Ryan Low, Sci ’10, said he thinks the rector position is unique because it represents both undergraduate and graduate students at the University.
“In that facet it has a good ability to represent a multitude of different views at Queen’s,” he said. “I like finding out different issues on campus and how people feel about them.”
Low said he thinks it’s important for the rector to try and examine issues from different perspectives.
“If you don’t branch out you get stuck in one mindset and you’re not really a well-rounded person,” he said.
Low said his position this year as vice-president (operations) for EngSoc has given him experience in leadership and business. His experience with running services such as Clark Hall Pub and the Tea Room have enabled him to mediate between student needs and the administration, he added. Low said one focus of his platform is advocating for creative revenue sources to deal with budget cuts.
“Everyone really has to take a strong look at being creative with what you can do with the money,” he said.
Low said he also wants to improve the TA training program.
“There isn’t another program on campus that has interaction between graduate and undergraduate students,” he said, adding that he wants to look into setting up a standardized training programs for TAs. “Sometimes the TAs aren’t adequately trained to interact with the students … They’re thrown into the classroom setting.”
Low said his platform also seeks to create a good alternative to deal with Homecoming. There is a re-evaluation committee that will look into the Aberdeen street party issue, he added.
“We have time to plan and actually make a good solid framework for what we could do for the 2012 potential homecoming. Along with that is advocating for student rights on the street on that weekend,” Low said, adding that he wants policies to be implemented so that students’ rights aren’t violated by law enforcement.
Low said he also hopes to raise the profile of the rector’s office.
“There are a lot of times where students could use the rector but don’t know it’s even possible,” he said, adding that he hopes to raise student awareness of the resource through Frosh Week and dons. “I like the motto of the office of the rector which is be a leader and a servant,” he said. “That summarizes what I want to do… I want to help students and be that advocating voice.”
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