Executives & Staff

Executives & Staff

Mission: “To represent and advance the diverse needs of McGill Undergraduate Students by improving the quality and accessibility of education, providing outstanding services, and promoting social, cultural, and personal opportunities”

President

The President is the chief officer of SSMU, responsible for determining the vision of the Society, coordinating and supporting the activities of the other Executive Officers, and representing student interests on various university governance bodies.

president@ssmu.ca
514-398-6801

Risann Wright (she/her)

Governance

Responsibilities

  • Enforce the Constitution and Internal Regulations of the Society
  • Governance document support & standardization
  • Councillor orientation & training
  • SSMU-level policy development
  • Chair of the Executive Committee of the SSMU
  • Coordinate and Set the agenda for Legislative Council

Committees

  • Building and Operations Management Committee (BOMCOM)
  • Comprehensive Governance Review
  • Environment
  • Health and Dental Review Committee
  • Human Resources Committee
  • Presidents’ Roundtable
  • Steering Committee
  • SSAMMOSA
Leadership & Support

Responsibilities

  • Chief officer and chief spokesperson of the Society
  • Manage the Society’s human resources
  • Institutional knowledge
  • Faculty relations
  • Maintain relations between the Society and the McGill administration
Advocacy & Representation

Responsibilities

  • Senate & committee representation
  • Board of Governors & committee representation

Committees

  • Senate Caucus
  • Health and Wellness Strategy Advisory Committee
  • McGill Advisory Council on Sustainability

VP Student Life

The VP Student Life is the point person for internal relations between SSMU and its clubs, services, and independent student groups. They are also responsible for mental health promotion, collaborating with Student Services, and addressing issues of student life on campus.

Facebook

Book an appointment
studentlife@ssmu.ca
514-398-8944

Hassanatou Koulibaly (she/her)

Student Groups

Responsibilities

  • Student group executives support
  • McGill/SSMU Student Service relations

Committees

  • Accessibility Committee
  • Club Committee
  • Funding Committee
  • Mental Health Committee
  • Services Review Committee
  • Services Committee
Family Care

Responsibilities

  • Family care resource provision
  • Cross-campus family resource coordination
Mental Health

Responsibilities

  • Mental health initiative planning
  • Facilitate destigmatization of mental health on campus

Committees

  • Mental Health Committees (Outreach & Advocacy)
  • Mental Health Round Table Caucus

VP Finance

As the Chief Financial Officer of the Society, the VP Finance is charged with ensuring the long-term and administrative stability of SSMU. In cooperation with the General Manager, they prepare the annual budget, manage human resources, and oversee the insurance plan.

For general questions about club finances, book a meeting with the Club Finance Coordinator (Lalia) here
Meet with VP Finance

finance@ssmu.ca

Marco Pizarro (he/him)

Human Resources

Committees

  • HR Committee
Finance

Responsibilities

  • Budget maintenance & revision
  • Financial procedures oversight & risk management
  • Financial communications & accessibility
  • Funding review & allocations
  • Health and dental insurance administration

Committees

  • Funding Committee
  • Financial Ethics Research Committee (FERC)
  • Fee Advisory Committee
  • Scholarships and Student Aid Office (SSAO) Advisory Board
  • Health and Wellness Working Group
  • Health Insurance Working Group

VP External

The VP External is in charge of coordinating SSMU’s relations with various levels of government, student associations, community groups, and campus labour unions; as well as managing political campaigns and mobilization efforts.

Facebook | Website

My hours are Monday from 3 to 4PM, Tuesday from 1 to 2PM, Wednesday from 10 to 11AM, Thursday from 11AM to 12PM and Friday from 1 to 2PM (online or in person).
Make an appointment

external@ssmu.ca
514-398-6798

Val Mansy (they/them)

External Affairs

Responsibilities

  • Municipal, provincial, and federal relations
  • Inter-university relations
  • Government policy feedback
  • Union relations
Political Affairs

Responsibilities

  • Political campaign organization
  • Support work for local initiatives
  • Mobilization

Committees

  • McGill Solidarity Network
Community Affairs

Responsibilities

  • Campaign & event organization
  • Milton-Parc community relations
  • Promote off-campus involvement

