Hello, my name is Kira Simmons, and I am a second-year student at Brock University pursuing a degree in Sociology with a co-major in Labour Studies. As a Niagara Falls native, I have been to Brock many times prior to attending myself, even having family and family friends who have walked these halls. After many conversations with my fellow students, Brock alumni, and family, I have decided to step forward and run for the 2-year Board of Directors seat. Being involved at Brock is not new to me, I enjoy participating in Brock Relay for Life every year as well as engaging in various campus events such as Triva Tuesday or watching various sports teams at Brock.

I believe it’s time to enhance transparency, democracy, and fairness within BUSU. Students deserve a union that prioritizes their needs and ensures their voices are central to decision-making. Transparency is crucial, and I propose increasing accessibility to BUSU’s budgets, salaries, and executive schedules. By making this information publicly available and ensuring updates are communicated effectively, we can foster a stronger sense of trust and accountability within our student government. 

Accountability must also be a priority. Students should have a clear underNominateing of how their representatives are elected and how decisions are made on their behalf. I support a student-led review process for governance structures to ensure that our elections and leadership selections remain fair and democratic. By reinstating democratic elections for executives, we can ensure that leaders are directly chosen by and accountable to the student body. 

Additionally, I advocate for expanding and simplifying opportunities for direct student participation. The process for initiating referendums should be made more accessible, reducing barriers to student-led initiatives. At the same time, strengthening student government structures, such as reinstating a representative student body similar to BUSAC, can provide a forum for meaningful student engagement. Encouraging student participation through incentives and outreach will help ensure that all voices are heard and represented. 

General meetings, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Special General Meetings (SGMs), should be widely promoted to increase student interest and turnout. Strengthening student involvement in these meetings will create a more democratic and transparent governance structure. 

Working to better meet the diverse needs of students. Ensuring that club funding allocations are transparent and equitable will help support student organizations representing a wide range of interests and identities. Additionally, increasing access to mental health services should be a top priority. Students face immense pressures, and BUSU has a responsibility to advocate for and provide the necessary resources to support student well-being. 

The Brock Press must be protected as it plays a vital role in keeping students informed and ensuring transparency in campus affairs. To maintain its independence, any changes to its funding should be subject to student consultation and approval. Protecting student journalism is essential for a well-informed student body. 

Furthermore, I believe that BUSU can benefit from reviewing the executive team structure to ensure that responsibilities are effectively distributed. Many universities of similar size have dedicated executive positions for key areas such as equity and communications. Expanding the team in a responsible and budget-conscious manner can improve student representation and service delivery. 

Another important focus should be advocating for reduced costs for students, including exploring ways to lower tuition, improve parking options, and expand essential services. Strengthening BUSU’s advocacy efforts, both within the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) and through direct engagement with university administration, can help ensure that student priorities are addressed in institutional decision-making. 

Everything we enjoy as students today—from affordable transit to thriving campus clubs—exists because students before us stood up and said, “We deserve better.” Advocacy is how we secure and protect these rights. By enhancing transparency, governance, and student services, we can build a student union that truly serves its members. 

Creating a stronger, more inclusive, and more accountable BUSU is one of my top priorities. By electing me, you are choosing a representative who will listen to your concerns and work to build the better BUSU you deserve. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via email at kz22mm@brocku.ca or through my personal Instagram account @kirasimmonss