While Olalere's campaigns aims to address a wide range of student issues, some points lack detailed planning and would benefit from more research and consultation

Olami Olalere's campaign succeeds in highlighting a wide scope of student issues on campus while proposing initiatives to improve the operations of the MSU. However, many of these promises lack clarity, substance and proper consultations with key stakeholders and experts on campus.

In his campaign, Olalere's first pillar focuses on increasing traffic to MSU services by enhancing advertising methods. While Olarere shared with the Silhouette that he consulted full-time MSU staff about student usage of MSU services, his platform fails to include any data or specific details from these consultations to validate the need for this promise. 

In his platform point on housing accessibility, Olalere mentioned his intention to create a route of communication between students and the municipal government to improve tenant protections for students. However, this proposal lacks clarity regarding who exactly students would be communicating with or what concrete steps would be taken to implement this communication channel. Olami did not state that he had consulted with any city officials on this point.

Student Engagement 

In the second pillar of his campaign, Olalere envisions creating a “Maroon Wall”, a dedicated space for students to express themselves, share stories and engage with peers. Yet, key details about the initiative remain undefined, such as where the wall would be located.

Olalere intends to work with McMaster Athletics to create a student-only stand for sports games on campus to encourage student engagement in sports and to foster school spirit.

“I go to almost all the basketball games, almost all the football games, soccer games, men, women, volleyball games. I support the team, physically in all these aspects. I enjoy watching the team . . . and I go to these [games]. I am seeing the attendance. It is low,” said Olarere.  

Olalere did consult with Director of McMaster Athletics and Recreation Keenan Jeppesen, and both agreed this was a worthwhile initiative to explore.

One of Olalere's proposals involves arranging monthly meetings with students in the McMaster University Students Centre, where, if elected as MSU president, he would provide a space for students to voice their concerns.

When speaking to the Silhouette, he was asked how he would handle students raising controversial topics and ensuring that such public discussions are respectful. Olalere acknowledged the potential for these issues but ultimately stated that students' voices should be heard. More consideration into the safety and security of this event could help to strengthen this platform point.

He further suggested that the meetings would be reassessed halfway through, though this response lacked clarity on how potential conflicts would be managed effectively and whether any concrete actions or protocols would be implemented to ensure fair representation and productive dialogue.

Student Expression

The third pillar of Olalere's campaign includes implementing a new MSU service called “MSUTV”. This student-run media outlet would aim to showcase life and events on campus. 

However, there are already two existing student-run MSU services. The Silhouette, McMaster's student-led newspaper established in 1930, and 93.3 CFMU, McMaster's campus radio station established in 1963, similarly cover campus events, news and sports.

As of May 1, 2025, both departments will be funded by the CFMU Radio Inc. student fee to enable greater cross-collaboration, including more joint video initiatives.

Olalere's platform does not acknowledge these established services or indicate whether he consulted on the creation of a new campus media outlet. Olalere did not consult with the Silhouette or CFMU about what exactly his "MSUTV" would cover and how the two services might overlap.

When questioned in an interview, Olalere elaborated on his idea, including plans for post-game interviews and opportunities for students to interview athletes, with these segments and games being broadcasted on television. This would bridge the gap between the athletics and student sides of campus life, according to Olalere.

The current campus screen network that the MSU owns were replaced through a capital-expenditure request to the SRA in 2022. They currently run paid advertising and the Silhouette news ticker. There has been no clarification from the candidate if he proposes to still have this remain in addition to the "MSUTV" content.

However, he still did not clarify how his new proposed media service would fit alongside and be distinguished from the two already existing campus media services.

Finally, when being interviewed by the Silhouette, Olalere walked back one of his points in his original campaign platform that he provided. When discussing his proposed housing fair, he admitted he thought the idea was infeasible.

Overall, Olalere's campaign succeeds in presenting himself as a candidate eager to empower student voices.

It is also worth noting that Olalere is the only candidate running for MSU President from outside of the "MSU Bubble," showcasing the want for students to get involved to make a difference on campus.

Nevertheless, it ultimately falls short due to lack of clarity in his proposals and a failure to provide details on how he plans to implement his ideas effectively. 

Simon Mills' presidential student-engagement-oriented platform raises some concerns about financial and logistical feasibility

Simon Mills, a candidate for the 2025 McMaster Students Union presidential election, has a platform focused on enhancing student events, supporting students, addressing affordability and various advocacy issues. However, aspects of his platform could benefit from additional clarity, structure and insight.

