Students’ Council
Students’ Council
My name Is Cierra Jacobs, I am a third year of studies in the Bachelor or Arts program and a first generation, post-secondary student at MacEwan with a double major in psychology and philosophy. As a first-generation learner, a large consideration for enrollment at MacEwan included how the cost of tuition reflects a high-quality education. With many choices in post-secondary institutions, MacEwan stands out with programs and supports available to students. The use of SAMU fees towards matters within the representation of the Students’ Council, like the use of the SAMU building, and mental health supports like StressLess and Peer Support, are of special interest to me. It’s my goal to become engaged with these matters through Students’ Council and be able to represent the student body in effective ways. If elected, I would be a consistent advocate for ways we can improve the world-class student supports offered by SAMU.
Hello, my name is Alem Tesfay, and I’m hoping to get re-elected to the student council this year. Sin
ce the school setting has normalized, I think it’s important to get students more involved with everything our campus has to offer. I’m currently in my third academic year at Macewan majoring in management with a double minor in marketing and political science. Being a part of various extracurricular activities has positively affected the way I approach my academics. I believe if you only go to school to obtain a certificate, you aren’t getting your money’s worth. The skills and networking opportunities you can gain from being a part of things like student groups, the ambassador program, or simply joining committees is priceless. If I get re-elected to the student council, I will continue to work hard to advocate for student engagement. Thank you for your consideration and support!
Greetings! My name is Abby Beka, and I am running to be re-elected as one of your Students’ Councilors! I am a third-year chem major with a minor in biology. Apart from council, I also serve as the Board of Governors Student Representative and President of the student group HuRDE (Human Rights, Diversity, and Equity). If re-elected to council, I would love to act as your student representative, voicing your concerns and needs! I aim to advocate for more community engagement opportunities for students, promote an understanding of mental health supports available to students and promise to approach every student’s council decision with the student’s best interests in mind, encouraging equity and inclusion for all students.
I am a 19-year-old girl who loves making an impact anywhere she goes. I love to organize things, meet new people, and help them. A few things I love about me are helping people in my discomfort and ensuring they are open when they are with me. I love social events, workshops, clubs, and public services. That is why I want to be part of the student council. I admire the Students’ Council and want to be part of them. Being part of the Students’ Council fosters leadership, public speaking, time management, communication, and other necessary skills. I have met students that find it hard to interact, and I want to help them.
I’ve always had a passion for Student Counc
il, since my sixth-grade election, I was fighting for longer recess breaks and the cancelation of PATs. Having the opportunity to voice my ideas at MacEwan through student council allows me to build my own place in the Griffin nest. In that nest, I plan to instigate more sustainability in day-to-day waste such as; Investing in compost bins that would reduce our overall waste and prove nutritious to our soil on campus as well as, spreading awareness about the effects of toxic gas emissions that produce from leaving our car engines running unnecessarily.
Understanding the needs at MacEwan is not only a responsibility I am prepared to take on, but I guarantee to bring a sparkle of fun and set aside time dedicated to organizing events benefiting student life in and out of campus!
I’m Sonia Yusuf and I approve this message.
Hi, I’m Gabriel (he/him)! You might recognize me as the President of the Investment Club, Vice President Internal of the FentaNIL Project (overdose mitigation group), and the founder and President of the Chess Club. I’m looking forward to getting into law school with a major in Political S
cience. Actively engaging with the student body has made me well aware of the adversities my peers endure, especially those concerning mental health and stress issues. I am passionate about making a genuine, positive impact, so I’m deciding to run for re-election on our Students’ Council. I intend to advocate for efforts geared towards mental health support, financial stress alleviation, and inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance programs. I believe that my time serving on Council and my experiences as an Executive for multiple Student Groups has given me the skillset necessary to represent the Student Voice. YOU are my priority. Thank you!
Hi everyone! My name is Jayden, and I’m running for Students’ Councilor. I was appointed to the position last year and am eager to serve the student body again. My campaign is focused on the immense fulfillment that I have had attending MacEwan University and making sure that all students have the opportunity to see what this school has to offer as well. As the campus reopens it’s important that we bring back all the student events that contribute to the student experience. Along with this, I believe that the council must advocate for students in times when the Provincial Government may not have their best interests in mind. All in all, it’s essential that students have the resources required to gain the education that we are all seeking. Thank you.
Hello friends!
My name is Justine Mae Tan, and I am currently in my 2nd year of Business Management diploma Aviation Management Major.
Making friends is not easy and it can be quite intimidating especially for new students. It is my goal to inspire other students to get out of their comfort zones and put themselves out there and to improve student’s environment to make it easier to socialize and talk to other people. I am dedicated in helping my fellow students to get the best university experience they could have.
To be a friend they can rely on, to be a voice for the students and to be someone who will tell them “If I did it, so can you!”
