As of December 2nd 2022, the 2023 Guild Executives have officially stepped into their roles with the intention of leading the Curtin Student Guild and representing the student-body at Curtin University. For this article, Grok Magazine received the opportunity to interview the Guild Executives with hopes of getting to know them as individuals, familiarising ourselves with their roles, while also finding out what they hope to achieve this year through their new positions.
Dylan Botica
Image Credit: Curtin Student Guild
2023 Student Guild President: Dylan Botica
Grok: What is your course and year of study?
Dylan: I am studying a double-degree in Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations).
Grok: Why did you decide to apply or run for your position?
Dylan: I accidentally became President mid-2022 when a vacancy was created, and the Student Guild Council appointed me. I’ve imitated a lot of new projects and plans for the Guild which I would like to see through, so I ran again for 2023. I’m mainly continuing in my role, but it’s great to see a new team of people with strong passions for taking on the year. This will be my last year in the Guild and student politics.
Grok: Do you think any improvements could be made from within the Guild to enhance positive student engagement and overall experience?
Dylan: I have many plans to improve the Guild across all our operations. I think this position has allowed me to recognise all of the areas the Guild is really great at delivering for students, but there are areas where we need to adapt to the times and improve in order to keep pace with the changing nature of what Curtin students want.
Grok: What do you hope to achieve with your position throughout this year?
Dylan: I hope to achieve better student spaces on campus, more support for the welfare of students and better communication between the Guild and students at Curtin University. I also want to improve our commercial operations and look forward to opening the Library Café this year.
Grok: Do you have any advice for Curtin University students who may apply or run for your position in upcoming years?
Dylan: It’s bloody hard work – be prepared for that. Run in a ticket, but not as an indie, as you will likely lose. Understand that the Guild is a large organisation with staff and major operations that you will be responsible for. That being said, the Guild is honestly the best experience you can get as a student, so take it on.
If you’re keen to find out more about the Guild President role, feel free to check out “The Responsibilities of a Student Guild President”, where we previously interviewed Dylan and asked him more in-depth questions about his duties.
Salwa Kilzi
Image Credit: Curtin Student Guild
2023 Vice President of Activities: Salwa Kilzi
Grok: What is your course and year of study?
Salwa: I’m studying a Bachelor of Psychology, and I am currently in my third year.
Grok: Why did you decide to apply or run for your position?
Salwa: I saw a need for a community on campus and I kept hearing about the good old days of “university life”. I felt our generation of students were missing out. So, I wanted to create more opportunities and chances for students to make friends and find their place on campus.
Grok: Can you give us a quick run-down or summary of what sort of tasks you’re responsible for?
Salwa: Basically the vibe on campus. I’m responsible for managing events and clubs.
Grok: Since officially starting your new role, how have you personally found the transition? Is there anything you like or dislike about your role so far?
Salwa: I personally enjoy my role. I will work hard to ensure that all students are aware of the clubs and events available to them, that they are able to participate in the activities that pique their interest, and to make sure that students are aware of everything that the Guild is doing.
Grok: Do you think any improvements could be made from within the Guild to enhance positive student engagement and overall experience?
Salwa: The Guild can improve communication with students by advertising communication a lot more, and improve collaboration with clubs and societies to allow more chances for them to host events.
Grok: What do you hope to achieve with your position throughout this year?
Salwa: I hope to create a community, make everything more alive on campus and coordinate a variety of events and activities for students – such as social events, more cat activities, clubs, fun nights, and some chill days.
Grok: Do you have any advice for Curtin University students who may apply or run for your position in upcoming years?
Salwa: Self-care is the foundation of success. When you take care of yourself, you give yourself the ability to excel in all areas of your life. Remember to take time for yourself, do things that make you happy, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Prioritizing your mental and physical well-being will not only improve your day-to-day experience, but also empower you to reach your full potential. Make self-care a daily habit, you deserve it!
If you’re keen to find out more about the Vice President of Activities role, feel free to check out “What Does The Vice President of Activities Do?”, where we interviewed the previous Vice President of Activities, February Metcalf, and asked them more in-depth questions about their duties.
Veronika Gobba
Image Credit: Curtin Student Guild
2023 Vice President of Education: Veronika Gobba
Grok: What is your course and year of study?
Veronika: I am studying a double-degree in Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) and Bachelor of Commerce (Economics). This would have been my fourth and final year, but I’ve gone down to part-time studying and will be dragging out my degree for the Guild grind.
Grok: Why did you decide to apply or run for your position?
Veronika: I love the Guild. I appreciate that it has the student’s interests at its core, and that the reps work on the smallest of students’ issues all the way up to big national campaigns. I wanted to be someone who could uphold Curtin to a high standard when it comes to our welfare and education. I also wanted to be part of a team that can campaign for change on many levels. It was a big commitment to run for a position with a lot of responsibility, but here we are.
Grok: Can you give us a quick run-down or summary of what sort of tasks you’re responsible for?
