Accessibility Representative
Brandon Archibald
Candidate bio
My name is Brandon Archibald and I am from Lower Onslow, Nova Scotia. I am in the third year of my undergrad, majoring in sociology with a minor in business administration. I currently live in Joy Kidd residence where I am a hall proctor. I enjoy playing soccer, hockey, and I run track for the UNB Reds team. Throughout the summer I am the recreation co-coordinator for my municipal government. I love hiking, exploring new places, and playing video games with my friends.
Why do you want this position?
I want the position of accessibility councillor because I believe UNB’s accessibility is something that can be greatly improved upon. I am passionate about bringing inclusive options for all whether it is in residences, campus events, or everyday endeavours. Due to the physical location of our campus, it is vital that accessible means are available to each and every student. Along with this, resources that assist individuals facing cognitive, mental, and emotional barriers must be improved and offered to all. Through my time as residence councillor on the UNBSU, it has come to my attention many times that our campus has fallen behind in terms of accessibility. Without accessible means to navigate through campus and be fully engaged, a large portion of our student population are left out of aspects of university life. Through consultation with the student body and spreading awareness of the problems various populations face, I believe that we can push for meaningful change regarding accessibility and inclusion at UNB.
What is your history of involvement or leadership on campus?
The past three years I have been heavily involved on the UNB campus. During my first two years living in Tibbits Hall, I was the vice-president and the sports representative of the house. Last year I began volunteering with the UNB S.P.R.I.N.G. program. This program pairs up a student with a child that has a complex health condition weekly for swimming and other recreational activities. This current year, I am the events coordinator for the program. I am also the co-coordinator for the Children’s Wish Foundation Chapter at UNB this year. This initiative is new to UNB but I am excited to set the groundwork for the future. As mentioned previously, I am a hall proctor in Joy Kidd for UNB Residence Life. In my spare time, I referee intramural sports across campus while also participating. Right now I am the residence councillor on the UNBSU Council which involves me representing all those currently living in residence. I am also on the UNBSU advocacy committee which plays a large part in mental health, inclusion, and awareness initiatives at UNB. Lastly, I am a member of the UNB Reds track and field team.
What unique skills or experience would you bring to the position?
There are a handful of unique skills and experience I would bring to the position. The first is that I already have experience being a councillor and a member of the UNBSU Council. Through my current position, I have gained the skills necessary to be an effective councillor and contributor to the Student Union. During the summer when I am the recreation coordinator, I have gained multiple skills and experiences such as event planning, public outreach, and adaptability. I thoroughly enjoy the use of physical activity as a means of enjoyment and hope to implement that into the events the UNBSU holds. Through my position as a hall proctor, I have gained valuable skills regarding inclusive programming and working with a team to achieve common goals. A general aspect that I would bring to the position is a genuine passion for making UNB an accessible and inclusive campus for all. I believe this campus has an incredible potential for setting the standard in accessibility and I am driven to achieve that.
What is a fun or surprising fact about yourself?
A fun fact about myself is that I have gone swimming with stingrays in the Caribbean Sea.
Ellen Petrie
Candidate bio
Hello UNB! My name is Ellen Petrie and I am a first-year student at Renaissance College, minoring in biology.
Why do you want this position?
I believe that inclusivity is the first step in making UNB students feel excited and happy to be here. For this reason I am running for accessibility councillor in the upcoming election. I wish to represent you so I can work towards spreading knowledge about what help is available to students, making events accessible and hassle free, and focusing on the ABILITY of everyone by celebrating our strengths.
What is your history of involvement or leadership on campus?
Since starting here at UNB I have joined the UNB S.P.R.I.N.G. club which works with Fredericton youth with varying mental and physical abilities. I have also co-founded an open discussion club called Ponder that focuses on creating informed opinions on controversial subject matter.
What unique skills or experience would you bring to the position?
Due to my first-hand experience navigating the accessibility services here at UNB I believe I am uniquely qualified to represent the student body in this position.
What is a fun or surprising fact about yourself?
A fun fact about myself is that repelled down an 89-meter-tall building on the Halifax waterfront for a charity event.
Women’s Representative
Alice Armstrong
Candidate bio
My name is Alice Armstrong. I’m in my second year of university at UNB but I’m only in my first year of business, having switched from the science/arts program. I lived in England and moved to Fredericton about eleven years ago. I love to play guitar, cook, and read John Boyne novels. When I’m not in class, you can find me “accidentally” taking a nap or watching stand-up comedy on Netflix.
Why do you want this position?
