I’m Sebastian, a second year Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering student and I’m running to be VP Finance of the Engineering Students’ Society. I’m running because I want to foster a responsible future for the Society, and promote financial transparency and literacy for engineering students. 

I’m an active member of the ESS, as I attend social events, competitions and conferences. I regularly attend Board of Directors meetings and sit on the Policy Review Committee for the ESS. I am a former president of the First Year Engineering Club where I rewrote their policies and managed their finances as the structure of the club changed. 

I have a variety of different goals for the year. My number one goal is going to be providing smooth operations for the society, so that other offices are able to successfully provide the amazing resources and services in the upcoming year. I also have a variety of changes to the Engineering Students’ Society I have outlined below: 

Write a clear audit policy - currently, the word ‘Audit’ is only mentioned four times in the policy manual, and there is no clear and public instruction on how ESS audits are handled. The goal is to clarify policy to allow ESS volunteers to easily understand how the process works, make working with outside organizations simpler, and provide simpler transitions between teams for long term success. 

Teach people how finances work - Create a course to teach current and aspiring club executives on proper financial management, best practices and UASU funding policy. Work with corporations and industry to provide professional advising. The format will be inspired off of the successful hardware design course run by the Electrical Engineering Club. 

Help People get funds - Return and expand the Funding Blog on ESS website and make instagram posts to show people examples of past recipients. This will be done for every ESS Fund. This will celebrate the amazing work done by engineering students and provide examples to students who may be considering applying for funding. 

Create Transparent Timelines - Send regular updates to recipients of ESS funds such as FAMF or reimbursements to reduce confusion. Proper communication will allow other organizations to better make decisions. 

Updated Sponsorship Packages - Create sponsorship tiers for general sponsors of the ESS and more flexibility for employers instead of having them sponsor specific events. This will be without changing existing agreements. 

If you would like to contact me, please reach out to sgmirand@ualberta.ca