information for the various AMS committees.

    
    

    

    Hello UBC!

    My name is Pavani Gunadasa and it will be my pleasure to serve you this year as the executive coordinator of Student Services for the AMS.

    The ECSS Role

    The ECSS oversees the eight student services offered by the AMS. I provide training, guidance, and support for the service coordinators and student staff managing the day-to-day activities of the individual services. I sit on Student Council as a non-voting representative and on the Executive Committee. In both roles I speak on behalf of the Services and work to promote their interests within the Society. Other projects that I am involved in include Learning Enhancement Academic Partnership (LEAP). This project is a partnership between the AMS and the University that fosters academic learning through the promotion of online and physical resources. I also sit on various other committees throughout the year.

    My Goals

    • Assess the current state of the Student Services, collect student input, and restructure and tailor the services to better meet the needs of a diverse and quickly expanding and evolving student population;
    • Network and work closely and cooperatively with various AMS and UBC bodies to instigate positive changes that improve the quality of the services we provide while reaching out to a greater number of students;
    • Promote employment and institutional equity and address issues such as cultural, religious, and language barriers. Accessibility is a significant issue and I will be working on eradicating the barriers that may prevent or deter some students from using Student Services.

    About Me

    I am originally from the beautiful tropical island of Sri Lanka and I grew up migrating between Sri Lanka and Edmonton, Alberta. My family settled in Vancouver eight years ago, very happy to have escaped the -30 to -40° C winters of Edmonton. Currently, I am working towards a double major in English and history and have ambitions to pursue a career in medicine. I am very passionate about humanitarian and community service efforts and therefore eager to also incorporate these interests in my future career. This year I hope to use my strong background in advocacy, diplomacy, program and event planning, promotions, public speaking, and employee and volunteer management to further enrich and expand the role of the ECSS.

    If you are interested in learning more about the services that you as a student have access to on campus, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me or the service coordinators.

    
    

    Grad Class Council

    Every year the graduating class has the opportunity to present campus initiative groups with a gift as a symbol of the class’ indebtedness to the University, and as a memorial of each graduating class. Examples of past gifts include the renovation of the Norm Theatre, the Science Social Space, digitization of campus newspapers, and “The Gates” on West 10th and Blanca.

    The next meeting of the 2009-10 Grad Class Council will be held on Nov. 6 at 1 p.m., at the AMS Council Chambers. Elections for this years executive will be held then. If you are a constituency Grad representative and plan to come, please contact the SAC Vice-Chair at .

    
    

    AMS Elections

    Results

    President: Bijan Ahmadian
    VP External: Jeremy McElroy
    VP Administration: Ekaterina Dovjenko
    VP Academic: Ben Cappellacci
    VP Finance: Elin Tayyar
    Board of Govenors: Ahmed Azim Wazeer and Sean Heisler
    Senate: Johannes Rebane, Joël Mertens, AJ Hajir Hajian, Spencer Rasmussen, Nader Beyzaei
    International Student: Brittany Perna
    Referendum: Yes to lobbying for reduced tuition fees and increasing government funding.
    Voter Funded Media:
    • Radical Beer Tribune: $1900
    • UBC Spectator: $1800
    • Social Capital: $1600
    • UBC Insiders: $1200
    • AMS Confidential: $1000
    • Geoff’s Place: $500

    Links

    Nominations
    Debates
    Events
    The Candidates
    Referendum Questions
    Election Rules
    Vote Online
    Voter-Funded Media
    Contact AMS Elections

    Penalty Box

    Pak Ho Leung: First Warning
    Campaigning with a Facebook group without approval, prior to the beginning of the campaign period.

    Ben Cappellacci: First Warning
    Posting election material on his Facebook page prior to approval.

    AJ Hajir Hajian: First Warning
    Using a group email listserve prior to receiving endorsement.

    Elin Tayyar: First Warning
    Chronically postering over the posters of other candidates.

    Bijan Ahmadian: First Warning
    Chronically postering over elections posters.