The Student Representative Assembly
BY TEMARA BROWN, MACINSIDERS, SRA SCIENCE
It is sometimes difficult for any member to really describe what one does as a member of the
SRA but I can guarantee you that they’ll say they do a lot.
In general terms, the
SRA, the acronym for student representative assembly, is the main governing body of the McMaster Students Union, or MSU (we like our acronyms a lot). Each faculty at McMaster has a certain number of seats devoted to it. The larger the faculty, the more seats represented. Members are elected to these seats based on which faculty they are currently studying under.
Any issue that arises in the MSU that requires a decision on which way to follow is then taken to the
SRA. For example, in the past, the opening of new services such as the Short Stop or Undercovers was something approved by this organization last year. This year, the
SRA is investigating working on the implementation of a new peer tutor registry, promoting cheaper courseware, elections awareness, etc.
The main portion of work completed in the
SRA is done through the various committees. Members are elected to these committees and develop a focus on the various issues that come to each one. These committees are: MSU Services; Bylaws and Procedures; Operations; University Affairs; External Affairs; and Finance. Through these committees, the
SRA is able to help implement new services, advocate for students within the University, with provincial and with federal matters.
So, how do bylaws and policies affect you? Well, your MSU follows these policies through their business practices. Also, your representatives on the BoD meet regularly with fellow university administration where they take MSU policies and let them know how the students feel. Some students might be surprised that the university does listen to the MSU quite closely and they do take it and the students at large quite seriously.
The MSU's goal is to help draw into a true society all students at McMaster. MSU services (
http://www.msumcmaster.ca/services/o...llServices.htm) offer opportunities that might not otherwise be available in the University. The
SRA Services committee is where students can evaluate and examine current MSU services, evaluate them, and implement new ideas to further enhance this society of McMaster students.
The
SRA Finance committee conducts annual wage reviews, internal audits, an investment portfolio review, as well as acting as an appeal board for club funding. In addition, the Finance Committee will be analyzing various business units and services with the purpose of increasing profitability and decreasing costs in the Students Union.
There are also many political issues concerning students at the provincial and federal levels. The
SRA External Affairs committee will head up work regarding these topics.
The
SRA University Affairs committee will examine many different topics related to workins in the University as a whole.
These committees are open to all MSU members and all are encouraged to attend. All committees meet at least once biweekly.
Want to contact the services committee? Their emails are below:
SRA Services Committee:
[email protected] ter.ca
SRA Operations Committee:
[email protected] a
SRA Bylaws and Procedures:
[email protected] r.ca
SRA Finance Committee:
[email protected] er.ca
SRA University Affairs:
[email protected] ca
SRA External Affairs:
[email protected] ter.ca
Maybe you’re not interested in politics, finance, or bylaws. But, every undergraduate student at McMaster has invested in the MSU, if at least because of the supplementary fee you pay each year. So, know your
SRA, connect with them, and be confident that you’ve elected the proper representatives to represent you and make sure that you get the best out of your university experience.
How does one connect with their
SRA members? Well there are a few simple ways you can go about this.
- The first way would be to check out the SRA’s blog. Members will be posting on this regularly throughout the year.
- The second would be to visit our office hours. They are held regularly on weekdays from during business hours. Drop by and visit MUSC 204
- Attend an SRA meeting. These are held every other Sunday in Gilmour Hall room 111, the council chambers. Click here (http://www.msumcmaster.ca/studentGovernment/repassembly/generalInformation/meetingSchedule.htm)f or the meeting schedule.
- HERE! Macinsiders now has it’s own “SRA Connection” forum where you can find up-to-date information and articles about all that is going on with your students union.
- Email your representatives! The emails are found below for each faculty.
- The Silhouette (http://thesil.ca/), the McMaster Student Newspaper is always a good place to keep up with the news!
Meet your 2008-2009
SRA members and know where they’re representing you:
HUMANITIES - [email protected] .ca
Andrew Richardson – Executive Board, Operations
Michael Pett – House Leader
Chris Martin – University Affairs
John Finkle – External Affairs
SCIENCE - [email protected] a
Wagdi Elsheikh – External Affairs
Temara Brown – Executive Board, Operations, Bylaws and Procedures
Jan Encinares – University Affairs
Steph Hoeppler - Services
Margaret Tellis - Services
Marek Gruca – Executive Board, Services
John McIntyre – Executive Board, External Affairs
NURSING - [email protected] er.ca
Darci Maki – University Affairs
Michelle Lanteigne – University Affairs
ENGINEERING - [email protected] a
Robert Lombardi – Bylaws and Procedures
Balogun Ayobami - Operations
Greg Voloshenko – University Affairs
Neil DePass - Services
Ryan Park - Finance
SOCIAL SCIENCE - [email protected] a
Ali McBride - Services
Greg Elvikis - Finance
Rex Law – Bylaws and Procedures
Ryan Powell – Operations, External Affairs
- 2 seats vacant -
HEALTH SCIENCE - [email protected] r.ca
Casey Park – External Affairs
George Farjou - Operations
ARTS AND SCIENCE - [email protected] r.ca
Nick Davies – Bylaws and Procedures
COMMERCE - [email protected] a
Nixshi Narendra - Finance
Tobi Akinwumi - Finance
Gurnihal Sandhu - Finance
KINESIOLOGY - [email protected] .ca
- 1 seat vacant -
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Azim Kasmani -
[email protected] ca
VP Admin – Andrea Kong -
[email protected] ca
VP Finance – Ian Finlay -
[email protected] r.ca
VP Education – Vishal Tiwari -
[email protected]
MSU SPEAKER - [email protected] aster.ca
Norman Kearney
There will be an election October 22nd for the open spots. If you're interested in running, contact the CRO by sending an email to Jon Scheding, the Chief Returning Officer at
[email protected] master.ca or pop by the MSU main office, MUSC 201.
