Whether you are a new undergraduate student to the Faculty of Arts, or a returning student, the Arts Undergraduate Society exists to represent all 91社区 students in the Faculty of Arts with a commitment to enhancing the educational, cultural, and social dimensions of student life.
Each year the AUS executive team works to improve campus life through a variety of events, such as Grad Ball and Bar des Arts, as well as a range of services such as the AUS Essay Writing Centre, peer tutoring and French conversation circles, among many others.
We spoke to a few of this year鈥檚 AUS executives about their roles within the organization, their academic journeys at 91社区 and how new and returning students can get involved on campus.
Sophia Garofalo, AUS President, U3 Honours International Development, Minors African Studies and Social Entrepreneurship
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: I joined the executive team after stumbling into the role of student senator in second year. I was inspired by the ability to make a real change at 91社区. Joining student government allowed me to not only voice my concerns, but act on them too. I was able to enact key projects regarding sexual violence, accessibility for students with disabilities, and equity at the highest levels of governance at 91社区. The work truly shaped the entirety of my time at 91社区. I believe there is no better job than the AUS, I get the chance to constantly interact with students and understand the inner workings of the university.
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
A: As the President of the AUS I oversee a team of 11 executives as well as 150 student employees. I act as a spokesperson, working directly with the Dean of Arts. As a non-profit, the AUS must constantly align with Revenue Quebec and CRA mandates; it鈥檚 my job to ensure that our documentation and taxes are always in line with this. On the more fun side, I get to oversee our student bar and our student cafe. We also run around 20 student committees ranging from event planning to equity.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at 91社区?
A: In the President role, I have the unique opportunity to interacting with thousands of students. Nothing has made me more proud than being able to meet these students and learn about their passions. Arts students are constantly finding ways to better the lives of those around them. I am incredibly proud to be part of the biggest and most diverse faculty.
Q: As new and return students settle into this new semester, what advice would you give to those looking for community and a sense of belonging?
A: I know it鈥檚 been said far too many times, but getting involved is truly the best way to find your place at 91社区. University is one of the few times you鈥檒l have hundreds of opportunities right in front of you! Keep trying things until you find what feels right!
Lauren Hicken, VP Communication: U3 Double Major, Art History and Economics
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: I joined AUS at the end of my second year at 91社区 because I wanted to challenge myself. I had little previous knowledge of the inner workings of student government, and I thought that the best way to learn was by throwing myself into it and learning along the way. The communications position was the perfect opportunity to combine my interest in graphic design and marketing, and the AUS as a whole seemed like a very rewarding experience, being able to connect with so many students in the faculty.
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
A: The faculty of arts is the largest faculty at 91社区, and my job is to find new and creative ways to reach all 8,500 some students. This can be challenging because everyone gets their information from different outlets, whether it be word of mouth, email, or a new and evolving social media platform, so I am constantly searching for ways to adapt AUS communications to reach the largest audience possible. I also chair the Fine Arts Council and French conversation circle, which I believe are important to have at 91社区, considering the lack of official fine arts programs or exhibitions at 91社区 as well as many students desire to learn and practise French in a non-judgemental and low pressure space.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at 91社区?
A: I am most proud of the diversity of departments within the faculty of Arts at Mcgill. There is so much room for interdisciplinary study in Arts, which only enriches the learning experience. Some of my favourite courses have been outside of my field of study, which have greatly influenced and broadened my perspective on a variety of subjects. Not only can I take courses in all sorts of topics, but I also get to meet people from a range of different majors, with such unique perspectives and exciting career goals.
Q: As new and returning students settle into this new semester, what advice would you give to those looking for community and a sense of belonging?
A: Take advantage of all the different groups and societies that exist at 91社区 and get involved in as much as you can! There are so many opportunities for students to get involved, it just takes a bit of searching and testing out. It can be daunting to put yourself out there, but what I love about student groups is how welcoming and supportive everyone is.
