Policy

Guide: Evolve SSA 2016-2017

Table of Contents
Advocacy ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Updates and Renovations: ............................................................................................................. 2
Budget Consultations ...................................................................................................................... 2
Communications ............................................................................................................................... 2
Accountability .................................................................................................................................... 2
Policies ................................................................................................................................................. 2
Workshops and Speaker Series ................................................................................................... 3

Student Services ....................................................................................................................... 3

Student Financial Assistance ........................................................................................................ 3
Science Orientation Week .............................................................................................................. 3
Mental Health Awareness .............................................................................................................. 3
Study Spaces ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Student Group Funding ................................................................................................................... 4
Peer Advisor Program ..................................................................................................................... 4

Student Involvement .............................................................................................................. 4

Volunteer Bank .................................................................................................................................. 4
External Tutoring ............................................................................................................................. 5
Evening of Excellence in Research .............................................................................................. 5
Faculty Sports Competition ........................................................................................................... 5

Student Experience ................................................................................................................. 5

University Campaign Weeks ......................................................................................................... 5
Career Roundtable ........................................................................................................................... 5
Resume Building Workshops ....................................................................................................... 5
Science Student Mixers ................................................................................................................... 5
Trivia Night ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Exam Crams Week ............................................................................................................................ 6

Community ................................................................................................................................. 6
Indigenous Student Mentorship Program ................................................................................ 6
International Student Mentorship Program ........................................................................... 6
Advocacy .............................................................................................................................................. 6

Association Duties ................................................................................................................... 7

Active Association Duties ............................................................................................................... 7
Locker Sales ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Inclusive Student Association ...................................................................................................... 7
Get Involved with SSA ...................................................................................................................... 7

Meet the Team .......................................................................................................................... 8

Get in Touch ............................................................................................................................ 11


Advocacy
Updates and Renovations:
-

Advocate for the renovation of the Armes Link with an addition of double
doors to decrease wind draft for the greenhouse and more study spaces,
creating a warmer and more comfortable space for students.
Address the issue of locker shortages by updating and using the unclaimed
lockers found in the Duff Roblin tunnels, allowing more students to use
lockers throughout the academic year.
Create space in tunnels and hallways to showcase student academic and
research achievements.
Advocate for more charging stations and electrical outlets for the science
students.

Budget Consultations

Host town hall meetings with students to discuss and consult on the
endowment fund and Science Student Association funds.

Communications
-

Facilitate better communication with science students, including monthly

emails to students about updates on events, campaigns, and meetings.
Provide all meeting minutes, records, budgets, and finance updates on
community link.
Ensure all forms and documents are accessible to students.

Accountability

Ensure UMSU and SSA are held accountable and provide proper public
records for students that request them.
Advocate for the transparency of all UMSU financial documents and have all
UMSU financial documents accessible in the SSA offices available upon
request.
Have full financial reports presented monthly at SSA meetings
Have all financial reports accessible on UMCommunityLink to be viewed by
the public.

Policies
-

Advocate for the interests of the science students during senate meetings.
Ensure that science students are involved and aware of decisions brought
during UMSU council meetings.

Ensure that sustainable practices are being met in the science complex

Workshops and Speaker Series

-

Implement departmental speaker series (given by professors or graduate

students) to increase awareness of different science related occupations and
research opportunities
Expand and promote the current MedTalks
Provide public workshops to science students in cooperation with UMSU
regarding:
- Consent Culture
- Respect in the Workplace
- Fossil Fuel Divestment
- Academic Integrity/Dishonesty
- Equity

Student Services
Student Financial Assistance
-

Continue to improve existing scholarship opportunities based on academics,

indigenous, and international student achievement.
Develop more scholarships for students based on involvement, leadership,
and community service rather than GPA.
Develop more bursaries based on financial need.

Science Orientation Week

-

Expand on the existing science orientation to create a three day event during
orientation week for U1 and science students to meet faculty and council,
learn about student groups, and get introduced to the different departments
in science.
Provide food and prizes to students.
Partner with external organization to create a Science Career Fair during
Science Orientation Week.
Finish off the week with a Welcome Back to School meet and greet event
featuring live entertainment.

