VP Student Academic Affairs Candidate: Tristan Smyth

Tristan Smyth
Bachelor of Arts – English Honours

1. What is your platform?

Now that Mount Royal has been a university for several years, my platform is to tweak the existing policies and procedures to make academic life better for students. First and foremost, arriving to class is critical, so I will work

on ensuring that buses are servicing us during the peak class hours by aligning the transit schedule with the course schedule. Second, MRU students have different needs and different lifestyles, so more courses need to be provided at

times that work for all of us. Third, MRU is not a university of average students – so many students have amazing accomplishments. These will be highlighted through the creation of an annual publication of student academic and

non-academic work, establishment of a co-curricular record, and creation a database of student projects. The goal is to inspire and give ideas to other students, so that they, too, can excel.

 2. What do you think SAMRU’s role is and why do you think it’s important for students?

SAMRU’s existence stems from the Post-Secondary Learning Act, and that legislation enshrines it as the officially recognized voice of Mount Royal students to the university’s administration, the media, and the various levels of

government. Every once in a while, there are big ticket items where students can see SAMRU actively advocating on their behalf, such as last year’s budget cuts or the Continuance Policy, but those are just the tip of the iceberg. SAMRU

exists to represent students’ interests on all of the small items which go on behind the scenes, so that MRU students receive the best possible education. Moreover, as a non-profit corporation, SAMRU offers a multitude of services and

volunteer and employment opportunities for students, such as the health and dental plan or the Wyckham House food court.

 3. What qualifies you to be elected for the position you are running for?

Since getting involved with General Faculties Council and other academic committees back in 2011, I have had the opportunity to develop strong relationships with key MRU figures and learn all about what goes on outside of the

classroom. Returning for a second year as Vice-President Academic would build on all of the learning I did, not only since I was first elected, but over the past three years. I look forward to using this experience to continue to benefit the

student body.