Committees

  • Community Engagement Committee
Francophone Affairs

Responsibilities

  • Bilingual accessibility
  • Francophone advocacy initiatives

Committees

  • Francophone Affairs Committee
Indigenous Affairs

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate programming and advocacy
  • Work with the McGill administration, student groups, and Student Services to advocate for Indigenous students

Committees

  • Indigenous Affairs Committee

VP University Affairs

The VP University Affairs advocates for student interests at almost all levels of university governance. They do this through coordinating student representation to the university Senate and its committees, researching and consulting on policy solutions, and overseeing academic affairs. They also oversee equity initiatives and complaints, as well as advocacy regarding libraries.
Facebook | Website

My Office hours will be Friday from 11am to 1pm (online or in person).
Make an appointment

ua@ssmu.ca
514-398-6797

Kerry Yang (he/him)

UA and Research

Responsibilities

  • Undergraduate Senate and Committee representation
  • Support and training for Student Senators
  • Student Rights and the Know Your Rights campaign
  • University relations and student representation
  • University-level accountability
  • University-level policy review and development
  • Research and advocacy projects
  • Chair and oversee Senate Caucus

Committees

  • SSMU-MCSS Senate Caucus
  • Senate Steering Committee (McGill)
  • Senate Nominating Committee (McGill)
  • Scholarship Review Subcommittee (McGill)
  • Committee on Student Services (McGill)
Equity and Advocacy

Responsibilities

  • Supporting the Black Affairs, Francophone Affairs, and Indigenous Affairs portfolios
  • Anti-Sexual Violence mobilization, advocacy, and educational programming
  • Equity complaints and accountability
  • Institutional advocacy, mobilization, and policy development
  • Equity education and programming on campus
  • Advocacy projects and policy review
  • Menstrual Hygiene Product project

Committees

  • Black Affairs Committee
  • Board Ad-hoc Committee on Naming
  • Equity Committee
  • Francophone Affairs Committee
  • Indigenous Affairs Committee
Academic Resources

Responsibilities

  • Library development and the Library Improvement Fund
  • Study spaces and physical development
  • Academic accessibility
  • Open Educational Resources (OER) project
  • Library relations

Committees

  • Library Improvement Fund Committee

VP Internal

The VP Internal is chiefly in charge of communication and creating a sense of community with the student body through event planning (such as the Halloween Party and Grad Frosh) and communications (such as the listserv).

internal@ssmu.ca
514-398-6799

Cat Williams (she/they)

Events

Responsibilities

  • Inclusive event planning
  • Orientation Week facilitation and implementation

Committees

  • Internal Organizational Committee (IOC)
  • Interfaculty Committee (IFC)
  • Students’ Society Programming Network (SSPN)
Communications

Responsibilities

  • Communication campaigns & the SSMU Listserv
  • Engagement input gathering
  • Faculty relations
  • Website and social media
First Year Involvement

Responsibilities

  • Committee coordination
  • Outreach

Committees

  • First-Year Council
Francophone Affairs

Responsibilities

  • Bilingual accessibility
  • Francophone advocacy initiatives

Committees

  • Francophone Affairs Committee
Alumni Affairs

Responsibilities

  • Provide student input
  • Encouraging engagement between alumni and current students

Committees

  • McGill Alumni Student Engagement Council (MASEC)
  • Life After Your Degree (LifeAYD)

Full-Time Staff

The Students’ Society of McGill University employs full-time and part-time staff to run the SSMU’s day-to-day activities. All of the staff report to the General Manager, who in turn reports to the SSMU Executives.

General Manager

The General Manager is responsible for the SSMU’s administration, governance, corporate obligations, accounting, human resources, business operations, and legal affairs.

Governance Manager

The Governance Manager is responsible for updating and archiving the SSMU’s governance documents and ensuring that the completion process of minutes and other related documents are accurately respected. They are primarily involved as a liaison between governing bodies within the SSMU, as well as working with the SSMU staff and executives on various governance projects.

