For Voters
Your voice matters in electing the leaders who represent you. Get all lthe information you need to cast your vote and make an impact on campus.
Information for Voters
Why Should I Vote?
Your vote shapes your campus experience now and in the future. Here’s why you should care:
- The USC is your Student Experience: It’s entrenched in your experience at Western, through the bagel you order at The Spoke, the club you sign up for, and the concert you attend in Mustang Lounge. Have a say in how the organization supports you.
- Speak Up for What You Care About: Whether it’s more events, better health support, or lower tuition, voting is how you make your priorities known to your student representatives
- Decide Who Runs the Show: The people you elect will make big decisions about your student life—so why not make sure they align with what you want?
- Create Real Change: Want things to get better? Voting puts the right people in charge to make it happen.
- Representation Matters: Student leaders have access to decision-makers and spaces most students don’t. By electing them, you’re choosing someone who understands your experiences to represent your voice and interests in those rooms.
- Show Up for Your Community: One voice can make a difference but it’s not enough. A strong turnout means your voice can’t be ignored.
This is your campus, your experience, your vote. Don’t miss out!
Who Am I Voting For?
You’re voting for student leaders who will represent your interests and make decisions that directly impact your university experience. Here’s who’s typically on the ballot:
- USC President: The face of student leadership. They advocate for student needs, manage services, and represent your voice to university and government decision-makers.
- Vice Presidents (VPs): They specialize in key areas like advocacy, events (OWeek), services, and engagement, working behind the scenes to improve your student experience.
- Faculty Council Presidents & Councillors: These reps are your voice within your faculty, advocating for academic and campus concerns that matter to you at USC General Council.
- Other Leadership Positions: Some ballots may also include roles for student representatives on Western’s Senate and Board of Governors, and other faculty associations.
These leaders don’t only plan events or advocate for policies—they have the power to shape your experience at Western. Vote for candidates who share your vision!
How Do I Vote?
Voting is easy and done electronically. Here’s how you can cast your ballot:
- Review Candidates: You can find a list of candidates running for each position below (when available, during the elections period). Take your time to review their platforms and what they stand for.
- Check Your Email: Eligible voters will receive a personalized link to the election ballot in their UWO email inbox.
- Access the Ballot: Click the link to open your Simply Voting ballot or visit https://westernusc.simplyvoting.com any time before polls end. You will provide your @uwo.ca account and password to authenticate and login.
- Verify your Voter Profile: If you do not see the positions or candidates you expect DO NOT VOTE. As long as you have not completed your ballot, your voter profile can be fixed and you will be able to re-enter the voting platform. Contact the Elections Team at elections@westernusc.ca with full details if you encounter any issues.
- Make Your Selections: Select your choices for the positions up for election. For General Elections, You’ll vote for:
- USC President, Senate Representatives, and Board of Governors Representatives (open to all students)
- Faculty Presidents and Faculty Councillors (only for students within specific faculties)
- For By-Elecitons, you’re only voting for vacant seats in your particular faculty or association. These typically include Faculty President and Faculty Councillors.
- Submit Your Vote: Once you’re ready, click “Submit” to finalize your selections.
It’s secure, simple, and only takes a few minutes. Make your voice heard and vote!
Am I Eligible to Vote?
To vote in USC elections, you need to meet these simple criteria:
- Undergraduate Student: You must be an undergraduate student at Western University, including students in any faculty or affiliate program.
- Registered Student: You must be registered as a full or part-time undergraduate student for the current academic year.
Your vote counts, so make sure you’re ready to participate!
How Does a Preferential Ballot Work?
A Preferential Ballot allows you to rank candidates in order of preference. Here’s how it works:
- Rank Your Choices: For positions with multiple candidates, you’ll rank them from 1st to last (1 being your top choice, 2 being your second, and so on).
- What Happens Next: If your first choice doesn’t have enough votes to win, your vote will automatically be transferred to your second choice. If that candidate doesn’t have enough votes, it moves to your third choice, and so on.
- Why It’s Fair: This system helps ensure that the winning candidate has broad support, even if they weren’t everyone’s first pick.
It’s an easy way to make sure your vote counts, even if your top candidate doesn’t win right away!
I'm In a Dual Degree Program. Where Do I Vote?
If you’re in a dual degree, the Registrar usually assigns you to one faculty for election purposes. If you’d rather vote in your other faculty, you just need to send a request to the Elections Governance Board before nominations open. They’ll double-check your registration and confirm if you can switch. For full details, check out our [insert link to Policy on Dual Degree Students]
Candidate Profiles
Board of Governors 1 position (open to all students)
Ayesha Hassan
Board Member
Bruce Yu
Board Member
Oscar Chou
Board Member
FIMS Councillor 1 position (FIMS students only)
I’m running for FIMS Councillor because I want to be a strong, approachable voice for the students of my faculty. FIMS is a faculty that thrives on creativity, critical thinking, and community, and I want to ensure those values are reflected in USC decisions. My goal is to advocate for student needs; whether that’s improving resources, amplifying student voices, or creating spaces for support. I’ll work to keep communication open and transparent, so you always know how your concerns are being represented. I’m excited to bring energy, commitment, and accountability to this role on behalf of all the FIMS students.
