As of February 26, 2026: CSAHS Director Candidate Asmaa Alsayed officially withdrew their candidacy in the Winter 2026 General Election. They have been removed from the website and will not appear on the ballot as per standard policy.
As of March 2, 2026: CSAHS Director Candidate Samiya Shakeel officially withdrew their candidacy in the Winter 2026 General Election. As voting has already started, their name will remain on the ballot and any votes to them will count for quorum only.
As of March 4, 2026: VP Academic candidate Abdullah Al-Azzawi & CCMPS Director candidate Tiffany Mares officially withdrew their candidacy in the Winter 2026 General Election. As voting has already started, their names will remain on the ballot and any votes to them will count for quorum only.
As of March 13, 2026: Presidential candidate Zaid Khan, VP Academic candidate Ujala Batla, VP Internal candidate Muhammad Almas and VP External candidates Husain Iqbal & Pawandeep Singh, have each accumulated at least 100 demerit points due to infractions and have been disqualified from the Winter 2026 General Election in accordance with CSA policy.
President Candidate | Emilie Dudgeon (She/Her)
My name is Emilie Dudgeon, and I am a third-year Management student who is passionate about student leadership and creating meaningful impact. I believe in the values the CSA upholds and in ensuring student voices are not only heard but reflected in real action. My time at Guelph has shown me how passionate, driven, and creative our students are. I believe the CSA is capable of amazing things, not just maintaining what works, but pushing the envelope and setting a higher standard for what student government can achieve. I’m seeking election because I want to help unlock that potential. I believe in bold ideas, strong advocacy, and meaningful action that reflects the ambition of our student body. Guelph students deserve a CSA that thinks bigger, acts stronger, and delivers more.
President Candidate | Zein Talaba (He/Him)
Hey everyone! My name is Zein and I’m running for CSA President because I truly do care a lot about this campus and the lovely people in it, and I know trust in student leadership isn’t automatic. When things go wrong, our students deserve leadership that owns it, listens, and actually does better, not leadership that gets defensive or goes quiet. I’ve served in student leadership for a quite a while now where I’ve worked with many of our students, supported clubs, and done all of the behind the scenes work that has allowed things to move forward. When elected, I’ll keep it real! I’ll be approachable, and I’ll make sure the CSA actually represents students with care. This means stronger transparency, better support for student organizations, and a direct commitment to equity and inclusion, especially for students who’ve been feeling unheard. If you want a CSA that actually shows up and follows through, I’d love your vote.
VP Internal Candidate | Opeyemi Oloyede (She/Her)
My name is Opeyemi Oloyede, and I am a fourth-year student majoring in Applied Human Nutrition. I have a lot of experience on campus and in student leadership.I have served in multiple student organizations, worked alongside some campus services, and participated in decision making spaces that influence student life at Guelph. I am running for VP Internal because I care deeply about building a campus where students feel supported, connected, and confident navigating university life. This role would allow me to strengthen essential student services, support staff and volunteers, and help create welcoming spaces where students can thrive. I value collaboration, clear organization, and leadership that prioritizes people. My goal is to help create an environment where students feel supported, heard, and at home on campus.
VP Internal Candidate | Sydney Hooper (She/They/He)
University is more than a degree; it’s about the communities we build. As your VP Internal, my mission is to make campus feel like home by fostering connection, facilitating fun, and building a campus where every student feels they truly belong. Having spent the majority of my time at UofG in student leadership positions, and my last year working directly with the CSA’s 170+ clubs, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the power that students have in transforming the campus experience. With my pre-existing experience, I am confident that I can ensure students and clubs alike have the resources to thrive and make the most out of their time at University. In order to rebuild and reinvigorate our campus community, I will support you meaningfully, cultivate belonging through CSA and clubs events, and ensure that your wellbeing is prioritized, your voices are heard, and your campus feels like home.
