Breaking Limitations to Boost Communications

 

My name is Aniliese Spencer, and I am running for the position of Vice President of Communications for the Faculty of Arts Students' Association (FASA)! As a first-year student at the University of Calgary and a second-year Communications and Media Studies student, I am excited about the

opportunity to contribute to the FASA community, as well as the broader community of students within the Faculty of Arts. Through my role as a Department Representative for Communications and a member of the First-Year Committee, I have been able to get involved within the Faculty of Arts at UCalgary despite this being my first year as a transfer student. The experiences granted to me through these opportunities have allowed me to connect with my peers, listen to their concerns, and work collaboratively for positive change. I am passionate about building inclusive, supportive communities, and I believe this role will allow me to foster connections with both students and staff across the Arts Faculty.

 

My goals and strategy I will seek to implement if granted the opportunity to serve as Vice President of Communications include:

 

1. Building Inclusive and Engaging Communities

 

As Vice President of Communications, I will prioritize creating a community where every student, regardless of their background, feels welcomed and supported. I aim to work with the rest of the newly elected members of FASA to implement more events like panel discussions, networking nights, and community engagement and volunteering initiatives to foster a culture of belonging, support, and inclusivity to uplift all diverse voices within this Faculty at UCalgary. These efforts will create opportunities for students to engage with one another, share experiences, and build empathy across the Faculty to create a stronger community of students at UCalgary.

 

2. Strengthening Communication and Advocacy

 

Through my role as a Peer Academic Advisor at the Centre for Newcomers, I have had the opportunity to work with students aged 8-22, offering academic support, personal development advice, and mentorship as they navigate life in a new home. Through this position, and my work with a non-profit law organization, I have developed strong communication skills and an ability to advocate for students’ needs. I will use these skills, as well as my passion for community support and collaboration, to ensure effective communication of academic resources, mental health support, and extracurricular opportunities. Further, in order to fulfill this goal, I will work towards enhancing the relationship between FASA and students by continuing to maintain our engagement across our social media platforms and the FASA website through the initiatives we offer, such as Achievement Avenue and weekly announcements. This will ensure students are aware of upcoming events, academic resources, mental health support, and advocacy initiatives aimed at strengthening communication and fostering a supportive community.

 

3. Promoting Mental Health and Well-being

 

As a student who understands the hardships and challenges faced by other students as they enter university, mental health is a priority for me. I aim to implement initiatives like peer mentorship programs for first-year students, workshops on stress, time, and life management, and promoting initiatives to create safe spaces for open discussions on mental health to reduce stigma and encourage students to seek support when needed on behalf of the communications team. I would love to host sessions ideally bi-weekly, but realistically once a month, where the communications team invites students struggling with mental health or just having a tough week to talk about their experiences, seek support, and be offered accredited mental health resources. I would call this “The Debrief Detox: A Stress Relief and Mental Health Support Session.” These initiatives will provide students with the tools they need to succeed academically while maintaining their well-being, as well as fostering a stronger sense of community among students.

 

4. Time Management and Commitment

 

Despite my various commitments, including work at the Centre for Newcomers and volunteer work with non-profit organizations, I’ve developed strong time management skills. I am confident I can, and have demonstrated, my ability to effectively dedicate the time necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of Vice President of Communications through my role as Department Representative and member of the First-Year Committee.

 

In conclusion, I am eager to collaborate with FASA members and make meaningful contributions to the Arts Faculty community. Together, we can create an environment where all students feel empowered, supported, and heard.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,

​

Aniliese Spencer