While the Executive team is the face of the Mount Allison Students’ Union (MASU), committees and caucuses act as the backbone of all MASU operations, which turn ideas and brainstorming into action. Committees and caucuses are volunteer groups within MASU which oversee every corner of campus and student life. They are made to be inclusive, giving everyone an opportunity to join.
President and CEO of the MASU, Wilson Paluch said, “If you apply, we’re going to […] guarantee a spot on the committee unless there’s something that really stands out. It is super easy to get involved with the committee. It is, in fact, the easiest way to get involved with the MASU.” The application process was made as easy as possible to improve the involvement within the student body. All it takes to be a part of a committee or caucus is an application, some time out of your month, and a wish to be involved. Currently, 10 per cent of the student body is directly involved in the operations of the MASU, whether it is as staff or in a caucus. This number, which is the highest it has ever been, shows how students at Mt.A are ready to make a difference and ready to make it together. MASU is deeply thankful to all of its volunteers, because the organization would not be possible without them.
There are many committees to choose from. The biggest is undoubtedly the Entertainment Committee. They are the ones who have been working hard alongside MASU societies to bring us Haunted Hart Hall, and they do not plan to stop there. Their biggest focus right now is to organize Sackvegas and Winter Carnival, which takes months of preparation and dozens of eager volunteers. The Director of the Entertainment Committee, Patrick Barnhill, said, “each member was chosen specifically for their involvement on campus and application that highlighted their creativity and passion for campus life.” Through their wonderful ideas, this committee is determined to spread joy around the campus, ensuring fun within a busy semester.
Behind the scenes, the Governance Committee is the brain of MASU. Led by Vice President of Finance & Governance, Lakshmi Sayan, this committee ensures that all of the governing documents are up to date. This includes all of the MASU’s policies, bylaws and governing procedures. Every meeting, they discuss how to make policies inclusive, problems solved, and voices heard. The Governance Committee closely works with the Student Administrative Council (SAC), which is the highest power of the MASU. While all policies and bylaws are reviewed by Governance and passed to SAC, any current student has an opportunity to propose a change. The MASU values advocacy within the student body, and the Governance Committee works hard to ensure every student’s opinion is accounted for.
Last but not least is the First-Year Caucus. Their job is to provide equal conditions and improve involvement among the first-year students by acting as a guiding hand. First-Year Caucus’s portfolio covers nearly everything that might help a first-year student. This might be as fun as organizing an all-ages bingo night at The Pond, or as serious as advocating for the first-year students’ rights. Its members are first-year representatives from each residence, off-campus first-year students, MASU President Wilson Paluch and Vice President, Student Life Anna Grear. They meet from one to two times a month, where each first-year representative adds a new perspective.
Committees and Caucuses at MASU are not a background noise — they are its superpower.