General elections
Winter 2021
Get Involved, Nominate Yourself Today
It’s now time to elect students to fill the vacant positions on the Executive Committee and our Board of Directors!
Notice of General Election
The University of Ottawa Students’ Union will hold its General Election from March 24 to 27 2021. All members are invited to participate.
The nomination period is from February 22nd to March 7th. You must submit your nomination form by 11:00 pm on March 7th by sending an email to: chief-electoral-officer@seuo-uosu.com.
If you have any general questions, please email to: elections@seuo-uosu.com
Timeline
- February 22 to March 7 at 11pm: Nomination period
- March 7-10: Evaluation of the language skills of executive candidates
- March 12: Last day to register volunteers before the campaign begins
- TBD: All candidate meeting for executive candidates
- TBD: All candidate meeting for Board Candidates
- March 13: Publication of the official list of candidates
- March 14: Super Sunday (Postering begins)
- March 14-22: Beginning of campaign
- March 14 to 22 at 11pm: Campaign period
- TBD: Executive candidates debate
- March 23: Black-out period begins (Campaigning is prohibited)
- March 24 at 9am – March 27 at 9pm: Voting Days
- March 28: Election Results
- TBD: Last day for candidates to submit reimbursement requests
Election Forms

*Please note: Due to COVID-19 and our elections taking place online, we will accept three types of signatures from Supporters and Volunteers on the UOSU Nomination Form and Volunteer Form :
1) Physical signature
2) Electronic signature
3) Student Number with initials that appear in the Full Name (ex: 0123456789 AB)
Available positions
UOSU The Board of Directors
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1
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1
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1
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1
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2
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3
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3
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3
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3
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4
- Faculty of Education (1)
- Faculty of Law – Civil Law (1)
- Faculty of Law – Common Law (1)
- Faculty of Medicine (1)
- Faculty of Health Science (2)
- Faculty of Arts (3)
- Faculty of Engineering (3)
- Faculty of Sciences (3)
- Telfer School of Management (3)
- Faculty of Social Sciences (4)
UOSU Executive Committee
University Senate
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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1
*September 1st, 2021 to August 31st, 2022
University Board of Governors
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1
*Two-Year Term, from May 1st, 2021 to April 30th, 2023
- President
- Equity Commissioner
- Francophone Affairs Commissioner
- Operation Commissioner
- Student Life Commissioner
- Advocacy Commissioner
- Student Services Commissioner
Candidates
Board of Directors Positions
Faculty of Education (1)
Vacant Position
Faculty of Law - Civil Law Section (1)
NICKOLAS EBURNE
Faculty of Law - Civil Law Section
It’s time to elect someone who truly knows Fauteux and can hit the ground running on the first day. I have the experience required for the job and my main focus will be to require the creation of a full-time mental health counselor position for the civil law section.
Vote on November 9-11 2020!
SARAH VARIN
Faculty of Law - Civil Law Section
I want to join the finance committee to revisit the budget, in order to get us more services that are more efficient. I also strongly believe in investment in environmental sustainability as it is a rewarding long term financial decision. I want more equity and creation of concrete measures to reach that goal. I promise to consult you, while respecting the requested standard of confidentiality, when decisions have to be taken and to keep you informed through short video updates.
I’ll be the first to speak up to defend our interests and won’t be scared to do so. I am and will be listening carefully to your needs and requests.
Faculty of Law - Common Law Section (1)
MICHELLE LIU
Faculty of Law - Common Law Section
I bring an intersectional perspective as a queer woman of colour that is often under- or unrepresented at decision-making tables. The discrimination I faced in my previous career as a construction engineer has made me a tireless advocate for equity and inclusion. Recently, I clearly and directly denounced the actions of Verushka Lieutenant-Duval in a signed email to her and to the 34 professors who endorsed her. I will always speak up.
I have 7 years of experience in post-secondary student governance, including 2 presidencies, 5 directorships, 3 advisory council/committee seats, and 2 board memberships. Currently, I am the VP Communications of OUTLaw 2SLGBTQ+ Law Students Association, a member of the AÉCLSS Presidential Subcommittee, and a member of the Faculty Council.
My experience serving on various University-wide, Senate-level committees at my previous institution make me a good fit for this position. I have advised and voted on student services expenditure, equity and mental health objectives in strategic planning, accessibility modifications to campus infrastructure, appeal and petition processes, adjustment of graduate stipend based on university revenue, exceptions to degree requirements, and more.