VP Internal Candidate | Joshua Ivan Jacinto (He/Him)
I have been very active in student leadership within the University of Guelph for the past five years, including President of the Filipino Student Association, Co-Founder and Co-President of Chess Club and Anime Club Genshiken, and currently Co-President of International Student Organization. I am currently part of the CSA Board of Directors representing the ISO. I have worked closely with various clubs from different sizes and know the challenges and opportunities within our university community. I am running to serve on the CSA to provide improved club life at Guelph. Improvements I would like to see include cashless payments for clubs, large-scale collaborative events to unite different communities, and more recognition for club executives like a Club & Associations Appreciation Day. I hope to be part of a culture where ambitious ideas thrive and student leaders are recognized for their value.
VP Academic Candidate | Kennedy McGregor (She/Her)
My name is Kennedy, and I am running to be your CSA Vice-President Academic for this upcoming year! After having the privilege of being the SafeWalk Coordinator for the past two years, I am ready to take on a bigger role at the CSA! My experience has shown me the importance of ensuring that students’ fees are being used in ways that benefit students, and I will continue to advocate for enhanced transparency on how the University utilizes such money. I will be the student voice on various boards championing increased accessibility when it comes to course material fees, student learning, and student rights around academic misconduct cases. I will ensure that the University makes students concerned the first and foremost of any decision, and I will work tirelessly to improve overall student academic life. Your voice matters. Vote for me so it’s heard.
VP Academic Candidate | Abdullah Al-Jabji (He/Him)
My name is Abdullah al-Jabji, and I am running to be your CSA VP Academic. For the past few years the provincial government has assaulted our education, leading to significant cuts, higher tuition, more fees, program cancellations, overenrolment and increasingly bigger class sizes. This has led to the current reality that many students including myself have had to face, being unable to afford the exorbitant tuition/fees and rent here in Guelph, and receiving a sub-par quality education compared with just a generation ago. As your VPA, I will stand up for all working class, international and minority-background students, and take a hardline stance on the issues mentioned. I will not only be your liaison to the university administration, I will fight it in your interest for lower tuition/fees, rent, and class sizes, and to sufficiently fund your programs instead of cutting or eliminating them. Power to the students!
VP External Candidate | Ash Ames (She/Her)
Hello to my fellow Gryphons! With my background in student advocacy, I’m thrilled to be running for VP External! My two years of experience on the OPIRG Guelph Board have honed my ability to advocate strategically, and my experience with the CSA Board of Directors has given me an inside understanding of navigating student politics and speaking directly with administration. Through OPIRG Guelph, I’ve helped organize multiple large-scale events to platform student voices on issues from food insecurity to discrimination. My two years of community work has also connected me with Guelph’s political representatives, fuelling my passion for advocating student interests to all levels of government. As VP External, I will be your bridge to change- listening, responding, and connecting you with the resources you need. Because you matter, and your voice should be heard. Your advocate. Your voice. Your VP External.
Director Candidates
College of Biological Sciences Director Candidate |
Zohair Pervez (He/Him)
As a College of Biological Sciences student, I am aware of the pressure, ambition, and academic rigor that characterize our experience. My aim in running for director is to ensure CBS students are truly supported and represented at all decision-making levels. With experience in leadership and strategic development, I focus on turning ideas into action. In addition to pushing for increased academic transparency and improving communication between CBS and the CSA, my goals are to increase access to professional development, networking, and research. Our representation needs to be on par with the motivated, accomplished students who make up our faculty. I’m determined to promote equitable academic standards, student well-being, and more direct routes to jobs in research, medicine, and other fields. My goal is simple: practical solutions, stronger advocacy, and measurable impact. CBS deserves focused, proactive representation that delivers real results. Vote Zohair Pervez for Director, College of Biological Sciences.
College of Biological Sciences Director Candidate |
Ahmed Khamis (He/Him)
My name is Ahmed Khamis, and I am a student in the College of Biological Science running for the role of CBA. I am passionate about strengthening the sense of community within CBS and making sure student voices are heard and represented. As a science student, I understand the challenges we face, from demanding course loads to balancing labs, studying, and personal commitments. I want to help create more opportunities for academic support, networking, and student engagement within our college. I am motivated, approachable, and committed to listening to the concerns and ideas of my peers. My goal is to advocate for resources, events, and initiatives that make student life more connected, supportive, and rewarding. By running for CBA, I hope to represent the interests of CBS students and contribute to a positive, inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and valued.