Front Desk Receptionist

The Front Desk Receptionist welcomes visitors into the office and is the first point of contact between students, the public, and the SSMU. They handle incoming and outgoing mail and calls, are responsible for office maintenance, and are also in charge of distributing cash and cheque reimbursements for students and staff.

Communications Manager

The Communications Manager is responsible for managing the strategic and visual aspects of SSMU’s branding and provides oversight of the SSMU’s web and print publications.

Communications Coordinator

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for assisting the Communications Manager with updating and implementing on-line and off-line communication channels. They are primarily involved in overseeing and growing the SSMU’s social media strategy across multiple platforms and expanding the reach of the SSMU to the student community.

Systems Administrator

The Systems Administrator is responsible for the society’s IT needs, including the backend of SSMU’s websites, servers, technical support, and managing the phone network.

Comptroller

The Comptroller oversees the SSMU accounting department, manages the budget, works closely with the auditors, and helps oversee operations.

Assistant Comptroller

The Assistant Comptroller is responsible for accounting tasks such as budget variance analysis, financial statement preparation, and bank reconciliation.

Accounting Analyst

The Accounting Analyst controls, tracks, and processes deposits. They also record A/R accounting information and are the lead auditor and custodian for SSMU Club bank accounts.

Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist manages payroll and answers related employee questions and concerns. They are responsible for access to Ceridian, the SSMU’s payroll system.

Accounting Technician

The Accounting Technician controls, tracks, and processes payments. They also record A/P accounting information and are responsible for cheque issuance.

Human Resources Manager

The Human Resources Manager provides support in all HR aspects for all SSMU casual staff members and supports the Human Resources Department.

Equity and Policy Specialist

Reporting to the Human Resources Director, the Equity and Policy Specialist administers and oversees Human Resources departmental policies and Equity-related matters. Moreover, they will administer Equity training programs and develop inclusive initiatives to provide equitable opportunities for the society’s members.

Ancillary Services Manager

The Ancillary Services Manager is responsible for assisting with the overall operation of various departments, with a focus in events management. They are responsible for: consultation, strategic planning/marketing, execution of events and campus life activities, inventory, purchasing, sales, client relations, human resources, budgets, and equipment maintenance. 

Events Coordinator

The Events Coordinator is responsible for coordinating internal events organized in the SSMU building by groups including but not limited to SSMU Clubs, Services, Independent Student Groups and Faculty Associations. They are responsible for coordinating tasks related to the student bar, promotions and event planning.

Building Director

The Building Director is responsible for all of the activities related to the University Centre and handles day-to-day building operations. They oversee office facilities, security, and health and safety at the SSMU.

Porter

The Porter is in charge of the University Centre’s maintenance, which includes, but isn’t limited to, preparing rooms for events, painting, and general upkeep. They also manage access to stored supplies and archives.

Building Coordinator

The Building Coordinator works alongside the Porters and is responsible for the maintenance of the University Centre, which includes, but isn’t limited to, repairs, access to the building and rooms, and assistance with deliveries.

Policy and Advocacy Coordinator

The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator is responsible for analyzing policies and providing support to the Executives, Councillors and staff on policy development, advocacy projects and research, as well as assisting the Governance Manager with various projects.

Sponsorship Coordinator

The Sponsorship Coordinator is responsible for seeking out opportunities to acquire sponsorship and advertising revenue to support key events and various student run activities and programs throughout the year. They are also responsible for managing stakeholder relationships between the SSMU and its sponsors and advertisers. This position focuses on developing relationships with new sponsors as well as managing existing relationships.

Translator and Interpreter

The Translator and Interpreter provides high quality translations in English and French for all materials of the Society such as internal documents, statements, newsletters, social media, and website content. They also may provide interpretation services at some SSMU events.

General Manager Assistant

The General Manager Administrative Assistant is responsible for project management, recording meetings minutes, arranging meetings, facilitating meetings, follow up on the various tasks assigned, completing other assigned tasks by the GM and liaising with SSMU executives, departments, committees and occupants of the building.