By supporting me, you ensure that you will be represented by an experienced student leader who prioritizes diversity and who is willing to put her name on the line to openly condemn discrimination and hate in our community.
If you have questions or just want to chat, please feel free to reach out to me in any way you feel comfortable!
Faculty of Medicine (1)
Vacant Position
Faculty of Health Sciences (2)
Vacant Position
Vacant Position
Faculty of Arts (3)
Vacant Position
Vacant Position
Vacant Position
Faculty of Engineering (3)
CHLOÉ RICHARD
Faculty of Engineering
Chloé is a fourth year Chemical Engineering student. Passionate about the student experience, she has always been involved, whether it be as a Community Advisor for uOttawa Housing for two years or as an Executive member of the Indigenous Ally Network at uOttawa.
As a member on the Board of Directors, Chloé wants to provide thoughtful and authentic representation of students in the Faculty of Engineering by providing feedback on the allocation of the Student Union’s funding (provided by you!) and participating in relevant sub-committees. If she is nominated, she will run a monthly virtual meeting to receive feedback or concerns from Faculty members to ensure that all voices are heard.
JULIAN WARD
Faculty of Engineering
I’m Julian, and I’m a third-year civil engineering and computing technology student and I use he/him pronouns. I’m running to represent the Faculty of Engineering because I think my previous experiences with Boards of Directors can help me keep the UOSU accountable. I’m serving my second term on the Engineering Students’ Society’s Board of Directors, where I’ve pushed for transparency from the executives and for opportunities that benefit all engineering students.
I also have executive experience, as Vice President of Corporate Affairs with the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering (CSCE) uOttawa student chapter and as ESS’s commissioner of Shinerama for 101 Week. This has allowed me to work closely with both the ESS and UOSU to deliver programs. I know what’s expected in pulling off programs, and how to tell when people aren’t succeeding in their positions.
I really hope you consider voting for me, as I feel like I have the necessary experience to make a real difference and truly represent our faculty. Thank you.
JASMIN CARTIER
Faculty of Engineering
Pronouns: he/him
I am a first-year student in mechanical and computer engineering.
I have been heavily involved in my high school and in national student groups as an environmental activist. I have also worked a few times with Oxfam-Québec. You will guess that the environment is close to my heart.
The fight against climate change is, in my opinion, a fight that must be intersectional. This means that we must consider that the people most affected by these issues are the least privileged. Social justice is therefore the priority, in my opinion.
A university community like ours must recognize its privileges and use them as a lever to make a difference within its community, but also outside of it.
My biggest regret when I became involved in my high school is that I did not get involved earlier. So here I am! In my first year with the UOSU, I plan to learn as much as I can about how the system works to represent our faculty and your concerns to the best of my ability.
IBRAHIM CHOHAN
Faculty of Engineering
A fourth-year engineering student, Ibrahim is passionate about student projects and helping to create opportunities for his peers. Ibrahim has helped organize events including the Mech Industry Night in March, STEAM Fest in 2019 and has been involved in the community since joining Ottabotics as a freshman. His agenda now, is to enable the engineering student body and to ensure that its needs are more than merely satisfied; by increasing transparency and by focusing the Student Union towards supporting students in engineering more directly.
Faculty of Sciences (2)
PRABASHA RASAPUTRA
Faculty of Sciences
Hello!
My name is Prabasha and I am a student studying Biomed and I am running to be one of the Science Directors on the UOSU!
With the current pandemic that the world is going through, we are experiencing university in a brand new experience that no one else has gone through. This comes with it’s own challenges too, however.
Virtual learning means many of the normal resources and services that are offered by the university have either been reduced or shut down completely. Many of these services and resources are extremely important and reducing them can directly impact your studies and even your mental health.
I want to help build a strong experience for the students by expanding and improving on the services currently offered to the student population. Just because this year is online doesn’t mean students should have to miss out on services they need.
I hope I have your trust and please remember to vote on November 9-11 through your uOttawa emails!
TARASHA SHARMA
Faculty of Sciences
Hello science students! My name is Tarasha Sharma and I’m a third-year biopharmaceutical science student specializing in medicinal chemistry. I have always strived and worked hard to create a welcoming environment for science students whether it was by serving as a 101 Week Guide or as the Biopharm Departmental Rep with the SSA. As a member of the board of directors, I will continue to create a more welcoming and enriching environment for science students so that we can flourish together.
What can I do for you?