College of Biological Sciences Director Candidate |
Joshua Zaretsky (He/Him)
Hi there! My name is Joshua Zaretsky, I am a second-year Biomedical Science student running to be the Board of Director for the CBS. After having spent 2 years on the College of Biological Science Student Council, my passion to advocate for the student body has only grown more. In this position, I served on the finance committee where I helped manage the student council’s finances, allocating funds to the various clubs and initiatives that we supported. I always did my best to bring a positive energy and tried my best to be vocal on important discussions regarding how we could best support the student body (i.e. advocating for more study space). I am eager to bring my dedication to a broader level of student governance where I can continue emphasizing our voice, as the students of UOG, and would very much appreciate your vote. Thank you!
College of Engineering Director Candidate |
Mohammed Al-Oda (He/Him)
Hey Engineers! My name is Mohammed Al-Oda, and I am running to be your College of Engineering Representative. As your current first-year Representative and Co-President of GryphDEX (CoCreCo), I’ve seen firsthand the talent and drive within our community. If elected to the CSA Board of Directors, I am committed to being a fair and objective voice for our college. My goal is to ensure our engineering perspective is amplified and that we continue to have a positive, inclusive atmosphere on campus. I’d appreciate your support during the voting period!
College of Engineering Director Candidate |
John Paul Al Khoury (He/Him)
I am an undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Student committed to representing the needs of the College of Engineering. I have past leadership experience in my high school, where I co-founded the Leadership Team, a task force of over 80 members with the responsibility of organizing all school events and holidays. From this experience I learned effective communication, collaboration, and how to turn ideas into action. As an average student amongst you, I will advocate strongly for engineering students, faculty, resources and approach decisions thoughtfully and work with all of you towards a greater and united community; Rerum cognoscere causas.
College of Engineering Director Candidate | Michael Spurek (He/Him)
As an Engineering student at the University of Guelph, I truly believe in empowering student voice and collaboration between students, faculty, and the CSA. I hope to serve as the Director of the College of Engineering to support students by being an advocate for improved student supports, access to resources, and hands-on and innovative experiences. My experience in team-based engineering projects has provided me with strengths in leadership, communication, and problem solving. I believe that it is important for every Engineering student to have the opportunity to present opinions, value contributions, and to contribute their ideas about what their education looks like. As Director, I would want to reaffirm through my actions that while we represent all our concerns fairly, the CSA continues to advocate to create an inclusive and progressive structure that excites students to engage.
College of Engineering Director Candidate | Areeb Zahir (He/Him)
Hi! My name is Areeb Zahir, and I’m running because I care deeply about building a campus where students feel heard, supported, and excited to be involved. I have a strong interest in engineering, problem-solving, and leadership, and I enjoy applying these skills to real challenges that impact student life. I’m passionate about collaboration, clear communication, and finding practical solutions that actually work for students. Whether it’s improving campus engagement, supporting academic success, or making student government more transparent and approachable, I believe small changes can make a big difference. I’m seeking election because I want to turn student ideas into action and help create a stronger, more connected campus community. I’d be grateful for the opportunity to represent you and advocate for what matters most to students.
College of Social and Applied Human Sciences Director Candidate |
Muhammad Asif (He/Him)
Hi everyone! My name is Muhammad Asif, and I’m a second-year Criminal Justice & Public Policy student. I’m seeking election because I believe that the Central Student Association should be transparent and efficient. It should be focused on serving students and ensuring that issues are resolved responsibly in a timely manner. I will advocate for more academic support and aim to give students a stronger voice to express their ideas and concerns. With leadership experience in student-led campus clubs, I have learned the importance of listening first, effective communication, and collaboration. If elected, I aim to serve with transparency and dedication.
