CUCCJS Executive Elections 2024/2025
Nomination Period: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 to Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Campaigning Period: Friday March 29, 2024 to Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Voting Period : Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Results Announced: Wednesday, April, 10, 2024
Nominations open on Monday, September 18th 2023 at 9am and close Friday, September 22nd at 11:59pm. All CUCCJS Members in Good Standing (2.4) can run for up to two (2) CUCCJS Executive Positions (9.11(b)(i)). All CUCCJS Members in Good Standing are eligible to stand for election; must be a Carleton University student and have paid the CUSA fees and CUCCJS Membership fee prior to September 22.d, 2023 (9.11(b)(ii)). All Nominees must complete the CUCCJS Nomination Form in its Entirety (9.11(b)(iii)) and submit the completed Google Form. All Nominees will receive a confirmation email by Saturday, September 23rd, 2023. The open positions are as follows: Director of Fundraising; Lower Year Representative, open to 1st and 2nd year students, and Upper Year Representative, open to students 3rd year+.
​
On Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, a voting form will be uploaded to the CUCCJS website, and voting members will have from 9am to 11:59pm to submit their vote for each executive position. To vote in the executive elections, you must be a member in good standing as of March 27th at 11:59pm.
Nominee Platforms
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
I am entering my fifth and final year of Criminology, spending over half that time with the CUCCJS. As former a General Member, then Director of Fundraising and now current Vice-President, I have ample experience in the inner workings of the CUCCJS and a thorough understanding of its objectives and student dynamics. I have contributed extensively to the society, helping to organize events, coordinate networking opportunities, and foster relationships with ICCJ students, faculty and the larger Carleton Community. This experience has honed my teamwork and leadership abilities, enhanced my organizational skills and equipped me with valuable insights to be an effective leader and President. In terms of my academic career, I am passionate about Criminology, concentrating in Psychology and minoring in American Sign Language (ASL). Through my education, I am well informed about and recognize
the interplay of various social identities in shaping experiences of crime and justice, and this is reflected in my work. Currently, I am an ICCJ placement student and plan to take the thesis course in the upcoming year. I also am a Co-Founder and Senior Editor of Crime & Ethos, the Criminology Undergraduate Journal. In addition, I am always growing my professional experience, having worked in a variety of fields and currently employed with Correctional Services Canada. As a candidate for the role of President, I bring a wealth of skills, experience, and passion that uniquely qualify me for this role.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
As President, I have two main initiatives I aim to accomplish throughout my tenure, creating an Online Resource Hub and increasing student engagement and benefits. First, I plan to improve our website and develop a user-friendly Online Resource Hub. The hub would provide club members with valuable materials and tools to support their academic, research and professional endeavours. The hub would include volunteer and professional opportunities updated monthly, including community-based initiatives, non-profit organizations, legal services, research
opportunities, and more. Students could access discussion forums to engage in meaningful connections, collaborate on projects, and share ideas (or even textbooks!). In addition, the hub would feature a variety of written and multimedia resources covering various topics within the discipline of Criminology. Articles, research papers, podcasts, webinars and other creditable materials will be available at your fingertips, helping to enhance students' skills and develop their interests. By providing these resources, I hope to empower undergraduate students to try new fields, gain practical experience and build professional connections. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, equipping members with valuable resources to pursue their goals and interests in Criminology. Secondly, I plan to improve student engagement. The CUCCJS is here as a benefit, a resource, and a network for our general members and ICCJ students at large. This year, I worked with our current President to bring back general member meetings and introduce executive takeovers on Instagram to improve engagement. I plan to continue this initiative and work to make the CUCCJS a warm, accessible and inviting space for all. I plan to achieve this by maintaining open communications with students, connecting with the Criminology community and offering a variety of events. I hope to make the CUCCJS community a valuable experience for all members as it has been for me thus far.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
As President, I am dedicated to positively improving the CUCCJS for its members and the larger community. My goals include boosting student engagement, enriching resources, and creating a safe and inclusive environment that cultivates meaningful connections. I also recognize the importance of fostering connections with allied societies, such as CU Law, CULWN, Innocence, and the ICCJ BIPOC Caucus, to amplify our impact, leverage shared resources, address issues from diverse perspectives, and positively contribute to students’ experiences within the ICCJ. I hope to expand the reach and impact of the CUCCJS. With the support of our current President, Miss Sarah Muscolino, I am eager to lead the CUCCJS for the 2024-2025 year. I ask for your vote and trust as President, dedicated to advocating our club’s mission and making a positive difference.
