My name is Rumitkumar (Rumi), and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in risk and safety engineering in my second semester. Today, I am humbled and honoured as a candidate for the Executive Director of Finance position in our Graduate Student Union.

Growing up, my father instilled in me a profound value: “The purpose of life is to take responsibility for what you have to give back to the world.” This principle has guided my decisions, propelling me to seize opportunities to serve and uplift others. My journey in student leadership and finance began during my bachelor’s program in India, where I managed accounting and finance for academic events. This role honed my budgeting, financial planning, and strategic funding allocation skills and deepened my commitment to student welfare through organizing technical and cultural fests.

As I run for the Executive Director of Finance position, I present a vision shaped by a steadfast commitment to equality, dignity, and equal opportunity. My candidacy is driven by a desire to serve, a passion for financial stewardship, and a pledge to enhance the lives of our MUN graduate students.

My mission is clear: “I am committed to ensuring that every graduate student at GSU has equitable access to the academic and professional resources necessary for success without the undue burden of financial hardship. We will advocate for policies prioritizing student support, expanding funding opportunities, and fostering an environment where financial barriers do not hinder academic excellence and career advancement." To achieve this, I propose to focus on four key areas:

1. Communication and Transparency: I will ensure that financial processes and decisions are transparent, enabling every student to understand how funds are allocated and how these decisions impact our community.

2. Inclusivity and Equity: I have observed that the Aldrich event was not held on the Grenfell campus, and many other events organized by the GSU were not held there either. If elected, I will strive to increase funds so that the GSU can organize events on the Grenfell campus as well.

3. Innovative Budgeting Solutions and Financial Support Systems: I intend to introduce innovative budgeting strategies that optimize our resources and ensure financial sustainability. Additionally, I will work to establish robust financial support systems to assist students facing unexpected financial hardships, ensuring that no student is left behind due to unforeseen circumstances.

4. Proper Documentation And Record: I am committed to ensuring clear and thorough documentation of all payments, funds, and grants at GSU. By maintaining detailed records, I will help ensure transparency and accountability in every financial transaction. This will not only protect the integrity of our processes but also build public trust in how we manage financial resources.

Equality, dignity, and opportunity are not just words to me; they are principles that I live by. They are the foundation upon which I intend to build my tenure if I am elected. I am not aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but I am ready to face them head-on with resilience and dedication.

In conclusion, I ask for your trust and support. Together, we can navigate the complexities of our financial landscape and create a more inclusive, supportive, and prosperous community for all graduate students at GSU. I pledge to work tirelessly, prioritize our collective well-being, and ensure that our financial policies and initiatives reflect the diversity and dynamism of our student body.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. Let’s build a future at GSU where every student can succeed.