Michael MacDonell

Office: 5th Floor, Student Centre

Phone: 902-496-8716

Email: vpuniversity.smusa@smu.ca

Dearest Students,

I Started in May as the Vice President of University Affairs after completing my 2nd year of Political Science. After 2+ years of working both abroad and regionally, shifting between politics and the private sector I felt this was an opportunity close to home that presented a new challenge in which I couldn’t pass up. In the past I have varying job experience, from running the Hockey program at a children’s camp to working on countless political campaigns, I have handled everything from athletic organization to communications. Most of the time if I’m not in the office I will be out at Granite Springs playing a round or two.

I was born in Antigonish but in fact grew up all over the maritimes, mostly moved around due to sport commitments. Currently on top of school and politics I volunteer with the WPW baseball club in Dartmouth, the same club I played for when I was growing up.

What I see in store for this office is one that becomes more inviting to students, instead of always delegating and directing students to someone else which has been made practice in the past. I am not here to pad my resume, as their academic representative I myself would like to solve the majority of their problems. Specifically my goals for the year surround changes to the city’s parking dynamic, transferring certain practices online and the creation of a group study database for first year students who thrive in a group situation. Currently these projects are nearing the final stages so if any of you would like to discuss any further plans feel free to stop by my office on the fifth floor.

My responsibilities range from internal and external lobbying, to student academic interests, as this year my position of Vice President of University Affairs has taken over the responsibilities previously held by the Vice President Academic. While initially time consuming and tedious, I now find that I have a strong sense of where I am going forward and look forward to working with all of you in the future.

Vice President, University Affairs – SMUSA