Platform Statement 

The Engineering Students’ Society at the University of Alberta is the organization that empowers, represents and supports its students in significant ways. We believe that the engineering student body thrives on communication, transparency, and opportunities to connect across disciplines. 

A central priority of our platform is not only to get students excited about social events, but to ensure they can engage with these events in meaningful ways. Engineering is one of the most difficult majors at the University and, because of this, we as students have complicated schedules that makes it difficult to engage with others socially. Keeping these difficulties in mind, we want to implement more drop-in style events and make them easier to attend. An example of this is drop in sporting events, they are a great way for students to interact and take part in team-based activities. We plan to implement various sporting events, such as drop-in basketball, Esports, and other low-commitment activities. Further, for the Sporting Events portfolio, we additionally want to incorporate intramurals throughout the academic year, where students will be able to form teams with friends and compete against their peers in various sports. 

Along with Sports, we want to make sure that we can have events and nights where students are able to network and interact with their peers, within and outside of engineering. We aim to achieve this by working with discipline clubs and other associations to host more student mixers, while also working closely with the ESS communications team to guarantee that all engineering students are made aware of these opportunities by ensuring proper timelines and notice of events. This will be done with the creation of a bowling night and continuing other events like the “Engineering and Nursing Board Game Night,” so engineering students can interact with students outside of engineering and create stronger networks. 

The engagement of all students is a priority for us, which includes our third portfolio, Y2Q2. We believe that these students have been overlooked far too often in the past, and this is why, once we are elected, we hope to improve our outreach to Y2Q2 students by hosting dedicated events where individuals can engage and forget about academics for a while. The events that we would like to host would include snacks and beverages, and various activities, where Y2Q2 students can participate and still have fun. One way we plan on doing this is by creating a “Get to know your fellow Y2Q2” at the start of the year, so students coming into their second qualifying year know they are not alone. 

Ultimately, the true engineering event experience doesn't come from sporting events, or mixers, but from an iconic week of exciting, high-energy, and competitive events following a 83-year-long tradition. This brings us into the GEER Week portfolio. As previous GEER Week coordinators, we have heard the concerns that students have had during past GEER Week events, this gives us the necessary insight into improving the week-long event. One of the main concerts was scheduling of certain events, especially Battle of the Bands. As your future Vice Presidents of Social event we will book venues early to make sure that timing is optimal. We

also wish to alter, modify, and improve events like the Debate and implement new ones with the input of the engineering student body. 

We recognize that a vibrant student life requires more than just high-energy traditions, but it also requires a foundation of health and mental well-being. We understand the pressure that comes with pursuing an engineering degree. That is why our third initiative will be to provide consistent, inclusive environments where students can take a breath and feel supported during difficult times. We hope to work with the Engineering faculty and associations outside of engineering, which includes the “Indigenous Students Union.” Where we intend on hosting a Bannock night, where we would be able to learn how to make delicious food near a warm fire. With the ideas for these new events, we also want to make sure that we maintain old events and improve them. With the example of the engineering carnival, to ensure incoming students can learn about and become involved with discipline clubs and project groups. Our platform seeks to integrate wellness and self-care into more social events. This is why we will be working closely with the VP Community in ESS to ensure that our community is healthy and active. 

Fostering health and resilience also means ensuring students can participate in and attend events without causing financial burden. To ensure this, we want to focus on planning events on campus or having events that are easily accessible through public transit. We also want to work towards reducing the prices of certain events, like the banquet during GEER week. We hope to get this done by moving to a venue that will be more affordable, whilst still having enough space to comfortably accommodate all students and faculty attending these events. 

At the end of the day, the Engineering Students’ Society exists for you. Our platform is committed to making your time at the University more than just about the degree. We commit to fostering an inclusive community that you are proud to be a part of. Whether it's playing sports, relaxing near a fire with friends, or participating in the chaos of GEER Week, we want to make it happen and have it be an unforgettable experience. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our vision. We would be honoured to earn your vote and serve as your next Vice-Presidents of Social Events.

Platform Goals 

● Conveniently Timed Events 

Engineering is naturally a very busy and time intensive degree. We want to create events that are not just fun, but are able to be attended by anyone without having students compare whether they will be able to participate, or go study for another midterm in the next few days. 

● Student Encouragement and Engagement 

By working closely with ESS Communications and giving them a clear timeline of planned events, we hope that more students are made aware of these events and give them the opportunity to attend. 

● Greater Outreach and Representation of Y2Q2 Events 

Y2Q2 has been overlooked in the past years and we are determined to bring events catered to these students. We would like to organize a “Get to know your fellow Y2Q2” event to start off the next fall semester so that Y2Q2 students can get to know each other and form strong connections. 

● Optimization of GEER Week 84 

Having been a part of the GEER Week 83 Directorate, we are very familiar with the improvements that can be made in order to make this next GEER Week even better. Battle of The Bands occurring on a Friday is a big priority for our platform. However, our main goal is ensuring that events are generally planned out thoroughly far before the week happens. 

● Implementation of Casual and Entertaining Events 

Engineering is exceptionally stressful for many, especially with it being one of, if not the most demanding degree at the University of Alberta. This is why we would like to organize some more casual events that students can drop into and relax during midterm and final seasons. This includes a possible “Bannock Night” where students have the chance to make traditional bannock over a warm campfire with others. 

● Off-Campus Events Accessible via Edmonton Transit Service A large portion of the engineering student body does not have access to a vehicle, which can make attending certain off-campus events difficult. We are committed to selecting venues and locations that are easily accessible via the Edmonton Transit Service, ensuring that all students can participate regardless of their transportation situation.

About Us! 

Wiktor: 

My name is Wiktor Garbos, and I'm in my second year of Mechanical engineering. I previously volunteered as a GEER Week coordinator for GEER Week 83. I was born in Poland, and because of this, my favourite food is pierogi. I'm looking forward to being more involved in Social Events as Co-Vice President. 

Josh: 

Hey, I’m Joshua Pinkoski. I am a second year computer engineering student here at the University of Alberta. I was previously a GEER Week coordinator for GEER Week 83 as well as a volunteer for the GEER store. I am very excited to have the opportunity to run for Social Events Co-Vice President and hope to meet lots of new people!