Hello! My name is Rayyah Sempala (she/her), and I am running to be elected as one of your Students’ Councillors! I am a final year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Sociology with a minor in French. Since the beginning of my time at MacEwan University, I have been involved with the Students’ Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) in numerous ways, including on committees, student groups, and finally as an appointed Students’ Councillor. My governance journey began when I was appointed onto Students’ Council in October 2021. As a Student Councillor, I have been a strong advocate for student issues and concerns. If elected, I aim to advocate for justice, inclusivity, and awareness on Students’ Council; promote an enhanced understanding of student mental health, supports; and continue to support initiatives that promote student engagement on campus(fun events!). Thank you for your consideration and support!
My name is Nhi Phan (she/her). I am running for re-election as one of your Students’ Councillors. In addition to pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, I have spent my time with the MacEwan University Vietnamese Students’ Alliance (MUVSA), and created the Chess Fellowship of MacEwan Student Group.
When serving as a Students’ Councillor last year, I worked with the Leadership and Review Committee to strengthen the connection between Councillors and build a healthy culture. I strive to encourage student engagement and promote student governance. My goal is to ensure students understand and are aware of the opportunities and the services presented by SAMU.
As an international student, I feel empowered to include international students by representing their voice on Students’ Council, so that they will have an easier university life.
Thank you and I hope to have your vote on October 12 & 13, 2022!
Having the experience from my first term, I can safely say I strengthened my skills in being a councilor. I am re-running because I want to be present in creating and voting on proper initiatives on the students’ behalf with their best interests in mind. I hope to have the opportunity to use what I have learned so far as an accounting and legal major. I want to provide the right insights and perspectives on how to improve/clarify executive consultations and initiatives. I want to represent the international students’ community and pave the way for future international students. So, they have the best university experience with SAMU and MacEwan. Best of all, I want to represent every member of SAMU for the common good and strategically plan for their future here!
Hello everyone! My name is Layal Zidan. I have been in Edmonton for almost five years, and I love the challenges and the benefits of being an immigrant to Canada. I am a second-year student completing my bachelor’s degree in science, majoring in chemistry and minoring in mathematics. STEM students are not represented enough on Students’ Council, and I would love to be your voice. You may recognize me as one of MacEwan’s ambassadors or as one of the volunteers at The Pantry. I am eager to work with councillors and students to ensure the effective use of the SAMU fees we all pay. One of my goals is to promote a better campus environment and more enjoyable events during the school year. Representing you on Students’ Council would be such an honour. In addition, I am committed to understanding what is best for MacEwan students and being their voice.
Hello everyone, I am running for re-election on Students’ Council to continue serving the student body of MacEwan University. My previous year on council was filled with lots of learning and new experiences, so now, this year as a seasoned councillor, I would like to be more proactive and implement what I’ve learnt. That said, my campaign this year will be centered on the awareness and promotion for all students to utilize the plethora of services, opportunities and supports MacEwan and SAMU has to offer—and once on council again, to make sure these are a priority. Not to mention, I am also part of the MacEwan Ambassador and First-Year Mentorship program, so I am quite involved and equipped. A full return to an in-person campus contains new opportunities for students, so let us use it to create a campus life that it is safe, supportive and puts students first.
Thank you!
My name is Jakob Cardinal. I am in my fourth year of studies in the Bachelor of Commerce program, with a major in management and a double minor in supply chain management and innovation & entrepreneurship. My most significant intention in joining SAMU has been to create a greater sense of community within MacEwan and outside of MacEwan with our downtown community. Great things can happen when people come together for common goals, and I aim to be the voice of continued growth.
Students’ Council is the highest governing body within the Students’ Association of MacEwan University. It is comprised of 14 Councillors and five Executive Committee members. Councillor elections are held each Fall term.
Students’ Council approves bylaws, writes the policies that govern the activities of SAMU and also ensure expectations have been met. Essentially, the Students’ Council speaks on behalf of MacEwan students, and helps to make sure your concerns are being addressed and that your university experience is the best it can be.
Students’ Council is moderated by a Chair. The Chair enables orderly and effective meetings to occur by maintaining a neutral and fair perspective. This allows Students’ Council to focus on substantive discussions pertinent to its jurisdiction and business. As such, the appropriate selection, appointment, evaluation, and recognition of a Chair takes place.
The position of Students’ Council Chair is appointed for a term of May-April.
Timothy Jobs
Chair, 2022-2023
View Students’ Council meeting minutes.
Contact your councillors via email
studentscouncil@macewan.ca
Interested in running?
If you want a seat at the table and to have a voice in SAMU governance, consider running for Students’ Council. Eligible students can run for election for Students’ Council each fall term.
Want to know what a Students’ Councillor does? Check out the position description for a comprehensive overview of what it takes to be a Students’ Councillor!
