Candidate Statements for the 2024 Elections - UTM Academic Affairs Committee

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (FULL AND PART TIME)

“Full-Time Undergraduate Student” means a Student registered at the University in a program of full-time study leading to a degree or post-secondary diploma or certificate of the University or in a program designated by the Governing Council as a program of post-secondary study at the University who is not registered in the School of Graduate Studies or the Toronto School of Theology. Full-Time Undergraduate Student status will be determined by the definition used in the Student’s academic division. For the purpose of the Governing Council elections, Students at the University of Toronto Scarborough who are registered in a work term will be considered to be Full-Time Undergraduate Students.

“Part-Time Undergraduate Student” means a Student registered at the University in a program of part-time study leading to a degree or post-secondary diploma or certificate of the University or in a program designated by the Governing Council as a program of post-secondary study at the University who is not registered in the School of Graduate Studies or the Toronto School of Theology. Part-Time Undergraduate Student status will be determined by the definition used in the Student’s academic division.

5 SEATS - 10 CANDIDATES - ELECTION REQUIRED

Ewan Wilton

As a past public servant in the House of Commons, I know what it's like to serve. I have spent the last five years serving my community in various ways, locally or in Ottawa. Now, it's my turn to serve students at the University of Toronto Mississauga Community. I am focused on making life more affordable and fair for students. I hope to improve the student experience exponentially, and my years of service to this country and this province prove that I am a suitable candidate for this task. My goal is to help students and make life easier.

Anthony Makwanda

My name is Anthony Beatus Makwanda, third-year student pursuing Biology and Chemistry majors. I am running for UTM Academic Affairs Committee as a representative for undergraduate students to stand for my peers regarding crucial matters that affect students' academic perspectives. As a student being affected by the departmental academic policies created, I am dedicated to the approval of better policies. Serving in UTMAAC last year, I realized that most of my peers are not aware of the academic policies changes and their rights as students. Therefore, awareness is crucial and I anticipate providing it. 

Ava Zdrava

Encouraging equality and making sure that EVERY student's voice is heard are causes close to my heart. As both a student and a candidate, I pledge to stand up for inclusive policies, promote the value of equal educational opportunities, and represent our diverse student body on the Academic Affairs Committee. I will work to enhance the academic atmosphere at UTM and make it a place where each student's viewpoint is cherished and taken into consideration. Together, as a community, let's build an educational experience that empowers and unites us all.

Shakhriyor Bakhtiyorov

As an international student, my time at UTM has been a rollercoaster. From meeting many new friends in residence, to completing some of the toughest classes I have ever taken. This is the story for many of you, yet it isn't always true that our experience at UTM is everything it could be. Previously serving in leadership positions, as your representative on the Academic Affairs Committee, I will ensure your voices are heard by the university, and that our academic experience is shaped in our best interests. We will build a strong UTM community, together. https://www.instagram.com/shakhriyor.b?igsh=eGxtNWI0dDFzbHM4

Abdullah Khan

I am excited to contribute to UTM's Academic Affairs Committee, bringing a passion for educational excellence and a commitment to student success. With a background in Geography and Environmental Science, I aim to foster a collaborative environment, advocate for innovative teaching methods, and address student concerns. Together, let's enhance the academic experience for all UTM students, ensuring a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

Alexander Kurdi

Greetings UTM! My name is Alexander Kurdi and I'm a second-year undergraduate student pursuing biology for health sciences. Ever since I was 10 years old, competing in chess tournaments that took place here at UTM, I've always aspired to eventually becoming a student here. Now that I'm here, I'm delighted to have the opportunity to become a part of the academic affairs committee of the university and to share my passion for our campus and community. As an academic affairs associate, my main priority is to uphold student values and maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

Chris Granger-Sandov

Hi! I'm Chris, a Biology undergrad at UTM. I was originally a med school student overseas but due to a governing member's gross mistreatment, in addition to a family member's declining health, I had to leave that school and return here to study. I've unfortunately had to restart with an undergraduate. I may have been mistreated by a governing member, but I will do everything I can to ensure no other student is. This university should always be upheld as a beacon of learning that never infringes on its students' rights, and I will help ensure it stays that way.

