Senate Elections

I have been at University Canada West for almost seven years and am an Assistant Professor teaching courses including Writing for Media, Business Communication, Mass Communication Theory and English 100. I am Vice Chair of the Academic Integrity Committee and Chair of the Community Engagement Committee, and have helped find industry partners for WORK 490 and the new integrated communications student agency practicum.

I am running for Senate because I care about UCW's future. I will bring a practical, student-centred perspective to curriculum, academic integrity and teaching quality, and work to strengthen UCW for its students and faculty.

A lifelong teacher and learner, I began in Japan in 1999 and worked with Yokohama's school board through Vancouver's sister city program. After teaching in Simon Fraser University's Language, Culture and Interpretation program, I joined UBC's Centre for Intercultural Communication in 2004. There, I taught intercultural communication, managed, wrote curriculum for, and taught the Summer Interpreter Program for civil servants from Weifang, China, and worked on an interpreters program with the Sauder School of Business.

At a UAE national university, I taught first-year courses, coached students to reduce attrition, and trained faculty in intercultural communication and educational technology.

At UBC's International Preparatory Programs, I worked on a dual JD with the Allard School of Law and Tsinghua University as well as programs for international nurses and Chinese medical doctors. I helped faculties develop financially sustainable master's programs and headed the Post-Baccalaureate Program, preparing international students for master's and second degrees, working with recruitment agents abroad.

I have lived in nine countries and speak six languages to varying degrees. I also work as an intercultural consultant in the tech sector, mentor women through Women in Tech Vancouver, and occasionally guest speak at universities and colleges.

I have been part of the UCW community for the past three years, beginning as a Sessional Instructor and now serving as Continuing-Track Faculty and Subject Lead for undergraduate courses. This experience has allowed me to work closely with students, faculty, and academic leadership and has given me a broad perspective on the university. As a Subject Lead, I value being approachable and taking the time to listen to colleagues' concerns and perspectives.
In addition to my teaching and subject lead responsibilities, I have served on the BABC Cyclical Program Review Committee, focusing on revising the Program Learning Outcomes, and the BABC Hiring Committee, experiences that have provided me with a strong understanding of program review, faculty recruitment, and academic governance.

My motivation for joining Senate is to contribute to the continued academic excellence of UCW. I believe academic decision-making should be rigorous, collaborative, and responsive to the needs of our university community.

As a member of the Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Technology (FAST), I am particularly interested in representing the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication (BABC) and Associate of Arts (AA) programs, as well as collaborating with colleagues across faculties to support new program development.

If elected, I will work constructively with colleagues across the university to support Senate's role in advancing UCW's academic mission.

Dr. Moshiri is an Assistant Professor at University Canada West specializing in Marketing Management, Digital Marketing, International Marketing, and Customer Experience Strategy. She holds a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Management, along with a Master's degree in Business Management specializing in International Marketing. With more than a decade of industry experience and extensive teaching experience in higher education.

Having served the University for eight years and Senate for the past three, I am seeking re-election to continue bringing faculty perspectives to important academic discussions. My experience as a Course Lead, committee member, and Faculty Representative has given me valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing our faculty and students.

I am committed to being a thoughtful, approachable, and collaborative voice on Senate. If re-elected, I will continue to represent faculty perspectives with integrity, and contribute to informed decision making that strengthens our academic community and supports student success.

Associate Professor in the Faculty of Business Management, committed to academic excellence, student success, and collaborative governance. Bringing experience in program development, quality assurance, accreditation, and faculty service, with a strong commitment to strengthening UCW's academic community.

