What are the most important issues facing next year’s VP Finance and Operations?
It’s the importance of financial planning and oversight in the operations. Money is being taken out of the investment portfolio that has been accumulating wealth over the past couple of years to be used for the renovation of Gerts. And Gerts is also adapting its business model to offer a seated lunch. Renovating the second-floor cafeteria is also another priority. So next year’s VP Finance will have to take that business plan and try to implement it successfully without negatively impacting any other clubs and services that need funding.
What’s one thing that the current VP Finance and Operations has done well, and what’s one thing you would have done differently?
Shyam as a whole has done a fantastic job. He’s very organized and he’s initiated a lot of great projects which can provide amazing services. He also started a group that provides aid for auditing and budgeting for the clubs and services.
Accessibility is a big point of being an executive. A lot of the times he’s operated behind the scenes. Being out there to promote the resources that are available is important.
How would you be more visible and accessible?
Very simple things like having a greater presence on campus, attending events, going to club meetings. Things like putting the budget online or showing where your funds go. Simply streamlining the funding process, because sometimes the paperwork is redundant.
Would you continue with any of Shyam’s projects next year?
There’s a whole transition period in May when the execs walk you through everything they’ve done to the littlest detail to make sure you can carry that forward. The student-run cafe is the biggest project that he has. That’s something I would carry on.
What is the most important role of the VP Finance and Operations?
Functioning as a liaison between clubs and services, the various committees, the executive council, and just being able to communicate with a lot of the student groups. It’s a lot of teamwork.
If you could high-five anyone, who would it be?
Churchill.
