CANDIDATE PLATFORMS
Online voting will take place on the 7th, 8th, and 9th of October 2025 through the my.ucalgary.ca Student Centre. Voting opens at 9 a.m. on October 7 and closes at 4 p.m. on October 9, 2025. A polling station will also be open in HNSC on the 3rd floor from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each voting day.
FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK CANDIDATE
JENNA PERNA \ Uncontested
Hello, my name is Jenna Perna and I am a fourth-year BSW student. I am running to be your Faculty of Social Work Representative because I care deeply about ensuring that our voices are heard and that our unique needs as social work students are represented at the Students’ Union and beyond.
If elected, I will prioritize the following:
Student Community Building
Our faculty spans across Canada, with many folks completing their program online. I will work to improve communication, fostering a greater sense of inclusion for all students, no matter their location. I aim to create better connections between third and fourth year students, and encourage collaboration between the Social Work Students’ Association and the Students’ Union.
Career and Volunteer Development
I will advocate for the creation and distribution of a volunteer opportunities list. This would help students engage in field experience, obtain required practicum preparation hours, and foster community connections. I will work for students to be provided with official university letters for volunteer police checks, helping students reduce costs associated with volunteer onboarding.
Academic Options
Nearly half of MSW programs in Canada require a statistics course, but our BSW program doesn’t offer one without adding an extra course or semester. I will advocate for a social work statistics option, and improve elective options in general throughout the program. This ensures students have options and stay competitive for graduate studies and enroll in courses that match their career goals.
Academic Acknowledgement
I plan to advocate for the reinstatement of a Dean’s List in our faculty. We deserve opportunities to be recognized for our hard work.
Closing Comments
I have previous leadership experience where I have developed my skills in advocacy, collaboration, and problem-solving. Through my work on and off campus, I have learned the value of listening to concerns, amplifying voices, and finding practical solutions that benefit everyone. I am committed to ensuring every social work student feels supported, represented, and connected. It would be an honour to serve as your Faculty of Social Work Representative, and I would be grateful for your vote.
Thank you!!