This is Ozen Asik, and I am honoured to declare my candidacy for the UCW Senate. Having joined UCW in Winter 2019, I am currently a continuing faculty member in the Faculty of Management and Business. With a PhD in Management and Organization Studies, my teaching and research areas include OBHR, the meaning of work, management education, employment relationships, and sustainability. At UCW, I have taken on multiple administrative roles over the years that have been instrumental in shaping my vision, decision-making skills, and understanding of our university\'s direction and development. Most notably, I served as the inaugural Chair of the Graduate Curriculum Working Committee (GCWC) from 2023 to 2025. In this role, I was extensively involved in reviewing and approving course change proposals, course updates, and new course developments. In addition, I have been a member of the Faculty Promotion and Review Advisory Committee (PRAC) since January 2025. This role requires utmost care, diligence, and sound judgment to ensure the fair, impartial, and timely review of applications while maintaining strict confidentiality. I have also served as a course lead at various times: for BUSI 601 from Fall 2019 to Fall 2023, and for HRMT 623 and HRMT 624 since Spring 2026. These responsibilities include developing and continuously revising course content, attending to and supporting faculty members teaching the courses, and maintaining the associated LMS course shells. With this background, I believe I can make a meaningful contribution as a Senate member to UCW's ongoing efforts to strengthen the quality of education, attract and support high-caliber faculty members, and enhance the student experience.

I am standing for election to the University Canada West Senate to champion academic policies that directly elevate student success, academic rigor, and institutional relevance. As an educator teaching graduate management courses and a practitioner with decades in global organizational development, I believe Senate governance must seamlessly bridge rigorous scholarship with the tangible demands of a dynamic global workforce.

My candidacy centers on three core commitments:

1. Embedding Real-World, Practical Learning: Academic excellence thrives when theory translates into measurable capability. I will advocate for institutional policies and curriculum designs that integrate applied learning models-such as experiential capstones and the 70-20-10 development framework. By formalizing hands-on problem solving, collaborative industry challenges, and applied methodologies across our programs, we ensure our graduates master the competencies contemporary employers actively seek.
2. Future-Proofing Student Employability: A degree must be more than a credential; it must serve as an enduring foundation for lifelong career resilience. I am dedicated to embedding intentional frameworks for meta-learning, growth mindset, and continuous self-development into the fabric of UCW's academic life. Preparing students for the future of work requires equipping them with both an adaptive, critical-thinking mindset and a practical toolkit to navigate technological disruption and organizational change long after graduation.
3. Providing a Constructive, Experienced Faculty Voice: Good governance requires a collaborative, strategic perspective. Drawing on an extensive career leading executive learning initiatives and organizational transformations, alongside hands-on classroom experience at UCW, I bring a balanced, pragmatic viewpoint to Senate deliberations. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, program quality, and regulatory compliance, while always keeping student outcomes, equity, and faculty support front and center.

I welcome the opportunity to serve our academic community, ensuring UCW remains an innovative, student-centered institution where educational quality translates directly into impactful careers.

Dear Colleagues,

Many of you already know me, and for those I haven't had the chance to meet yet, I hope that changes soon.

I joined UCW a little over two years ago, but I've spent more than 31 years in academia and industry. I did my PhD at LSE, have been a full professor since 2011, and along the way I've led departments, divisions (Dean), chaired faculty promotion committees, co-chaired international programs, and once helped steer a university through a full 10-year strategic transformation plan. I don't mention all this to impress anyone; I mention it because every one of those experiences, especially the hard ones, taught me something I couldn't have learned any other way.

UCW is at a real turning point right now. New programs, new faculty structure, big questions ahead. I'm putting my name forward for Senate because I think this is exactly the kind of moment where experience like mine can be useful, not to have all the answers, but to ask the right questions, to listen, and to help us think carefully about where the decisions we make today will actually take us.
I would be grateful for your support and your vote.

Warmly, Amir

I am one of many students who traveled overseas in search of better opportunities, leaving behind the place that nurtured me and instilled the values that shaped who I am today. I am deeply rooted in Mexican culture, values, and traditions, as well as curious about other mores and folkways, and I carry those experiences with me as a 24-year-old Bachelor of Commerce undergraduate.

My mission is to build community, embrace diversity, share knowledge, and create meaningful experiences that bring students together.

I believe university should prepare us for more than just our professional careers. It should be a place where we feel that we belong-a place where we can meet people, build friendships, discover new interests, and create memories that stay with us long after graduation.

Education gives us the knowledge to build our careers, but community gives us the connections and experiences that shape who we become.