Mental Health Awareness

-

Create mental health awareness and resource provision campaigns

throughout the year.
Provide resources such as counselling services through PEERs and Active
Minds.

Ensure students feel stress free and know they are supported during exam
weeks.

Study Spaces
-

Advocate for study carrel rooms that students may rent for the duration of
the academic year.
Provide more study tables and seating areas across the science complex
Ensure the Armes lecture halls are accessible for students to study during
period of no classes or exams.
Open other rooms across the Science Complex as rotating study halls to
ensure the best quality study environment.

Student Group Funding

-

Create a comprehensive funding request form for student groups applying

assistance.
Distribute funding equally and fairly among students and groups who
request for assistance.
Ensure all forms are accessible to students on social media and
UMCommunityLink.

Peer Advisor Program

Pair upper level students with U1 students transition to the Faculty of

Science or younger science students to mentor and advise them in finding
their focus of study.
Provide relatable advice and assistance on different departments, degrees,
occupations related to science.
Assist students in learning more about academic integrity and provide them
with the proper resources and strategies they need to make their studies
successful.

Student Involvement
Volunteer Bank

Provide students with a bank of volunteer opportunities through Science

Student Association and other groups
Advertise various volunteer opportunities provided by Career Services.
Ensure that all volunteer opportunities are available and easily accessible to
science students.
Provide a wide range of opportunities to expose students to a variety
potential interested to students.

External Tutoring
-

Provide external resources for students to be successful in their studies.

Act as an intermediary between students and tutors to ensure the quality
education and teaching practices.

Evening of Excellence in Research

-

Host an evening that celebrates student research, so they can present their
accomplishments and share their work with the public.

Faculty Sports Competition

-

Create a science sports team for various games (hockey, ultimate, basketball,
etc.) to promote competition against other faculty teams.
Encourage all science students to get active to alleviate stress.
Promote intramural games in various sports for students to enjoy, held in the
Frank Kennedy and the Active Living Centre

Student Experience
University Campaign Weeks

Work with UMSU to promote campaign weeks (Equity Week, International

Week, etc.) to science students.

Career Roundtable
-

Invite external organization, research students, and faculty to participate in a

career roundtable.
Introduce students to various fields of science and healthcare.
Introduce students to the research field within the university community

Resume Building Workshops

-

Have professionals go over resumes, to allow job-seeking students to better

represent themselves when applying for positions.
Provide the opportunity to have professional headshots taken on campus
once per term.

Science Student Mixers

-

Host an evening at The Hub where students can casually meet other students.

Trivia Night

Plan Trivia Nights to challenge students to utilize their knowledge through

fun and friendly competitions.

Exam Crams Week

-

Improve the Exam Crams Week by providing exam preparation assistance

from tutors, as well as food and refreshments at lunch hours throughout the
week.
Host an Exam Cram All-Nighter in the Science Lounge (for both Fall and
Winter Terms) to ensure a safe and quiet study space for students.
- Provide refreshments and group study breaks to increase
productivity and positivity, while decreasing stress.
Provide the resources such as writing tutors, peer reviews, and external
tutors to ensure that students are getting the best out of their education.

Community
Indigenous Student Mentorship Program
-

Continue with the current development of an Indigenous mentorship

program that will target first year students and match them with a mentor to
guide them through their first academic year.

International Student Mentorship Program

-

Create a program to assist international students struggling to find their

place on campus and help them get involved.
Assist in the guidance of students during their first and second academic year
at the University of Manitoba.

Advocacy
-

Ensure the needs of the international students and indigenous students are
addressed during senate meetings, UMSU meetings, and to the
administration relating to:
- Tuition Increases
- Course Curriculum

Association Duties
Active Association Duties

Host small monthly giveaways with prize that a science student can make use
of during their studies.
Provide free food and refreshments to student on a monthly basis.
Promote students participation in events and activities by utilizing the
poster boards and calendar as well as directly emailing students.
Increase advertisement for rental equipment (lab goggles, coats, etc.),
practice exam booklets, and the free tutoring program.

