Michael Zhang for AMS Trustee

03/24/2020

Hey guys, just a quick reminder to remember to vote tomorrow via your Queen's email!

Here is my updated platform along with a brief bio, remember to vote Michael Zhang!

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03/18/2020

03/18/2020

Hey guys, today I will reveal my plan to further the relationship between the undergraduate community and the board. As Trustee, i will make sure that the most important issues students face will be prioritized in my meetings with the board. From mental health to further divestment from fossil fuels, I realize the staggering level of the issues that the Queen's undergraduate community faces.

With many students not understanding what the trustee or the board actually does, it is imperative that students get the kind of transparency they deserve and understand the work that will impact them, even if it happens behind closed doors.

That is why I vow to use social media platforms such as Overheard (despite its silly aspects), along with establishing open workshops with students to receive better clarification on what issues students prioritize. Weekly workshops are an effective way to interact with students to gain their perspective.

Along with the summary document produced after each meeting, I will make sure to produce a post regarding the board's response to the student perspective, as to gain necessary information on how to better approach expressing said perspective in the future.

Although the trustee must act for the benefit of the university as well, I will ensure the voice of the undergraduate community will be heard as well.

03/18/2020

Hey guys! So first things first, let's outline the most important aspect of what it means to be a trustee: open communication and accessibility to what the Board actually does. As your Trustee, I will make transparency the cornerstone of my work, as to make sure every student is aware of the changes being wrought behind the scenes.

In order to facilitate such access to this vital information and increase undergraduate student engagement with the governing board, I will make myself consistently available each week for students to communicate their concerns. This can be done via email or during my on-campus office hours. I will take every individual student's concern to heart as to pinpoint the most pressing issues facing the undergraduate community at Queen's.

I will also compile a summary document of all matters discussed at board meetings that will then be made publicly available, as to make sure students have access to the issues that may very well affect them in the future. I realize many students may not truly understand what the board does, with all the complicated jargon and financial aspects that come out of it. This is something that will be resolved by the summary document, as it will provide a simplified version of the events that transpired at the meeting without any said jargon.

My third plan as Trustee would be to utilize social media as to forge a strong link between the undergraduate community and the board. As the sole representative of undergraduates, it is imperative that the Trustee brings a student perspective to board meetings, as their votes and outcomes must also reflect upon concerns raised by students. I will use polls and questionnaires on platforms like Facebook to ensure I bring the most pressing issues to the board, along with what I learn from my interactions with students via email or office hours.

Above all else, as your Trustee I will be your voice. I promise.