Clubs and Services Coordinator

The Clubs and Services Coordinator will be responsible for administrative and student-facing support under the Vice President Student Life’s portfolio. The incumbent will serve as a liaison between the VP Student Life Office and various departments within the SSMU, McGill University and external constituents.
Additionally, the Clubs & Services Coordinator will provide support to the VP Student Life, including but not limited to scheduling, email/phone correspondence, and special events; as well as assisting with projects, communications, and other administrative duties.

Bar Manager

The Bar Manager is in charge of ensuring effective day-to-day operations of Gerts bar, and will work in collaboration with the Clubs & Services Manager generating revenue, as well as, coordinating events and catering, with the understanding that they are non-profit student operations.

External Events Coordinator

The Events Coordinator, External, is responsible for the oversight and facilitation of events and activities contracted to be hosted externally by SSMU Clubs, Services and Committees. They facilitate the administration and execution of planned external events and activities, while carefully ensuring that Clubs and Services abide by the SSMU bylaws and internal regulations.

Internal Events Coordinator

The Events Coordinator, Internal, is responsible for the oversight and facilitation of events and activities contracted to be hosted internally within the University Centre and other SSMU locations. They facilitate the administration and execution of planned internal events and activities, while carefully ensuring that SSMU-Affiliated groups abide by the SSMU bylaws and internal regulations.

Governance Coordinator

The Governance Coordinator is responsible for research, coordination of training and meetings, content creation, and project management. The Coordinator will be tasked with writing meeting debriefs, promoting governance projects and highlights on SSMU social media channels, and assisting with content creation.

Graphic Designer

The Graphic Designer is responsible for rendering digital artwork for the purposes of communications and ensuring the visual brand of the society is consistent across all the printed and online channels.

Casual Staff

The Students’ Society of McGill University employs part-time staff to assist with the SSMU’s day-to-day activities.