Locker Sales
-

Ensure a fast and easy way to sell lockers by using visa/debit terminals to
shorten lines.
Provide receipts to students to reduce complications during and after
transactions.
Provide combination locks on lockers at reasonable prices, to reduce
expenses for students.

Inclusive Student Association

Bridge the gaps between the science students association, student groups
and, and the faculty.
Collaborate with other faculties (Fine Arts, Music, Architecture, etc.) to
develop opportunities for artistic and creative endeavours related to Science.

Get Involved with SSA

-

Give students the opportunity to be involved with the student council and
have the opportunity to present their suggestions, regardless of being an
elected or appointed member of the council.
Provide opportunities for the entire science student body that will include:
- Preparing for science events
- Assisting in advertising and participating in campaigns
Allow students to apply their volunteerism onto their Co-Curricular Record

Meet the Team

Yahweh Villanueva -President-

My name is Yahweh Villanueva and I am running for President with the team
Evolve. I am in my fourth year in the Bachelor of Science degree pursuing a major in
Microbiology. This past year, I have been the Director of Academics on the Science
Students Association, Co-President of the World Vision Student group, outreach
coordinator for St. Johns Ambulance, and a member of a various student groups.

If elected, I would like to bridge the gap between students and the faculty and
serve as a liaison to ensure that students are being supported. Through the hosting a
science orientation week, I believe we can improve the lack of communication and
connection. Students will have the opportunity to ask their questions, learn more
about their options and interests, and, most importantly, feel at home in the Faculty
of Science. I will work with the mentality of ensuring students feel involved and a
part of the student union. I will work to be the voice for the science students.

The team and I will work to involve the students in every decision, event, and
campaign. We will resolve student issues and advocate for the best interests of
classmates. We will dissolve the culture of dominance and promote equality in all
departments. We will Evolve SSA.

Kelsey Papineau -Vice President-

My name is Kelsey Papineau and Im running for Vice-President on Evolve. I
am in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Genetics. For
the past two years Ive had the opportunity to be on the Science Students
Association council, and it has been an amazing experience. It has taught me how to
be a leader and how to take initiative. Ive had an opportunity to serve on the
UMASA council, the Indigenous Achievement Committee, and begin many student
initiatives likes our Indigenous Students Mentorship program.

Next year, I promise a commitment to better mental health and counselling
services for students through our proposed peer advisor program where first year
students will be able to seek advice from more experienced students who can
provide relevant and straightforward help when it comes to information about
degrees, departments, career development, and potential occupation paths. This is
information I wish I had early on in my undergraduate career.

If elected, I want to ensure that students from all backgrounds are
represented within our faculty. This will be accomplished through our proposed
mentorship programs for international and indigenous students to address the lack
of support for minorities in science.

Along with the twelve other amazing individuals on our team, I want to make
this coming year the best year possible for science students. We know that together
we can Evolve SSA.

Marissa Antoniuk -Special Events Coordinator-

My name is Marissa Antoniuk, I am in my second year pursuing a major in
Genetics. I am running with Evolve as your next SSA Special Events Coordinator.

Experiencing a community feeling in my faculty is important to me, so it is a goal of

mine to bring together my peers. This upcoming year, I hope to organize events for
the science students where we are able to come together and celebrate our
successes throughout the Fall and Winter terms. We are sharing this university
experience together, so lets make some new friends along the way!

Jordan Beck -Indigenous Representative-

My name is Jordan Beck and I am currently in my third year in the faculty of
science. As your next Indigenous representative, I would like to create a more
inclusive environment for the Indigenous students by assisting wit the current
development of the indigenous program in the effort to increase student success. I
will also work to advocate that conversations with the students union in bettering
the quality of education are being held.

Sarah Shoukat -International Representative-

My name is Sarah Shoukat and I am in my second year in the faculty. I am
really looking forward to getting more international students involved in SSA. I want
them to know about what we can do for them such as, on-campus activities and
workshops hosted by SSA. I want them to graduate with a better mind and visionary
approach.

Karan Sharma -Secretary-

I am Karan Sharma and I am a third year student. I want to be the secretary
of the science student association. For far to long there has been a lack of
transparency in the SSA. I want to ensure that the science students are updated on
what the council is doing. I want everyone to feel a sense of community and
inclusiveness with SSA.

