Hello Everyone, 

My name is Racquel Newman and, I am a Masters of Employment Relations student at Memorial University. 

I humbly offer myself for the position of Executive Director of Campus Life (ED Campus Life). If I am elected I plan to create an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. A place where all graduate students, from all cultures and nationalities, gender identities, indigenous people, minorities, and students living with a disability can feel welcomed, included, and appreciated. I understand the disappointment of feeling left out, of not being included or considered. Grad school is hard enough as it is, and it gets harder when students don’t feel like they belong. 

Why Vote for me?

I spent the last year working with the ED of Campus Life on the Social Events Committee successfully planning and implementing 17 events, more than any other GSU team. Additionally, as a member of the International Professional Network (IPN), I oo-hosted, planned, and implemented the first-ever collaborative event with Memorial’s HR department which was a huge success. With my skills, experience, personality, and determination, I am poised to take the GSU to new heights for the 2025 to 2026 year. 

I see the problems of the GSU and I intend to work hard to fix them. My three main goals are: 

1. Engagement and involvement - Right now the engagement among clubs and societies with the GSU is very low and I plan to change that. I plan to implement more activities that get our clubs and societies more involved with the GSU showing them that they have my FULL support. This will take the form of regular meetings/check-ins with club directors as well as clubs and societies events to get them more visible to the general student population. 

2. Visibility, Accessibility, Inclusivity - I plan to connect with my fellow graduate students living with a disability so that their voices can be heard and that they can be seen by the GSU. The GSU is here to serve everyone and so I intend to connect with them to see how the GSU can also serve them. People on residence have consistently been left out by the GSU and this needs to change. I live on residence and I will make sure that I connect with my fellow residents as well as our Labrador and Grenfell campuses and Marine Institute. Not only do I live on Residence but I also live on campus. I am everywhere. 

3. Working with Admin and Communications - If elected I plan on closing the gap between the GSU and Student Experience Office and the Office of Student Life. 

Let’s change the current status quo. Let's make sure that the GSU stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let’s make sure that every graduate student regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, and exceptionality is seen, heard, and accommodated at the GSU. 

Thank you.

Racquel Newman