Calling all Arts students! The Faculty of Arts spotlights certain stand-out members of the 2022-2023 Arts Undergraduate Society Executive Team. The AUS is a student governmental body which represents and implements the interests of Arts students at 捆绑SM社区. Get to know a little bit more about some of your representatives鈥� goals and interests right here!
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AUS President, Ghania Javed (she/her/elle)
Ghania is in U3 studying Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies.
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Contact: president.aus [at] mail.mcgill.ca
1. What made you choose to get involved with the AUS?
I got involved with AUS as a staff member, initially it started off due to my curiosity about the inner-workings of a student association. Later, I saw it as a good opportunity to work with a lot of different people and groups at 捆绑SM社区 and establish friendships.
2. What are your core responsibilities as President?
As President, I am responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities that take place at AUS. I also act as a crisis manager and often times as a liaison between the AUS and 捆绑SM社区. My main responsibilities are assisting the other executives in their role and ensuring that the AUS is operating smoothly.
3. What is your favourite aspect about pursuing a degree in Arts at 捆绑SM社区?
I like how the Faculty of Arts is really flexible. For example, it has extremely diverse courses. Arts students have the option to take a Math, Psychology and South Asian Studies course all at the same time. Students have the choice to take various electives and be a part of interdisciplinary programs.
4. What AUS event or initiative are you most excited for this year?
I am excited for a lot of initiatives at AUS! This year we will have a fully in-person frosh and Bar des Arts (BdA) is back. We will be expanding on the note-taking initiative from last year and working on revamping the arts lounge.
5. What advice do you have for Arts students as we fully return to on-campus activities?
I would recommend that students take full advantage of getting involved in on-campus and off-campus activities. 捆绑SM社区 has a lot of clubs, sports and opportunities that students can get involved in. I would also encourage students to be safe and mindful of others as we fully return.
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VP Communications, Britney Vu (she/her/elle)
Britney is in U3 studying Anthropology and minoring in Psychology.
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Contact: communications.aus [at] mail.mcgill.ca
1. What made you choose to get involved with the AUS?
I wanted to get involved with the AUS because I wanted to represent the underrepresented-on student government. For those who don鈥檛 know, I am a First-Generation student in my family attending higher education. Oftentimes, I hear people say that they don鈥檛 see people similar as them on the podium, and I wanted to prove to people that the labels you are born with (whether it be BIPOC, first-generation, poor-middle-rich class) doesn鈥檛 define you; it鈥檚 how you make your experiences at 捆绑SM社区 defined who you truly are.
2. What are your core responsibilities as VP Communications?
I occupy the VP-Communications portfolio; therefore, I oversee the AUS communications to the public (including managing the AUS website). I have an awesome team of social media coordinator, webmaster, translators, francophone commissioners, fine arts councillors, graphic designer, and production coordinator who all work together to make AUS communications out to the public.
3. What is your favourite aspect about pursuing a degree in Arts at 捆绑SM社区?
My favourite thing about the Arts degree is trying out different classes based on your interests. I really liked blogging, learning about social and cultures, and learning about sexuality that I took courses in WCOM and RELG that opened my horizons in relations to my Anthropology degree.
4. What AUS event or initiative are you most excited for this year?
I am excited to bring the AUS digital calendar to AUS, so the student body can follow AUS events on the go! Even if you don鈥檛 have data/internet, you can still get notified about the AUS online and offline. Additionally, bringing more in-person glittery posters on campus as we are transitioning to in-person learning.
5. What advice do you have for Arts students as we fully return to on-campus activities?
I often tell students at panelist events to always 鈥渟eek discomfort鈥� and learn about your students鈥� rights and responsibility, because you may never know when you need it. I remembered in my freshman year; I failed an essay in this one class and I asked my professor if they can share the rubric with me. They refused to share it to me and at the time, I was clueless that I shrugged it off. A year later, I told this story and a few students have told me that according to the SRR website, I had the academic right to see the rubric. Ever since that day, I decided to know my fundamental right as a student as you may never know when you鈥檒l need it.
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VP Internal, Shannon Vezina (she/her/elle)
Shannon is in U3, double majoring in History and Anthropology.
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Contact: internal.aus [at] mail.mcgill.ca
1. What made you choose to get involved with the AUS?
I was a member of the HSA executive team last year and I wanted to explore what other possibilities there are in student government. I've always loved being involved in my community and this seems like an awesome way to do just that!
2. What are your core responsibilities as VP Internal?
In essence, the VP Internal oversees the departmental executive teams within the Arts faculty, whether that's in training, legislative council, or an awards night at the end of the year! I'm also responsible for bookings and the Arts Lounge!
3. What is your favourite aspect about pursuing a degree in Arts at 捆绑SM社区?
The atmosphere! 捆绑SM社区 is an old university and as a history student, I'm such a nerd for that. It's way easier to study in an environment that really inspires you!
