Hello voters! My name is Drew Alexander Dutton, and I am running for the position of Vice-President Education for your Engineering Society. From its birth, the University of Waterloo has built its reputation by redefining the educational experience. True to its history, there are a number of changes on the horizon that will redefine engineering at the University of Waterloo. As VP Education, I will be your voice to the Faculty authorities responsible for the proposed innovations. It is my goal to assist in the development of these new programs to maintain Waterloo Engineering’s status as educational innovators, while preserving the core traits that separate us from all others.
Recently, the concept of the 8-month coop term has seen reality within the Nanotechnology and Chemical Engineering Programs. Many Departments are planning to move towards a system that will integrate 8-month coop terms into their streaming. This provides a valuable opportunity for students to take on more significant roles while on coop. As VP Education, I intend to work constructively with Faculty to develop the 8-month coop term, while preserving the class cohort system so that students may continue to forge strong study groups and class pride.
Another system that has recently been introduced is the Reduced Course Load program. This is an option where 1A students who are struggling can complete the term with less than a full term of courses. While falling back a year, it maintains a clean academic record and has generally seen great success. The Faculty hopes to develop a similar program available to all academic years of study. In particular, this would benefit engineering students involved in Varsity Athletics, or those launching entrepreneurial endeavors. This will without a doubt create an environment where Waterloo Engineers can flourish in multiple facets and reinforce the notion of Waterloo as a leader in innovation. I want to work with Faculty to make this idea a reality, while maintaining the image of the competent, hard-working Waterloo Engineers that we are.
In support of the recent changes to the Engineering Society’s Constitution and By-Laws, I want to work with the Executive Team to reconstruct the Policy Manual into a functioning document. My objective is to develop a clear and concise document that will govern how the everyday events and services that EngSoc provides are carried out.
As VP Education, I will listen to your thoughts and concerns. I want to make your voice heard with the University Administration. I have a personable and constructive way of interacting with others, and as such, I will be a valuable resource in liaising between Faculty and students to reach a middle ground on issues in order to please everyone.
Thank you for taking the time to make yourself an informed voter. Remember, Drew Alexander Dutton for VP Education. Because DAD knows best.
Leave a Reply