My name is Aria Bawa, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Vice President of Finance of the Faculty of Arts Students' Association (FASA). I am a third-year Law and Society student at the University of Calgary, with hands-on financial experience from my role at Scotiabank. I have a strong understanding of transparent budgeting and effective resource management. Additionally, as the Finance Executive for the Women in Politics club and the founder and president of the Punjabi Cultural Association, I’ve successfully managed budgets and overseen large-scale events.

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If elected, my priority will be ensuring the responsible management of FASA funds in a way that benefits all students. I aim to create accessible funding opportunities, improve financial literacy, and ensure transparency in how student fees are allocated. My goal is to maximize the impact of every dollar, supporting both academic and extracurricular initiatives that foster a vibrant and engaging student experience for everyone in the Faculty of Arts.

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Transparent and Accountable Financial Management

• Ensure transparent financial management by publishing quarterly reports summarizing key budget decisions and expenditures.

• Provide an easy-to-use online platform for students to track key budget allocation and suggest financial priorities.

• Establish a Financial Oversight Committee to allow students to directly contribute to discussions on financial priorities.

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Responsible Budgeting and Resource Allocation

• Submit a detailed budget proposal at the beginning of the academic year to secure adequate funding for FASA initiatives.

• Allocate funds to support AURS (Arts Undergraduate Research Symposium) and other faculty-wide academic events that provide students with opportunities to present research and engage in academic discourse.

• Prioritize significant funding for student clubs, academic societies, and advocacy initiatives to enhance their impact and support student engagement across the Faculty of Arts, while ensuring the sustainability of all FASA programming.

• Improve the clarity and accessibility of the grant application process by providing students with clear guidelines and updates on the status of their funding requests, ensuring transparency in how funds are allocated.

• Allocate funding for events that promote academic development and career growth.

• Establish an annual $2,000 scholarship to recognize academic excellence and community impact across all Faculty of Arts students. This initiative will highlight and support students who demonstrate both outstanding academic achievements and a commitment to positive social change.

• Advocate for increased funding and support for additional TA positions and tutorial resources in Law and Society and Political Science courses, working with the Faculty to improve learning environments and reduce class sizes.

• Attract sponsorships to establish and fund weekly study sessions and mentorship programs that connect upper-year students with first- and second-year students across all Faculty of Arts programs. These programs will foster academic support and community-building throughout the Faculty. Enhanced Support for Student Initiatives

• Attract sponsorships to create a $10,000 Student Project Fund that supports innovative, student-led projects addressing social, legal, and political issues, helping students turn their ideas into impactful initiatives.

• Provide accessible budget templates and financial training for student clubs to maximize the efficient use of funds.

• Offer micro-grants of up to $500 for emerging student initiatives that promote community impact and academic engagement.

• Partner with the Faculty of Arts to expand student-led conferences and events, particularly those focused on legal, political, and social issues.

• Support student-led legal and policy initiatives by providing dedicated funding for case competitions, mock trials, and advocacy projects.

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Financial Literacy and Engagement

• Partner with faculty members, finance professionals, and the Haskayne School of Business to host quarterly financial literacy workshops, covering topics such as budgeting, taxes, and personal finance, providing students with valuable skills for their academic and personal lives.

• Develop an online financial resource hub tailored for Arts students, offering tools and tutorials for financial planning.

• Establish an Annual Financial Town Hall, where students can ask questions, voice concerns, and offer input on budgeting decisions. Collaborative Decision-Making

• Hold biannual feedback sessions to provide students with the opportunity to express their financial priorities and concerns, ensuring their voices are heard without overburdening them with constant consultations.

• Collaborate with the VP Academic to secure funding for events such as career panels, networking events, and guest speaker series.

• Work with student organizations and faculty members to secure external funding for initiatives that will benefit Arts students at large.

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My experience in finance, leadership, and student advocacy has prepared me to effectively manage FASA’s finances with integrity and transparency. I am committed to ensuring that our financial decisions reflect the diverse needs of Law and Society, Political Science, and all Faculty of Arts students. Together, we can build a stronger, more financially empowered student community. I would be honored to have your support and vote.

 

Thank you,

Aria Bawa