PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATEs
Bianca Morelli
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Program: Law, Justice & Society & Sociology & Social Anthropology of Inequality
Platform: A vote for MORElli means a vote for MORE—MORE advocacy, MORE essential resources, and MORE campus life!
Social Media
Instagram: @bianca4prez
Instagram: @lilbonkawonka
Matt Lawton
Pronouns: He/him/his
Program: Medical Science & Certificate of Quantitative Finance
Platform: Building a stronger Dalhousie—better student life, better support, and a campus we can all be proud of.
Social Media
Instagram: @Lawton4Prez
Candidates Questionnaires
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▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?
With three years of direct experience in the Dalhousie Student Union, I have developed a deep understanding of its policies, operations, and the issues that matter most to students. I have served as a Residence Representative on Council, Internal Commissioner to the Vice-President Internal, and now as your current Vice-President Internal, where I have worked closely with student societies, funding committees, and university administration to advocate for meaningful change.
As Vice-President Internal, I have been the primary point of contact for society executives, overseeing ratification applications, drafting bank letters, distributing funding, and providing critical support to student organizations. I understand the complexities of student governance, having participated in key committees such as the Domestic Student Housing Bursary Committee, Grants & Sponsorship Committee, and chaired the Student Accessibility Fund Committee and the Society Review Committee.
Beyond administration, I have been directly involved in policy work, collaborating with the university to bring student perspectives into major policies such as the Accommodations and Accessibility Policy and the Sexualized Violence and Discrimination Policy. Through these efforts, I have successfully worked with university administration to ensure student voices are heard and real change is implemented.
My leadership has also translated into action. I have followed through on every campaign promise from last year, including:
✅ Increased society support
✅ Launched a brand-new EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) training module and in-person sessions in partnership with Human Rights & Equity Services
✅ Revitalized the Equity & Accessibility Office to host events around accessibility, wellness sessions, and distributed over 300+ exam wellness kits
✅ Organized de-stress events and partnered with societies for initiatives like puppy playdates and exam support programs
I am not just familiar with the issues students face—I am actively working to solve them every single day.
▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?
I am running for President because I believe in an effective, transparent, and action-driven student union—one that listens to students and follows through on its commitments. My track record speaks for itself: when I make a promise, I deliver.
My experience has given me an unmatched understanding of how the DSU operates, and more importantly, how it can be improved. I have worked closely with societies, students, and administration to bring about positive change, but I know there is more to be done.
I know DSU policies inside and out. Having been a general member, society executive, and now a DSU executive, I have seen firsthand what works, what doesn’t, and where change is needed.
I understand student needs. Whether it's society funding, accessibility and tuition concerns, food insecurity, or housing affordability, I am hearing student issues daily and working on tangible solutions.
I am prepared to lead. With years of hands-on experience advocating for students and improving campus life, I am ready to take on the challenge of leading the DSU as President.
If elected, I will continue to be accessible, accountable, and action-oriented. I will make myself available to hear your concerns, push for student-driven policies, and work to ensure the DSU is an organization that truly represents and supports you.
Your voice matters, and I am ready to amplify it.
▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?
✅ Advocating for Fair Tuition, Food Security & Affordable Housing – No student should have to choose between tuition, rent, and food. I will fight for fair domestic and international tuition, push the university to expand affordable housing options, and increase support within the food bank so every student can focus on their education without financial stress.
✅ Revitalized Campus Life & Stronger Society Support – Societies and student life make university more than just academics—they create community. I will continue to streamline society funding and ratification, expand training and networking opportunities, and advocate for more DSU investment in societies so they can thrive. At the same time, I will continue expanding large-scale events like O-Week and Sno-Fest, introduce more student-led programming, and ensure every student has access to social and cultural events that make Dalhousie feel like home.
✅ Enhanced Mental Health & Accessibility Support – Students need real, tangible support when it comes to mental health and accessibility. I will expand on our mental health forums, increase access to wellness kits, push for stronger survivor support resources, and ensure accommodations and accessibility policies actually meet student needs.
I’m not just talking about change—I have a proven track record of getting things done. If elected, I’ll make sure these promises become reality.
▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.
One of the most pressing student issues that I am deeply committed to addressing is mental health and overall wellness on campus—including food insecurity, affordable housing, and sexual violence prevention and survivor support. These are not separate issues; they are deeply interconnected, and when left unaddressed, they create barriers that prevent students from thriving academically, socially, and personally.
At Dalhousie, far too many students struggle with affording basic necessities like food and housing, while also navigating a campus culture that does not do enough to address sexual violence and support survivors. I believe we need real, institutional change, and if elected, I am committed to making that happen.
Food & Housing Insecurity: Too many students are forced to choose between rent, groceries, and tuition. If elected, I will work to expand the reach of the food bank so that more students can access nutritious meals without stigma or barriers. Additionally, I will push the university to ensure more affordable housing options for students, advocating for long-term solutions that make student living more accessible.
Sexual Violence Prevention & Survivor Support: I have worked closely with the Sexual Health Resource Centre (SHRC) at the SUB to host Take Back the Night, a powerful march against sexual violence in Halifax. I have also partnered with student organizations to create sensory kits that provide students with tools to feel safer and more comfortable in their environments.
Additional Mental Health Initiatives: I have worked directly with Dalhousie Health and Wellness to host mental health forums on both Studley and Sexton campuses, creating spaces for students to share their experiences, voice concerns, and access resources. I have also collaborated with various student organizations to introduce exam wellness sessions and distribute wellness kits—tangible supports that help students navigate high-stress periods.
