Ryerson’s walls are like a constant kaleidoscope of ever revolving posters. Some are for isolated events, others are a regular tradition. Currently blanketing the campus are posters for this week’s senate student election.
Voting for the election starts today and lasts until March 10 at 4:30 p.m.
But why should you care? If you didn’t vote in Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU) election a few weeks back, why vote for this one?
It comes down to understanding the difference between the RSU and the Senate. The Senate is the academic policy-making body of Ryerson. They make decisions about issues that affect academics, from curriculum changes to name changes of programs. Excited to have a fall reading week? They approved it. Want to go for the new minors in fashion and news studies? Senate was behind that.
Essentially, their decisions affect every student.
The RSU, on the other hand, runs various campaigns to improve student and campus life, offers services like cheaper TTC passes and holds community events. They may help influence decisions, but they are not the ones making the final decisions.
The Senate is comprised of faculty, librarians, administrators, alumni and students. These students will be instrumental in helping approve academic decisions.
If you’re going to vote at all in your four years at Ryerson, vote during a senate election. It’s important that we have representatives that will speak for the majority of the student body. Check out the student candidates here.
To vote: Log on to Blackboard. On the “Hot Link” on the left side, click on “Senate Election 2011- Vote Here”.
