Admin
Science Students' Council
The Science Students' Council (SSC) is committed to delivering a broader undergraduate experience for all Science and Basic Medical Sciences students at the University of Western Ontario. Regardless of your level of involvement in student life, the SSC is there for you and aims to assist you academically and socially.

Science Students' Council is composed of over forty members of the science community, including elected representatives that serve as your voice within our supporting Faculties, and appointed commissioners responsible for improving your undergraduate experience. We are your link to the University Students' Council, the University Senate and the various departments within the Faculty of Science and the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.

The SSC calls the Natural Sciences Centre (Room 108) its home base, and you can find us there during our daily office hours (Mon-Fri 9:30am-3:30pm). All of our services are centralized through our council office, including:
  • The Current
  • SSC Newsflash
  • Western Science merchandise
  • Nat Sci locker rentals
  • Impact Awards
  • Science Student Group Grants (SGG)
Council Executives
Samik Doshi
President
As president of the SSC, Samik is the chief delegate of Science undergraduates to the Faculty, administration and Western community. He serves as the spokesperson for the organization and seeks to catalyze innovation in our Faculty and spearhead changes to university programs and policies.
[email protected]
William Silverstein
Vice President Academic
The VP Academic oversees student academic endeavors, initatives, and programming within the Faculty. William also serves as a liaison between the SSC and the Dean's Office, and sits on several committees to ensure student academic concerns are heard. He also assists in directing the Student Services and Outreach portfolios.
[email protected]
Mark Hewitt
Vice-President, Student Events
Mark can't wait to show you how much fun being part of this faculty can be! Through awesome events like Science Games or Science Formal, you are guaranteed to meet new people, have a great time, and be reminded of why you chose Western for your science degree!
[email protected]
Jenna Silverstein
Vice President Finance
Jenna is responsible for monitoring SSC expenses and ensures all Council spending is within budget. As VP Finance, Jenna also oversees the Awards and Charity portfolios, and coordinates the allocation of over $3000 in student group grant money to support student initiatives! She is there to make sure the money SSC spends is going where the students want it to go.
[email protected]
Warren Cracknell
Vice-President, Communications
The VP communications maintains the Council brand, promotes the various programming/events offered by the SSC and its supporting Faculties to the student community. Warren also oversees several media outlets (e.g. website, social media forums, The Current science newspaper), and faciliates communications between the SSC and external groups/constituents.
[email protected]
Members (Roll over member's image for name)
Department Representatives
First Year Representatives
The First Year Representatives represent the interests of all first year students in the Faculty of Science to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as voting members of council, they vote on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. They also plan an event geared towards the students that they represent, and they present event descriptions to their peers in class. These members are elected internally by voting members of the current year's council in September.
Contact: Email coming soon
2nd Year Biology/Medical Science
The 2nd Year Biology/Medical Science Representatives represent the interests of all students in their 2nd year of a Biology/Medical Science program to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as voting members of council, they vote on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. They also plan an event geared towards the students that they represent, and they present event descriptions to their peers in class. These members are elected internally by voting members of the previous year's council.
Contact: Email coming soon
Upper Year Biology
The Upper Year Biology Representatives represent the interests of all upper year (3rd and 4th year students) Biology Students to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as voting members of council, they vote on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. They also plan an event geared towards the students that they represent, and they present event descriptions to their peers in class. These members are elected internally by voting members of the previous year's council.
Contact: Email coming soon
Upper Year Medical Science
The Upper Year Medical Science Representatives represent the interests of all upper year (3rd and 4th year students) Basic Medical Science Students to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as voting members of council, they vote on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. They also plan an event geared towards the students that they represent, and they present event descriptions to their peers in class. These members are elected internally by voting members of the previous year's council.
Contact: Email coming soon
Chemistry
The Chemistry Representatives represent the interests of all Chemisty to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as voting members of council, they vote on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. They also plan an event geared towards the students that they represent, and they present event descriptions to their peers in class. One candidate is elected internally by voting members of the previous year's council, and the other is appointed by the ChemClub.
Contact: Email coming soon
Environmental Science
The Environmental Science Representative represents the interests of all Environmental Science Students to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as a voting member of council, he votes on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. He also plans an event geared towards the students that he represents, and he presents event descriptions to his peers in class. This member is elected internally by voting members of the previous year's council.
Contact: Email coming soon
Applied Math/Math
The Applied Math/Math Representative represents the needs of all Applied Math/Math Students to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as a voting member of council, she votes on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. She also plans an event geared towards the students that she represent, and she presents event descriptions to her peers in class. This member is elected internally by voting members of the previous year's council.