As President, I want to help create an environment where every student has opportunities to participate, connect, contribute, and find something they are passionate about-whether that is through clubs, sports, cultural events, academic activities, entrepreneurship, music, volunteering, or simply meeting someone new.

My vision is a university where students do not simply attend classes, but feel that they are part of something bigger: a diverse, welcoming, and connected community.

My name is Adithya Nair, I am an undergraduate student at University Canada West and I am running to become your undergraduate student representative on Senate.

I am a Student Peer Leader at UCW to support UCW students, and President of the French Learning Club which connects students together to learn French and have community beyond programs. I was also a student voice at UCW's external review where I spoke with the evaluators about what UCW is doing well and what can be improved in our education. It was a learning experience for me as a student that the perspective of the student is important in making academic decisions.

My work outside of class is being a powerlifter, just like anyone else I put in the work, show up to the training regularly, and get better little by little. Oh, if I get caught up in a hurry, you can find me fishing, and that has taught me patience and the importance of listening.

The Senate is responsible for the academic matters that affect our experience at UCW. If elected I will hear what students have to say, put your concerns and ideas forward and speak clearly with respect. I will strive to represent undergraduate students' voices in the decisions regarding courses, policies and student success.

It would be my honour to represent you. Thanks for considering folks, and I hope I get your vote.

I am pleased to express my interest in serving as a Student Representative on the University Senate. As an international student who came to Canada to pursue postgraduate education a decade ago, I understand both the opportunities and challenges students may experience while adapting to a new academic, professional, and cultural environment. I am currently pursuing my Master of Business Administration (MBA) while also working in the corporate sector. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills and have motivated me to contribute more actively to the university community.
I believe students should have meaningful representation in decisions that influence their academic experience, career development, and overall success. If elected, I will make a sincere effort to understand the needs, concerns, and expectations of students from diverse backgrounds and ensure that their perspectives are effectively represented in Senate discussions.

One of my priorities would be career development and community engagement. Drawing on my corporate experience, I understand the importance of connecting academic learning with workplace expectations. I would support initiatives that encourage students to build professional skills, engage with industry, expand their networks, and transition from university into meaningful employment. I am also interested in helping students contribute to society while building a strong personal and professional identity.

I would be happy to hear our student's feedback, identify shared concerns, and present practical, constructive recommendations to the Senate. Serving on the University Senate would be both a privilege and a responsibility, and I would approach the role with integrity, respect, professionalism, and an open mind. My goal is to represent students fairly, contribute meaningfully to Senate discussions, and support initiatives that improve academic experiences, career opportunities, and long-term success across the student community. I look forward to earning your trust and support to represent students in the Senate.

My name is Nerine May Pascual, and I am an MBA candidate running to serve as the Graduate Student Member Representative on the University Canada West Senate.

As an international graduate student, former International Marketing Manager, Realtor, financial advisor, and Branch Unit Head who led a team of approximately 15 employees, I understand that effective leadership begins with listening, accountability, and meaningful action. I am also actively involved in volunteer and student leadership initiatives, where I continue to strengthen my commitment to service, inclusion, and community engagement.

If elected, I will advocate for graduate students through five key priorities:

1. Stronger Graduate Student Representation - Ensure that students' concerns, experiences, and recommendations are clearly communicated in Senate discussions and academic decision-making.
2. Academic Quality and Fairness - Advocate for clear course expectations, consistent assessment practices, timely feedback, and fair, transparent academic policies.
3. Career Readiness - Support stronger connections between graduate education and meaningful career outcomes through industry engagement, practical learning, networking, mentorship, and professional development.
4. Accessibility and Student Well-Being - Promote inclusive learning environments, accessible academic support, and greater awareness of the challenges faced by international students, working students, and students with diverse needs.
5. Transparency and Communication - Provide graduate students with understandable updates about relevant Senate decisions and create accessible opportunities for students to share their concerns and ideas.

I am not running simply to hold a title. I am running to be a prepared, approachable, and accountable voice for graduate students. I will listen with empathy, examine issues carefully, collaborate respectfully, and advocate with courage.

Together, we can build a graduate experience where every student is heard, supported, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Vote Nerine May Pascual-your voice, represented with purpose.