Emma Girvan
President
%20-%20sam%20D.jpg)
Samuel Dettorre
Vice President (1st Choice)
Treasurer (2nd Choice)
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
I’ve been heavily involved in the CUCCJS. I’ve been both the Lower Year Representative and the Treasurer in this society, which brings significant experience. I understand the execution of events and reaching out to Criminology students and Carleton Students in general who are interested in this program and a possible career in the field of Criminology. I’m very committed to the ventures I’m in, very outgoing and friendly, and will always be accessible to anyone who has questions or needs assistance. My strong work ethic will allow me to further my work in the CUCCJS and execute this job faithfully and professionally.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
The ideas I want to implement are building a coalition with the ICCJ BIPOC Caucus and starting to do events with them, such as fundraising or improving Criminology Students' experience at Carleton University. This coalition would strengthen events and fundraising efforts by reaching out to more students and creating a more inclusive and fun experience for Carleton students with multiple perspectives and backgrounds. Unfortunately, the lack of inclusiveness and diversity remains a problem in numerous sectors of society, so I would love to build this coalition and begin this outreach. Finally, regarding fundraising, I would be sure the money raised would go to good causes that target the current racial and gender discrimination faced on both school campuses and society, such as in employment, the current gender and racial-based violence in Canada, and in the criminal justice system.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
If elected to either position, I will be sure the CUCCJS produces multiple quality interesting events that Carleton University Students and activities engage in. I will, to the best of my ability, actively reach out to students through social media and spread the event throughout the campus to make sure they’re as influential as possible.
​
Anna Maria Khalil
Vice President
Alexis Faria
Vice President (1st Choice)
Secretary/Director of Membership
(2nd Choice)
Emily Ukena
Director of Media (1st Choice)
Secretary/Director of Membership
(2nd Choice)
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
My two years of working with CUCCJS has really pushed me to understand the ways in which this society performs best. I want to be a support for the team and the president and to try my best to manage events in a way that is helpful to everyone involved. Last year was a hard year of learning how to manage my time but I am confident that the struggle has set me to succeed in the coming year and bring my best skills forward.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
I would like to develop our long distance trips projects more and make them more accessible to everyone while potentially working on an out of city event with the Director of Travel. I also want to find different ways to fund our society more to make events easier to come up with and create.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
This is my final year in Carleton and I believe that my three years of experience on campus and at work has set me up to be able to properly connect with people and understand their needs and struggles. I want to make CUCCJS a more inclusive place that aims to help Criminology students in multiple ways.
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
I have been an executive at the CUCCJS for three years now. I have held the positions of Director of Media, Director of Membership and Secretary. In these roles I have been exposed to the inner functioning of the society and worked with each executive in their planning and execution of events. With this direct knowledge and experience, I will continue to bring it forward and apply it to the upcoming school year.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
The CUCCJS is well known for many popular events like our sticker sale and career panels. I wish to continue to implement these well-known staples while also expanding to new tasks. Currently we have a mural, with an old logo, located in the tunnels by Loeb building. I’d love to get an updated mural by Dunton Tower (a much higher traffic area). This can help with advertising for membership and events!
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
By bringing my knowledge and experience of the society in past years, I can give tips on what has or hasn’t worked in the past. I can support various roles that I have both held and/or worked alongside. I will put all my enthusiasm and effort towards the success of the society, just as I’ve done the past three years.
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
I would bring my strong organizational skills to the team, flexibility, and availability. Additionally, I have strong editing skills and love to be creative, especially in graphic design! My previous work experience allowed me to better understand how to be inclusive and respectful towards others, which is exactly what I’d bring to the club.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
Creating a fun, inclusive, and informative environment with the advertisements created, along with participating in any events planned. I’d love to do more promotion of the club to allow it to get the recognition it deserves.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
Adding and incorporating more activities and events. Ultimately, making people feel welcomed and excited to be a part of the CUCCJS!
Taigen Overvelde
Director of Fundraising (1st Choice)
Director of Events (2nd Choice)
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
I bring a wide variety of experience to the CUCCJS Team. As my role as director of fundraising last year I ran 3 successful fundraising events. During my time I was able to plan some events for next year so we can get started rights off of the hop. I have experience in the fundraising scene especially derring high school where I ran relay for life 3 out of my 4 years in high school.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
I have an idea for a ball hockey tournament that would take place on campus during the first semester as well as sticker sales throughout the year. I would like to implement different events throughout the year in order to raise enough to significantly lower the cost of the long distance trip for member of CUCCJS.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
I will improve the CUCCJS in my role by implementing fun events that everyone on campus will want to attend and not just criminology students. I will try and raise enough money to lower the cost of trips and I will put on events that grabs the attention of everyone. I will make the CUCCJS a more enjoyable space and make it a spot for people to come and have fun.