I believe that mental health, survivor support, and overall student well-being are not talked about enough on campus, and that needs to change. If elected, I will continue to push for better resources, stronger policies, and more proactive initiatives that prioritize student wellness.
No student should have to fight for basic support while pursuing their education. And under my leadership, they won’t have to.
▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?
I am deeply passionate about student societies because they shape our university experience, build lifelong connections, and create a sense of belonging on campus. For many students—including myself—societies are where we find our communities, develop leadership skills, and make Dalhousie feel like home.
Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working closely with 350+ societies on campus. I’ve seen firsthand how they bring students together, create opportunities for professional and personal growth, and enhance campus life in ways classrooms alone cannot. As someone who came to Dalhousie from out of province, I understand just how important these organizations are in helping students find their place and build meaningful relationships.
This is why I have been relentless in ensuring societies receive the support, funding, and recognition they deserve. I have worked tirelessly to streamline ratification, improve funding accessibility, and make the DSU a true partner in society success. In my current role, I have made it a priority to be responsive, proactive, and understanding in helping societies navigate challenges—because when societies thrive, students thrive.
My passion for societies is more than just an interest—it is a commitment to ensuring every student has access to opportunities for connection, growth, and success. If elected, I will continue to be an unwavering advocate, ensuring societies receive the resources and institutional backing they need to flourish.
▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.
Over my university career, I’ve fostered over 20 of the cutest kittens 🐱
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▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?
While I haven’t held a DSU position before, I believe that having an outside perspective allows me to bring fresh ideas and a student-focused approach to making real change. I care deeply about student life and want to see people take pride in going to Dalhousie—whether that’s through stronger school spirit, better academic support, or a more connected campus culture.
As a captain of the Dalhousie Football Team, I’ve learned how to bring people together, build a strong culture, and lead by example. Coaching for Team Nova Scotia Football has also taught me the importance of teamwork, organization, and supporting others—skills that I know will help me serve students effectively.
I have a strong track record of success in everything I take on, whether in sports, leadership, or community work. I know how to set goals, create a plan, and get things done. Whether it’s helping students, leading a team, or organizing events, I bring dedication, problem-solving, and follow-through—qualities that are essential for making real improvements to student life at Dal.
Beyond athletics and leadership, I’m passionate about giving back to the community, whether through volunteering at Hope Cottage, helping patients at QEII Hospital, or mentoring students. My goal is to bring that same dedication and service to the DSU—helping to strengthen campus culture, improve student support, and create a Dalhousie that students are truly proud to be part of.
▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?
I believe I am a strong candidate for DSU President because I am deeply involved in the Dalhousie community—from sports to societies to research—giving me a well-rounded understanding of what students want and need. Through these experiences, I’ve seen firsthand what makes student life great and where we can do better.
At the same time, I am an outsider to the DSU, which means I bring a fresh perspective and new ideas rather than just maintaining the status quo. I know that real change comes from listening to students and taking action, and I have a proven track record of getting things done. Whether it's leading a team, organizing events, or advocating for better student experiences, I follow through and make things happen.
Dalhousie has an amazing student body, and I want to help build a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant campus culture—where students take pride in their university, feel supported in their academics, and have a real voice in shaping their experience. As DSU President, I’ll work to bring that vision to life.
▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?
1. Improve Parking Availability for Students
Students who purchase parking passes should actually be able to park on campus, but right now, if you’re not here before 8 AM, you’re out of luck. I want to work with the university to expand parking access and explore more student-designated spots. Parking shouldn’t be a daily struggle, and I’ll make sure this issue gets the attention it deserves.
2. Make the Grawood the Go-To Student Spot
Dalhousie needs a real student hub, and the Grawood has the potential to be that place. I want to lower prices, improve food options, and bring in more events—whether it’s live music, comedy nights, or post-game celebrations. The Grawood should be a space where students actually want to spend time, and I’ll make sure we turn it into a place that’s affordable, fun, and welcoming to all.
3. Expand Mental Health Resources and Awareness
Mental health support should be easy to access, but too many students either don’t know where to go or can’t get an appointment when they need one. I want to push for more available counseling spots, increased peer support programs, and better promotion of existing resources like same-day counseling and PAWsitive Support with therapy dogs. No student should struggle alone, and I’ll make sure mental health remains a priority at Dal.
▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.
One student issue that really matters to me is access to quiet study spaces and academic support. Dalhousie students work hard, and we need proper environments to focus, learn, and succeed. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to study in the Killam Library, only to be interrupted by loud construction, especially during exams. The university needs to do better at keeping quiet spaces truly quiet by limiting construction to non-study hours and ensuring that students always have a distraction-free space to work.
Beyond that, we need more academic support resources and better advertisement of the ones that already exist. Too many students don’t know where to go for tutoring, study help, or writing support, and those services should be easy to find and access. Whether it’s expanding study spaces, increasing tutoring availability, or improving awareness of academic resources, I will fight to ensure that every student has the support they need to excel at Dal.
▼ WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?
I’m passionate about student life because university should be some of the best years of our lives. Everyone should be able to have fun, feel connected, and enjoy their time at Dalhousie—without unnecessary stress getting in the way. Whether it’s social events, sports, academics, or mental health support, students deserve a campus experience that is exciting, fulfilling, and supportive.
The university should do everything possible to support student wellbeing, and I will fight to make sure that happens. From making campus life more vibrant to pushing for better resources and support systems, I want to ensure that every student feels like they truly belong and can make the most of their time at Dal.
▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.
WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?
WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?
LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?
DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?
LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.