My name is Adithya Nair, I am an undergraduate student at University Canada West and I am running to become your undergraduate student representative on Senate.

I am a Student Peer Leader at UCW to support UCW students, and President of the French Learning Club which connects students together to learn French and have community beyond programs. I was also a student voice at UCW's external review where I spoke with the evaluators about what UCW is doing well and what can be improved in our education. It was a learning experience for me as a student that the perspective of the student is important in making academic decisions.

My work outside of class is being a powerlifter, just like anyone else I put in the work, show up to the training regularly, and get better little by little. Oh, if I get caught up in a hurry, you can find me fishing, and that has taught me patience and the importance of listening.

The Senate is responsible for the academic matters that affect our experience at UCW. If elected I will hear what students have to say, put your concerns and ideas forward and speak clearly with respect. I will strive to represent undergraduate students' voices in the decisions regarding courses, policies and student success.

It would be my honour to represent you. Thanks for considering folks, and I hope I get your vote.

I am one of many students who traveled overseas in search of better opportunities, leaving behind the place that nurtured me and instilled the values that shaped who I am today. I am deeply rooted in Mexican culture, values, and traditions, as well as curious about other mores and folkways, and I carry those experiences with me as a 24-year-old Bachelor of Commerce undergraduate.

My mission is to build community, embrace diversity, share knowledge, and create meaningful experiences that bring students together.

I believe university should prepare us for more than just our professional careers. It should be a place where we feel that we belong-a place where we can meet people, build friendships, discover new interests, and create memories that stay with us long after graduation.

Education gives us the knowledge to build our careers, but community gives us the connections and experiences that shape who we become.

As President, I want to help create an environment where every student has opportunities to participate, connect, contribute, and find something they are passionate about-whether that is through clubs, sports, cultural events, academic activities, entrepreneurship, music, volunteering, or simply meeting someone new.

My vision is a university where students do not simply attend classes, but feel that they are part of something bigger: a diverse, welcoming, and connected community.

I am pleased to express my interest in serving as a Student Representative on the University Senate. As an international student who came to Canada to pursue postgraduate education a decade ago, I understand both the opportunities and challenges students may experience while adapting to a new academic, professional, and cultural environment. I am currently pursuing my Master of Business Administration (MBA) while also working in the corporate sector. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills and have motivated me to contribute more actively to the university community.
I believe students should have meaningful representation in decisions that influence their academic experience, career development, and overall success. If elected, I will make a sincere effort to understand the needs, concerns, and expectations of students from diverse backgrounds and ensure that their perspectives are effectively represented in Senate discussions.

One of my priorities would be career development and community engagement. Drawing on my corporate experience, I understand the importance of connecting academic learning with workplace expectations. I would support initiatives that encourage students to build professional skills, engage with industry, expand their networks, and transition from university into meaningful employment. I am also interested in helping students contribute to society while building a strong personal and professional identity.

I would be happy to hear our student's feedback, identify shared concerns, and present practical, constructive recommendations to the Senate. Serving on the University Senate would be both a privilege and a responsibility, and I would approach the role with integrity, respect, professionalism, and an open mind. My goal is to represent students fairly, contribute meaningfully to Senate discussions, and support initiatives that improve academic experiences, career opportunities, and long-term success across the student community. I look forward to earning your trust and support to represent students in the Senate.

My name is Nerine May Pascual, and I am an MBA candidate running to serve as the Graduate Student Member Representative on the University Canada West Senate.

As an international graduate student, former International Marketing Manager, Realtor, financial advisor, and Branch Unit Head who led a team of approximately 15 employees, I understand that effective leadership begins with listening, accountability, and meaningful action. I am also actively involved in volunteer and student leadership initiatives, where I continue to strengthen my commitment to service, inclusion, and community engagement.