Liza Marshall
Director of Events (1st Choice)
Director
of Fundraising (2nd Choice)
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
In my previous roles as Assistant Director/Events Coordinator of Prom Committee and Co-Producer of a play festival, I have gained a diverse set of skills and gained valuable experience that I can bring to the team. My positions allowed me to collaborate with other executives and foster a team-oriented environment to achieve common goals. As well, leading team meetings and organizing an agenda has been an integral part of these positions, allowing the team to effectively collaborate and communicate ideas with other members. Lastly, these events involve managing logistics, coordinating schedules, and overseeing the implementation of creative ideas, ultimately contributing to the overall success of each project. Overall, the combination of my years of experience coordinating events, keen willingness to take on any task while, and maintaining a positive attitude positions me as a valuable asset to the team.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
As events coordinator, I’d arrange several fun events throughout the school year. My first proposal is providing students with more opportunity to attend Supreme Court cases, since many students were unable to attend this event. I suggest organizing two cases in the fall semester and another two in the winter semester to extend this opportunity to more students. As well, I propose arranging a trip with one of the Ottawa and area ghost tours, ideally in October because of Halloween. The last event I propose is with the Ottawa Serial Killer Cruise: Unmasking The Rideau Canal Ripper, available in September of the school year. I believe these events appeal to the interests of students and provide educational opportunities outside of the classroom while fostering an environment where students can connect with one another.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
In my position as events coordinator, I plan to improve the CUCCJS through several ways. This first is by allowing an open channel for members to submit their event suggestions and ideas. Whether through a Google Form or designated feedback time after meetings, I want to ensure the CUCCJS event calendar reflects the interests of students. As well, to improve the society, I would allow the opportunity for feedback following each event on how to improve that specific event. This will allow for the society to address and resolve any challenges, and improve following events. Lastly, as an executive member, I will help foster a supportive and collaborative team by actively listening to other members and offering assistance where needed. Through these initiatives, I believe the CUCCJS will continue to improve while ensuring our events remain educational, impactful, and memorable for years to come. Together, we can shape the future of our society and create lasting memories for all members.
Kayla Williams
Director of Events (1st Choice)
Director of Fundraising (2nd Choice)
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
In high school, I was the president of multiple school clubs, which I was responsible for hosting and preparing concerts, banquets and after school parties. Additionally, I was a Sea Cadet for 5 years, during that time I was responsible for fundraising movements like tagging and hosting an overnight vigil. Along with this, I have also created detailed plans for a new service within cadets, including accurate budgeting, specific details for the resource and took initiative in starting up the program itself. I am an extremely detailed person, and make sure everything I work on is up to the standards of the leading individuals of that role. I am very outgoing and maintain a positive attitude throughout my duties.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
In my role, I would love to see if there is an opportunity to visit an active prison, or host an evening with a previous offender, to share what the prison system was like, or to discuss rehabilitative processes and how that affected them. As well, It would be amazing to have more supreme court visits since it is so selective. Maybe implementing another trip in the first semester. Aswell will give more students the chance to experience trial. In regards to fundraising, I would like to take a more active approach to fundraising, and implement more than just the sticker sales, but maybe bake sales, events and more interactive ways to raise money.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
I will improve CUCCJ by offering a fresh perspective as an individual who has attending many of the events, but had no part in planning them. By becoming a CUCCJ Exec, I believe I can improve the efficiency and opportunity for events, which in turn will bring more student interest into the society. Further, through this it will be able to build a stronger community within the society as there will be more chances
for students to interact and share their experiences. My role in the CUCCJ will bring enthusiasm and excitement, which will open doors to a fulfilling and fun future for the society.
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
My passion for education has allowed me to pursue various endeavors which have allowed me to develop skills essential to be successful in an educative role. In addition to the many hours of volunteer experience in elementary and high school settings, I have taken the initiative on multiple occasions to organize little study sessions for my friends and peers which have always been a hit. My time as a Lower Year Representative over the 2023-24 year has allowed me to develop planning skills which will be essential in the role of Director of Education, as well as the creative skills to create helpful study resources for general members of the society to access.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
In addition to the study sessions that I would be organizing for members of the society, I hope to implement study break events that will promote health and wellness during especially stressful parts of the semester. These breaks will encourage students to look after their mental health, and will feature events such as art activities, board games, and even movies. Remember: while it may seem counterproductive to take breaks from studying, it is important to find a balance in your routine to make sure that you don’t face burnout or poor mental or physical health.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
I will improve CUCCJS by helping to foster the incredibly supportive and welcoming environment, and by encouraging general members to become more involved in the society. It is my hope that I can keep a line of communication with members of the society and encourage members to give feedback about events; including what they enjoyed and what they feel like we could do better. I understand that schedules can often be conflicting, and I hope to collaborate with others to figure out when its best to schedule events so that general members can get the most out of their membership with CUCCJS.