Funding

Mills shared with the Silhouette that his proposals for Light Up the Night, his proposed "MSU Cup," and integrating more campus-wide events depend on the upcoming referendum vote on Homecoming and Large Events to increase student fees by $20.00. Considering this, these points of his platform rely on the passing of a referendum, which has yet to be determined one way or another.

Mills claimed that the $20.00 fee increase for Homecoming would secure funding for the next five years. He also suggested that the MSU has the option of generating revenue through corporate sponsorships, for example, with Tim Hortons. However, he did not clarify how this partnership would be structured or outline a plan to generally increase advertising efforts. "We could potentially get Tim Hortons in here to advertise,” said Mills.

Mills himself acknowledged that the financial model for many of his proposals is still unclear. “I don’t know exactly the current financial state of everything,” said Mills. Recognizing this uncertainty of his own campaign points, his platform could benefit from greater consultation with the MSU accounting department or Vice-President (Finance).

Mills' proposal to revitalize TwelvEighty by creating a more social and vibrant space with events like karaoke and trivia nights aims to encourage students to gather. However, this idea could also benefit from further details on funding and sustainability. Mills suggested that student volunteers could help revamp Union Market by painting murals, which he argued would be a cost-effective way to add vibrancy.

Services

Mills' platform also focused on mental health support. He has promised to advocate for reducing the current wait times for non-life-threatening issues, which can range from two to three weeks. While Mills’ goal of advocacy for mental health is commendable, his approach to addressing the wait times lacks specific, actionable details.

Sean Van Koughnett, Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs, provided important context about the limitations of increasing staff. He mentioned that while McMaster has more mental health professionals than the surrounding community, "Increasing the number of mental health professionals requires fee increases beyond CPI adjustments, which must be approved by the Student Services Advisory Committee and the SRA," stated Van Koughnett.

Mills also raised concerns about the feasibility of peer support services, claiming past failures where volunteers were not properly trained to handle critical situations. His approach seems to be centred on professional staff rather than student volunteers. While his concern is valid, additional clarity on how he would collaborate with the university to secure the necessary funds for this initiative would strengthen his platform.

In his platform, he also mentioned his hope to work with library staff to increase the number of electrical power outlets and optimize study spaces. Lynne Serviss, Associate University Librarian, shared her insights on this in an email to the Silhouette,

"While the library cannot add additional outlets, we can work on optimizing access to the existing ones. The Libraries are willing to collaborate with Simon to explore ways to enhance easy access to chargers and electrical outlets," stated Serviss.

Club and Events

Mills also suggested that his proposed "MSU Cup," a team competition sorted by faculty, and smaller events like scavenger hunts could be held as a new annual event.

Keenan Jeppesen, the Athletics and Recreation Director, supported Mills' vision, noting that tailgating and giveaways at sporting events could generate excitement. However, he also cautioned, "Logistically, implementing such programs would require careful coordination with teams, facilities, and schedules," stated Jeppesen. This highlights the need for more strategic planning to ensure inclusivity and participation in campus events.

Mills acknowledged the challenge of engaging commuter students, who often feel disconnected from campus life. He suggested that supporting increased club involvement could help bridge this gap, providing commuters with a sense of community.

Mills proposed a new "Club Vision Program," a matchmaking questionnaire that pairs students with clubs that align with their interests, cultural and religious identities, or other preferences. It would serve as a tool to increase club membership numbers. Rene Hares, MSU club admin, stated that a program can be implemented after internal discussion and financial budgeting.

This approach also raises concerns about streamlining communication between clubs. Mills suggested increasing the use of Bounce and providing increased training for clubs.

Despite this being central to his goal, Mills did not fully provide details on how club events could be tailored to the unique needs of commuters or made more accessible for students who face logistical challenges attending after-hours events. For example, event times could be adjusted, and virtual participation options could be offered. Additionally, addressing transportation or parking challenges might also improve accessibility to club events for commuter students.

Simon Mills’ campaign for MSU President offers a passionate vision for McMaster’s student life. Mills' proposals have potential, though he has done little to clarify how we would approach logistical and financial considerations. Mill's platform could overall benefit from better addressing these considerations and collaborating more with key experts who would be involved in his proposal implementations.

C/O Simranjeet Singh

Simranjeet’s Singh’s platform offers an ambitious number of ideas to various issues  

With a whooping 26 platform points, Singh brings forth a myriad of solutions to pressing issues, but not without question of feasibility. Singh’s platform hinges on extensive collaboration with numerous organizations within McMaster University and the city of Hamilton.

