VP Functions

in Winter 2020 SASSex Elections

Ask your SASS VP Functions candidates questions about their platforms here! Voting for your SASS VP Functions will take place March 16-20! SASSex's second-in-command organizes the Big Sib program and a variety of smaller activities, such as Milk & Cookies and TriSci. They're also heavily involved in supporting the President on major priorities and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

5 comments

5 Comments

William Li

Mar 16, 2020

Question for both candidates!! :)

One of the less visible roles of the VP Functions is acting as SASSex’s second-in-command (i.e. this year Anna B. did lots of Sibs stuff and Milk & Cookies, but behind the scenes also did a lot in helping coordinate our SCI response, advising me on big decisions, co-chairing the Finance Committee, etc). If you are elected, how will you approach this aspect of the role, regardless of whether Thomas or Nicole are elected President?

Tinson Chen

Mar 17, 2020

Replying to

Hi Will!

Thomas or Nicole are both excellent candidates and I would gladly take on this advisory role under either. In terms of advising on big decisions, I will fulfill this aspect of the role by (1) thoroughly considering the solutions on the table and (2) highlighting novel solutions. I tend to think laterally in problem solving and that this sort of creative problem solving will compliment both presidential candidates well. I understand that I have a reputation for leading boisterously (at least with respect to my dear co-rep, Maya), but I also know my way around a spreadsheet, can effectively communicate my thoughts on and off line and have a meticulous need to play devil’s advocate, so in that regard, I am wholly comfortable with administration behind the scenes. As to the Student Choice Initiative, I feel as though it was handled rather well in terms of keeping events inclusive and financially accessible and I am excited to work with the President, VP Social and Treasurer on tackling similar issues in future. I imagine that the continuation of the SCI and bursary as well as the administration of services while coronavirus is winding down will require big decisions in the coming months and I am prepared to do my best to assist the President throughout this year if you would vote for me to be your new VP Functions.

Are you fully recovered now?

Can I borrow the SASS credit card?

All the best,

Tinson Chen

Level I Rep and VP Functions hopeful

Gillian Young

Mar 17, 2020

Replying to

Hello!

My priority as VP Functions would be to support the new president and the rest of SASSex when and where needed. I would like to take an active role on SASSex in whichever areas I can be the most impactful. I am flexible and have experience to be able to support the rest of exec in many areas. I would be eager to help the president make decisions and co-chair committees in any way I can.

As one of the current co-presidents of the McMaster Lifeguard Team I am confident in my abilities to work with the new president and the rest of SASSex. I am very familiar with the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a club, and leading an executive team (particularly the logistical and financial aspects which are so crucial). I have found that keeping communication channels open and being ready to adapt to changing needs and circumstances of the team to be most effective to ensure a positive atmosphere, and that everything is completed to a high standard.

I am very diligent when it comes to behind the scenes work. For anyone who managed to make it to the one show of the musical this year (RIP) you would have heard the band play numerous songs, many of which I arranged (one took me over 20 hours, but took only 2 minutes for the band to play). I am cognizant that there are a million things that must happen to make any organization (or show) run smoothly and I am prepared to help with even the most complex and boring ones. I have always found Artscis to be so kind and great to work with, collaborating with the president to strengthen SASS would be an incredible honour for me.

Hope everyone is doing well in these crazy times!

Gillian

mcbric3

Mar 16, 2020

Question for Tinson!

You mention improving the sib matching process on your platform? What are some specifics of how you would actually do this? How specifically is the current process insufficient, and could it be improved? How would you do this?

Tinson Chen

Mar 16, 2020

Replying to

Hi Corbin!

As VP Functions, I intend on specifically improving the application forms themselves. I will expand the open-ended portion of this year's application to really dig deep into what it means to be [insert sib here] and preserve the fidelity and breadth of personalities among both big and lil sibs. I believe that because nearly all big sibs are from my year, my keen sense of their personalities can be used to highlight sib pairings that are hopefully at least half as good as Chloe and Justin's portrayal.

Additionally, I am going to spend some time collecting and compiling sib family trees to be displayed on Sassweb so that the rich and glorious legacy of all the sib houses will be remembered in perpetuity (especially you, graduating class of 2020). Throughout the year, I'd like to expand upon the Sib Supper and Sib BBQ that Anna ran so excellently this year and have more Sib Fam events with ~quirky~ themes and scrum-didly-umptious food to create opportunities for entire sib families (and might I suggest extended alumni sib families?) to meet the new batch of recruits.

Thanks for the question!

Cheers,

Tinson Chen

Level I Rep and VP Functions hopeful

Society of Arts & Science Students

VP Functions