4. What AUS event or initiative are you most excited for this year?
I'm really excited to see what our environmental committee is going to work on this year. I've got some really awesome executives with great ideas, and I look forward to seeing it all come to fruition!
5. What advice do you have for Arts students as we fully return to on-campus activities?
Honestly, just try to enjoy yourself and take everything a day at a time. Online schooling made our worlds really small for a while and being fully back on campus can be daunting! Enjoy the culture, and immerse yourself in the university experience, but make sure you're taking care of yourself as well!
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AUS Senator, Sam Baron (he/him/il)
Sam is in U3, majoring in Sociology with two minors in Microbiology and Immunology and the Social Studies of Medicine.
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Contact: artssenator1 [at] ssmu.ca
1. What made you choose to get involved with the AUS?
I鈥檝e been involved in the AUS since 2020, and what originally motivated me was a love of event planning and community building. Over my time as VP Social, however, I became much more involved with the administrative politics of the University, and my new role as a Senator allows me to advocate for student-friendly policy changes at the University level.
2. What are your core responsibilities as AUS Senator?
As a Senator, I sit on 捆绑SM社区 Senate as a voting member, as well as on multiple subcommittees. Mine include the Committee on Enrollment and Student Affairs, the Senate Committee on Physical Development, the Committee on Student Services, and the Committee on Student Grievances.
3. What is your favourite aspect about pursuing a degree in Arts at 捆绑SM社区?
I love the flexibility allowed to me by my Arts degree. I am a Sociology major with two minors, one in Microbiology & Immunology and the other in Social Studies of Medicine. An interdisciplinary degree such as this one is not really possible in other 捆绑SM社区 faculties, so I鈥檓 quite grateful for that.
4. What AUS event or initiative are you most excited for this year?
I鈥檓 quite excited for the official return of Bar des Arts! I鈥檝e been involved in managing the bar since last year, and it鈥檚 been super rewarding to be able to create a space for Arts students to socialize and relax in a non-academic environment on campus. There are so few opportunities for that, so I鈥檓 really glad I get to help out in making that space a reality.
5. What advice do you have for Arts students as we fully return to on-campus activities?
Meet with your DEPARTMENTAL advisors as early as possible! They can help you decide if your degree is the right path for you, as well as make sure that you don鈥檛 miss any course requirements. They鈥檙e a very underutilized resource (as seen by OASIS鈥� wait times鈥�)
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AUS Senator, Coco Jie Wang (she/her/elle)
Coco Jie is in U2, double majoring in Psychology and Philosophy.
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Contact: artssenator2 [at] ssmu.ca
1. What made you choose to get involved with the AUS?
Hey there! I'm Coco Jie, I have always been involved in 捆绑SM社区 student unions here and there, in my first year I was president of FYC (First Year Council) and I've wanted to make sure that I can help create a safe place for my peers in 捆绑SM社区 since then! AUS helps me to learn more about the structure I am in as an arts student, and at the same time I could carry on the purpose of AUS to make sure our students know about their rights and are proud to be in Arts.
2. What are your core responsibilities as an AUS Senator?
My responsibilities as an Arts Senator is conducting personal projects with help of both AUS and SSMU, this year, my projects focus on sexual and street harassment, I have already collaborated with student organizations such as WTHM to raise awareness of street harassment during frosh periods as well as instructions of self-defence, I am also trying to push 捆绑SM社区 to implement more anti-harassments protocols and tools to ensure the safety of our students, with professional collaborators already on board!
3. What is your favourite aspect about pursuing a degree in Arts at 捆绑SM社区?
My favourite aspect about pursuing a degree in Arts at 捆绑SM社区 is the enormous amount of possibilities in here, in my U0 year I got to experience and use resources from all fields in Arts - psychology, philosophy, history, political sciences...you name it. Arts in 捆绑SM社区 is a place that lets you explore your interest and potential at all times!
4. What AUS event or initiative are you most excited for this year?
The AUS event I am most excited for this year are arts lounge makeover and possible movie nights! it is possible that we might get a projection system, and it would be such a nice time to have students to hang out in our Arts Lounge stress free and meet new friends!
5. What advice do you have for Arts students as we fully return to on-campus activities?
My advice for arts students is to check our AUS and FEARC updates on social medias, we share events, initiatives and resources for students really often, for example, we post about paid lab studies, bonding opportunities with other students, we promote on/near campus entertainments, and there will soon be a potential nation-wide survey for gender based sexual violence to help build tools and networks to provide students a safer campus, so stay tuned!
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AUS Arts Representative to SSMU, Matthew O鈥橞oyle (he/him/il)
Matthew is in U2, studying International Development Studies, Sociology, and Economics.
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Contact: artsrep2 [at] ssmu.ca
1. What made you choose to get involved with the AUS?
I became involved with AUS because I鈥檝e always enjoyed being tuned in and engaged with the student communities I鈥檝e been a part of. My first position in AUS as an equity commissioner initially interested me because of the direct liaising I did between students who had equity concerns and the AUS team. In my new position as Arts Rep, I plan to bring the same outlook while expanding the types of projects I will work on.
