The Countdown Is On: Meet Your Candidates!

Three days until the polls are closed. If  you haven’t made up your mind yet, here are some considerations to help decide who gets your vote! Meet your candidates: each with a unique vision and plan to improve your university experience. Whether you're concerned about affordability, mental health support, housing, or career opportunities, these candidates are ready to work towards real, tangible solutions.

Moha Kaviani

Students are facing significant challenges, including financial stress, job insecurity after graduation, and the rising cost of living. To address these, Moha Kaviani plans to expand affordable meal programs, increase financial aid and grants, and establish a Free Store where students can access essential items. Additionally, Kaviani aims to advocate for more on-campus job opportunities and job fairs to help students transition smoothly into the workforce.

Priority Initiatives:

• Food Security & Housing

• Job & Career Support

• Financial Relief

• Building a Supportive Community

How These Will Be Achieved: Kaviani plans to collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and policymakers to implement these initiatives. By prioritizing student input, she will ensure decisions remain student-centred.

What Sets This Candidate Apart: Kaviani stands out due to their unique experience of transitioning from the workforce to academia, providing them with a deep understanding of the challenges students face after graduation. Their leadership in revitalizing a student association showcases their ability to unite and organize for change. Kaviani’'s leadership philosophy, "Leadership That Listens," reflects her commitment to student-driven decisions.

Mohit Dudeja

Students face a range of challenges, including financial stress, high tuition fees, housing affordability, and mental health support, particularly for BIPOC and international students. If elected, Mohit Dudeja plans to advocate for increased university funding, lower tuition fees, and expanded financial aid. Additionally, he will push for fair immigration policies, better public transportation, alternative parking funding, and more on-campus employment opportunities. Dudeja is committed to enhancing student services, improving communication, and ensuring greater transparency and student participation in decision-making.

Priority Initiatives:

• Fighting for Increased Funding and Reduced Fees

• Free and reliable transportation for environmental care

• Enhancing Student Services and Creating Spaces for Student Voices

• Ensuring Inclusion for Orillia and Law Campuses

• Strengthening Advocacy Through Collaboration

How These Will Be Achieved: Dudeja will focus on advocacy and activism to secure increased funding and reduced fees. He will collaborate with student unions and policymakers for affordable education and expanded financial aid. Additionally, he will push for improved public transportation, sustainable campus practices, and more inclusive student services. By advocating for Orillia and Law campuses, he plans to increase engagement and support, ensuring all student voices are heard.

What Sets This Candidate Apart: Dudeja distinguishes himself through his extensive background in education policy, combined with leadership in advocacy and governance. His track record in policymaking and his commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and responsive student services demonstrate his ability to push for tangible, systemic change that benefits all students.

Aliss Chavarri

Students are facing affordability issues, food insecurity, and unstable housing. If elected, Aliss Chavarri plans to implement emergency housing support, create an affordable Fresh Produce Market on campus, and expand legal services to assist with tenant disputes and other legal needs. Her goal is to ensure every student has access to the resources and support necessary for success.

Priority Initiatives:

• Emergency Housing Support

• Fighting Food Insecurity

• Affordable Legal Services

• Diversity & Inclusion

How These Will Be Achieved: Chavarri will work closely with local hostels to provide temporary housing, launch the Fresh Produce Market, and expand food bank hours. She will also collaborate with local law firms to offer affordable legal services, especially for tenant-related issues. Promoting diversity and inclusion will be a priority, with the candidate advocating for more support for marginalized communities and greater cultural engagement. These initiatives will be achieved through close collaboration with students, LUSU, and external partners.

What Sets This Candidate Apart: Chavarri brings a strong blend of student governance experience, legal expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. As a current LUSU Board Member, she has demonstrated a track record of securing funding for student initiatives and working closely with diverse student groups to promote inclusion and support. Her practical approach combines leadership and advocacy to address critical student needs.

Sanpreet Singh

Students are facing significant challenges, including rising financial pressures, mental health concerns, and limited career opportunities. To address these, Sanpreet Singh aims to advocate for lower tuition fees, increased scholarships, and more affordable transit options, including an optional bus pass. Mental health services will be expanded with a focus on hiring BIPOC and gender-diverse counsellors. Additionally, Singh plans to enhance career readiness by increasing co-op and internship opportunities, ensuring that students have the resources and support to succeed during and after their university experience.

Specific Goals & Initiatives:

• Transportation & Accessibility

• Financial Support & Scholarships

• Mental Health & Wellness

• Career Development

• Student Spaces & Infrastructure

• Equity & Inclusion

• Campus Safety

• Transparency & Student Voice

How These Will Be Achieved: Singh plans to achieve these goals by leveraging relationships with local politicians, university administrators, and community leaders. He will push for policy changes, secure additional funding, and engage students through town halls and feedback platforms to ensure their voices are central to decision-making.

What Sets This Candidate Apart: Singh sets himself apart with his proven ability to secure tangible improvements as the VP of Finance & Operations, including enhancing student spaces and advocating for lower tuition fees. His unique blend of financial expertise, leadership, and advocacy across local, provincial, and federal levels makes him a strong candidate with a passion for making real, lasting changes for students.

As the election draws near, remember that your vote is your voice. This is your chance to shape the future of our university and ensure that the issues that matter most to you are addressed. Take the time to carefully consider each candidate's plans and vision and make an informed decision that reflects your values and priorities. Your participation matters—don’t let this opportunity pass by. Get out there, vote, and help create a stronger, more supportive community for all students!