Q&A with DSU vice-president internal candidate, Zain Ul Abideen

Zain Ul Abideen is a third-year applied computer science student running for vice-president internal in the Dalhousie Student Union general election.

Four students — Abideen, Alexander Tzovolos, Marzan Chowdhury and Suha Manal — are running for the position.

Abideen has worked with students in residence in multiple positions since coming to Dalhousie University. They are the current vice-president of finance and operations for DalOUT and are currently on a co-op term with Nova Scotia Health.

This article has been edited for clarity, grammar and length

Why are you running for this position? 

From my experiences working in residence life, dealing with first-year students, hearing their problems and being in societies as a member, executive and treasurer, I know the systems and how to find those problems. I discussed with my peers in other societies and realized there are fundamental issues; when I tried raising them, they weren’t being addressed. I was like, “Why not take this on my own and try to solve these issues in the best way that I can?”

What experience do you have that makes you the best candidate for this position? 

I’ve been in societies from the start as a volunteer, general member and treasurer. I’ve been a founder and president for [the Dalhousie Digital Photography Society], which I grew from zero to 150 members in one year. I have lots of experience working with students in residence life, where I welcome and assist [students]. I’ve hosted various events in all the societies I’ve been a part of.

What are the three most important things your campaign is based on? 

My first priority is clear internal systems. When you book a space in the Student Union Building, I want it to be clear on how long you have to wait for follow-ups. I want to make sure that booking spaces is not a hindrance for societies, but rather just one tick in the process of having spaces. My second priority is clear accessibility leadership. I want to work with not just societies, but also with students to find their space and community, find spaces that they might not be aware of, or become acquainted with different people. If they can’t find one, I want to make one with them for their interest. My third priority is bigger campus-wide events. Not just events during orientation week, but bigger events throughout the year. One of the big initiatives I want to do next year is have charity face-off matches between residences throughout the year.

What is the biggest issue students face on campus today? 

I still cannot believe that we didn’t get our [tuition] fees back. We tried our best when the faculty was locked out; we had demonstrations supporting the DFA and showing that they’re not alone and that we support them. Once an agreement was made, nothing happened for us and the three weeks of classes that were missed. 

How will you interact with the Dalhousie community if you assume this position?

I want to make my office hours as dynamic as possible. I want to be an active member of the Student Union Building. I want to walk around and be able to know every face, or just check in with people, see how they’re doing and ask if they’re facing any issues. I really want to just be up-to-date, hip and cool with students.

What is the main challenge you will face in this position?

Working with Dalhousie faculty or staff, working with people in athletics or those who have full-time roles in other spaces, and collaborating with them to do events of our own might be a big issue because they already have their own list of priorities. I’m starting communications early, planning things over the summer before the start of the fall semester.