Veronika: I sit on a few different university committees, some alone and some with other Guild reps as liaisons between the university and the student body, keep students up to date with any changes made in the university and to ensure that the student’s perspective is well-considered in these meetings. I am also responsible for creating and implementing campaigns relating to education and welfare issues. I provide support and guidance for the Guild faculty and equity reps and general students with concerns. I also help the President with their duties and get to assist in planning some Guild activities such as Stress Less Week and the Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Grok: Since officially starting your new role, how have you personally found the transition? Is there anything you like or dislike about your role so far?
Veronika: I love the satisfaction of being able to help resolve a student’s or cohort’s problem and working with the different officers in the Guild to help get their initiatives off the ground. It’s still early days, but we have a really fantastic team of reps this year and I think we can do a lot of good together. If I had to pick something that I dislike, it would have to be needing to deal with a lot of the bureaucracy at Curtin.
Grok: Do you think any improvements could be made from within the Guild to enhance positive student engagement and overall experience?
Veronika: I think it would be great if the Guild could develop into the centre for student experience, hold all Curtin activities and events, and become a major stakeholder in the decision-making at Curtin. But like all things, it would require a lot of resources and time to get to that point.
Grok: What do you hope to achieve with your position throughout this year?
Veronika: There are so many things I have written on a list – it’s almost endless! But some of the main things that I want to achieve is better sustainability initiatives at the Guild and at Curtin, lobby on larger issues such as paid practicals, student housing tenancy rights, climate action and an Indigenous Voice to parliament, better feedback on assessments, and more Guild funding to support students who do not pay SSAF (i.e. international students).
Grok: Do you have any advice for Curtin University students who may apply or run for your position in upcoming years?
Veronika: I would say make sure you are aware of the happenings of the Guild, keep up to date with what we do, read the reports, read the by-laws, come to reps board or Guild Council if you’re curious and have the time – any Guild member can attend these. I would encourage getting involved in less responsibility-heavy roles first as well. I started out as an elected member of the Guild Women’s Equity Collective. The collectives are great if you identify as being a part of any of those groups, and as of this year, the process to become a part of those collectives will be easier – no election necessary. I was also the Faculty of Humanities rep for a few months last year, and that gave me a good introduction for what it’s like to sit on university committees and represent the student body. It’s definitely not a position I would have gone for if I didn’t have any prior experience in the Guild. It’s also important to stay aware and be mindful of the issues students face that are unique to certain groups. For example, I support all the Faculty and Equity reps, but I have not studied in every faculty and I do not identify as a part of every equity group, neither am I a postgraduate or international student. However, I do have to guide and support reps who represent students from these areas, so it’s important to understand and seek out what’s important for a diverse range of students.
Jasmyne Tweed
Image Credit: Curtin Student Guild
2023 Student Guild Secretary: Jasmyne Tweed
Grok: What is your course and year of study?
Jasmyne: I am a fourth-year student studying a double degree in Bachelor of Law and Commerce (Human Resource Management).
Grok: Why did you decide to apply or run for your position?
Jasmyne: I decided to go for the position of Secretary because I had started to develop an interest in the Guild’s governance through the positions I held previously in the Guild. I also wanted to be a part of the day-to-day decision making that the Guild does, and being a member of the Executive Committee really allows for that.
Grok: Can you give us a quick run-down or summary of what sort of tasks you’re responsible for?
Jasmyne: The tasks I am responsible for include ensuring that the Guild follows the regulations, completing payments and creating agendas. I’m also a member of various groups such as the Guild Council and Legal Committee. I promise it’s more exciting than it sounds!
Grok: Since officially starting your new role, how have you personally found the transition? Is there anything you like or dislike about your role so far?
Jasmyne: So far the transition hasn’t been too bad. The workload is piling up quite quickly, but one of the best things about the role is that you are always dealing with something different, so it never gets boring. I am also working with a great group of reps and staff, which always makes things easier.
Grok: Do you think any improvements could be made from within the Guild to enhance positive student engagement and overall experience?
Jasmyne: I think improvements can always be made in the Guild, especially in regard to improving student engagement and the overall student experience. I think one of the best ways to do that in 2023 is to bring clubs back to life and ensure there is always something happening on campus.
Grok: What do you hope to achieve with your position throughout this year?
Jasmyne: Over the next year I hope to review and update the Guild’s regulations, policies and procedures. It’s a bit of a mammoth task, but I am excited to take it on.
Grok: Do you have any advice for Curtin University students who may apply or run for your position in upcoming years?
Jasmyne: I highly recommend only running for this position if you are interested in governance and compliance, as that is what the bulk of the Secretary position is all about. The role can also be quite stressful, and you often find yourself dealing with difficult situations. However, it is so worth it!
If you would like to find more information about the Curtin Student Guild, their representatives and their ambitions, feel free to follow them on their Facebook and Instagram pages, or go to their website. You can also contact them via email (hello@guild.curtin.edu.au), call them over the phone through numbers 08 9266 2900 or 1800 063 865 (freecall), or head into the Guild Office on campus to speak with them directly.
The Curtin Student Guild is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00am until 4:00pm.