Hi Thunderwolves! My name is Faisal Al-Saati and I’m running for VP Orillia because I want to create structural changes that effect every student that attends Lakehead Orillia. I am a 2nd year Political Science, Pre law student at the Orillia campus who’s greatly involved in the local political landscape. I’ve experienced this campus as a commuter and as a resident. I’ve heard the issues of many students from my role as a staff writer for our student paper the Argus and I have a history of leadership roles from my previous work experience.

It is my goal to change the experience of the Lakehead Orillia campus experience an experience I consider to have many compromises. These compromises don’t have to slight the students but right now I believe they are. From Inadequate public transportation, to winter pedestrian access and the saturation of online course selection. Change needs to occur and I think I’m someone you can trust to make it happen.

I am a second-year Political Science Pre-Law student at Lakehead University Orillia, my academic foundation is built on a deep study of governance, policy, and institutional advocacy. This formal education allows me to navigate the complex administrative structures of the university with a professional and analytical lens, ensuring that student concerns are translated into actionable policy.

My professional and advocacy background has uniquely prepared me for the responsibilities of VP Orillia by balancing high-stakes management with direct community engagement. During my time as a Canvasser for both the Provincial and Federal NDP, I sharpened my ability to engage with a wide range of perspectives, listen to community concerns, and advocate for specific platforms. This experience in grassroots organizing and political outreach is exactly what I intend to bring to LUSU to ensure every student feels heard and represented. Similarly, my work within the university has given me a 360-degree view of the student experience; as a Staff Writer for The Argus, I have investigated and reported on issues like university lobbying and anti-intellectualism to ensure transparency, while my role as a Residence Tour Guide keeps me grounded in the daily realities and needs of Orillia students.

These experiences in political outreach and campus advocacy are supported by a long-standing history of professional responsibility and leadership. Having been promoted to a Manager at McDonald’s at the age of 16, I developed essential skills in conflict de-escalation, resource management, and the ability to lead a diverse team under significant pressure from a young age. This early start in a high-volume management role provided me with the maturity and organizational discipline necessary to chair student union committees and manage executive responsibilities effectively. These combined experiences ranging from professional management and political canvassing to campus-specific advocacy, have prepared me to represent the student body with the clarity, professionalism, and dedication required of the VP Orillia position.

1. Transportation and Urban Integration
Public Transportation Expansion: I will advocate for increased frequency and optimized routes for local transit to ensure students can travel reliably between the University Avenue and Downtown campuses, as well as essential city hubs.
Deepened Local Integration: I aim to strengthen the relationship between the student body and the Orillia community, creating more opportunities for local business partnerships, student discounts, and off-campus engagement.

2. Winter Accessibility and Safety
Prioritizing Sidewalk Plowing: Navigating Orillia in the winter should not be a safety hazard. I will push for a more rigorous and timely sidewalk plowing schedule on and around campus perimeters to ensure students with mobility aids, or those simply walking to class, have clear and safe passage.
Comprehensive Winter Access: Beyond plowing, I will audit campus entry points to ensure all students can navigate our facilities comfortably during the peak winter months.

3. Academic Quality and Digital Reform
Addressing Online Course Saturation: While flexibility is important, the current “saturation” of online courses can diminish the quality of the university experience. I will work with the administration to advocate for a better balance of in-person learning options that justify the cost of tuition and foster a true campus community.
Reforming Student Online Spaces: Our digital forums and union platforms should be intuitive and helpful. I plan to oversee a cleanup of student online spaces to ensure they are accessible, moderated effectively, and serve as genuine hubs for information rather than points of confusion.

4. Amplifying Student Voices
Innovative Feedback Solutions: We need to move beyond traditional surveys that go unread. I will implement new, interactive methods for students to voice their concerns—such as digital “town halls” and direct-to-VP feedback channels—ensuring your input is integrated into LUSU’s decision-making in real-time.

All of this means working with Lakehead Orillia’s partners to create a campus and local hub for community and education.

My Instagram @almostfaisal or Twitter @almostfaisal