Leading up to the UMSU election, March 8-10, the Manitoban summarizes the major platform points of the two slates running for UMSU. Here is your UMSU election Spark Notes.
One UMSU
One UMSU has promised to introduce a flexible parking pass, and flexible health and dental plans to cater to individual students more effectively, two initiatives that went into the works earlier this year. The slate is also looking to work with Winnipeg Transit to introduce a U-Pass for the summer months and introduce a “late night bus.”
Nagra and her team plans to lobby against expected tuition increases from the provincial government, as well as work with the Progressive Conservative government to introduce a tuition cap for international students. One UMSU promised to work with administration to prevent future budget cuts. They also wish to create more scholarship and bursaries for University of Manitoba students, and improve the affordability of housing near the three U of M campuses.
One UMSU vice-president external candidate Wilfred Sam-King – who is seeking re-election – has promised to create mentorship programs for new students, allowing them to connect with more senior students who can help make the transition to university easier. Sam-King has also pledged to increase the number of student jobs and work-study grant programs available.
Under the umbrella of student advocacy, One UMSU says they aim to revise the voluntary withdrawal and grade point average policies that were recently changed, in addition to implementing a safe space policy for all UMSU-owned businesses, events, student groups, and office spaces.
The slate has also promised to provide U of M students with nap pods in University Centre, increase the public seating available in UC, extend GPA’s hours of operation, and introduce on-demand food delivery. They also plan to develop an academic tutoring app and expand their campus speaker series.
UMSU United
UMSU United has also promised to fight against fee hikes and budget cuts and increase the number of scholarships and bursaries available for U of M students. Further, the slate promises to lobby the government and administration to lower tuition costs and work with UMSU businesses to provide students living in residence with discounts. Alaka and her team have also promised to continue the development of a flexible health and dental plan, increase co-op opportunities, and introduce a textbook rental program.
They have also pledged to make mental health a priority if elected and have committed to reducing the wait times for seeing a counselor on campus, in addition to providing increased support for student groups. UMSU United also promises to implement a Reconcili-Action campaign and EndIslamaphobia campaign, as well as a sexual assault prevention and response unit.
UMSU United vice-president external candidate Mathew Scammell says he aims to promote environmental sustainability on campus by working with the U of M Office of Sustainability to create a compost program and reduce water waste. The slate has said they will eventually look to establish a bike share program at the U of M. UMSU United has also promised to work with Winnipeg Transit to increase bus routes on campus and increase the frequency of buses during rush hour, as well as extend operating hours.
UMSU United vice-president advocacy candidate Chance Paupanakis has promised to increase security in student lounges and study spaces and ensure all UMSU events are inclusive to students of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. They have also promised to increase union transparency by live-streaming all UMSU council meetings.
UMSU United has also promised to promote consent culture on campus by working with Justice for Womyn and the U of M health and wellness office.
For more information, watch candidate interviews online at themanitoban.com
