As the only candidate running for president of the Engineering Society this year, Delaney Benoit, Sci ’20, wants to be a voice for the Society’s students.
“My main goal is to advocate for our students,” Benoit told The Journal in an interview. “My approach will be to hear their concerns, get an understanding of what engineering students prioritize, and adjust our actions accordingly.”
Benoit’s vision for the presidency is increasing support for engineering students. To achieve it, she plans to create new accountability systems and improve student feedback methods to ensure EngSoc advocates for its students.
On why she decided to run for president, Benoit said she saw an opportunity to improve the society and felt she had the right skills to do so.
“I decided to run for president because I believe I have the managerial skills to implement a variety of positive changes to the society without sacrificing the many successful components of our operations,” Benoit said.
After serving as a FREC in her second year, Benoit kick-started her extensive extra-curricular involvement. She now works as the EngSoc equity officer, the speakers executive for Queen’s Water Environment Conference, and a volunteer with the Big Spoon & Lil Spoon program.
While Benoit has yet to finish her campaign period, potential problems already await her in the 2019-20 year.
In response to handling potential budget cuts brought on by the Ford government’s new OSAP rulings, which would allow students to opt-out of student fees deemed non-essential, Benoit believes student consultation is key.
“I aim to see the society operate to its full potential,” Benoit said. “[I]f we do lose funding, I plan to ensure my executives and I are making decisions that ensure students are still supported and engaged.”
Though she may be the sole candidate, Benoit believes her strong people skills and managerial experience makes her the best person for the position.
“I am organized, proactive, and excited to learn more and grow as a leader in [this] position, if elected,” Benoit said.
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