Student Wellness  

Singh proposes to increase the Student Wellness Center’s collaboration with a variety of McMaster Students Union groups and clubs by creating a Student Wellness Centre Advisory Committee. It would serve as a hub for student leaders to communicate their findings and concerns to the SWC.  

However, current services of the MSU already connect with students through peer support services. The creation of such a committee poses a question of redundancy given that volunteers of these services can already direct students to specific resources, such as the SWC.  

Furthermore, Singh looks to increase the number of group counselling sessions and operating hours of the SWC and to allow students access these services outside of working hours.

Rosanne Kent, the director of the SWC, confirmed Singh had consulted with her regarding this and that his goal is indeed achievable. In fact, the SWC has already been slowly increasing capacity through this academic year with the intent to bring back pre-COVID-19 service in the future.  

Building a Stronger Community 

While Singh’s desire to collaborate with Metrolinx to expand bussing and reintroduce cancelled express bus routes may be ideal to reduce student commute times, Singh does not detail any consultation with Metrolink to address the feasibility of these changes. These bus routes were likely cancelled due to reduced student ridership because of online classes and the trajectory of McMaster’s reopening remains uncertain in this current climate of the pandemic.

Singh has communicated with John McGowan, general manager of the MSU, about ensuring that bus services are reflective of student needs once students return to campus. McGowan stated that he believes his goal is achievable.    

He also hopes to encourage Metrolinx to fast track the development of the Hamilton light-rail transit line. Given that the development of the LRT line is dependent on a host of other stakeholders whose schedules differ from that of students’, Singh has not provided detail as to how actionable this goal can be.  

The feasibility of Singh’s goal to introduce student discounts to a significant number of local Hamilton businesses also raises questions given that the actual implementation of this is dependent on the businesses’ desire to do so.  

Singh wishes to lead a large-scale study to determine average rental prices, student experiences with off campus housing and use those findings to better inform students of their rights as tenants and advocate for a better housing market. He consulted with McMaster’s associate vice provost, Kim Dej, who expressed support for this study. 

However, despite the support from Dej, Singh fails to mention how this goal would accomplish something different from the resources already offered to McMaster students.  

Environmental Sustainability  

Many of Singh’s suggestions under environmental sustainability are already undertaken by the university on a regular basis with community partners. For example, Singh’s proposal to work with Hospitality Services to reduce food waste and address student food insecurity is addressed by the student-run MSU Food Collective Centre with non-profit projects. Hospitality Services are also aiming to increase its purchasing of local produce.  

Singh’s suggestion to collaborate with the Office of Sustainability to develop a waste management strategy to audit the total amount of waste produced on campus within a year is an ambitious idea. However, such an audit might not be an accurate reflection of McMaster’s waste production given possible reduced student and staff presence on campus amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this would require a close partnership with the city of Hamilton. Singh has not stated if he has consulted anyone with the city. 

Creating More Equitable Education  

Singh's suggestion of a provincial tuition freeze with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance does not consider that the MSU and the OUSA already officially hold the position of freezing tuition.  

He hopes to advocate for a province-wide initiative that will support university funding through avenues outside of the pockets of students themselves. Singh plans to work with the MSU vice president of education given the VP’s delegatory position at OUSA meetings. He has consulted the current VP Education, Siobhan Teel, who expressed support for Singh’s idea. However, Singh’s platform does not provide further elaboration on how this funding will be acquired.

Singh’s desire to advocate for reduced textbook costs by replacing them with Online Educational Resources is valuable as a means of encouraging more equitable education. He has conversed with associate vice provost Kim Dej, who stated that introducing more OER options is feasible.

However, Singh points out that McMaster lacks OER funding. He plans to introduce student research assistant positions to support the development of OERs but does not clarify whether there is adequate funding to do so.

Career Development Support  

Singh’s suggestion to create more opportunities to aid students in their career development with the creation of services that aid in resume writing and applications are already offered by the university’s Human Resources Services. McMaster provides networking opportunity events in the form of Volunteer Fairs as well as many career events hosted throughout the year by the Student Success Centre and student-run clubs such as the McMaster Undergraduate Research in Science Association.  

Singh has extensive ideas; however, his platform would benefit from further clarification as to how his approaches will differentiate themselves from many of the services already at works within McMaster.  

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