Contact: Email coming soon
Physics and Astronomy
The Physics and Astronomy Representative represents the interests of all Physics and Astronomy Students to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as a voting member of council, he votes on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. He also plans an event geared towards the students that he represents, and he presents event descriptions to his peers in class. This member is appointed by the Physics and Astronomy Association (PASA).
Contact: Email coming soon
Statistics and Actuarial Sciences
The Statistics and Actuarial Sciences Representative represents the interests of all Statistics and Actuarial Sciences Students to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as a voting member of council, he votes on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. He also plans an event geared towards the students that he represents, and he presents event descriptions to his peers in class. This member is elected internally by voting members of the previous year's council.
Contact: Email coming soon
Earth Sciences
The Earth Sciences Representative represents the interests of all Earth Sciences Students to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as a voting member of council, she votes on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. She also plans an event geared towards the students that she represent, and she presents event descriptions to her peers in class. This member is elected internally by voting members of the previous year's council.
Contact: Email coming soon
Computer Science
The Computer Science Representative represents the interests of all Computer Science Students to the Science Students' Council. Additionally, as a voting member of council, he votes on a variety of motions that come up at council, like the budget. He also plans an event geared towards the students that he represents, and presents event descriptions to his peers in class. This member is elected internally by voting members of the previous year's council.
Contact: Email coming soon
Commissioners
Secretary
The Secretary records, edits, and promptly distributes the minutes of all Meetings of Council; maintains a file in Council office containing all meeting minutes throughout the year; maintains a current copy of the constitution and Council policies and ensure that a copy is filed in Council office; and has possession of all important documents of Council. The Secretary is a non-voting member appointed by the Executive and is under the President's Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Internet
The Internet Commissioner is responsible for editing, publishing, and posting information to Council web site, and ensuring that all Council activities and are promoted via the internet, as well as maintaining SciWiki. He also acts as administrator of Council's email accounts. The Internet Commissioner is a non-voting member appointed by the Executive and is under the Vice-President Communications' Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Speaker
The Speaker presides over all Meetings of Council in a way that is consistent with the provisions of the constitution and in accordance with Robert's Revised Rules of Order; attends all Council meetings; drafts and revises the agenda for all General Meetings of Council in consultation with the President; leads at least one (1) workshop to educate all members in the proper application of Roberts Rules of Order; and be knowledgeable of the Constitution and its application to ensure consistency in the creation and implementation of policy. The Speaker is elected by members of the previous council, but has no voting rights and can only bring motions forward, and is under the President's Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Deputy Administrator
The Deputy Administrator, in the absence of the Speaker, shall preside over Meetings of Council in a way that is consistent with the provisions of the constitution and in accordance with Robert's Revised Rules of Order and the conventions established by the Speaker; generates and publishes a sign-out sheet for Meetings of Council and Committee Meetings to be used by the respective Chairs and a schedule for office hours to be served by Members no later than the third week in September; assists the Speaker in conducting Meetings of Council in any capacity at her request, including but not limited to collection and/or distribution of materials or running errands; during elections; execute the duties of Chief Returning Officer, where applicable, as defined by the USC by-laws; in the absence of the Secretary, records, edits and promptly distributes minutes of all Meetings of Council; and assists the Speaker of Council and the Secretary in executing all necessary administrative responsibilities conducive to an efficient and organized Council. The Deputy Administrator is a non-voting member appointed by the Executive and is under the President's Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Student Services
The Student Services Commissioner is a Member of the Science Student Donation Allocation Committee, as vice-chair; coordinates Natural Science basement locker rentals, and the upkeep of the lockers; vice-chairs the Academic Committee; and assists the VP Academic in any capacity the VP sees fit. The Student Services Commissioner is a non-voting member appointed by the Executive and is under the Vice-President Academic's Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Awards
The Awards Commissioner liaises with the Financial Aid Office and the Faculty of Science Dean's Office; administers awards given by Council regulated by the Awards Policy; and is a Member of the Awards Committee, as chair. The Awards Commissioner is a non-voting member appointed by the Executive and is under the Vice-President Finance's Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Outreach
The Outreach Commissioner designs, advertises and implements various activities and events that council participates in to raise awareness for outreach organizations and endeavors in the Western Community; works in cooperation with other University outreach organizations that address the needs and concerns of incoming students to the Faculty of Science; chairs the Outreach Committee; and assists both with Fall Preview Day and March Break Open House. The Outreach Commissioner is a non-voting member appointed by the Executive and is under the Vice-President Academic's Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Student Events At-Large
The Student Events At-Large Commissioner is under the direction of the Vice President Student Events, and works closely with and assist the Vice President of Student Events to ensure that all activities provided to the Science Student Body are accessible to all students while maintaining the high quality the students deserve; and is a member of the Student Events Committee, as vice-chair. The Student Events At-Large Commissioner is a non-voting member appointed by the Executive and is under the Vice-President Student Events' Portfolio.
