Current Student Leaders - 69th SLC

The 69th Student Legislative Council took office on May 2nd, 2011 and will hold office until April 30th, 2012.

The following provides you with more information on your executive members including their areas of responsibility and contact information if you have any questions, concerns or wish to provide feedback.

 

President - Dylan Jones

Phone: (403) 220-7048
president@su.ucalgary.ca

Biography

Dylan Jones is both thrilled and grateful to have been elected as the 69th Students’ Union President. Going into his final year a Development Studies/ Anthropology double-major, Dylan sees this as a tremendous opportunity to carry forward the amazing work of the SU, as well as to contribute everything he’s got to enhancing the student experience and quality of education. Dylan is here for one reason – to represent for undergrads at U of C.

Dylan carries with him a passionate and sincere love for life, something that has shone through his involvement in student life at U of C. Some of his proudest contributions and collaborations include: initiating a Clubs-focused Culture Month to celebrate our diversity; leading the campaign to double our Student Refugee sponsorship; working for two years in the Student Life portfolio of the SU; peer mentoring for first year Development Studies students; and working for a non-profit as part of the co-op program. Dylan rarely turns down a request to contribute to a righteous cause, and has fought hard for the rights of students at U of C. Plus, he composts all his banana peels… every time.

On a personal level, Dylan has been labeled a ‘free-spirit’ – likely because of his perpetual smile and love for humanity. He’s travelled, worked, and volunteered in Costa Rica, Ghana, the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand and Hong Kong, has driven across Canada as well as ventured into northern Alberta. His playlist sports a wide range of music, though reggae, hip-hop, soul, and world beats take up the most GBs. To Dylan the cup’s half full, life is good, and, with positive people in your circle, anything is possible.

Quite possibly the first rapping President in the history of Students’ Unions, Dylan would like to leave you with these final words: “U of C, the SU is to represent for your rights and educational experience… my door is always open. One Campus/ One Love!”

Role and Responsibilities of your SU President:

  • Maintain an awareness of current issues and developments relevant to the Union;
  • Coordinate Union efforts to communicate with students and the public;
  • Be the primary spokesperson for the Union;
  • Call and organize Special SLC meetings, town Halls, or executive meetings;
  • Represent the Union at social, formal, official, or ceremonial functions;
  • Present awards on behalf of the Union as authorized by the SLC;
  • Issue presidential citations, when appropriate, to any person, group or entity for outstanding services rendered to the Union;
  • Oversee the interpretation and negotiation of all agreements between the Union and the University;
  • Chair the Events and Communications Committee, Quality Money Committee, and University Relations Committee;
  • Chair The Cabinet;
  • Sit as a member of the Operations and Finance Committee;
  • Represent the Union on the University of Calgary Board of Governors, all relevant University of Calgary Board of Governors Committees, and the University of Calgary General Faculties Council; and
  • Maintain relations with all University of Calgary senior administration.

 

Vice President Academic - Ola Mohajer

Phone: (403) 220-3911
suvpaca@ucalgary.ca

Biography

Ola Mohajer has lived in Calgary since her parents immigrated to Canada when she was a year old. She has completed a double degree, a BA in Religious Studies and a BSc in Biological Science. Within the BSc stream, Ola had the amazing opportunity to do a year and a half long independent research project in biochemistry. Within the BA stream, she was able to spend a semester at McGill University taking special courses in religion. In her spare time Ola loves to paint, play basketball, hike, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Since her first year at the UofC, Ola has been heavily involved with clubs, especially with those that have mandates pertaining to peace efforts and human rights issues. She was VP Events for two years for a peace and mediation group and then again for another two years for a human rights group. In 2008 Ola was given the opportunity to be Science Faculty Representative, where she was able to create a quiet study area in the chemistry instructors office suite in Science A. The year after, she was elected to serve as an Academic Commissioner in the SU, where she created and chaired The Awareness Project. The Project aimed to inform students about various resources available to them as well as inform them of issues that were pertinent to their undergraduate experience. Finally in 2010, she was elected to serve as Science Faculty representative, where she started the Material Affordability Initiative.

