Samantha Rutherford |
|
Running for:
VP Student Affairs
About me:
I’m from Oakville, ON, and completed my undergrad in Health Sciences at Mac (‘25). Outside of school, I love playing hockey (and I can even play blindfolded, ask me about this anytime!), learning to wakesurf, and doing the NYT games.
I also love bringing people together, especially when it creates a stronger sense of community and wellbeing. Coming from a huge family, I’ve always valued having a strong support network and making people feel included and supported. This is one of the reasons I’m super passionate about mentorship and I’m excited to apply for VP Student Affairs to bring wellness and mentorship supports to our class!
My platform:
My goals for VP Student Affairs are centered on increasing student wellness and mentorship. I want to build an environment where our class feels supported by one another and the MMSC, and connected through mentorship!
I have experience in both of these through running one of Mac’s largest undergraduate clubs, Smiling Over Sickness, during my undergrad here. As president, I organized wellness initiatives within our club for hundreds of members, took surveys for feedback, and advocated within McMaster. I also have a strong background in mentorship, including running the first mentorship program at Halton Healthcare’s hospitals during my gap year.
With this experience I hope to strengthen the Preclerkship & Resident Mentorship Programs, create wellness events that respond to what our class needs, and connect with other UGME wellness committees to bring new ideas to Mac. Ultimately, I want you to feel supported in your wellness and connected.
How do you plan to ensure that EDI is integrated in your role(s)?
I will integrate EDI into Student Affairs by ensuring that student wellness and engagement initiatives are accessible, representative, and informed by the diverse experiences of our class. Rather than assuming what students need, I will actively seek feedback through surveys and direct conversations. When planning wellness events and mentorship opportunities, I will also consider barriers such as cost, scheduling, RISO, and accessibility needs - this is something I navigated within the McMaster Student Union for 3 years.
EDI integration is an ongoing responsibility. My goal is to create an environment where every student feels their experiences are valued, their concerns are heard, and they have an equitable opportunity to participate and succeed.
VP Student Affairs
About me:
I’m from Oakville, ON, and completed my undergrad in Health Sciences at Mac (‘25). Outside of school, I love playing hockey (and I can even play blindfolded, ask me about this anytime!), learning to wakesurf, and doing the NYT games.
I also love bringing people together, especially when it creates a stronger sense of community and wellbeing. Coming from a huge family, I’ve always valued having a strong support network and making people feel included and supported. This is one of the reasons I’m super passionate about mentorship and I’m excited to apply for VP Student Affairs to bring wellness and mentorship supports to our class!
My platform:
My goals for VP Student Affairs are centered on increasing student wellness and mentorship. I want to build an environment where our class feels supported by one another and the MMSC, and connected through mentorship!
I have experience in both of these through running one of Mac’s largest undergraduate clubs, Smiling Over Sickness, during my undergrad here. As president, I organized wellness initiatives within our club for hundreds of members, took surveys for feedback, and advocated within McMaster. I also have a strong background in mentorship, including running the first mentorship program at Halton Healthcare’s hospitals during my gap year.
With this experience I hope to strengthen the Preclerkship & Resident Mentorship Programs, create wellness events that respond to what our class needs, and connect with other UGME wellness committees to bring new ideas to Mac. Ultimately, I want you to feel supported in your wellness and connected.
How do you plan to ensure that EDI is integrated in your role(s)?
I will integrate EDI into Student Affairs by ensuring that student wellness and engagement initiatives are accessible, representative, and informed by the diverse experiences of our class. Rather than assuming what students need, I will actively seek feedback through surveys and direct conversations. When planning wellness events and mentorship opportunities, I will also consider barriers such as cost, scheduling, RISO, and accessibility needs - this is something I navigated within the McMaster Student Union for 3 years.
EDI integration is an ongoing responsibility. My goal is to create an environment where every student feels their experiences are valued, their concerns are heard, and they have an equitable opportunity to participate and succeed.