- Represent you by being an active voice at the table ensuring that your ideas and opinions influence decisions. I will do this by creating and expanding avenues for student input and feedback
- Introduce more networking opportunities and career resources so that you can gain direction and focus on your career path. I will work towards establishing an online program that helps connect students looking for honours projects or similar experience in their field with profs
- I will make sure resources are available for you despite the pandemic so that you can be supported. I understand the stress of online school plus the pandemic and I will work towards creating resources that can help you excel in these situations
I will be here to not only listen but to also take action! I am excited to bring my enthusiasm and dedication to create a more positive and improved environment for us science students.
Telfer School of Management (2)
JEAN-SIMON LAVOIE-ALBERT
Telfer School of Management
Hello! I’m Jean-Simon (JS) and it’d be an honour to represent Telfer on the UOSU Board of Directors. As a Director, I’d make sure that your university experience is the best it can be, all while voting with your best interest in mind, and overseeing the financials of the Union. As students, we often undergo increased stress that deter us from our studies and other commitments, which is why I promise to always give precedence to your mental health when voting for motions.Furthermore, I plan to reduce budget deficits and ensure fiscal control in order to maximise your experience as a student and make sure your money is put to good use. I also promise to work towards a more diverse and inclusive experience for all voices here at Telfer by supporting initiatives that connect students to opportunities they have. See something you like? Let me know! See something that needs improving? Tell me! I hope I can count on your support on November 9th.
MAXIME CHOUINARD
Telfer School of Management
Hello! My name is Maxime Chouinard, and I’m running to represent Telfer on the UOSU Board of Directors. I believe Telfer deserves adequate representation on the Board, and that I am the value-added candidate in this election. On the board, I will work to promote Francophonie on campus, increase the availability of mental health services for all students, demand improvements for campus security, and champion fiscal sustainability. I am endorsed by the Telfer Finance Society Investment Group. Feel free to send me a message on LinkedIn or Instagram if you have any questions or concerns! I hope I can count on your support on November 9th!
ZACHARIAH DOWNEY
Telfer School of Management
Hello Telfer students, my name is Zachariah Downey and I’m running to represent you on the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU) Board of Directors. In this role I will ensure that the concerns of Telfer students are being heard, and their needs are being met. As our learning environment has changed, students are experiencing more financial, health (mental/emotional/physical), and academic burdens than ever before. These challenges, although felt by all, are disproportionately felt more by some, and making sure all possible resources are available is one of my greatest priorities. With new challenges approaching from all fronts, I am going to make certain that the UOSU is doing everything possible to help students through these challenging times. Voting takes place from November 9th-11th, and I hope I can count on your support Telfer!
Faculty of Social Sciences (1)
DAWOUD NAJMUDIN
Faculty of Social Sciences
Hi everyone! My name’s Dawoud Najmudin, and I’m in my first year of International Studies and Modern Languages (specializing in Mandarin). I’m from a rural area just outside of Niagara Falls, so I have chickens, rabbits, and I’m hoping to get some sheep soon 🙂. This year has been tough for us all – and with Covid, everything is uncertain. This position requires candidates to have the flexibility to adapt to these circumstances and continue to best represent our faculty. I’ve been involved with student government and local politics for the past few years, which will allow me to have that flexibility and experience. Covid has changed everything about our lives, and our academic setting is no different. Whether, like me, you’re a first-year student navigating this new university experience, or a fourth-year student finishing up your studies, I will ensure that these circumstances are handled equitably, responsibly, and transparently. Feel free to shoot me a DM if you want to discuss my platform/prior experience, or just talk, or even if you want to see pictures of my chickens 🙂 Stay safe, eh!
GERSHON TSIRULNIKOV
Faculty of Social Sciences
Hello everyone! Thanks for visiting this page! My name is Gershon and I am running to fill the vacant seat of the Faculty of Social Sciences on the Board of Directors. As a student on this campus, I have had the pleasure of getting involved in campus life by being a 101 week guide, playing a role in ensuring that bilingual students are in a comfortable environment, and finally, delving into all aspects of being a social science student, whether it’s community outreach or volunteering for my faculty’s student association. With this position, my goal will be to contribute to the work being done to preserve accountability within the student union, to join the fight to give students the mental health resources they deserve, and to work towards creating a safe and secure campus for students. As we all continue to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of these elements has been made clear, and I am here to fight for them!
