Candidate Statements for the 2026 Elections - UTM Campus Council

Ayman Kashif

Hey everyone! I’m Ayman (aye-mun), a third-year neuroscience student at UTM, and I’ve been living on campus for the past three years. I’ve served on the Residence Dining Committee and the Academic Affairs Committee, where I saw how bringing the right student concerns into the right rooms can lead to real change. I’d love to continue doing that through the UTM Campus Council. I’m active on campus and always talking to students and hearing about their experiences, so feel free to reach out or say hi if you see me around!

Rita Sande

I am running for the UTM Campus Council because I care about how students experience this campus day to day. From academic supports to campus services and student spaces, small decisions can meaningfully shape students’ sense of belonging and success. As an Arts and Science undergraduate at UTM studying Economics and Political Science, with minors in Psychology and Philosophy, I bring a perspective informed by lived experience and ethical, practical reasoning. I am especially  attentive to students in communities that historically felt unheard. If elected, I will listen carefully, raise concerns clearly, and contribute to inclusive, student focused campus decisions.

Mahi Mukati 

My name is Mohammad Mahi Ali Mukati, and I’m running to be a voice for the students on UTM's Campus Council. I have extensive experience in student leadership, advocacy, and organizing across campus and beyond. My focus is simple: using digital complaint collection ticket systems and social media presence to improve student representation, ensure concerns are actually followed up on, and make campus decision-making more transparent and accessible for all. I believe council should work with and for us students, not above us. Slide me your vote, you won't regret it.

Humays Ali

My name is Humays Ali. My campaign will focus on Safety, Budget Transparency, and Conservation. I wish to conduct a systematic overview of safety codes, reviewing past campus incidences, and collect survey data on students experiences on campus in order to revise our campus safety regulations to ensure campus safety. I want to make all detailed budget breakdowns available for the students on campus so students know how their tuition fees are being used. I desire to promote conservation efforts on campus, and start a project to plant native greenery on campus. Vote for me to be your voice!

Samuel Kamalendran

I’m running to deliver strong and reliable representation for every UTM student. My experience in various campus programs and committees - from UTM’s International Education Centre to both The Medium and The Varsity, to two key UTM student services committees - has shown me how to both listen and get results. If elected, I’ll do just that to advocate for fairer academic policies, affordability, expanded research and work opportunities, better housing, improved prayer spaces, and stronger student wellbeing support. Committed to student success and hopeful in our collective strength, I’m confident that we can truly defy gravity together!

Adam El-Falou

I am dedicated to create an inclusive and productive environment on campus. Some of my highlights have been installing bidets in the Student Center and will continue to push for bidet installations around campus. I am also apart of the Muslim Student Association on campus which aims yk serve the Muslim community in UTM.

Vaibhav Kaushal

I’m an Honours BA student studying Criminology, Law and Society and Political Science, and I’m running for UTM Campus Council to bring a clear student perspective to decisions on academics, student affairs, and campus services. I’m active in campus clubs and mentorship, and I’ve helped more students get involved in civic life. On Council, I’ll push for clearer communication, practical supports that make campus more affordable and accessible, and better ways for students to share feedback that actually gets used. I’ll listen, follow up, and report back with real updates, so students know what changed and why, and what’s next.

Jiayun Pan(Yuna)

My name is Yuna, and I am passionate about making UTM a more welcoming and charming community where everyone feels involved and respected. From the last semester, I have actively participated in different volunteer activities, including outreach for UTM Accessibility Services, supporting youth adults with intellectual disabilities with Community on Campus.  If elected, I promise to listen to students’ voices, as everyone matters, and this is what will guide all the initiatives. I am also committed to promoting inclusivity and engagement so that overseas students will feel more involved and thrive during their study journey in the UTM community!

Yahya Alabed

My name is Yahya Alabed, and I am running to advocate for practical improvements that directly affect students’ daily lives. One key issue is food access and affordability, no student should have to choose between eating properly and focusing on their studies. I will push for clearer meal options, fair pricing, and better communication around available food resources. Alongside this, I am committed to transparent leadership, listening to student concerns, and turning feedback into action. I will work to make student support more accessible, not just promised.

Wali Rehman

I am running for UTM Campus Council to be a strong, reliable voice for students. I am deeply involved in student leadership across academics, clubs, and governance, and I understand the challenges students face at UTM. I am committed to advocating for accessible resources, transparent decision-making, and meaningful student engagement. I believe student voices should not only be heard but also actively shape campus policy and initiatives. If elected, I will work collaboratively to ensure UTM remains inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of its students.

Sarah Gamal El-Dean

Salaam & Hi everyone! 

I'm currently in my third year of undergraduate studies, and I'm running for UTM Campus Council to represent the student voice. I'm actively involved on campus through the UTMSU, where I serve as a Board of Director, as well as other student groups, which has given me a strong understanding of the student experience, wants, and needs. I truly care about supporting students and ensuring their voices are represented in decisions that affect them.

Make your voice count, vote Sarah!

Mekayel Omier

I’m Mekayel Omier, and i am very grateful to be elected and trusted enough to serve on the UTMSU board as the First Year representative. I’ve had a very fun time working with many students and clubs to deliver what YOU need. The greatness about this campus lies in its diversity and the varying backgrounds everyone brings. My goal? Connect students with the right resources while helping them to balance academics and extracurriculars. The Student Union had a lot of success this year and I want the same for the council. Don’t wait for change, choose it. Vote  4 Mekayel.

Jack Zhang

My name is Jack Zhang, and I am running for Campus Council to continue representing students with experience and accountability. Having served on Campus Council last year, I understand how the council operates and how student concerns are translated into action. I am committed to clear communication, thoughtful participation, and advocating for improvements that positively impact the student experience. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue serving our campus community.

Charleson Cao

As a candidate, I want to foster an environment where student voices are heard and acted on. My experience on the UTM Campus Council this year has provided insight on the structure and organization of the school, which will enable me to support the students' desires to the best of my ability. I also have personal goals to massly increase experiential learning opportunities at the UTM campus, helping students prepare for their future career options. Together, we can unite student voices, and foster an environment where education and personal growth thrives.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

“Graduate Student” means a Student registered in the School of Graduate Studies. 

1 Seat, 2 Candidates - Election Required

Kelly Cheung

I am a graduate student in the Cell & Systems Biology program, committed to making practical changes at UTM. If elected to UTM Campus Council, I will advocate for strategic research funding that advances UTM’s innovation and academic excellence, and for initiatives that promote student well-being, inclusion, and success. I will ensure that decisions about campus resources and policies meet the needs of students and the broader UTM community.

Farhan Majumder

Hello, my name is Farhan, and I am running for my second term as the graduate student representative for the UTM Campus Council. I am a PhD student here at UTM, that has been an active member of the student community here in this campus during my time. I have previously held positions as an executive member on student lead initiatives such as the Biology Graduate Student Society, and UofT Coders, and have served as student representatives for other administrative bodies, such as the Biology Faculty Councils. Thank you for your consideration.