When it comes to making the sort of high-level decisions that truly matter to students, your Student Governors have their fingers on the pulse.

This blog post will look at the role of the Student Governing Board within the Students’ Association as well as introduce its four newest members.

The Student Governing Board (SGB) is legislated by the provincial government as the highest decision-making authority at the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University. Composed of students majoring in a wide range of disciplines, the SGB is a diverse committee of passionate advocates united by a drive to improve the student experience.

Who are your Student Governors and what do they do for you?

• 14 elected and appointed positions, each with a single vote
• Tasked with making strategic decisions and providing high-level direction
• 2 ex-officio members who do not vote: the SAMRU Executive Director and the SAMRU REC President
• Host monthly committee meetings regarding the most pressing campus issues

Without further ado, let’s get to know the four newest faces of the SGB!

Governor Rafael Hernandez Alarcon

In his time as Governor, he seeks to make campus a more age-inclusive experience and to help students gain a better foundational understanding of SAMRU, its purpose, and the benefits and resources available to them.

Major: Computer and Information Systems

Governor Rafael Hernandez Alarcon sees working with the SGB as a means to form meaningful connections with his peers and leave a lasting impact. A life-long learner, Governor Hernandez Alarcon was an accomplished chef with many years of experience before opting to pursue a degree in Computer and Information Systems at MRU. In his time as Governor, he seeks to make campus a more age-inclusive experience and to help students gain a better foundational understanding of SAMRU, its purpose, and the benefits and resources available to them.

Governor Sundus Baig

 During her time as Governor, she is keen to make meaningful connections, represent the student voice, and serve as an active member of the community, keeping students up-to-date on issues that matter.

Major: Nursing

Governor Sundus Baig is majoring in Nursing at Mount Royal, inspired by the admirable work of front-line healthcare workers after volunteering at a local hospital. Before serving on the Student Governing Board, Governor Baig worked with SAMRU attending the GFC (General Faculties Council) meetings as a Representation Ambassador and volunteering with the Free Tax Clinic. During her time as Governor, she is keen to make meaningful connections, represent the student voice, and serve as an active member of the community, keeping students up-to-date on issues that matter. Outside of her work with SAMRU, Governor Baig is working on a research project on Palestine, its history, and the deeply complex conflict happening in the region.

Governor Akash Parmar

In his time as Governor, he seeks to help Mount Royal students understand the wide variety of programs and services offered by SAMRU. He hopes that by advising SAMRU on matters of communication, students will be able to gain a more holistic appreciation of the value of their Students’ Association.

Major: BA in Policy Studies

Governor Akash Parmar was driven to work with the Student Governing Board due to his passion for economics and policy. He previously lent his talents to the Red Cross, assisting with accounting, budgeting, and financial advising. Currently, Governor Parmar is  pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies. In his time as Governor, he seeks to help Mount Royal students understand the wide variety of programs and services offered by SAMRU. He hopes that by advising SAMRU on matters of communication, students will be able to gain a more holistic appreciation of the value of their Students’ Association. Outside of his work with the SGB, Governor Parmar is working with MRU to produce an Intergenerational Speaker Series, geared at combating social isolation exacerbated by COVID-19.

Governor Tristalyn GiVogue

 A passionate advocate for students, she is driven by opportunities to empower others and wants to make SAMRU initiatives more impactful while informing students of the numerous benefits and services that are offered.

Major: BA in English

Governor Tristalyn GiVogue opted to work with the Students’ Association in order to get more involved in the community and gain valuable experience in leadership, communication and management skills. A passionate advocate for students, she is driven by opportunities to empower others and wants to make SAMRU initiatives more impactful while informing students of the numerous benefits and services that are offered. Another priority for Governor GiVogue during her tenure is to support and advocate further for students with disabilities. Majoring in English, she has a real interest in storytelling and the arts and aims to be a published author in the future.

Student governors leave a lasting impression on student life as they work to fulfill the mission of SAMRU: serve students to help them succeed. Past years’ members have described their experiences as successful, professional, and an excellent development opportunity where their unique skills were utilized and valued. Join us in wishing our newest student governors the best of luck in their roles! Learn more about your Student Governing Board by visiting https://samru.ca/about/governance/sgb/

SAMRU is hiring more positions on the Student Governing Board! Apply today by emailing governance@samru.ca. The deadline to apply is Thursday, September 15!