If elected, I will advocate for graduate students through five key priorities:

1. Stronger Graduate Student Representation - Ensure that students' concerns, experiences, and recommendations are clearly communicated in Senate discussions and academic decision-making.
2. Academic Quality and Fairness - Advocate for clear course expectations, consistent assessment practices, timely feedback, and fair, transparent academic policies.
3. Career Readiness - Support stronger connections between graduate education and meaningful career outcomes through industry engagement, practical learning, networking, mentorship, and professional development.
4. Accessibility and Student Well-Being - Promote inclusive learning environments, accessible academic support, and greater awareness of the challenges faced by international students, working students, and students with diverse needs.
5. Transparency and Communication - Provide graduate students with understandable updates about relevant Senate decisions and create accessible opportunities for students to share their concerns and ideas.

I am not running simply to hold a title. I am running to be a prepared, approachable, and accountable voice for graduate students. I will listen with empathy, examine issues carefully, collaborate respectfully, and advocate with courage.

Together, we can build a graduate experience where every student is heard, supported, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Vote Nerine May Pascual-your voice, represented with purpose.

Logan Tate has been acclaimed to the role of staff representatives. Her term will be November 2026 to October 2028.

The Senate meets bi-monthly, every first Thursday of the month (from 3 pm to 5 pm).

For more information, see the Senate Bylaws.

Yes! All new members will participate in an orientation session and will receive a comprehensive manual before their first Senate meeting.

No, this is a volunteer position. For faculty members, this position will be considered towards any applicable service requirements. All Senate members may submit requests for reimbursements for any reasonable expenses incurred.

Please complete the appropriate forms.

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact elections@ucanwest.ca.

If you no longer wish to stand for election and wish to withdraw your nomination, please contact elections@ucanwest.ca to withdraw your nomination. Once withdrawn, you will not be eligible for the election and any votes for a withdrawn candidate will be invalid.

Please note that, if you are elected, it is our expectation that you will serve the entire term of office, to the best of your ability.

Voting will be done electronically (instructions to follow).

An orientation session will be held for all candidates. It is the sole responsibility of the candidate to ensure they are familiar with all the rules of the election, whether they attend the orientation or not.

Each nominee will be asked to provide a Statement of Intent (maximum 300 words and no links) in the Nomination Form. This Statement of Intent will be made available to the electorate on the Senate Elections webpage.

Campaigning is allowed and encouraged, but must be undertaken at the individual’s expense and in their own time. Candidates may not abuse UCW’s resources for election purposes. All candidates are required to act with honesty and integrity.

Candidates are expected to conduct themselves in a manner respectful of other candidates, and all campaign material must comply with human rights and other legislation.

Campaigning includes: word-of-mouth and direct communications, posters, flyers, websites and social media. Encouraging individuals to vote is not considered campaigning if there is no reference to an individual candidate or group of candidates.

Each candidate may post one campaign poster (8.5×11”) on each Community Board at the UCW campuses and may choose to distribute flyers on UCW campuses (at their own expense). Staff and faculty candidates may also post one campaign poster (8.5×11”) in each UCW faculty and staff lounge or work area.

If you have any questions about the campaigning process, please contact elections@ucanwest.ca.

Nominations will be submitted on your own behalf but must be signed by three other eligible student members.

To be eligible to nominate another student, you must be:

• An undergraduate or graduate student registered at UCW in Summer 2026 Term; In good standing; and From the same student constituency (i.e., Undergraduate or Graduate) as the nominee/candidate. Any eligible student can support an At-Large nomination.

To be eligible to vote, you must be:

• An undergraduate or graduate student registered at UCW in Fall 2026 Term; In good standing; and
  From the same student constituency (i.e., Undergraduate or Graduate) as the nominee/candidate. Any eligible student can vote for the At-Large positions.

To be eligible to stand for election, you must be:

• An undergraduate or graduate student registered at UCW in the Summer 2026 Term; In good standing; and Intending to register in two of the following academic terms (Fall 2026, Winter 2027 or
  Spring 2027 terms) during his/her/their term of office (November 2026 – October 2027).

For more information about eligibility, see Sections 2.1 and 4.1-4.5 contained in Appendix A to the Bylaws (Rules to Govern Elections to the Senate).

Please see campaigning question and answer above. Classroom time is reserved for academic activities, and your professors and fellow students expect to have class time dedicated to learning. Visits or campaigning by student candidates cannot be accommodated.

