[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.0.84″ src=”http://thestrand.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Nick-S.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” force_fullwidth=”off” show_bottom_space=”on” /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text]
The Strand: Why are you running for VPI?
Nickolas Shyshkin: This year, I had the pleasure of being on VUSAC as VPSO. That role was a very outward one, it was all about reaching out to clubs and levies and being that liason between VUSAC. Next year, I want to take on a similar role within the executive but focus more internally and see how we can move towards being a more cohesive council—and with that cohesiveness, translate it into a more outward facing council that can better serve the VCU.
What skills or experience makes you the ideal candidate for the position?
Well, I was VPSO this year. I got a lot of insight on being on the executive and dealing with things that aren’t necessarily dealt with at council meetings and working really closely with the President, VPI, and VPE. From that experience, I gained some conflict resolution skills. That has prepared me to be more prepared going into this position.
How are you planning on using the portfolio of VPI to make VUSAC a “more open and outward body?”
I want to encourage a stronger internal council, which’ll help create a more outward facing council. Some ways would be to make it more cohesive, have frequent one-on-ones with members of council, taking an active in and out approach to conflict, be transparent to council on the part of the executive, introduce initiatives like sustainability training for members of council, taking a more proactive approach in terms of equity, implementing equity audits, and finding more accessible places for commissioners when they do hold events. This, I hope, will allow us to look less like an exclusive club that is only limited to the 25 people on council. Some people don’t know about what VUSAC has to offer in terms of resources and events. There are ways to get involved with the commissions that are always looking for people in the first semester. I’m hoping that that’s something we can introduce in the second semester. I also think it’s important to open up the office more, introduce a suggestion box for any complaints or tips that any members of the VCU wanna see from us.
Can you elaborate on the sustainability training that you mention in your platform? What would that training look like?
This is definitely something that I’d want to collaborate more on with the Sustainability Commissioner. I feel like sustainability is one of those initiatives that we always talk about, we always need, we always want, we all wholeheartedly agree that we want a more sustainable campus. However, to bring it more in line with equity training and initiatives in that way, I think it would be helpful to integrate that into the councilor retreat we do in October. I would look into bringing some other on-campus resources from outside of Vic for that.
Which part of your platform are you most passionate about?
So hard to just pick one! I think I do really want to make it a stronger internal council, that’s probably the biggest part of the portfolio. I think that’s where I would need to start and where I would need to make the most progress in order to get my other initiatives to happen.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Comments are closed.