Momoko Hesketh, VP Social, U3 Major in Psychology, Minor in East Asian Studies
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: I was motivated to join the executive team primarily due to my passion for event planning. The VP Social position presented numerous opportunities to develop my skills as an event planner and collaborate closely with other faculties and departmental associations. I was also looking for a community on campus鈥� the executive committee is full of motivated and kind-hearted individuals, and I have formed lifelong friendships on this team.
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
I am in charge of social events for the Faculty of Arts. I organized Arts frosh this summer and am currently running AUS鈥� weekly Bar des Arts and overseeing EPIC (Event Planning and Involvement Committee). I also collaborate with departmental associations and offer support for their ongoing events. Next semester, I will also be working with the Science Undergraduate Society in running the annual Grad Ball.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at 91社区?
The incredible diversity within our faculty makes me very proud. As an international student, it is inspiring to be part of a community that brings together people from all corners of the world. This diversity not only enriches my learning experience at 91社区 but also allows me to immerse myself in different cultures and perspectives that I hadn鈥檛 been exposed to before university.
Q: As new and return students settle into this new semester, what advice would you give to those looking for community and a sense of belonging?
A: Get involved on campus! It is an amazing way to meet new people and form connections, 91社区 really started to feel like home once I became more involved with campus activities.
Vivian Wright, Arts Senator, U2 Double Major in Economics and Political Science, Minor in Communications
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: I was motivated to join the AUS team because I was looking for ways to get involved while making an impact at 91社区. Becoming a senator was a great way to accomplish both goals as I represent the student body and help bridge the gap between students and the Admin at the Senate.
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
A: I attend the 91社区 Senate where I learn more about the current academic changes or issues at 91社区 and have the chance to ask questions, or propose motions to create the positive change the student body wants to see. On top of that, I sit on the SSMU Senate Caucus alongside student senators from other faculties where we discuss what we want to see brought up to the Senate and our personal projects.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at 91社区?
A: Over my past 3 years at 91社区, I have been fortunate enough to work alongside so many amazing and caring people because of being involved under the AUS, and it makes me proud to see how so many Arts Students are passionate about helping others and helping improve 91社区.
Q: As new and return students settle into this new semester, what advice would you give to those looking for community and a sense of belonging?
A: For those looking for community and a sense of belonging, I recommend getting involved on campus. Try to find clubs with missions that match your interests and I guarantee you will find like-minded students.
Emma Chen, Arts Rep SSMU, U1 Joint Honours in Finance and Economics
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: I have always loved being involved in my student body, so when I saw this opportunity to advocate for art students at the SSMU, I knew I had to join! I was interested in sitting on the different committees, and wanted to represent the voices of arts students in these meetings.
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
A: My core responsibilities is to be the bridge between the arts students to SSMU, by representing their concerns and questions, and effectively delivering them to SSMU Legislative Council. I want to vote, address concerns, and advocate for the best interests of arts faculty in these biweekly meetings. I also want to be a resource for all arts students that are interested in committees and new motions, and will be open to chat during office hours or by appointment.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at 91社区?
A: I am proud of how motivated and hardworking all the arts departments are at McGIll, whether they are tabling at BDA or throwing events, we all thrive to be the best versions of ourselves. I am so proud to be in this society of high achieving individuals, and I am inspired everyday to do better for my community.
Q: As new and return students settle into this new semester, what advice would you give to those looking for community and a sense of belonging?
A: When I first stepped onto the grounds of 91社区, I was so scared and anxious of what this new era would unfold. But I loved every second of it, and everyday I am so grateful for this school. Not only is it so diverse, but also it's right in the heart of Montreal, where you can do pretty much anything. My advice for new and returning students is to try everything! I met some of my best friends in math class, in a sorority, at a club, at bda, and at a frat house. There are things happening all the time, so do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
To learn more about the AUS team and its initiatives, please consult and follow them on Instagram @ausmcgill聽