Councillor
Health Studies Councillor 1 position (FIMS students only)
I’ve always been a person who is not afraid to speak their mind to voice their opinion. I believe that being the faculty councillor for Health Studies will allow me to harness this trait to help ensure the Western community is a place where we feel included, safe and heard. I want to run for councillor because I care deeply about my peers and I want to be actively involved with being a liaison between their voices and the actions of the USC. I believe I am a familiar and approachable face in my program, so I am confident I will be able to effectively reflect the opinions of my class through discussions and engaging with them. I also want to get more involved on campus, specifically shaping it’s future, and being a councillor is the perfect way to do so.
Councillor
Since high school, I have spent much of my free time primarily on competitive debating. I competed and placed at several prestigious national and international tournaments, ultimately culminating in my highest achievement: being selected to debate for Team Canada. While I appreciate debate for all the priceless skills I had the opportunity to hone over the years, an issue I never fully reconciled with is that, in debate, regardless of how elaborate your arguments were, how many diverse perspectives you voiced, and how well you represented marginalized stakeholders, there was very little impact of your words had beyond the realms of the round. I loved the opportunity to discuss contemporary issues and formulate creative solutions, but I felt helpless without the ability to actually execute on these ideas and meaningfully improve people’s lives.
I wish to apply the communication skills I have honed from debate to not just be a representative of the Health Science student body, but rather a microphone that magnifies and echoes their words. As a USC councillor, I will strive to align the needs of the Health Science program with the interests of the greater USC.
Councillor
Kinesiology Councillor 1 position (FIMS students only)
I am running to be a Kinesiology Counsellor because I want to represent the community that I have had the privilege of being a part of for the past 3 years. I want to be the voice of Kinesiology students, whether it’s for communicating their concerns, ideas, and feedback to the broader USC community. As a three time Orientation Leader for both residence and the Faculty of Health Sciences, I’ve developed a strong understanding of student life, leadership, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels heard. These experiences have taught me how to advocate for others, collaborate across different teams, and support the wellbeing of students as they navigate university life. I’m excited about the opportunity to work alongside other Faculty Councillors on campus wide initiatives that promote wellness, academic advocacy, and student engagement. Most importantly, I want to help strengthen the sense of connection within the Kinesiology community and ensure every student feels represented and supported.
Councillor
Hello Western! My name is Adam Zabian, and I am running to be your next Kinesiology USC Councillor! As we enter the school year, it’s important that we as a community have our voices, opinions, and concerns heard at every level. I say this because, as a first-year student myself, I’ve seen firsthand just how overwhelming the experience can be. Whether it’s finding classes all over campus, forming connections with fellow peers, or accessing resources to aid in academics, the life of a student can be tough to navigate. That’s where I come in, as someone who will amplify your voices so that we can shape policies and support initiatives for kinesiology students, by kinesiology students.
If elected, I’ll take a feedback-based approach so that I can highlight the ideas and challenges you have, and bring them straight to USC. I’ll also make sure to advocate for straightforward access to research and volunteer opportunities, so that you never miss the chance to support the community, develop skills related to possible career paths, and network with mentors in the field. This position is not for me, but for us, and it would be a privilege to represent you.
I wish to apply the communication skills I have honed from debate to not just be a representative of the Health Science student body, but rather a microphone that magnifies and echoes their words. As a USC councillor, I will strive to align the needs of the Health Science program with the interests of the greater USC.
Councillor
Kinesiology Councillor 1 position (FIMS students only)
I am running for Social Science Faculty Councillor because I believe in the importance of strong student representation and advocacy. Throughout my academic and extracurricular experiences, I have witnessed how effective communication between students and the faculty can enhance both academic success and student well-being. I want to ensure that the voices of Social Science students are heard and that their concerns are addressed fairly and transparently.
My goal is to build stronger connections between students and faculty by promoting open dialogue, improving access to resources, and creating more opportunities for engagement and collaboration. I am particularly committed to addressing issues related to academic advising, workload balance, and inclusivity within our faculty.
As a dedicated and approachable candidate, I will actively listen to student feedback and work to translate those concerns into constructive action. I believe that serving as Faculty Counselor is not only about representing students but also about empowering them to take part in shaping their own educational experience. With your support, I will work to make the Social Science Faculty a more supportive, inclusive, and responsive environment for everyone.
Councillor
From elementary school to my first year at Western, I have always been deeply involved in student government. Last year, I had the privilege of serving as a First-Year Representative on the Social Science Students’ Council (SSSC), where I worked on organizing initiatives to build stronger connections between first-year students and the council. Now, I am excited to take the next step and represent the entire Social Science community on the USC.
This position is more than a title to me; it is about being a bridge. I want to strengthen the connection between the USC and Social Science students, making sure your concerns, ideas, and priorities are at the forefront of decision-making. My goal is to be an approachable councillor with an open door, someone you feel comfortable reaching out to, while also being your strong voice in the rooms where change happens.
By electing me, you are choosing someone with the experience, passion, and commitment to advocate for you and make sure Social Science students are not just represented but heard.
Councillor
I am running for Social Science Councillor to represent my peers and advocate for meaningful change at the USC. Having served as a USC Coordinator, I am aware of the strengths of the organization and have ideas to improve the organization for students as well. I want to be an avenue for social science students to feel heard, not only by the SSSC but also across the entire USC. By drawing on my own experiences on campus and actively seeking student feedback and involvement, I am committed to turning ideas into actions in support of improving the lives of students. I hope to use this role as an opportunity to bring forward fresh perspectives, create tangible improvements and strengthen the connection between students and councillors. I am grateful for the opportunity to run, and I am committed to holding myself to the highest standards as I work to make a positive change for every student who calls Western home!