Hey Asper students! Chris tapping in for this special leap year edition of the Asper Scoop. With reading week in the rearview mirror, it’s crazy to think that we’re almost halfway through another semester. That being said, the schoolwork isn’t slowing down and neither are the involvement opportunities! 

Keep reading to learn more about the CSA’s General Council Recruitment, meet Asper’s newest STAG, and to give your feedback on everyone’s favourite Drake cafe. Welcome to the Asper Scoop!

A Pair of General Council Journeys

March is always a special time around the CSA: a new President and VPI elected, a fresh Executive Council chosen, and a new crop of 50+ General Council (GC) positions waiting to be filled. With 2024-25 GC Recruitment in full swing, hear from two current members who shared their perspective on the year that was.

Although last year’s recruitment seems like it was just yesterday, current General Council members Divya Singh and Brooke Naismith are in the midst of wrapping up their terms. With events such as Student Appreciation Week and Commerce Carol done and dusted, the pair have been able to take time to reflect on their GC journeys. Though they started university at different times, joined General Council in different years, and held different positions, their perspectives on student leadership are remarkably similar.

Divya Singh, a two-time council member, initially applied for General Council in 2022 and has held two positions; Manager of Corporate Relations and Commerce Cares Co-Chair. With a goal of making friends and growing her skillset, Divya worked hard to improve herself and support the team around her over the past two years. Brooke Naismith, joining General Council for the first time in 2023 as Commerce Socials Co-Chair, parlayed her positive experience on a CSA committee into further involvement as a GC member. Meeting and learning from new mentors and friends, Brooke was keen to contribute to the student experience in Asper.

Looking back at the application process, the pair chose their top 3 positions based on what they could see themselves enjoying, their current strengths, as well as areas that they were motivated to improve. Balancing the pros and cons of each position, Divya and Brooke read position descriptions, visited the CSA office, and created a shortlist in preparation for their application.

Over the past year, Divya and Brooke were able to grow their skill sets through planning events, networking with corporate partners, and working with a wide range of people. From communication (in Brooke’s case, navigating a 120-message long email thread), to logistical skills (in Divya’s case, helping plan and execute a 4-day long student extravaganza), the duo were able to develop soft and hard skills that will be applicable to their future careers.

When reflecting on their time as GC Members, Divya and Brooke were grateful for the people they met through their time on council. From forging relationships with new role models and friends, to working with a supportive team, to small interactions and internal camaraderie, the duo shared the perspective that it really was the people around them who made the role that much better.

When offering advice to students who may be thinking about applying, the duo shared similar sentiments: just do it!* Both Divya and Brooke echoed that whether or not you get on, you’ll have the opportunity to meet great people, practice your interview skills, and will still have the chance to apply for committee positions in April. The pair agreed that the first interview will always be daunting, but who knows: it could just result in the most memorable moments of your undergraduate career.

*We aren’t sponsored by Nike (yet?).

If you’re interested in applying for General Council this year, click here to learn more about the positions and click here to send in your application!

Meet UMQAS: Asper’s Newest STAG

Advocacy has been a crucial part of Ashleigh Laubstedt’s life for quite some time. Starting her journey as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, she was motivated to get involved with meaningful on-campus causes, including the Rainbow Pride Centre (RPC). As she continued to get more involved in 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy on the University of Manitoba campus, one thing became abundantly clear: Asper was lacking representation.

Seeing 2SLGBTQIA+/Queer student groups thrive in other parts of the university, Ashleigh was inspired to create a community like this in her home faculty. With a vision of creating representation for a historically marginalized group in the business community, Ashleigh began creating the organization from the ground up. After many months of planning, UMQAS (University of Manitoba Queer/2SLGBTQIA+ Asper Students) was officially instituted as a Student Action Group and has kicked off operations this academic year.

For this year and beyond, the organization is centering itself around two main goals: physical representation in the Drake Centre and community support within the student body. Ashleigh emphasized the importance of physical representation throughout the building, with symbols such as pride stickers and incorporation of pronouns helping students feel welcome in Drake. In addition to this, the organization plans to work with faculty members to ensure the continued use of inclusive language, proper pronouns, and the discussion of 2SLGBTQIA+ topics in the classroom. On a macro level, UMQAS is built to ensure that students have support and advocacy in Asper whenever they need. Asper students can use UMQAS as a resource centre and support system; a safe space within the walls of the Drake Centre and beyond.

With UMQAS continuing to grow its community, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved! First, Ashleigh encourages students to follow the organization on Instagram (@umqas.asper), where updates on events, initiatives, and leadership opportunities will be posted. As well, with a new President lined up for the next academic year, UMQAS Executive recruitment will be in the works over the coming months, with open positions including Vice President and Director of Events. Finally, becoming an UMQAS member will ensure you stay in the loop, with monthly membership emails being delivered straight to your inbox (click here to become a member today!).

Closing in on her graduation, it’s clear to see Ashleigh’s work as President has set up UMQAS up for present and future success.

Extra Credit: The Snack Exchange Survey

With a cool 6 months between our first week in September to now, it’s been remarkable to see how many things have changed since our return to classes. From the historic day of the microwave addition, to the re-opening of the Asper Commemorative Room, to the introduction of The Snack Exchange (TSX) to our lunchtime rotations, the Drake Centre facelift has been a sight to see. 

As we (technically) look forward to finals season, the Snack Exchange wants your feedback to improve for the end of this semester and beyond. Whether you visit daily, weekly, monthly, or have never visited, your opinion is valued! Fill out the TSX survey here and who knows; your suggestion might just make it on the menu.

That about wraps up this month’s Scoop! Thank you to Brooke, Divya, and Ashleigh for taking the time to sit down with us this month, and another heartfelt thank you to you for taking the time to read. Tune in mid-month for the next mini edition of the Asper Scoop!

Until next time,

Chris