In the greater Calgary community Ola has been a guest speaker in an annual program where she educates high school students on topics pertaining to prejudice, discrimination, racism and human rights. She has been invited to speak at interfaith events as well as talk to different groups of high school students about what it means to be an involved citizen. Ola has always had a passion for activism and volunteerism, however it was further ignited by her first hand experience in a full-scale war in 2006. Through her own hardships and having been witness to those less fortunate than she was, it is only natural that Ola would devote her time to advocacy-related causes. Being able to stand up on the behalf of others, within the SU as well as in clubs, has been an amazing and humbling experience for her and Ola hopes to continue to do so for many years to come.

Role and Responsibilities of your VP Academic:

  • Liaise with each Faculty Representative on SLC in regard to all faculty related academic matters;
  • Maintain an awareness of current issues and developments regarding academic matters relevant to the Union;
  • Understand and communicate academic policies and positions of the Union;
  • Promote undergraduate research at the University of Calgary such as organizing the Undergraduate Research Symposium;
  • Select and appoint student representatives to academic related university committees;
  • Chair the Committee on Academic Policy and Teaching Excellence;
  • Chair the General Faculties' Council Caucus;
  • Sit as a member on the University Relations Committee, Quality Money Committee, Operations and Finance Committee, Events and Communications Committee and the Cabinet; and
  • Represent the Union at the University of Calgary through the Bookstore Loan Program, administration of the SU Library Fee Levy, the General Faculties Council, all relevant General Faculties Council Committees and sub-committees, all relevant committees from the Office of the Provost, relations with the Provost Office, relations with the Vice President Research, and relations with Student and Enrollment Services.

 

Vice President External - Matt McMillan

Phone: (403) 220-3910
suvpext@ucalgary.ca

Biography

Coming from a pan-Canadian background, Matt was born and raised in Calgary with summers touring this great land. In his youth he was known as “The kid who thinks he’s 60” maybe because he liked lawn bowling but more likely due to the fact that he can’t remember a time when he was not concerned about politics or didn’t have something to say.

Matt graduated from William Aberhart High School and before that attended Juno Beach Academy. The biggest highlights of his secondary career were deciding what to spend his Ralph bucks on, and finding out he was accepted to the U of C.

He has been a student at the U of C for four years and looks forward to more. Matt started his post secondary quest in music but realized it was not for him. Currently he studies political science, a field which greatly compliments his position with the SU and gives that extra bit of excitement on all political fronts, especially the odd run in and chat with politicians outside of their environment.

Outside of school Matt is a proud member of the Canadian Forces teaching and learning from cadets. As well, he can often be found downtown or about the city busking to a crowd on a sunny day or after a game.

When Matt gets a chance to relax, which is rare nowadays, he sits down and enjoys music; whether it be one of his ukuleles, his trombone, or even his accordion. Nothing beats a good jam session in his mind.

One of Matt’s better known character traits is his continual pursuit of things close to his heart even though there might be obstacles in his path. This extends to all of his efforts in the position of VP External and its many lobbying and internal fronts. Matt looks forward to working for you and won’t stop until the job is done.

Role and Responsibilities of your VP External

  • Maintain an awareness of current issues and developments with external media and government;
  • Chair the Committee of 10,000;
  • Chair the Policy Development and Review Committee;
  • Sit as a member on the University Relations Committee, Quality Money Committee, Operations and Finance Committee, Events and Communications Committee and The Cabinet;
  • Represent the Union as a voting member at all municipal, provincial, and federal lobby groups;
  • Represent the Union on all community committees and campaigns and
  • Represent the Union at the University of Calgary through the University Senate, any University government relations initiatives, relations with the External Relations Office, relations with the Alumni Association.

 

Vice President Student Life - Matt Diteljan

Phone: (403) 220-3912
suvplife@ucalgary.ca

Biography

Matt Diteljan was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta into a fantastic family of five with two older sisters (who are now his two best friends). Throughout his childhood he was always the type of kid to think outside the box and push the limits; something that drove many of his teachers crazy (and some even to early retirement). He has always been extremely involved in fitness and athletics playing high school football and baseball, and now, he never skips a morning workout.

