It's over!
posted Mar. 6, 2009
I am very happy for Kory Mathewson and our new exec. I think they will do their absolute best in their respective positions. Craig, Mustapha and all the other candidates that came out swinging really believed in their campaigns and I think the University community owes them a great debt for trying. These individuals are amazing people. As for me, I am a little let down but relieved, as this opens up my year for other great opportunities. I want to thank everyone who voted, and I especially want to express thanks to those who took the time to compare each candidates platforms.
Also, a gigantic thanks to the volunteers who worked on my campaign, Don, Ravin, Rob, Vishal, Dylan, and anyone else I left out. I hope to include you in future adventures!
Sign petitions in support of large and diverse SSHRC, NSERC funding
posted Feb 27, 2009
It's funny that it's often argued that scholarship funding can replace low tuition in order to keep education accessible to everyone, while every year it seems that there are just more and more strings on the scholarships. If you can take the time to sign two petitions that affect the quality and value of your post-secondary education this week, these are them. These changes in the Federal budget directly affect you if you are thinking of continuing your studies in Arts or Sciences.
Changes announced in the Federal Budget to the SSHRC program. For over 30 years, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) has supported and promoted university-based research & training in the humanities and social sciences. SSHRC funding has been used to complete ground breaking research in countless areas in Canada and around the world.
BUT, a line in the Federal Budget presented on January 27th contains a change that has the potential to halt this kind of research: "Scholarships granted by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council will be focused on business-related degrees". You can read more about this on the CAUT page.
A petition is up on MP Niki Ashton's site. While Ashton's an NDP MP, this is petition worth signing no matter what your party preference. Go to the SSHRC petition »
The second online petition is in protest of the recently announced cut to NSERC for MSc students. NSERC is the science equivalent to SSHRC. NSERC has announced that the PGS program will restrict awards at the Master's level to a single year, starting with the 2009 competition. Go to the NSERC petition »
Lastly, it's no secret that calling your MP has more impact than signing a petition. I urge you to sign the petitions, but if you are so inclined, here's links to Edmonton MPs and their contact information.
Video!
posted Feb 27, 2009
The volunteer team has made a video for my campaign. This doesn't describe how I spend my free time at all </sarcasm>
Q&A
posted Feb 26, 2009
I put the Q & A with Jesse page up. It's taking me a while to add the questions/answers, only because the webspace for students doesn't let you install fancy blogging systems. You're all asking great questions...
Also, SU candidates for President had our interviews published in The Gateway today. More of the Gateway's election coverage online, here.
Another exciting day
posted Feb 25, 2009
I loved the debate and Lister forums today. Many thanks to those of you who came out to listen, and who offered volunteer support afterwards! Lister's a great community that I think we candidates need to pay attention to. Lister students have proven they know how to keep the U of A administration on its toes. I'm hoping to spend an evening there talking to folks, maybe Friday evening suppertimeish.
I finally finalized my campaign leaflets today (they'll be printed on Forest Stewardship Council stock of course). Because I had to condense the content, I think I explained the "organizing strategy" way better than what's on the website right now. I'll probably do a big revision of the platform page tomorrow (Thursday) -- for clarity's sake. Edit: updated as of Thursday.
Site launched!
posted Feb 24, 2009
We should be up and running with non-fake-Latin website content by Tuesday morning! Please bookmark votehahn.com and return then.