Executive Committee Positions
President
Vacant Position
Equity Commissioner
JASON SEGUYA
Equity Commissioner
Hi everyone! My name is Jason Seguya, and I am a fourth-year Social Science student and the previous Student Life Commissioner of the University of Ottawa Students’ Union (UOSU). From a very young age, I have been heavily involved within my school and local community with the goal of challenging the various barriers and inequalities that continue limited members of the BIPOC community. Understanding the value of education within western society, without negating the reality of the heavily embedded racism within the education system, most of my efforts have been targeted towards creating support for racialized students as we pursue our journey in academia. My work in equity and advocacy has been seen at the University of Ottawa with various campaigns, including last year’s campaign addressing Anti-Black racism following the series of carding incidences, amongst other forms of racism and discrimination on campus. I am also heavily involved in organizing in the Ottawa community, supporting actions and initiatives created to uplift marginalized communities while seeking true social justice. I’ve held various roles in these spaces, including a speaker, chant leader, and more. My advocacy keeps intersectionality at its core, recognizing how race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, and more directly impact the barriers that individual students and community members will face while navigating these spaces. The current climate at uOttawa has been taxing for our community. We need support now more than ever. With this in mind, I would be honored to serve as the Equity Commissioner for the UOSU.
Francophone Affairs Commissioner
Vacant Position
Operations Commissioner
Vacant Position
Student Life Commissioner
Vacant Position
Advocacy Commissioner
Vacant Position
Student Services Commissioner
Vacant Position
Student Senate
Faculty of Social Sciences (1)
FÉLIX COLLIN
Faculty of Social Sciences
Greetings to all! My name is Félix Collin and I am a second-year student at the Faculty of Social Sciences in the Honours in Political Science and Juris Doctor (JD) program. I am running in the by-election for our faculty seat, and I cannot wait to become your representative in the University of Ottawa Senate.
I am proud of my university. Nevertheless, one cannot deny that improvements can always be made. The mental health crisis, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the student body, the pursuit of inclusivity, union negotiations with support staff, environmental sustainability commitments, questions regarding tuition fees and services to students as well as the defense of academic freedom and freedom of expression on campus are just some of the issues facing our university right now. Consequently, members of the Faculty must be able to count on a principled, innovative, strong and thoughtful representative. I hope to personalize such qualities in my duties as the senator the Faculty of Social Science students deserve.
Evidently, elections are only one of the ways for students to take part in the university’s governance. As your representative, I will maintain a constant link with the entire student body to facilitate everyone’s implication in the decision-making process. Consequently, do not hesitate to contact me if you have remarks, concerns, questions or suggestions; I will be more than happy to answer, as transparency is a key principle of my approach.
Join me and let’s transform the University of Ottawa for the better, together.
General Election Results
The Winter 2021 By-Election Results!
The Board of Directors
Faculty of Law - Civil Law Section
Faculty of Law - Common Law section
Faculty of Engineering
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Faculty of Sciences
Telfer School of Management
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Faculty of Social Sciences
Executive Committee Positions
Equity Commissioner
University of Ottawa Senate
Faculty of Social Sciences
Turnout: 5.4%
Number of votes: 2057
FAQ
Curious to know how our elections process will go, what positions are up for election, and what responsibilities fall under each? Check out our answers below!
The Executive Committee is formed of seven (7) Commissioners who manage the day-to-day activities of the UOSU and oversee its operations. The positions are:
- President: The role of the President is a new position, meant to support the other commissioners in their roles, represent the UOSU in communications and in relations with RSGs and the administration. The President also takes on the managing commissioner role from the Advocacy Commissioner, sharing this along with the Operations commissioner in human resources and operations. Beyond a leadership role, the President is key to holding the Executive Committee accountable and ensuring the Executive Committee completes its projects, respects deadlines and ensures the smooth operations of the Union. The President reports to the Executive Committee and he is also the Chair of the President’s Round Table as well as the Governance Committee and the Executive Committee.
- Operations Commissioner: along with the Advocacy Commissioner, is tasked with supervising the General Manager of the UOSU. This role will also direct and oversee the internal operations of the organisation and is tasked with scheduling meetings and preparing agendas. This position is responsible for the Bike Co-op, the Food Bank, the Foot Patrol, the Sustainable Development Centre, and UOSERT. Should UOSU have any business dealings, the Operations Commissioner would also oversee them.
