The referendum campaign representatives will be speaking at the all-candidate debates about their positions. Referenda Campaign Platforms are available here.
1. Schools Building Schools
Whereas Schools Building Schools (SBS) is a registered international charity, based out of SFU & made up of SFU students and Alumni, who are focused on improving the living standards of the poor and underprivileged in Eastern Africa by providing access to quality vocational (trades) education.
Whereas SBS is looking to put to referendum a question asking for student sponsored financial support (thereabouts $2.00/annually) for its legitimate and transparent charitable endeavours.
Whereas after extensive research, SBS found that acquiring small donations in greater numbers was the most effective way to support its goals. By talking with students and receiving an overwhelmingly positive response, it was decided to look to the student population of SFU for their support to help build vocational schools and facilitate vocational training for those in need.
Are you in favor of a new fee of $1 per full-time student per semester and $0.50 per part-time student per semester to be levied for the benefit of the charitable international initiatives of Schools Building Schools? (Yes/No)
2. By-Law 17 Amendment
If so do you further agree that students be given the power to opt out from paying this levy? (Yes/No)
Whereas allowing the Society to take issues to referendum more frequently gives students more opportunity to vote;
Do you agree to amend By-Law 17 – Referenda to read as follows (Italicized clauses represent amended clauses);
By-Law 17 – Referenda
1.a) The members may vote on resolutions concerning the activities of the
Society by means of a referendum.
b) Any such resolution shall require a majority of the votes cast except where prohibited by these By-Laws or the Society Act.
2. Resolutions may be put to referendum in the Fall Semester or concurrently with the next regularly scheduled Society election or by-election.
3. Resolutions may be put to referendum by a simple majority vote of the Board or Forum, except where prohibited by these By-Laws.
4. During a general election or by-election, resolutions may be put to referendum upon presentation of a petition to the Board which contains the text of the proposed resolution and the signatures of five (5) percent of the members in good standing of the Society, or according to By-Law 22(1)(d) or By-Law 22(3).
5. Upon presentation of a duly signed petition for referendum the Board must place the question on the ballot of the next regularly scheduled election or by-election.
6. The referendum shall be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission in accordance with By-Law 14.
7. Due notice shall be deemed to have been given by compliance with the provisions of By-Law 10.3 relating to notice.
8. No referendum shall be deemed valid or binding on the Society unless a minimum of five (5) percent of the members in good standing of the Society have cast ballots in the referendum.
9. The Independent Electoral Commission shall report on the conduct and results of the referendum to the Board for ratification.
(Yes/No)
3. Space Expansion Fund Reallocation
Whereas the following reallocation of fees would result in no net increase in funds collected by the SFSS:
Do you agree that $5.00 per full time student and $2.50 per part time student be reallocated from the Space Expansion Fee in the following manner (amount will be prorated for part-time students);
$1.25 to Departmental Student Unions
$1.25 to Student Clubs
$0.50 to Out on Campus
$0.50 to the Women’s Centre
$0.25 to the Bursary contribution
$0.25 to Events
$1.00 to the operating fund
(Yes/No)
4. Build SFU
As part of a project called Build SFU, the Simon Fraser Student Society (“SFSS”) has partnered with campus organizations to create new student space.
The SFSS is proposing the construction of a student union building and stadium at SFU Burnaby. The student union building will be student operated and a place for students to call their own. It will contain student space such as meeting rooms, department student union and club space, 24-hour lounges, and study spaces.
As part of this proposal, starting January 1, 2014, the SFSS would implement a new membership levy of $10 per semester for the purpose of funding construction, maintenance, and utility costs. The levy will increase by $10 on January 1 of each following year until 2022, at which point it will be capped and adjusted annually for inflation according to the Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The levy will be pro-rated for part-time students according to existing SFSS policy. A procedure will be established for students who demonstrate financial distress to apply for assistance in paying this levy.
Are you in favour of this proposal?(Yes/No)