College of Social and Applied Human Sciences Director Candidate |
Laiba Baig (She/Her)
Hi, my name is Laiba Baig, and I am excited to be running as the director for the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences position with the CSA. I care deeply about building a student community that feels welcoming, inclusive, and truly representative of all students. As a student myself, I understand how challenging it can be to balance academics, work, mental health, and campus involvement, and I believe these experiences allow me to genuinely relate to others. I am seeking election because I want to advocate for student needs, strengthen communication between students and the CSA, and help create events and initiatives that make campus life more engaging and accessible. I am a dedicated listener, a strong communicator, and someone who values collaboration. If elected, I will work hard to represent students honestly and responsibly while contributing to a more connected and supportive campus.
Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics Director Candidate | Ayesha Tanzeel (She/Her)
Hi! My name is Ayesha Tanzeel, and I am a Management Economics and Finance student in the Lang School of Business and Economics. I am running for Director on the CSA Board because I genuinely care about making student voices heard and improving the student experience. I have been involved in finance and leadership roles on campus where I manage budgets, help plan events, and support initiatives that benefit students. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of listening, being reliable, and advocating for what matters. If elected, I will work to ensure transparent decision making, responsible use of student fees, and better communication between the CSA and Lang students. I want to be someone you can trust to represent your concerns and push for positive change.
College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences Director Candidate | Mohamed Salih (He/Him)
My name is Mohamed and I am a Computer Science major at the University of Guelph who has experience working not only with technical but also student-led projects. I am excited to be running for the CSA because I want students to see their voices lead to real change on campus through visible improvements. I value communication, practical solutions, and patience helping other students have access to opportunities, support, or information without confusion, waiting, or difficulty. If I am elected I will work hard to listen to everyone first, continuously advocate for those who need it and provide transparent progress from whenever I am working toward completing something – so everybody knows exactly what is happening now and what will happen next. I am committed to creating a stronger relationship between the entire campus community as an advocate for students’ right to be heard, supported and represented.
College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences Director Candidate | Hamza Memon (He/Him)
Hi, I’m Hamza Memon, a Software Engineering co-op student passionate about building solutions that make a real impact. Through my experience as a teaching assistant and a co-op student, I’ve worked closely with students across different years and understand the challenges we face. I’m running for CCMPS Director to ensure our voices are heard. I’m looking to strengthen communication between students and faculty by advocating for improved academic and co-op support. More specifically, I want to create more opportunities for collaboration, networking, and skill development within our college. I’m ready to represent CCMPS students with transparency and dedication.
College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences Director Candidate | Aidan Mikhail (He/Him)
Hi, my name is Aidan Mikhail, and I’ve been involved in student-run events on campus for over a year. Through that experience, I’ve seen how much work students put into building community, and how much better things could be if clubs and students felt more supported. Clubs are where many of us find our community, but current funding doesn’t always allow them to run all the events they hope to. I want to make funding more reliable and helpful, while creating real opportunities for clubs to share feedback and feel heard by the CSA. When clubs are supported, students are supported. I also want to focus on improving busing. Getting across Guelph shouldn’t be stressful or unreliable. I’ll advocate for more consistent service and schedules that better match student life. I’m running to push for changes that make campus life better and help students feel supported, heard, and connected.
Ontario Agricultural College Director Candidate |
Bronwyn Barber (She/Her)
Hi, my name is Bronwyn, and I’m running for the OAC Representative position because I want to be a strong, approachable voice for OAC students. I believe students deserve clear communication and meaningful representation within the CSA, especially when board decisions directly affect us. If elected, I’ll listen to my peers’ concerns and ensure they are shared with the board. I’ll also work toward initiatives that improve student experience and engagement, while keeping students informed and involved. I’m committed to making sure the OAC community feels heard and supported!
Ontario Agricultural College Director Candidate |
Hannah Gregory (She/Her)
Hello! My name is Hannah Gregory and I am a first-year Environmental Science student. I am hoping to use my background in sustainability to increase the impact of the university’s eco-friendly initiatives (ex. working on our composting and recycling programs, especially in residence). As well as work on allocating our schools resources further towards offering more inclusive and accessible opportunities for students with any level of experience to get applicable agricultural/environmental science experience to build our resumes/skills and ease the burden of job searches.