Board of Governors Candidate Interview

On Friday, January 29, both I and Will Fraser, had the honour to talk to the four Board of Governors' candidates -- Anna Hancin, Dhruv Patel, Duncan McIntyre, and Emma Valardo. I got the opportunity to get to know the candidates and have a better understanding of their platforms.

Firstly, I asked the candidates to introduce themselves and talk about why they are running for the Board of Governors. Anna is a first year in the Public Policy and Governance program and she is also on Cameron Hall’s student council; Duncan is a third year, also in the Public Policy and Governance program; Emma is a third year in the Forensic Psychology program; and Dhruv is the current International Students Representative and is a second year. Collectively the candidates agreed that they want to create change and be a voice for the students, Anna stated “I would be a voice for the students, my job is to be your voice for the change that you want to see.”

When asked what makes them stand out from each other Emma explained that she is vocal, in touch with the student body, very educated on current issues, and she doesn’t give up! Dhruv on the other hand said he doesn’t consider himself better than other people but believes his role as International Students Rep gives him more of an edge. Anna believes that her collaboration skills set her apart from the others and her involvement with many different things throughout campus. Duncan believes that his experience of being a student for what will be 4 years and his open mindedness are his strengths.

On a scale of 1-10 each candidate named how they thought the University did with the Covid-19 response. Duncan said 4 or 5, Emma 3, Dhruv 8, and Anna 6. Duncan and Emma had similar thoughts, agreeing that what was good about StFX’s response is that we still could be on campus but agreed that the contract sent out in the summer was wrong and not all students were taken into consideration. Dhruv agreed that the contract was not the best, but said that being in Nova Scotia is such a privilege and gives credit to the University and town of Antigonish for their work. Similarly, Anna agreed it was amazing we are allowed to be on campus but believes it is unfair that the majority of classes are in person, some students are not being taken into consideration and would like to implement things that allow for students that are not able to be at campus currently, to feel included.

Collectively the candidates agree that more efforts on Sexual Violence Prevention needs to be undertaken at StFX. They believe in the importance of anti-Sexual Violence programs, education, removal of "predators," and the importance of communication with survivors. Dhruv said he believes we need to focus on "toxic masculinity" and states that this would be one of his

priorities. Emma agreed that this was a problem but wanted to add that it is very important to note that males on campus are also being sexually assaulted.

Overall, the four candidates voiced that mental health support is an important issue on campus and agree that the programs on the campus are very beneficial for students but could be improved by being more accessible.

Individually Anna was asked if as a first-year student, she enough experience has to be on the Board of Governors. She argued that this was not the case and that she is very engaged and active on campus. Anna knows about and is involved with many organizations, has contacts, and is always willing to learn if need be.

Emma and Duncan were asked if it would be a problem if only one of them were elected as the pair are dating. Both candidates assured that this was not an issue and agreed that they will always keep each other accountable if it is needed, they are not afraid to disagree on different subjects, and their relationship is not the priority of this campaign.

Dhruv was asked if students were looking for change on campus why should they elect someone who is already a part of the system. He didn’t like the question but stated he believes that he has done very good things in his position as the International Representative and will continue to do good things.

When asked who the candidates would prefer as the new President, Duncan stated he believed all candidates are good, Emma said Jack would be the best choice, Dhruv said he would not pick one, and Anna also stated that all the candidates are all very qualified and would look forward to working with any one of them.

Overall, my conversation with the Board of Governors' candidates was insightful and I learned much about their platforms, views and goals if elected!