UTMSU Fall By-Elections 2026

UTMSU By-Elections, Fall 2026

Fall By-Elections 2026

Four Board positions are open

The annual University of Toronto Mississauga Students' Union Fall By-Election is an opportunity for members to run for positions and elect members of the Board of Directors to serve until the completion of the academic year.

2 seats

Division I

First Year Representatives

1 seat

Division III

Part-Time Directors at Large

1 seat

Division IV

Professional Faculties

Who can vote?

All UTMSU members are eligible to vote in this election.

Election information

Dates, voting, candidates, and updates

General Information & Important Dates

Nomination period

Monday, September 28 at 10:00 a.m. to Friday, October 2 at 12:00 p.m.

Silent period

Friday, October 2 at 12:01 p.m. to Monday, October 5 at 8:59 a.m.

All Candidates Meeting

October 3 at 12:00 p.m. in the Student Centre Presentation Room

Campaign period

Monday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. to Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m.

Voting period

Tuesday, October 13 to Thursday, October 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily

Nomination Period

Interested candidates must email the Chief Returning Officer at cro@utmsu.ca to receive a nomination package. Once the CRO confirms that you are a UTMSU member and eligible to run for the position, you will receive an email confirmation and a time to pick up your nomination package in the Student Centre.

Candidates must obtain 25 nominations from UTMSU members (UTM undergraduate students).

Eligibility

You must be a UTMSU member (UTM undergraduate student) from one of the listed divisions at the time of the election and throughout your term of office. You must also be at least 18 years old.

Term of office

The term ends April 30, 2027.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Act as a representative of and in the best interest of the student body.
  • Ensure accountability of Union Executives and Staff.
  • Uphold principles of democracy and equity in all decision-making processes.
  • Act in accordance with the Board of Directors Code of Ethics and Union policies.
  • Act with diligence, fiduciary responsibility, honesty, and good faith in the best interest of the Union.
Campaigning & Voting

The campaign period opens on Monday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. and runs until the end of voting on Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m. Candidates may only campaign, including through outreach and postering, during this period.

Fall By-Elections 2026 candidates are listed below. Learn more about their campaigns through their candidate statements in the candidates section or look for in-person outreach and posters in:

  • William G. Davis Building (DV)
  • Communication, Culture, and Technology Building (CCT)
  • Deerfield Hall (DH)
  • Instructional Centre (IB)

In-person voting locations

  • William G. Davis Building (DV)
  • Communication, Culture, and Technology Building (CCT)
  • Deerfield Hall (DH)
  • Instructional Centre (IB)

How to vote

Polling stations are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day from October 13 to 15. All UTM undergraduate students, including students at the Mississauga Academy of Medicine and the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, are eligible to vote.

  • Bring your TCard or a piece of government-issued identification.
  • Voting is by paper ballot at the polling stations only.
UTMSU Fall 2026 Elections — Candidates

Division I: First Year Representatives

2 seats

Usayd Ansari

Usayd Ansari

Instagram: @usayds.studio

Hi! I’m Usayd Ansari, a first-year student aspiring to pursue a Financial Economics Specialist. Throughout high school, I served in Student Council and helped organize assemblies, spirit events, and activities for students. I’ve also worked on projects that improved how clubs managed events and attendance, giving me experience with organization, problem-solving, and listening to student needs. As First-Year Representative, I want to make sure first-year students feel heard and connected to the UTM community. I hope to communicate student concerns effectively, support engaging and inclusive events, and help make the transition into university a little easier for everyone.

Nyssa Chima

As an undergraduate student, I am eager to serve as a vessel of change for students, and I believe a few minor tweaks could go a long way. My main points of focus are accessibility, research opportunities, and smoother communication. I’d like the student body to focus on their studies and career without having to waste time worrying about the imbalance of resources across campuses; about the bureaucratic hoops they have to jump through to receive academic services; about whether they need to get up an hour early to prepare meals that would suit their dietary restrictions.

Urmila Uma Devi

Urmila Uma Devi

Like my love for Coke Zero, my loyalty never waivers, and as part of the student union, that loyalty would be to you. As a first-year, I’m figuring out university life alongside you. Being new to campus means I’ve had to adapt quickly, think creatively and push through unexpected challenges, and I’ll bring that same drive to this role. Your interests always come first, and I’m confident I can represent your voices well. I want to help shape a community where everyone feels supported, heard and connected. Vote for a representative who will always keep showing up for you.

Sogol Kazimi

Sogol Kazimi

Change doesn’t happen without action. Five years of leadership in student government taught me that issues go unresolved when they are heard and not pursued. Regardless of age, background, or program of study, us first years are dealing with unique problems. What we need are solutions catered to us. As your First-Year Representative, I will bridge the gap between student perspectives and tangible actions with a skill set that can only be acquired through experience. Now is the time to make our voices heard. Make this university yours and vote for someone whos ready to breathe life into your ideas.

Muhammad Maroof Atif

Muhammad Maroof Atif

Salam! Hello! I’m Maroof, which means “popular,” so let’s try to make that official! I’m a Life Sciences student aiming to specialize in Molecular Biology and minor in Computer Science. I’m a football/cricket geek, a national debate champion, and a proud 2010 white girl pop enjoyer from Pakistan #PAKISTANZINDABAD. If elected as a Batch Representative, I’ll fight for cheaper campus food, stronger club-student connections, and better study groups. Whether you need a study buddy or a debate on movies, my door is always open. Not a literal door; please don’t come to my dorm. (Kidding, you can!) Vote Maroof!

Hay Thi Win Aung

Hay Thi Win Aung

Instagram: @haythi_wa

Hi everyone! I’m Hay Thi Win Aung, an international student from Myanmar, running for UTMSU First-Year Rep! Living on residence, I’ve noticed how difficult it is to find food late at night and study spaces with flexible hours. I want to advocate for a UTMSU midnight shop and later library hours. Additionally, I aim to set up a mentorship program where upper year students with a high GPA can help first years regarding POST. Imagine how much less stressful it would be if there was someone in the exact place you wish to be giving you advice once a week!

Vicky Shiqi Zhang

Vicky Shiqi Zhang

Hi, I’m Vicky, a first-year international student who believes your voice matters. When I was dissatisfied with campus dining, I reached out to OPH leadership with concerns and suggestions. Afterwards, I saw new posters and TV displays encouraging student feedback. It showed me that speaking up matters—but individual action can only go so far. I’m seeking this role to have a stronger platform to address more student concerns, including international tuition and textbook costs. I won’t know every challenge you face, so tell me. You matter. I will listen, speak up, and take action.

Division III: Part-Time Directors at Large

1 seat

Candidate information: TBA

Division IV: Professional Faculties

1 seat

Alisha Ahmed

Hi everyone, my name is Alisha and I’m a second-year medical student at MAM! I would love to represent you as UTMSU Division IV rep and share your concerns and feedback with the student union. I have diverse experiences in student leadership and government, and care about making your experience at UTM positive and supportive.

Virtual Wall of Transparency

The Virtual Wall of Transparency is where candidates can view demerit points issued by the Chief Returning Officer during the election.

Unofficial demerits will be sent directly to candidates, who have 48 hours to appeal to the Elections and Referenda Committee (EARC). Official demerits will be posted once the appeal window has closed.

Demerit points

TBA