Ishraqul Alam

Ishraqul Alam is a physics and astronomy student who described himself as a “problem solver by nature” with an interest in history, politics and economics.

Alam stated that he has always believed that students deserve better resources, representation and merit a say in how decisions are being made at the university. He indicated that he is running as students deserve better.

“I understand how this university works, how decisions are being made, where the roadblocks are, and most importantly, how to get things done,” he said. “I’ve been deeply involved in student organizing, advocacy and pushing for real change. I know how to bring students together, to get our voices at the forefront, and fight for what matters.”

Alam clarified that he is not running to make empty promises, but to deliver results.

“I’ll fight for making the student representation stronger at every corner of the university,” he said. “I will fight to make the student senate caucus stronger than ever. I will unleash the full potential of our student clubs by opening doors to better funding and better resources.”

He stated that his main platform pillar is restoring power back to the students at the decision-making table. Alam indicated that he will ensure the student senate caucus has a stronger voice, that student clubs receive proper funding and that the university is held to account over spending student dollars.

“I also believe that there is a strong appetite for radical change among students,” he said. “This is what I’m offering our students. And my election into office will be an attempt to deliver exactly that.”

He continued, “we can’t afford to lose. This is about students now. It’s either now or never.”

Alam said that he would like his term with the students’ union marked with action, accountability and results. He hopes for the UMSU board to be student-driven, transparent and impactful.

Rachhvir Dhaliwal

Rachhvir Dhaliwal previously served as vice-president university affairs during the 2024-25 term and is seeking a second term. Dhaliwal stated that she is a dedicated student leader who is passionate about positive change to student life.

“I believe that every student deserves a safe, supportive and thriving university experience,” she said.

Dhaliwal indicated that over the past year, she has worked on initiatives which prioritized student well-being — the main pillar of her platform — allowing her to deepen her understanding on the challenges faced by students.

Prior to serving as vice-president university affairs, she said that she was an executive in various student clubs which allowed her to develop her leadership skills.

“I’m also deeply passionate about fostering a safer campus environment where women feel empowered, supported and safe,” she said. “And I believe that every woman deserves to feel safe and respected and supported in their academic and personal journeys.”

Dhaliwal said that this has led her to advocate for campus safety measures, such as enhanced lighting, expanding the SafeWalk program and collaborating on self-defence workshops.

“And I strongly support increasing access to free menstrual products as well, because no student should have to choose between necessities and their education,” she stated.

Dhaliwal said that her passion for student advocacy along with her experience make her the ideal candidate to take on this role.

She stated that she is running to finish projects that were already started and wants to ensure they are finished to create long-term sustainable solutions for UMSU students.

“Many important initiatives such as improving campus safety, international student health care, expanding the menstrual product program and advocating for more student housing, they’re still in progress, and I want to see these projects through,” she said.

If re-elected, Dhaliwal hopes her term will be impactful, empowering and action-oriented. She would like to see an UMSU board that is efficient, transparent and student-centered.

Heaven Kaur

Third-year science student Heaven Kaur said that she is passionate about advocacy work and ensuring that all voices are heard. She previously served as the Women Centre’s representative, having ran unopposed in the 2024-25 UMSU general election.

“I like to make sure that you know everyone around me feels safe and valued to the point where they can approach me and they know I’m there to listen to them,” she said.

Kaur stated that her leadership, advocacy and ability to work with different stakeholders makes her an ideal candidate for the role. As the Women’s Centre’s representative, Kaur said she advocated to the board of directors on behalf of her constituents and has gained needed skills from working with the provincial government and volunteering.

“All of these experiences have shaped me with the skills that are required to be vice-president university affairs and to represent students effectively, advocate for their interest to administration and manage academic and disciplinary matters with fairness and kindness,” said Kaur.

Pillars of her platform include transparency, student safety, student voices and improved academic schedules.

“At the end of the day, all my policies are actually derived from conversations myself and other students have had over the year,” she said.

Kaur would like her term to be empowered, informed and connected, if elected.

She stated that she is a firm believer that when good people come together, good things can happen.

“I see the board of directors for the next year as people that can make a huge impact on student lives,” she said. Kaur stated that she would like the board to be informed, accessible and caring.