Mira Villegas -Senator-

My name is Mira Villegas and I am a second year student. I am proud to be
running as senator with an enthusiastic group of individuals on the team, Evolve. My
goal next year is quite simple; to create a safe and motivational environment for all
students. I want to connect our faculty together by organizing study groups and
providing exam materials (and food)! I will make sure students are informed on
policies dealing with voluntary withdrawal, prerequisites, grades, and deadlines. I
am ready to be the voice that advocates for science students.

Taylor Nimchonok -Senator-

My name is Taylor Nimchonok and I am a second year biology student hoping
to study Veterinary Medicine. I am excited to be running as senator with Evolve. In a
faculty as large as ours, its easy to feel like youre just a number and a lack a voice in
what is happening around you. As your senator, I will be dedicated to representing
the best interests of students while ensuring that you are heard loud and clear. This
includes advocating for fair and sensible voluntary withdrawal guidelines.


Tori Miller -Senator-

My name is Tori Miller, I am completing a general bachelor of science degree
as my second degree. I am hoping to be one of your senators in the upcoming 20162017 academic year. Coming from another university with different policies and
procedures, has given me a broader perspective of opportunities that should be
available for all students. I am passionate about the voluntary withdrawal policy and
will work hard to represent the student body and provide only the best services to
students!

Ryan Churchill -UMSU Representative-

My name is Ryan Churchill, I am in my second year studying biology. Next
year I want to promote positive mental health among science students. Mental
Health can be greatly affected by factors in your daily life, specifically the stress of
balancing university, work, health, and relationships. I want to ensure as your UMSU
representative your needs are being address and tackled by our students union.

Ashley Penner -UMSU Representative-

My name is Ashley Penner, I am currently in my fourth year. I see SSA as
being the link to students finding their place in the faculty by offering welcoming
programming. As your next UMSU rep, I want to make sure UMSU is running with
accountability. I want to be the voice for students that dont have the time to be
involved and make sure that UMSU returns to being an organization that advocates
for quality, affordable and accessible education.

Cole Kubay -UMSU Representative-

My name is Cole Kubay. I am a second year student in the Faculty of Science
studying microbiology. Im running for the position of UMSU representative. One of
my goals for the coming year is making UMSU and SSA more accountable for their
actions, in terms of finances and bylaws. I also have a passion for service work and
volunteering. This year I was co-president the World Vision student group on
campus. I plan on aiding in the creation of the volunteer bank specifically for science
students. This bank will help students find meaningful service placements to gain
relevant experience in a field of interest.

Ryan Sherbo -UMSU Representative-

My name is Ryan Sherbo. I am a third year student, currently pursuing an
honours degree in Math and I am running to be an UMSU Representative.
Throughout my time at this university, Ive seen how isolating it can be to a science
student, especially when you feel all you have to do is study. I think the Science
Students Association has an important role to play in making science a little more
friendly and personable. To this end, I would like to work with the faculty and the
students union to give students more opportunities to showcase their academic
research achievements and create a stronger sense of community amongst other
disciplines, especially between science and the arts.

Get in Touch

Facebook: facebook.com/evolvessa

Yahweh Villanueva - President

Instagram: @yvillanueva_

Kelsey Papineau - Vice President

Instagram: @kelsey_papineau

Marissa Antoniuk - Special Events Coordinator

Instagram: @yourgirlmarmar

Jordan Beck - Indigenous Students Representative

Instagram: @beckjordan

Sarah Shoukat - International Students Representative

Instagram: @sarahshoukat

Karan Sharma - Secretary

Instagram: @karansharma95

Mira Villegas - Senator

Instagram: @miravillegas

Taylor Nimchonok - Senator

Instagram: @taylornimchonok

Tori Miller - Senator

Instagram: @torifmiller

Ryan Churchill - UMSU Representative

Instagram: @ryan_churchill

Ashley Penner - UMSU Representative

Instagram: @pennerashley

Cole Kubay - UMSU Representative

Instagram: @colekubay

Ryan Sherbo - UMSU Representative

Instagram: @rysherbo