Contact: Email coming soon
Charity (Be Positive Campaign Directors)
The Charity Commissioners are responsible for the designing, advertising, and implementation of the Be Positive Campaign, to raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada in the Western community; work in co-operation with other University organizations to co-ordinate the efforts of campus-wide charitable activities and events to ensure the active participation of Council; and be Members of the Charity Committee, as co-chairs. The Charity Commissioners are non-voting members appointed by the Executive and are under the Vice-President Finance's Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Homecoming
The Homecoming Commissioners coordinate the building of the Science Homecoming Float; ensure that Council as well as the Science Soph Team are involved with the Homecoming Program; act as a liaison between the USC Homecoming Committee and Council; and are Members of the Student Events Committee. The Homecoming Commissioners are non-voting members appointed by the Executive and are under the Vice-President Student Events' Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Science Games
The Science Games Commissioners are responsible for the co-ordination and finances of Western's annual Science Games teams; ensure that Western's Faculty of Science is represented responsibly, both academically and socially; and help to organize the Canada Science Games. The Science Games Commissioners are non-voting members appointed by the Executive and are under the Vice-President Student Events' Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
Communications At-Large
The Communications At-Large works closely with and assist the Vice President of Communications; assists in the distribution of promotional media for various student events; serves as a liaison between Science Students' Council and Science affiliated departmental clubs and organizations; ensures that all activities provided to the Science Student Body are promoted and made aware to all students in an effective and appropriate manner; and is a member of the Communications Committee, as vice-chair. The Communications At-Large Commissioner is a non-voting member appointed by the Executive and is under the Vice-President Communications' Portfolio.
Contact: Email coming soon
The Current Editor-In-Chief
The Editor-In-Chief of The Current is to ensure the content of the paper is consistent with its stated purpose, as well as the aims, policies, vision and mission of the Science Students' Council; oversees and selects the Current Editorial Board, where he is Chair; and co-ordinates production and distribution with the publisher; The Current Editor-In-Chief is a non-voting member appointed by the Executive and is under the Vice-President Communications' Portfolio.
Contact: [email protected]
External Representation
Orientation (Science Head Soph)
The Orientation Commissioner (otherwise known as the Science Head Soph) is responsible for the planning, co-ordination, and execution of the Science Orientation program; for organizing soph selection in accordance with the guidelines set out by Orientation Staff and the Orientation Governance Board; hold singing authority over the Science Orientation Account; and for leading the Science Soph Team throughout O-Week and the rest of the year. The Science Head Soph is a non-voting member appointed by a panel that includes the Science President (or a designate), the outgoing Head Soph, a member of O-Staff, and a member of USC Student Life.
Contact: [email protected]
USC Councillors
The 7 USC Councillors act as a liaison between the Council and the USC; represent the concerns of the Science Student Body on both Council and the University Students' Council; sit on one of six standing committees of the University Students' Council. The USC Councillors are voting members on the both the USC, as well as on the SSC, and they are elected by students at-large in the February USC elections, in accordance with USC By-Law #2.
Contact: [email protected]
Senator
The Science Senator acts as liaison between Council and the University Senate and shall make regular reports to Council on the activities of Senate; represents the concerns of the Science Student Body on both Council and the University Senate; advocates the concerns of the Science Student Body and the initiatives of the student senators and governors to the Faculty of Science Dean's Office; and is a member of the Student Caucus of Governance (SCOG) as well as the Campus Wide Student Advocacy Caucus. The Science Senator is a voting member on both the University Senate, SSC, and a non-voting member on the USC. The Senator is elected by students at-large in the February USC elections, in accordance with USC By-Law #2.
Contact: [email protected]
Connect
Info
Affiliates
Faculty of Science • The University of Western Ontario
Natural Sciences Centre, Room 108, ON, CANADA, N6A 5B6
E-mail: [email protected]
(c) 2010 University of Western Ontario Science Students' Council