Students can represent either their program (Undergraduate or Graduate) or At-large. They cannot run for both an Undergraduate or Graduate position. Faculty and staff members who are also students cannot stand for election, nominate or vote as students.

The at-large student member will represent the interests of all UCW students on Senate.

Nominations will be submitted on your own behalf but must be signed by three other eligible faculty members. To nominate an individual, vote or stand for election, faculty members must:

• have a continuing appointment at UCW in a degree program.

Please see the APPENDIX A to the Senate Bylaws (Election Rules)for full eligibility rules.

No. Faculty and staff members who are also UCW students are not eligible to run as student representatives.

Continuing faculty are those who teach in the degree programs, and have continuous appointments, an assigned rank and either a contract with no end date or are on a continuing track.

Nominations will be submitted on your own behalf but must be signed by three other eligible student members.

Full-time permanent staff members and full-time fixed-term staff members whose contracts ends beyond the term of office must be employed by UCW and be past their probationary period to be eligible to stand, vote and nominate for election.

President, Vice-Presidents, the Registrar, Faculty Members, Deans, casual permanent staff, casual fixed-term staff (including student workers) are not eligible.

For more information about eligibility, see Sections 2.1 and 4.1-4.5 contained in Appendix A to the Bylaws (Rules to Govern Elections to the Senate).

The campaigning period will start on October 1 and end on October 23. Candidates may release campaign messages during this time period. Voting will be online only.

Staff members will only be able to vote for staff, continuing faculty will only be able to vote for continuing faculty, limited term faculty will only be available to vote for limited term faculty and students can only vote for students in their own constituency (or any at-large candidate).

The University will not provide resources for campaigning, and all campaign materials (such as posters, signs, social media, websites, etc.) will be produced at the candidates’ expense.

Candidates are reminded to minimize disruptions during business operations; while it is acceptable to remind voters during regular meetings, there should not be any solicitation of votes during regular business interactions.

We ask that each candidate respect their colleagues’ time and our shared workspaces by following these campaign best practices:

1. Limit group emails to a maximum of two (2) messages on behalf of each candidate during the campaign period (October 1 to October 23)
2. For all group emails, please blind copy (BCC) all recipients
3. Campaign posters may be placed on the boards in the faculty prep rooms and employee lounge areas at both the Vancouver House and West Pender campuses
4. Limit of one campaign poster per candidate per board/area
5. Campaign posters may not be placed on walls or in stairwells at either campus

Candidates are reminded to be respectful of other candidates and support a campaign process that is fair, reasonable and in compliance with human rights or any other applicable legislation.

In terms of communication, candidates are recommended to present themselves honestly, covering items such as your motivation for running in the election, your intentions if elected and what would be the focus of your attention during your term on the Senate.

Yes, Academic Program Leads, Associate Deans and current elected members of the Senate are allowed to vote.

Voting eligibility is determined by constituency. Eligible voters vote for the Senate representatives of their respective constituency.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to reach out to voters. Candidates are encouraged to be mindful of using the University resources for campaigning purposes.

The membership for each Senate Committee is generally restricted to members of the Senate (including elected representatives of students, faculty and staff). The Committee Chairs can extend invitations to non-committee members for projects or certain initiatives, as needed.

The successful candidates for the Senate elections are determined according to the "first past the post" principles: candidates with the most votes are declared winners.

In the event of an equality of votes between two or more candidates in an election, the final result will be decided by lot amongst the candidates, under the direction of the Registrar.

Candidates will be acclaimed for a vacant position if:

1. The number of candidates nominated is equal to or less than the number of vacant positions;
2. A candidate has withdrawn his or her nomination and, as a result, the number of remaining candidates is equal to or less than the number of vacant positions.

For more information, see Section 12.0 (Election Results) contained in Appendix A to the Bylaws (Rules to Govern Elections to the Senate).

The Senate Elections team has advertised broadly for the available positions on the Senate and has used the principles of equity to ensure that expressions of interest are appropriately supported and guided through the application process. As the final decision is made through an open election, the final decision on the candidates belongs to the voting members of the UCW Community.