Harishan Kaur Bahara

Harishan Kaur Bahara is aspiring toward the global political economy program and is running for the position of vice president, university affairs.

Bahara is “passionate about governance, policy and overall diplomacy.” She believes everyone wants to see change and whether at minor or major scales, “if you want to see these [changes], you should be the one making them happen.”

She believes she is fit for the position due to her accumulated experiences. “I have specifically had a focus in education and policy […] I worked with our ministers of education to look at how policies are shaping our classrooms,” Bahara said.

She plans to achieve in five major areas. The areas range from AI integrations in academics to re-strengthening student housing to campus security and to “decompression spaces”. Overall, her intended policies will be centered around “a physically and emotionally safe and welcoming environment” for students.Bahara said her tenure would be characterized by “clarity, productivity and energy.”

She added, “I am really passionate about keeping students at the centre of every single thing that’s being discussed in the university.”

One fun thing about Bahara is that she bakes and loves to do art.

Grace Elendu

Grace Elendu is a third-year criminology student with a minor in psychology who currently serves as president of the Pre-Law Society.

Elendu is running for vice president university affairs because she “strongly believes in advocacy, one that has a genuine connection with students.”

She emphasized that such leadership should not be “just a face,” but rooted in “an actual genuine attachment with students.”

A key priority for Elendu is expanding access to high-demand summer courses.

“I think we can all relate to wanting the courses that we need,” she said, adding that she hopes to work with the administration to improve course availability.

In three words, she envisions her term to be characterized by “results, connection and advocacy.” Describing herself as “an action person” she added, “I want to show you results at the end of my tenure.”

Outside of student government, Elendu plans to attend law school after completing her degree. She enjoys writing poetry and reading and co-hosts The Black Experience podcast, which she described as “a virtual safe space for Black students on campus.”

Caris Pittman

Caris Pittman is a third-year political science student minoring in economics and running for vice-president university affairs. Inspired by peers involved in student governance, including the judicial board and faculty associations, she views the role as a continuation of her campus involvement.

Her campaign focuses on accessibility, transparency and advocacy. “I want to make operations [clearer] and concise for students, I believe students shouldn’t have to do hundreds of documents like I have,” she added.

Pittman wants to review accessibility policies and work toward clearer processes for students accessing services. She hopes to simplify operational documents and explore translating materials into other languages.

Pittman aims to work with administration to adjust polices she believes could have meaningful impact.

She described her envisioned term as, “actionable, busy and fun.” Pitman also loves reading and writing.