Step Up Slate Aims to Transform Student Life at Concordia University
A new Concordia Student Union (CSU) slate, Step Up, is campaigning for the upcoming CSU elections with a bold agenda focused on enhancing the academic, material, and social well-being of Concordia students. Their platform centers around expanding existing student services and fostering improved communication between the union and the student body.
Key promises include the implementation of free food programs, increased legal access for international students, and the provision of subsidized housing options for Concordia University students. The Link recently sat down with the slate to delve into their plans for the coming year.
Meet the Step Up Team
Ryan Assaker (he/him), General Coordinator
Currently the CSU’s financial coordinator and a former financial coordinator for the Arts and Science Federation of Associations (ASFA), Ryan Assaker brings a wealth of experience in student politics. He believes his deep understanding of Concordia’s systems, both within the community and at the administrative level, will be crucial in achieving the slate’s goals.
“I have a lot of on-the-ground experience…understanding how everything [is placed] in the community and also at the administrative level,” Assaker explained. As General Coordinator, he will hold a seat on Concordia’s board of directors, a position he intends to use to directly advocate for student needs with the administration. “We’re ready for those conversations and those confrontations.” Assaker is committed to making the executives more accessible and responsive to student feedback, recognizing the significant impact their policies have on the student experience.
Lina Elbakaye (she/her), Internal Affairs Coordinator
Lina Elbakaye, President of the Political Science Student Association, a CSU councillor, and a member of Concordia’s Senate, has a strong track record in student government and club support. She proposes creating a dedicated club department with hired staff to better address the needs of student clubs, which she views as vital to the university experience.
“I know that the clubs are something that is really vital for a lot of students around campus,” she said. Elbakaye also plans to introduce a regular recap on the CSU’s Instagram page, summarizing decisions made by councillors and executives, addressing concerns about the accessibility and outdated nature of current meeting minutes.
Saraluz Barton-Gomez (she/they), External Affairs and Mobilization Coordinator
Saraluz Barton-Gomez, involved with the School of Community and Public Affairs Student Association, the CSU, and the Senate, aims to increase transparency within student government bodies. “I’m excited to bridge the gap between students on the ground and these decision-making structures to have more of that transparency between both,” Barton-Gomez stated. She also envisions building a strong coalition of student unions beyond Concordia to address shared challenges like budget cuts and reduced services.
Emma Doyle (she/her), Student Life Coordinator
Emma Doyle, with two years of experience as an outreach coordinator at ASFA, including involvement in multiple Frosh weeks, believes student life extends beyond parties and orientation. She advocates for investing in practical skill-building workshops, such as headshot sessions, resume writing assistance, and tax workshops in partnership with the John Molson School of Business (JMSB).
“One of my personal positions that I would really look forward to bringing to the CSU is investing in more practical skill-building workshops for students,” Doyle said. She sees the CSU executive as a means of lessening the burden on students and fostering a stronger sense of community.
Ateş Balsoy (he/him), Sustainability Coordinator
Ateş Balsoy, previously an internal coordinator at ASFA and academic coordinator for the Geography Undergraduate Student Society, proposes pedestrianizing Mackay St. to enhance community on campus. As an international student, he also prioritizes increasing access to the CSU and student unions for international students, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. He also plans to build on existing initiatives like the Spinach Collective and The People’s Potato.
Adey Singer (she/her), Finance Coordinator
Adey Singer, with experience as a finance coordinator for the Fine Arts Student Alliance and the Pan-African Student Union, emphasizes the crucial role of finance in the union’s functionality. She aims to improve the efficiency of student club reimbursements, expand funding for CSU clubs, and increase student awareness of available opportunities.
Kinsey El Tanani (she/her), Loyola Coordinator
Kinsey El Tanani, a CSU councillor and ASFA council member, brings the perspective of a former student-athlete. She aims to increase Loyola funding, secure funds for student-athletes, restore shuttle bus hours, and provide OPUS subsidies for students.
Isabelle Ranger (she/her), Academic and Advocacy Coordinator
Isabelle Ranger, currently a lead student advocate at the CSU Advocacy Centre and a member of the Senate, will leverage her frontline experience to address systemic failures within the administration and advocate for better academic services, including improved accountability with departmental advisors. She also proposes a framework for artificial intelligence use within the university, ensuring student input and addressing academic misconduct charges.
What Does ‘Step Up’ Mean?
Doyle emphasizes that the CSU’s decisions directly impact the student experience, from orientation to curriculum and justice within departments. Elbakaye highlights the importance of building a larger university community through engagement with different student associations. Assaker underscores the CSU’s power to enact meaningful change for students.
“When we mean Step Up, it means stepping up in every facet that the CSU can offer,” Assaker said.
Students will have the opportunity to vote for the next CSU executives from March 17 to March 19.
