Student Leadership 101: Unlocking Your Potential
Former WUSA President, Rory Norris, hosted an info-session on Student Leadership 101: Unlocking your Potential, on November 29th for students interested in leadership to get an inside look at opportunities at WUSA, gain insights into preparing for elections, and ask their questions about preparing for nominations!
Rory started off with a brief overview of what student leadership looks like at WUSA. “I always encourage people to get involved…it allows you to form so many connections,” he said during the meeting. He then discussed various leadership roles and the associated responsibilities – including the well-known elected roles as well as applied/appointed, and unelected roles.
The Board of Directors roles were expanded upon by Rory, with further explanation about how they contribute to providing oversight of financial, human resources, legal, and contractual affairs. The Board makes a direct impact on student life. “You really work closely with higher-ups too, in these roles,” Rory mentions. When talking about the President and Vice President roles specifically, he explained how the two roles are divided based on the associated duties. “The President deals with the internals…the Vice President works with external partners.”
Next, Rory discussed Student Societies – faculty/program specific elected roles that help in building community, hosting events, and advocating for the unique needs of their members. “This really helps students make an impact without having to make that big jump to WUSA,” the former President says. Some additional student leadership opportunities include volunteering and applied roles for hands-on experience, at-large seats for senate, and at-large seats for OUSA, which focuses on Ontario-wide student issues. Such roles, available through both paid and volunteer positions, offer the opportunity to support the causes that matter to you.
Keeping in mind the nominations for the upcoming elections, Rory touched on some tips for preparing for nominations, as well as an overview of the entire election process. The former President recommends skill-building in particular areas such as public speaking, budgeting, and research-based decision-making – of which the latter few will be well-supported and provided to candidates from WUSA. “There are things in place to make sure you have the information and the skills you need!” Rory assures potential candidates.
Furthermore, Rory advised that candidates have a clear picture of what they’re running for, the causes they want to support and what they are passionate about – and how this will shape the voice they bring to the Board. “Something to maybe consider is…what are the steps I might need to take if I do get elected?” he says. Rory mentions that the collection of signatures, particularly 100 each for the roles of President and VP, is often seen as a daunting task. However, he assured us that going up to students and explaining your candidacy will surely encourage them to vote/nominate you.
As the meeting neared its conclusion, Rory briefly answered some commonly asked questions such as ‘what are the requirements to run?’, ‘how competitive is the election process?’, ‘what kind of training or support is provided?’, and more. Some time was allocated near the end for students who had joined the meeting to ask any questions or concerns directly to Rory and pick his brain about Student Leadership.
Want to learn more about Student Leadership and Rory’s perspective and tips on it? Make sure to check out the meeting recording on our YouTube Channel!
Anusha Akella
Communications Coordinator Co-op
