Georgia Zhang (Switchroots), Shirley (Zixuan) Zhang (Independent), James Dwyer (Unity), Ethan Floyd (Switchroots) and Phan Vu (Independent) were all provisionally elected.
Browsing: USU Board election 2024
Honi enters the (soap)boxing ring and emerges relatively unscathed
Where do this year’s board candidates stand on the planned Disabilities Action Plan?
The USU Board elections are upon us again!
Honi has quizzed and interviewed the candidates.
Daniel Park is running as an independent candidate who centres his campaign on making USyd more fun and more inclusive. Drawing on his own experience as an expat, Park said he was motivated to run for the board because he has “always been surrounded by different cultures” and wants the university to be a vibrant space that reflects its diversity.
Dwyer is an experienced and highly competent voice for students. While not as much of an activist as more left-wing factions, his detailed policy platform and understanding of the USU’s operations make him one of the candidates to beat
Zhang’s main policy pushes clearly demonstrate a knowledge of the USU and areas for improvement and creativity. Some of her policies may need to be fleshed out in terms of logistics so students can have confidence that she will deliver.
Vu showcases a passion and enthusiasm for the Board role with several actionable policies, however her lack of a clear political vision for the USU may present some challenges.
Zhang provided a strong voice for international students, and has clear lived experience in issues and barriers facing this community on campus. However, her policies lacked detail and she was unable to explain how they might come to fruition within the USU’s current structure and culture. Zhang’s foundational knowledge of the USU and the University writ large was also limited.
Simon Homsany is running as an independent candidate on an “apolitical” campaign. When asked further about any past affiliations, Homsamy spoke to how his “politics are [his] policies.” He noted that his enthusiasm to join the board is derived solely from improving student experience.
