The Residence Society (ResSoc) election is underway, and candidates for President and Vice-President (Society Operations) (VPSO) are running uncontested.
Yahya Mohamed, Sci ’26, is running for the position of ResSoc President, and Michelle Zhao, ConEd ’27, is running uncontested for the VPSO position.
ResSoc, comprised of the society’s President, executive team members, as well as house representatives, acts on behalf of students living in residence at General Assembly and committee meetings.
Within ResSoc, the President oversees the team’s Vice Presidents, who manage society and residence operations. The President is also in charge of speaking as a representative for ResSoc at external bodies at Queen’s University.
The Vice President (Society Operations) supervises the hired executive team within ResSoc. Additionally, the VPSO manages operational logistics within ResSoc, and is the speaker at General Assemblies.
Yahya Mohamed
Mohamed, who is currently working on ResSoc as the 2025-26 team’s VPSO, is now campaigning for presidency on a platform that aims to improve daily life for those who are in residence.
When asked what motivated him to run for president in the election, Mohamed wrote, “I’ve seen the residence system from every angle—from supporting students on the ground to rebuilding the society’s internal infrastructure,” Mohamed said in a statement to The Journal.
Mohamed explained the pillars of his platform, which highlight a safer residence environment, affordability and infrastructure, and transitioning from residence to the job market.
As a part of his platform to make residential buildings safer, Mohamed explained that he “will advocate for consistent security standards across all buildings and ensure that when safety gaps are identified, they are closed permanently.”
Mohamed expressed a desire to expand bursary programs within ResSoc, specifically targeting the inaccessibility surrounding the laundry services at Queen’s residences. “We need to ensure easy access to machines, so students aren’t stuck waiting for hours or forced to do their laundry at 2 a.m. just to find an available washer.”
Mohamed also plans to collaborate with Career Services, hosting events that aim to prepare first-year students in residence for summer job applications. “We will host hands-on workshops that go beyond the basics, teaching students how to effectively network at career fairs and build competitive resumes.”
Michelle Zhao
Campaigning on three platforms: improving our residences, perseverance and advocacy, as well as communication and internal strength, Zhao explained in an interview with The Journal that her plan aims to remedy flaws she’s experienced in the residence system.
“I felt that it was very important to run in the ResSoc election to be able to enact those changes as VPSO and to take these concerns to higher advisement committees or bodies in the Queen’s community,” she said.
Zhao, who has worked within ResSoc previously as the Chief Financial Officer, explained that her experience on ResSoc and working with the previous VPSO gives her an understanding of the inner dynamics of the society.
On her platform, Zhao highlighted accessibility as an important issue, stating that she plans on making ResSoc financial records available to Queen’s students. “I really believe that because we’re working for the students financially, it should be made clear, or very transparent for them to see where the money is going and how it benefits them.”
As VPSO, Zhao plans on using some of these funds to create a scanner-based organization system for the ResSoc storage room. By having a scan in scan out system for event supplies and materials, Zhao argues that House Presidents will be able to make better use of ResSoc funds, as they’ll have a better understanding of the materials accessible to them.
Zhao also talked about staying connected with the students in residence by creating a survey where students in residence can submit feedback and suggestions that she can use when advocating in internal committees and townhalls.
The ResSoc debate will be taking place on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in Victoria Hall Upper Commons. With voting taking place from Jan. 26 to 27 for all students and staff living in residence.
Tags
Elections 2026, ResSoc elections, ResSoc president, ResSoc VPSO
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