Damien Kemka Douanla

I'm him; vice-president of his high school student body, award-winning National Model UN delegate, and proud UTM student that will stand by the students' best interests. I'm him. Key decisions taken during Academic Affair Committee meetings shape every student's academic experience and I believe that students have a voice in students' matter. As your representative, I will advocate for stronger emphasis on the relevancy of each courses within a PoST, academic support for incoming and first-year students and inclusion of new AI technologies in curricula. Without your support, I cannot be him. Damien Kemka Douanla Reach me @dukeofnemours

Ayman Kashif

Hello UTM! I'm Ayman Kashif, a first-year Life Sciences student. I'm thrilled to run for the UTM Academic Affairs Committee. As an advocate for quality education, I aim to amplify student voices in shaping policies that enhance teaching, learning, and research. With a background in various educational settings both globally and in Canada, I am ready to contribute to the committee's vital role in recommending academic policy amendments. Together, let's ensure UTM remains a hub of excellence. Vote Ayman Kashif for effective representation and positive change.

Katie Ngo

As a second-year undergraduate, I am impassioned with the strong will of UTM’s student body to be seen and heard. Through my experience working as a tutor, an FSG facilitator and in participating in peer-mentor programs, I deeply understand the resources needs to better the academic community on campus. More importantly, I know personally that student input is the fiber connecting staff and students into a knitted community. As a representative, I will dedicate my voice to amplifying concerns of students and promote efforts to support academic success. With your voice, we can pave a brighter future for all students.

TEACHING STAFF

“Teaching Staff” means employees of the University who hold the academic rank of Professor; Associate Professor; Assistant Professor; Professor, Teaching Stream; Associate Professor, Teaching Stream; Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream; Lecturer and Senior Lecturer; Tutor and Senior Tutor; Assistant Professor (Conditional); Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream (Conditional); Sessional Lecturer I, Sessional Lecturer II, Sessional Lecturer III, Athletics Instructor and Senior Athletics Instructor but does not include any part-time lecturer who is registered as a student. For this purpose, “Lecturer” also includes Associates in the Faculty of Dentistry.

1 SEAT for the DEPARTMENT OF HISTORICAL STUDIES - 2 CANDIDATES - ELECTION REQUIRED

Brian Gettler

I have been a member of Historical Studies since 2015, having served for one year as the History Program Director. During this time, I have taught a wide array of courses, published a book and several articles, won a number of research grants, and supervised graduate and undergraduate students. I would be honoured to make use of this experience on behalf of the Department and to work with faculty, staff and students as a member of the UTM Academic Affairs Committee, the body charged with addressing teaching, learning, and research on the campus.

Gary Lee Pelletier

I am a contract faculty member here in Historical Studies at UTM. I am a junior scholar of women's, gender, and sexuality studies and a passionate pedagogue. I love teaching and I have grown quite fond of the community of educators, students, and staff here at UTM. Both my research and courses taught are highly interdisciplinary, and so I think I am well positioned to safeguard and help improve the academic affairs at this campus. 

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

“Administrative Staff” means the staff-appointed employees of the University, University College, the Constituent Colleges and the Federated Universities who are not members of the Teaching Staff thereof.

1 SEAT - 2 CANDIDATES - ELECTION REQUIRED

Afsaneh Tafazzoli

As a Senior Planner and licensed Architect at FMP, I've played a pivotal role in diverse projects, including implementing the Master Plan. These experiences equip me with in-depth knowledge of UTM campus—its teaching, learning, research, and social spaces. On the Academic Affairs Committee, I'll bring a fresh perspective to advancing and promoting teaching and research streams by strategizing for optimized and quality spaces. Drawing from my non-profit board tenure at OACC, engaging under-represented groups, I offer an equity-centric approach to address collective needs, long-term impacts, and cross-sectional facets. These skills readily align with the committee's objectives.

Jihan Khatib

I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Academic Affairs Committee. As a UTM graduate and Academic Integrity Specialist in the Dean’s Office, I bring a unique perspective to enrich our academic landscape. Having previously served on the committee as a student, I’ve collaborated with faculty and understand of the dynamics of policies. Drawing from these experiences, I’m committed to ensuring that policies reflect diverse voices, thereby fostering academic excellence. Together, let’s propel UTM into an inclusive future where our policies genuinely mirror our community’s values. Your support will be instrumental in bringing about positive change for UTM's academic future!