My name is Marty Martynowski, and I am running to be your next President of the Faculty of Arts Students' Association (FASA). Over the past two years, I’ve had the honour of serving not only as Department Representative for International Relations but also as Director of Strategic Planning for FASA. These roles have given me the insight and experience required to lead our Faculty forward. I’ve seen a clear picture of the challenges our Faculty faces, and developed an actionable vision to address them.

 

My campaign is built on four pillars that represent and speak for Arts students:

 

More Scholarships for Arts Students

 

Arts students are underfunded. While FASA has taken steps to support students through scholarships focused on creativity, financial need, and community involvement, this support is not enough. As President, I will work with Faculty leadership and reach out to philanthropic organizations in order to broaden our approach and secure funding for additional scholarships that recognize other avenues of Arts excellence as well. Arts students shouldn’t have to choose between financial stability and academic success. Financial support must be a foundation, not a privilege.

 

Mentorship that Builds Futures

 

Mentorship should be a defining aspect of the Arts student experience. During my time on FASA, I helped lay the foundation by connecting FASA with the First in Family (FIF) mentorship program. But we need to go further. As President, I will lead the creation of a comprehensive mentorship program designed for all Arts students, not just those in their first year. My solution is to develop a living database of Faculty of Arts graduates, with a strong emphasis on UCalgary alumni, who are willing to give back by mentoring current students. This program will allow students to register their interests, goals, and areas of study, and be matched with alumni or upper-year peers who can offer personalized guidance and real-world insight. Whether you’re looking for academic advice, career direction, or someone who understands the path you’re on, this program will ensure that every Arts student has the chance to be supported and empowered throughout their degree.

 

Networking that Elevates the Arts

 

Arts degrees are often misunderstood, and too many students graduate without ever seeing the full range of opportunities available to them. That needs to change. As President, I will expand and diversify FASA’s networking events to help Arts students understand the paths available with our degrees. My plan includes organizing industry-specific events where professionals and UCalgary Arts alumni will speak on specialized topics within their fields. From public policy to the nonprofit sector and beyond, these events also act as networking sessions to better connect to careers. By hearing directly from professionals who’ve turned their Arts degrees into impactful careers, students will leave not only inspired but better informed about the career paths available to them.

 

Fixing Course Registration

 

We’ve all felt the frustration. Full courses, limited electives, and a registration system that often leaves students scrambling. This familiar situation isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a barrier to academic success. As President, I will take this issue directly to the Faculty and university administration to understand the causes and search for solutions. My approach is straightforward. By speaking directly with decision-makers, identifying the gaps in course planning and availability, and advocating for clearer communication and earlier timelines, I’m committed to making real progress. Whether it’s increasing course sections, resolving scheduling conflicts, or making the registration process more transparent, Arts students deserve access to the courses they need, when they need them.

 

I am asking for your vote in order to further enhance our Faculty, and solve issues that we deserve to have solved. Vote Marty Martynowski for FASA President.