Matt graduated from St. Francis High School in 2007 and immediately jumped into bio-science at U of C. Big mistake according to Matt. It turned out he only liked science in high school because he was good at it. He only liked science in university because he could tell girls at the bar he was in “Pre-Med”. Matt quickly switched into Business (well.. he actually says he may have been in every single faculty at some point in time) and fell in love with entrepreneurship. He found his calling.

Matt’s half love with entrepreneurship and half love with fitness led to a few friends and him starting the U of C Strength & Fitness Club. Starting this club was one of his best decisions as it made him fall in love with U of C and with the SU Clubs as well. After he helped to start up a program where the U of C Strength & Fitness club offered free personal training to hundreds of students and organized some amazing charity events, he set his sights on a new project.

He started Faculty Wars with the current VP Op-Fi of the SU, Patrick Straw. Together they turned Faculty Wars into the biggest dodge ball tournaments in Calgary, hosting over 350 University of Calgary students. Running these tournaments made Matt realize how much he loved to help students have a good time, and how much he loved making their University experience so much more than just about school.

And now here he is, the VP Student Life of the Student’s Union at the U of C. Matt’s dream job. When he’s not in the office, the gym, or the Den, he likes to sit back and spend some time with his family and  friends, and the ever growing stack of books to read. In the future, Matt plans to start a company and continue on down the path of entrepreneurship. If you ever want to talk about student life or anything else at the U of C, Matt welcomes you to come say Hi. Except at the gym, he’s usually in the zone.

Role and Responsibilities of your VP Student Life:

  • Chair the Clubs Committee;
  • Co-Chair the Campus Engage Committee (University Committee);
  • Sit as a member on the University Relations Committee, Quality Money Committee, Operations and Finance Committee, Events and Communications Committee and The Cabinet; and
  • Represent the Union at the University of Calgary through the University Senate, Campus Recreation and non-academic university initiatives including, but not limited to, Orientation Week, diversity, accessibility, alcohol awareness, campus security and residence life, relations with Student and Enrollment Services.

 

Vice President Operations & Finance -  Patrick Straw

Phone: (403) 220-3907
suvpfin@ucalgary.ca

Biography

Patrick Straw is a strapping young specimen with a chiseled jaw and a bright future.  Labeled by many as a child prodigy, Patrick attended Bowness High School in Calgary where he became a multi-sport athlete and model student.  At the age of 17 Patrick turned down multiple scholarships to prestigious Ivy League universities in favor of his preferred choice, the University of Calgary.

Currently Patrick is in his 4th year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Energy Management.  He has been an active member of the university community serving on various committees and clubs while working for the Students’ Union as an External Commissioner in 2010. Patrick has a passion for business and entrepreneurship and is excited to bring this passion to the Students’ Union.  Most recently, Patrick and fellow incumbent Matt Diteljan founded the popular Faculty Wars dodgeball tournament at the University of Calgary. 

In his spare time Patrick dedicates hours to grueling physical activity in an effort to maintain his herculean physique. He has been known to sport a mullet and is widely regarded by his peers as an aggressive dancer at ‘za nightclubz’. He also has a passion for literature. 

Role and Responsibilities of your VP Operations and Finance

  • Chair the Operations and Finance Committee, Sustainability Board (SUSB) and Refugee Student Board;
  • Update the Operations and Finance Committee and the SLC on the Union’s financial position;
  • Oversee the Union’s Health and Dental Plan;
  • Oversee the interpretation and negotiation of all agreements between the Union and the University;
  • Understand and communicate all financial and operational polices and positions of the Union;
  • Represent the Union at all tri-media groups; and
  • Represent the Union with the University of Calgary through relations with the University of Calgary senior administration responsible for capital planning, development, residence and ancillary services and any University campus planning and development initiatives.

 

Faculty Representatives

Arts

Schulich School of Engineering

Haskayne School of Business

Kinesiology

Medicine

Science

Education

Nursing

Veterinary Medicine

Social Work

Law

Other Elected Officials:

Board of Governors Representative:  James Delaney

Senate Representatives:  Jennifer Abbott and Courtney Tanaka

Speaker: Samantha Hossack