Six candidates are competing for UMSU vice-president student life in the upcoming general election — the most contested position of all executive positions.
The incumbent, Bolu Akindele, is not seeking re-election due to “commitments with nursing school, which have become increasingly demanding,” she said in a statement. “Balancing both responsibilities is no longer feasible, and I felt it was necessary not to run for this position again in order to focus on my studies.”
Rachael Ajibike
Rachael Ajibike is an international student currently studying nursing and hopes to empower and support students. She acknowledged that many students face depression, anxiety and loneliness, but is running to implement more student-to-student interactions on campus to strengthen campus community.
Ajibike indicated that the three main pillars of her platform are to connect, inform and empower.
She hopes that by connecting first-year students with those in their third or final year in similar academic majors, students will better ease into the new environment on campus.
Ajibike also intends to focus on informing students about important resources — such as mental, emotional, academic and financial supports. “It can change the trajectory of someone’s life, just having the right information, knowing that these resources are available,” she said.
If elected, Ajibike hopes to empower students by organizing “workshops, courses, seminars, where students are taught high impact, short-term spanning courses.” She stated that this initiative would help with “bridging the gap between graduation and the job markets.”
Ajibike said that a deep sense of desire and commitment to fulfill social obligations is compelling her to step up into student leadership. She envisions a term that is refreshing, empowering, supportive with an UMSU board of directors that is accessible, productive and impactful.
Some of her passions include swimming, vlogging and journaling.
Mayah Duque
Third-year student Mayah Duque is a second-year English major that has been involved with Rainbow Pride Centre, Arts Student Body Council and the Arts Tribune. Duque stated that their main goal is to redirect UMSU’s focus from events to clubs and student groups.
“I understand there’s this need for a space for communities like clubs and groups to kind of thrive a little bit more,” said Duque. They explained that most of their main friendships were made from being a part of groups on campus — and that students can feel more united by having a place of belonging.
Duque said that community support is one of the reasons they are running in this election and hopes to be accessible throughout their term.
“I think being able to be reached by everyone is really important to me, through email or for meetings,” said Duque.
They are hopeful that the new UMSU board of directors will be passionate, selfless and respectful. “We’re all there for different reasons, but I do think we’re all united by one common goal to serve the student body.”
“All of my jobs and volunteer experience have always been catered toward helping people and just being kind of that main go-to person for people,” said Duque.
They explained that they know the gaps that need to be filled between student groups, community groups and associations with UMSU.
Manroopjit Kaur
Manroopjit Kaur is a first-year student with a passion for advocating for student rights, enhancing student experience and promoting inclusivity. “I believe that everyone in the student body deserves to have a voice and opportunity where they can survive academically and socially,” she said. “So, I would want them to feel at home.”
Kaur stated that the main pillar of her platform is to enhance student support and safety services.
“I’m running for this position because I aim to address pressing student concerns and also bridge the gap between administration and student body,” she said. “I want to create an inclusive environment where every student feels safe, valued and supported.”
Kaur indicated that her previous experiences and commitment for student advocacy and vision for positive change are factors that make her the ideal candidate for this position.
She added that while collecting nomination signatures for her candidacy, the experiences and insights that students shared with her has made her more determined to effectively represent and serve the student body.
Kaur would like her term to feature integrity, inclusivity, overall growth and collaboration with everyone. She hopes for the new UMSU board of directors to be representative, diverse and engaged.
Abhishek Kumar
Second-year supply chain management student Abhishek Kumar stated that he is passionate about student life and the connection on campus. Kumar explained that he would like to see more clubs collaborate on campus — lowering the costs and increasing the attendance — and he is motivated by seeing students come together.
Kumar explained that his experience working with different student groups has shown him the challenges that clubs face and he hopes to bridge those gaps. He mentioned Halloween socials and beer gardens as some of the events he would like to bring back on campus.
Kumar said in this role, he would serve as a bridge between student clubs and UMSU — making the link stronger to allow for more engagement and campus community.
“My main pillar would be collaboration,” he said. “I’m running because I see so much potential in the student community.” He also stated that he wants UMSU to bring back more of the social events that used to happen on campus.
Kumar explained that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there were so many events occurring on campus, “but after COVID, it just totally changed.”
He stated that a fresh perspective is needed with a leader that listens and that he would like to see a responsive, inclusive and student-focused UMSU board of directors.
Hannah Le
Hannah Le is a second-year computer science student running on the slogan More Resources, More Support, More For You.
She hopes to implement more resources on campus, recalling the hard time she faced in her first year navigating life on campus as an international student. Le also intends to make UMSU more accessible for students and wants students to know how the students’ union works.
“I’m very passionate about fostering student engagement, community building and creating impactful experience that make university life more enriching for all students,” said Le. “I’m running because I believe student life should be more accessible, engaging and empowering.”
She stated that during the past year she was the campus ambassador for Dairy Farmers of Canada, bringing thousands of dollars in funding to the campus and building relationships with various student groups.
“I would love this opportunity to spend my time at U of M to make student lives better, whether it’s through organizing events or [advocating] for financial or mental health support or creating opportunities for students to grow both academically and in their career,” she said.
Le hopes to implement initiatives that leave a lasting impact on student life and would prioritize the needs of students in all decisions. “I want all students to know that they are seen, heard and supported.”
Mudra Prajapati
Mudra Prajapati is a third-year science student majoring in biology who wants to focus on mental health and feeling of belongingness. Prajapati said that because many students are coming from around the world, they are either feeling left out or not included.
“I want to work on something where they feel that yes, they do belong here. This is their university, this is their school,” she said.
Prajapati said that her motivation stems from always being passionate about doing something for society. She described herself as the epitome of fresh ideas, experience and passion with a high grasping power.
“I’m not just here for the role or just for the title,” she said. “I’m here to create an impact.”
Prajapati acknowledged that students can face various struggles ranging from financial stress, academic pressure and homesickness. “I just want to amalgamate everything all together and reflect in such a way where people’s and students’ needs are actually met,” she said.
“Because I have this drive for ideas and commitment for student life, I believe that I’m a good fit for it.”
She indicated that transparency is a priority between students and UMSU, as well as better health care policies.
If elected, Prajapati would like her term to be marked by action, remembrance and change. She would like to see the UMSU board of directors as collaborative, inclusive and forward thinking.