Ella Gavric
Director of Education
Lacey Stenson
Director of Education (1st Choice)
Secretary/
Director of Membership
(2nd Choice)
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
To the team, I will bring my background in research as well as critical skills developed through such. Outside of my studies at Carleton, I took on an independent research project this year. This has helped me build crucial skills in critical thinking, time management, organization, report drafting and more. In an executive function, having these skills will be beneficial to introduce measures for members to provide feedback on current things the team is doing. As well, these skills will be beneficial to share with society members as students in any year can benefit from consistently working on them. Further, my skills and experience will assist the team in the creation of comprehensive materials and sessions for students academically. Through this, I will be a beneficial addition to the team as I will be able to work with my peers to incorporate educational aspects throughout the society's initiatives.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
Within the role of Director of Education, I hope to implement bi-monthly study sessions. This is important because it will make the sessions more accessible to members. By making sessions more accessible, it will drive more members to attend which is beneficial for peer learning. Bi-monthly study sessions would also provide the opportunity to host one early in the month and at the end. Through this, students will have the opportunity to ask for support from peers around times when assignments are due/exams. Additionally, in this role, I would like to work with other Carleton student societies to host joint education sessions as they will be beneficial to provide a multidisciplinary look at issues in criminology. Finally, I would like to introduce hands-on learning experiences like case dissections, workshops and more to assist students in practical skill application in a risk-free and supportive environment.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
I will improve CUCCJS by being a supportive, uplifting, and inclusive member of the team. My main goal is to help support students to become more connected to the society socially and academically. By introducing ways members can get hands-on experience with the topics discussed in classes, they will be better prepared not only academically, but also personally to develop skills they can use outside of their education. Further, I will improve CUCCJS by providing a welcoming and supportive environment for this to be done. With this, I hope to improve the society by making younger lower-year members feel welcome, and like their opinions and words matter to do this I will look for feedback from members after each event led by my role to further improve the next. Additionally, with the bi-monthly sessions, I hope to improve CUCCJS with regular sessions allowing for member support and feedback to be received. I feel with my research experience, and passion for helping my peers succeed in their studies and extracurricular endeavours I will be a beneficial member of the CUCCJS executive team and will support and help push forward the society to achieve greater and better things.
Elizabeth Zomparelli
Director of Travel
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
I am dedicated, hard-working and always put my all into everything I do. I
have experience working in a team environment and collaborating with others to
organize events. I am extremely organized, diligent and am able to manage my time wisely. Additionally, I have a lot of experience working with groups of people, and I have excellent verbal, written, and public communication skills.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
Some ideas I would like to implement in my role would be organizing more
trip opportunities for members. I would like to offer more short distance trips for
members, along with the possibility of a long-distance trip. I also want to hear what members want to do in terms of trips and get their input on their interests. Through my role I want to give members multiple opportunities to travel, or experience new things within the CUCCJS.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
I want to make the CUCCJS a safe and open environment for all members. Through my role I hope to give people opportunity to learn and experience new things through long distance or short distance trips. Additionally, I will try and include members ideas to help give them the best experience as part of the CUCCJS.
Shahd Abd Elgany
Secretary/Director of Membership
What skills and/or experience will you bring to the team?
I will bring the skills of organization and punctuality to this team. From my experience as a volunteer note taker, I have honed the ability to keep my notes clear and concise yet still informative and organized; skills which will be needed in taking down meeting minutes, maintaining membership lists and managing office files and folders, as is part of this role. I have also adhered to deadlines and produced resources in a timely manner through my role as the upper-year representative.
What ideas would you like to implement in your role?
I would like to implement open communication in my role. While the idea itself is not necessarily revolutionary, I believe I can help in the way it is carried out. Through my interaction with the student body, I found that they lack not the will to reach out but rather the method to do so. I hope to be able to open up a form or advertise an email to which students can easily reach out for any inquiries regarding membership, monthly newsletters, or general club questions or concerns.
How will you improve CUCCJS in your role?
I will improve CUCCJS in my role by ensuring that all members and prospective members feel that their inquiries are heard and responded to. I will also make every effort to ensure both executive and general member lists are up to date. Lastly, I aim to be present at club Expos to not only advertise the benefits and opportunities that come with joining CUCCJS but also to welcome new members, whether it be 1st years or those in their last year of study, into what I believe is a wholesome and great community.