2024 Elections: Candidates Forum

Executive Committee (EC)

Abbey Leach (she/her) for Vice President – Academic Affairs

Hi everyone! My name is Abbey Leach (she/her) and I am the current interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. I’m in my third year studying towards a Bachelor of Design with a major in Character Design and minor in Animation. I’ve been serving diligently as the VP Academic since May, and I would love the opportunity to continue the work I’ve started in this role. This includes advocating for institutional transparency, championing accessibility, and amplifying student voices. I am working to expand options for students when it comes to creative exploration and electives; strengthening communication to students within programs; and advertising opportunities to learn skills that equip students for opportunities after graduation.

As the previous SLC representative for Character Design, I saw the position for VP Academic was vacant this spring so I stepped forward to serve in the position until I could be officially elected. Having worked in non-profit organizations in leadership roles, I eagerly bring that experience to my work at AUArts SA.

This year, my goals are:

·       Work with AUArts to improve student supports and accessibility, focusing on mental health and
accommodations.

·       Act as a voice for students within administrative spaces by serving on official university committees, gathering student feedback, and expressing student concerns to improve and bolster academic life.

·       Protect the longevity and efficacy of the AUArts SA by increasing visibility and engagement with our governance procedures.

·       Guide the process of reviewing, editing, updating, and creating new AUArts SA governance documents to reflect current practices, champion inclusion and transparency, and ensure the long-term success of the organization so that we can continue to champion student rights.

When I’m not at AUArts, I like to spend my free time creative writing, nerding out about sci-fi, playing D&D, and exploring new artistic mediums. One of my favourite things to do is collaborate with other creatives to produce projects about 2SLGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and other unconventional stories from local emerging artists. Whether I’m working and studying at AUArts or creating stories with my friends, my goal is always to centre my actions on compassion, justice, and kindness.

I hope you’ll consider voting for me so that I can continue the work I’ve started as a strong student advocate and voice for collaborative change.

School of Communications Design (SCD)

Éva Gustavson (she/her) for Character Design Representative

Hi all! My name is Éva (she/her) and I am currently in the 4th year of my BDES Character Design/Illustration degree. I would love to take on the position of Character Design Rep in order to make a lasting impact on AUArts in my final year here. As a Department Representative for Show and Sale, I have experience working directly with fellow students to resolve problems and voice concerns to leadership. I am also committed to being available to all students, from first year students interested in applying to the program all the way to senior students looking forward to graduating.

If elected, I want to work towards getting dedicated personal studio spaces for 3rd and 4th year students, create frequent life drawing opportunities, and make sure our program instructs students on how to price and protect their freelance work. I also want to build stronger connections between AUArts and Calgary Arts Nonprofits like BUMP and cSPACE, with an aim to give students exhibiting and job related experience outside of school. Most of all, I want to hear from you! I want to champion the changes that would improve your student life the most.

Shuo, Liu (she/her) for Graphic Design Representative

My name is Shuo Liu, a fourth-year Graphic Design student, and I am dedicated to supporting my peers in their academic and professional growth. As a Co-Founder of the PEARL Club, I’ve gained valuable experience in creating opportunities for students to showcase their work, and I want to bring that same energy and focus to the Graphic Design department.

If elected, I will focus on organizing Portfolio Review Sessions and Design Critique Groups. These initiatives will provide students with regular, constructive feedback on their work, helping them refine their portfolios and gain confidence in their design skills. By fostering a collaborative environment, I aim to ensure that students feel supported as they prepare for the competitive job market.

Additionally, I am committed to seeking more opportunities for networking and professional development, helping students connect with industry professionals and find job or internship opportunities.

My goal is to strengthen the sense of community within our department while providing students with the resources they need to succeed. Together, we can build an environment that encourages growth, creativity, and success.

School of Craft + Emerging Media (SCEM)

Beck Irvine (he/him/they/them) for Media Arts Representative

Hi all! My name's Beck and I'm a 4th year Media Arts major looking to be the Media Arts department representative. You can often see me and my green platforms floating around the school, whether it be giving campus tours, running between classes, or even peeking into the glass hot shop to see what has come out of the annealers. I also tend to be visible around residence. If I am elected, my goal is to be a visible role model that you feel comfortable approaching for any concerns I may be able to help with. As a potential representative for Media Arts, I look forward to bringing more awareness to what Media Arts has to offer as a program, both with its interactivity and time based streams.

Other Representatives

Lauren Paradis (she/her/they/them) for First Year Studies Representative

My name is Lauren Paradis and I’m 20 years old. I’m a first year studies student interested in graphic design and illustration. I’ve been out of high school for 3 years and have been a pet groomer for 2 of those (please talk to me about your dogs I love to hear about them!!). Just like the rest of us, I’ve always been an artist and am thrilled to finally be a part of a community just like me!

I’d love to be a part of student council. I’d like to be able to contribute to the community and help give a voice to those who may feel too intimidated to speak themselves. I’ve done plenty of volunteer work in my life and have always been a team player.

My goal in this position would be to speak up for us first years! I feel like our position may be forgotten when it comes to decision making since we’re so new to the school-scape, but my intention is to make sure we’re heard and valued the same as everyone else who has been here for longer than us. We are the student body future, and I want to help lay a foundation for us.

Grecia Orellana (she/her) for International Students Representative

My name is Grecia Orellana and I’m an international student from El Salvador! I’m on my third year of the BDes Illustration and Character Design major and I’m super excited to get even more involved with the AUArts student community. For three years, I have encountered many opportunities to interact with other international students at AUArts and that has given me a wider perspective of what each student gets to experience both socially and academically in this big community. Leaving your country to study on your own for the first time can be an exciting yet scary adventure, and while we can share many fears or expectations, everyone goes through a different journey with its own challenges. I have participated in social events organized for international students and interacted with other students in my classes, and I discovered many students still feel quite insecure on how to tackle Literature and CCST classes. I believe there is something that can be done to help international students improve their academic English skills so they can feel more confident to take on their assignments. I have assisted as a Peer Note Taker for a couple of terms, and I believe that the opportunity has not only let me help other students who might need those class notes, but also given me more ideas on how to develop note taking and study systems that could be helpful for those whose English is their second language. I hope I can be someone other students can feel motivated to come up to and share their concerns and expectations to have an even better experience while studying what they want at AUArts.

Elizaveta Suldina (she/her/they/them) for International Students Representative

My name is Elizaveta, and I am a second-year Illustration student. My work primarily focuses on landscape and the notions of place, impression and memory. As an international student, I understand firsthand the unique challenges we face, and I am running for this position to ensure our voices are heard and our needs are supported.

My goal is to foster a truly inclusive and welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds at AUArts - this means not only celebrating our diverse experiences, but also addressing the barriers we encounter. I will advocate for improved access to academic resources, further opportunities and enhanced social supports that reflect our diverse experiences. I intend to endorse policies that prioritize the needs of international students and newcomers, ensuring that everyone will have the support they deserve.

I believe that together, we can build a vibrant community where everyone feels not just included, but truly welcomed and celebrated.