Women’s issues are something I have been interested in for a few years now, and I spend a lot of my time volunteering and helping plan events at the University Women’s Centre. I think that being on the Student Union would be an excellent opportunity to bring up more discussions about typically “female issues” and help decrease the stigma around them. It is important that women and feminine-identifying people have their voices heard and taken seriously, and I would really like to be the person to bring attention to all of these students’ voices and opinions. Being involved in the female community, especially in Fredericton and at UNB, has been an incredibly enriching and inspiring experience over the last few years and I would love to give back some of the girl power, love, and empowerment that has been given to me.
What is your history of involvement or leadership on campus?
I am currently the vice-chair for the University Women’s Centre and I absolutely love it. I get to help plan events such as lunch & learns, care bags for Grace House and Gignoo house, trivia nights, and our grand re-opening event – to name a few. My favourite part about this position is getting the opportunity to work with other clubs and societies on campus and getting insight into different perspectives on women’s issues across different faculties. I have also really enjoyed working with one of this year’s inclusion representatives, Craig Fernandez, on the Student Union to bring the women’s perspective to some events happening on campus. This position has enhanced my passion for women’s issues and made me want to get even more involved on campus!
What unique skills or experience would you bring to the position?
My experience as vice-chair of the University Women’s Centre has given me an insight into what issues women face on campus, not only white and cis women, but all women. It is important to bring the voices of all women and minorities to the table when discussing an issue as broad as women’s issues, so I have been incorporating intersectionality into my work and will continue to do so. I have also been sitting on the Campus Sexual Assault Support & Advocacy (CSASA) board for a few months and that given me a lot of awareness of many women’s issues. I feel that I am well-equipped and knowledgeable in the area of women’s issues, and although there is always more to learn and always more perspectives to hear, I believe that I have the skillset needed to bring all women’s voices and opinions together to make sure that everyone is represented.
What is a fun or surprising fact about yourself?
I’m in a band! We don’t have a name yet, but I love the guys and I absolutely love playing music together. Something about bringing so many instruments together makes my happiness go through the roof, and I hope we continue to play together for a long time.
Nicole Sanderson
Candidate bio
My name is Nicole Sanderson, and I am a 3rd year computer science student. I love to paint, play video games, sing in my car and relax with my dog, when I’m not studying or helping out!
Why do you want this position?
My time here at UNB is what inspired me to run for women’s representative. Between the strong female leaders in my faculty and being immersed in the technology field, I realized that a lot of the feelings that I had been having, such as Impostor Syndrome, weren’t exclusive to me. I want all the women on campus to know that they have a strong support system, and that they’re not alone.
What is your history of involvement or leadership on campus?
Over the course of my studies, I have been the vice-president internal of the Computer Science Association for 2 years, have volunteered with CyberGirls through the faculty of computer science during an internship, have been a teacher’s assistant, and am currently serving as a peer mentor.
What unique skills or experience would you bring to the position?
As a woman in a STEM field, I am a minority in both my faculty and in my industry. I would like to bring awareness to the issues that women face in the workforce such as Impostor Syndrome, bring in confidence-building workshops, and of course work with the current programs on campus to ensure we have an extensive support system in place for women. I have also had the opportunity to participate in a Women in Technology Conference in Halifax last November, which provided more insight into how women in leadership positions are fighting the gender gap and combating everyday issues, many of which can be seen across all STEM fields. I know that my background and the experience that I’ve gained while studying will allow me to bring my own flare to this position.
What is a fun or surprising fact about yourself?
I have a bad habit of buying potted plants even though I’m not much of a green thumb. I guess you could call me an impulse flower buyer, haha.
Residence Representative
Brennan Marks
Candidate bio
I am a first year Renaissance College student living in Harrison House. I am a very social person who loves meeting and talking to new people. In my free time, I can be found at the SUB for some Tim’s, the HIL or winning a game of UNO in Harrison.
Why do you want this position?
I want this position because the residence community is a huge part of what made my UNB experience so great thus far. I love the supportive and social environment residence has and I want the chance to represent our unique and spirited community.
What is your history of involvement or leadership on campus?
I am a volunteer with S.P.R.I.N.G., I am studying leadership at Renaissance College, and I am the first-year representative on the Harrison House committee.
What unique skills or experience would you bring to the position?
I am very much a people person, I love to get to know people and to help them with their concerns and issues.
What is a fun or surprising fact about yourself?
I love to travel! Some of my favourite destinations have been Ecuador, Spain, France, and I am excited to be going to Germany this summer on a UNB Travel Study!