- Advocacy Commissioner: responsible for overseeing the advocacy work of the organisation, including lobbying and public education campaigns. Along with the Operations Commissioner, they shall supervise the work of the General Manager. This position is also tasked with maintaining relations with the University of Ottawa and, where appropriate, with governments and external organisations. In addition to this, the Advocacy Commissioner will oversee the operations of the International House, the Peer Help Centre, and the Student Rights Centre.
- Equity Commissioner: tasked with directing and overseeing the equity-building work of the UOSU. They shall advocate on behalf of marginalized communities and fight against discrimination at uOttawa. They are responsible for relations with equity-building organisations active at uOttawa, and shall oversee the operations of the Centre of Students with Disabilities, the Pride Centre, the Women’s Resource Centre, the Multi-Faith Centre and the Racialized and Indigenous Student Experience (RISE) Centre.
- Francophone Affairs Commissioner: must be a student who self-identifies as francophone, shall direct and oversee services and programs aimed at francophone students, ensuring their linguistic accessibility. They shall advocate on behalf of francophones and work to promote la francophonie on campus. This role shall also oversee the operations of the Bilingualism Centre and deal with any bilingualism-related student complaints.
- Student Life Commissioner: responsible for student clubs and their representation in UOSU, planning of social events (such as 101 Week), and overseeing Zoom Productions. This Executive will be responsible for relations between the UOSU and Recognized Student Governments (Federated Bodies) and will ensure a diversity of events and social activities on the uOttawa campus. They will work closely with the administration to ensure student interests are central to event planning.
- Student Services Commissioner: The Student Services Commissioner supervises the services as well as the clubs of the UOSU. The Student services commissioner shall be the chair of the Services committee, which oversees the services of the UOSU, as well as things that relate to UOSU recognized student clubs and associations. This year, the Student Services Commissioner also chairs the Communications Round Table.
The BoD is a body of elected students who represent their respective faculties in the internal affairs of the UOSU. They are tasked with voting on motions, amending certain parts of the Constitution, holding monthly Board meetings, and overseeing the financials of the Union. This is an incredibly important job that doesn’t require as much time as the Commissioner positions, and it is a great opportunity to get involved in the student movement!
In order to be a Commissioner, a student must pass a bilingualism test (English and French) as administered by the University of Ottawa’s Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI). There are different levels of bilingualism requirements for each position, which you can access in both our Constitution and our Electoral Code. As it is a full-time, salaried position within the union, elected Executive Committee members cannot register for more than two (2) courses per semester in the year of their mandate, meaning that Commissioners must be part-time students or exceptionally more than two (2) courses per semester in the year of their mandate if they are international students. This is to ensure that their first priority is the job that they were elected and will be paid to do.
The UOSU’s transitional directors will be overseeing the Elections Committee. These three members, one of whom is the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), are responsible for treating complaints by candidates and applying any sanctions if required. If any candidate does not agree with the Election Committee’s decision, they may appeal it to the Appeals Committee, composed of three other students. All decisions by the Appeals Committee are final. Please consult our Electoral Code for more information.
All vacant positions on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors will be filled in a By-Election that will be held in Fall 2020. The newly elected Board will have the power to appoint interim Executive members to fill any vacancies on the Executive Committee; such interim Executives would be in place until their positions can be filled in the Fall By-Election.
Yes. Vacancies do not hinder the Board’s ability to pass binding motions, and any vacant Executive positions can be filled by an interim member until the Fall By-Elections take place.
The Board of Governors is the most senior corporate body that is responsible for all other aspects of the governance of the University not assigned to the Senate. This includes oversight of the management and control of the University and its property, revenues, expenditures, business, and related affairs.
Specifically, the Board approves the annual budget of the University and monitors is implementation; it establishes and collects fees and charges for tuition and other services that may be offered by the University or that may be approved by the Board on behalf of any organization or group of the University
In addition, the Board appoints the President, the Vice-Presidents and the Secretary General. It also determines the compensation and benefits of principal officers and of both the academic and administrative staff.
Please consult the Board’s website for further information.
The Senate is the highest authority on academic matters and is responsible for the sound management of academic issues on campus. The Senate has the power, subject to the approval of the Board insofar as the expenditure of funds is concerned, to create, maintain, and discontinue faculties, departments, schools and to establish chairs. It enacts by-laws and regulations for the conduct of its affairs.
In general, the Senate controls, regulates, and determines the educational and research policies of the University; determines courses of study and standards for admission to, and continued membership in, the University; and determines the qualifications for degrees and diplomas.
Please consult the Senate’s website for further information.