2. What are your core responsibilities as an Arts Rep to SSMU?
My core responsibilities as Arts Rep to SSMU are all based around representing the students of the AUS and liaising between the SSMU and our faculty鈥檚 governing body. This means sitting on committees and providing an AUS perspective as well as proposing, informing, and voting on SSMU motions and legislation. Throughout all of this, it is essential that I keep the interests of all students within the Faculty of Arts in mind and actively advocate for our student body.
3. What is your favourite aspect about pursuing a degree in Arts at 捆绑SM社区?
My favorite aspect about pursuing an Arts degree at 捆绑SM社区 has been engaging with the wide array of professors who specialize in topics and areas from all around the world. Their interest in different countries, cultures, and communities is informed by their research and invigorated by being in the classroom with students. As an International Development Studies student, this enthusiasm is contagious.
4. What AUS event or initiative are you most excited for this year?
I am most excited for a post-pandemic resurgence of student government engagement. The pandemic made it extremely difficult to engage with the student body and as we see life begin to return to normal, I鈥檓 excited to see both social and procedural engagement increase again.
5. What advice do you have for Arts students as we fully return to on-campus activities?
Take every opportunity to engage with the community around you. I am constantly surprised and inspired by the incredible students who go to this school and being actively part of this community is a great way to take full advantage of what 捆绑SM社区 has to offer.
If you have questions about any initiatives mentioned above, or would like to contact any of the other members of the AUS Executive Team, visit the AUS website (ausmcgill.com) or contact your representatives directly via email!
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AUS Arts Representative to SSMU, Angelica Voutsinas (she/her/elle)
Angelica is in U3, studying Political Science, Canadian Studies and World Cinemas.
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Contact: artsrep3 [at] ssmu.ca
1. What made you choose to get involved with the AUS?
As a 捆绑SM社区 Arts student, the AUS has been an awesome resource for me so far. I chose to get involved so I could have a direct influence on improving all the great things that the AUS does!
2. What are your core responsibilities as an Arts Representative to SSMU?
As one of three Arts Representatives to SSMU, my main responsibility is to represent the interests of Arts students at SSMU Legislative Council. I also get to sit on a number of SSMU, AUS, and Faculty of Arts committees, such as the Faculty of Arts Curriculum Committee!
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3. What is your favourite aspect about pursuing a degree in Arts at 捆绑SM社区?
The faculty! I've had so many wonderful professors as a 捆绑SM社区 Arts student.
4. What AUS event or initiative are you most excited for this year?
I'm most excited for BdA! It's an opportunity to have a good time with fellow arts students in my favourite campus spot (the Arts Lounge) every week.
5. What advice do you have for Arts students as we fully return to on-campus activities?
Don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions. Whether it's reaching out to your AUS executives, academic advising, or Professors and TA's, there are so many great resources to help you navigate the return to being fully on-campus.
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VP Academic, Nick Rieck (he/him/il)
Nick is in U2 studying English Literature and Anthropology with a focus on South Asian Studies.
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Contact: academic.aus [at] mail.mcgill.ca
1. What made you choose to get involved with the AUS?
I wanted to get involved with AUS after serving as Academic Affairs Commissioner because I discovered a passion for advocacy and equity in the academic sphere. I found that AUS was an amazing outlet to be able to advocate for students' rights at a faculty and university level. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to represent my fellow Arts students at various 捆绑SM社区 forums.
2. What are your core responsibilities as VP Academic?
My core responsibilities as VP Academic can be divided into Academic Services and Academic Advocacy. In terms of Services, my portfolio handles the major academic services such as Peer Tutoring and the Essay Center. These are excellent tools that are often underused by Arts students! With regards to Advocacy, my portfolio also triages and aids students in academic complaints, while also representing students at forums such as 捆绑SM社区 Committees.
3. What is your favourite aspect about pursuing a degree in Arts at 捆绑SM社区?
My favourite aspect of pursuing an Arts degree at 捆绑SM社区 is the immense flexibility and breadth of study. Particularly at 捆绑SM社区, there is a great respect for the Arts and this is reflected in the numerous courses offered on topics that would be considered niche at other institutions. Throughout my studies at 捆绑SM社区, I've come to learn time and time again that there is a lot more that unites rather than divides in different disciplines in Social Sciences and Humanities. Recognizing these cross-sections is important to me as it provides for a more rounded, globalized, and enriched education experience.
4. What AUS event or initiative are you most excited for this year?
I am most excited to re-introduce in-person services to the 捆绑SM社区 Arts community this year! Indeed, our services definitely went underutilized during the past two years, but I am excited to safety transition to an in-person option as well!
5. What advice do you have for Arts students as we fully return to on-campus activities?
As we return to on-campus activities, I encourage students to get involved with campus organizations and clubs! Although you've probably heard this advice before, it is a great way to meet like minded individuals and work towards common goals and interests!