As the incumbent Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) president, Fahd Alhattab said he believes his track record this past term makes the strongest case for his re-election.
“I’ve made my share of mistakes,” Alhattab said, “and I think I’ve had my share of successes, and I think there’s no other person who would be more ready to take on this job than the person who just spent the last eight months swimming trying to figure it out.”
If re-elected, Alhattab said he and the Your Carleton slate are promising an increased focus on mental health and accessibility on campus, as well as student job creation, easier access to scholarship funds, and an expanded and heated bus terminal on campus.
“We spent the entire year doing a review of our health and dental plan, asking what types of services do our students really want, and how does that compare to our universities,” Alhattab said. “One of our promises is an increased coverage for mental health services, and that will be huge for a lot of students.”
Another major campaign promise is the creation of a student union building, which Alhattab said he hopes will include more space for clubs and societies, bookable study areas for students, and a centralized location for businesses and student life.
“We’ve really laid a foundation this year with the university around what it will be,” Alhattab said.
Alhattab said Your Carleton plans to combine job creation and accessibility measures with the introduction of a grocery delivery service.
“Some of us may see it as a perk, but to other people it’s an accessibility issue,” he said. “In the snow, this time of year, if you don’t have the means to go to a Loblaws or a Walmart—having this is amazing. Secondly, it creates an enormous [number] of jobs, and we’re in the business of creating student jobs.”
Accessibility standards at CUSA’s businesses and throughout campus are also under review, Alhattab said, and he added he plans to carry this review forward if elected for a second term.
Alhattab also said Your Carleton plans to open a student-run sexual assault peer support centre.
“It will currently operate out of our service centres, until we see it grow and we see a larger intake,” Alhattab said. “If we see a larger intake, we’ll possibly find it a space on campus, but for now operating out of the Womyn’s Centre and the Health and Wellness Centre will allow us to do a really good job of it.”
On his slate’s position on the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), Alhattab said, “I think students have not in the past number of years had a true say over whether they want $15 of their student money going to CFS every year. They should be able to make that decision, and that’s where we stand on it.”
“It’s your Carleton, it’s your say, and it’s your voice,” Alhattab said, “and it’s about delivering results and keeping promises. It’s about improving our students’ association so we can move CUSA forward.”