President
Front Desk Casual Staff
The Front Desk Casual Staff welcomes the public and guests to the SSMU, responds to general inquiries, and carries out administrative tasks for the Society.
Sustainability Commissioner
The Sustainability Commissioner works with the President to coordinate the SSMU’s activities for environmental issues and acts as the chair of the SSMU Environment Committee.
Campus Crops Coordinator (Daycare Specialist)
The Campus Crops Coordinator (Daycare Specialist)’s responsibilities include planning and running all related aspects of a campus community garden during the gardening season, organising community events and workshops to encourage students to participate.
Campus Crops Coordinator (Communication and Events Specialist)
The Campus Crops Coordinator (Communication and Events Specialist) is primarily responsible for promoting the garden to the campus community, including via planning and promoting events.
Finance
Funding Commissioners
The Funding Commissioners assist the VP (Finance) with the management of the Funding Committee.
Finance Commissioners
The Finance Commissioners are responsible for assisting in the financial management of the Society’s services and departments.
Executive Finance Assistant
Reporting to the VP (Finance), the Executive Finance Assistant is responsible for assisting in the management of the Society’s finance portfolio.
Club Finance Coordinator
The Club Finance Coordinator assists in managing the Society’s Club accounts and financial matters.
Service Finance Coordinator
The Service Finance Coordinator assists in managing the Society’s Service accounts and financial matters.
External
Community Affairs Commissioner
The Community Affairs Commissioner assists in fostering and maintaining relations with the Milton-Parc community and mobilizing municipal advocacy to better the conditions of off-campus students.
Campaigns Coordinator
The Campaigns Coordinator is in charge of providing resources to support political campaigns on-campus and in Quebec.
External Affairs Coordinator
The External Affairs Commissioner is primarily responsible for assisting the Vice-President (External Affairs) with executing administrative, clerical, communications, and outreach tasks, reviewing and updating materials to enhance the accessibility of the External Affairs office.
Popular Education Events Coordinator
The Popular Education Events Coordinator helps plan and run the Culture Shock and Social Justice Days campaigns while working closely with QPIRG and the VP (External).
Community Engagement Commissioner
The primary responsibility of the Community Engagement Commissioner is to assist the Vice-President (External Affairs) with community engagement and the community engagement committee.
Black Affairs Commissioner
The Black Affairs Commissioner represents the interest of Black students at the SSMU. They serve as chair of the Black Affairs Committee, and their mandate includes promoting equity and inclusion of Black students on campus
Policy and Mobilization Researcher
The Policy & Mobilisation Researcher is responsible for drafting and updating materials related to key political mobilisation priorities of the External Affairs office including, but not limited to, open immigration, accessible education, Indigenous solidarity, police and prison abolition, mental health, and anti-sexual violence legislation.
Internal
First-Year Affairs Commissioner
The primary responsibility of the First-Year Affairs Commissioner is to assist the VP (Internal) in running the First-Year Council and help the councilors carry out their mandate.
Francophone Affairs Commissioner
The Francophone Affairs Commissioner serves as the chair of the Francophone Affairs Committee as well as acts as a representative of the Francophone student body to the McGill administration and the SSMU Legislative Council..
Internal Logistics Coordinator
The primary responsibility of the Internal Logistics Coordinator is to assist the VP (Internal) in event-planning duties.
Internal Administrator
The primary responsibility of the Internal Administrator is to help plan inclusive and diverse events for students alongside the Vice-President (Internal Affairs).
University Affairs
Indigenous Affairs Commissioner
The Indigenous Affairs Commissioner is responsible for representing Indigenous students at the SSMU through the work of the Indigenous Affairs Committee. The Commissioner is mandated to support Indigenous equity by organizing and facilitating events aimed at uplifting and meeting the needs of Indigenous students on campus.
Menstrual Hygiene Products Coordinator
The Menstrual Hygiene Products Coordinator is responsible for replenishing, and collecting data on, menstrual hygiene products in various buildings located on McGill’s downtown campus.
University Affairs Secretary General
The University Affairs Secretary General works with the VP (University Affairs) to support student representation, advocacy, and communications in the portfolio.
Equity Commissioners
The Equity Commissioners are responsible for supporting the operationalization of the SSMU’s mandates surrounding social justice, anti-oppression, and accessibility, including the equity complaints process and the Equity Committee.
Library Improvement Fund Commissioner
The Library Improvement Fund Commissioner coordinates the yearly allocation of the Library Improvement Fund and the SSMU’s relations with the McGill libraries.
Indigenous Affairs Equity Researcher
The Indigenous Affairs Equity Researcher consults and works with the Indigenous student community in identifying the objectives, challenges, and barriers to Indigenous equity at McGill.
Open Educational Resources Coordinator
The Open Educational Resources Coordinator builds and maintains SSMU’s library of OERs, engages in University-level advocacy towards free and affordable educational resources in classes, and collaborates with the McGill library to help make as many class resources available as possible.
Sexual Violence Mobilization and Advocacy Coordinators
The Coordinators are responsible for researching and drafting reports regarding anti-sexual violence mobilization at McGill, carry out mobilization work at the SSMU, and develop projects improving complaints processes.
Student Rights Research and Advocacy Commissioner
The Student Rights Researcher and Advocacy Commissioner (SRRAC) supports student advocacy initiatives by coordinating research and campaign development in the University Affairs portfolio, specifically around assessment, accommodation, and academic rights.

 

Student Life
Mental Health Commissioner
The Mental Health Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the Mental Health Coordinators and Committee as well as organizing various mental health initiatives.
Club Administrative Assistant
The primary responsibility of the Club Administrative Assistant is to assist the VP (Student Life) with the management of the Club Committee.
Services Administrative Assistant
The primary responsibility of the Services Administrative Assistant is to assist the VP (Student Life) with the management of administrative tasks and projects for the SSMU Services.
Mental Health Outreach Coordinator
The Mental Health Outreach Coordinator chairs the SSMU Legislative Council’s Mental Health Outreach Committee. They facilitate the implementation of mental health initiatives that the VP (Student Life) sees appropriate.
Student Life Administrative Coordinator
Reporting to the Vice President (Student Life), the SSMU Administrative Coordinator is responsible for assisting in the management of the Vice President (Student Life) portfolio for the society and assisting with administrative tasks.
Activities Night Coordinator
The primary responsibility of the Activities Night Coordinator is to help organize events within the Clubs and Services portfolio, including Fall Activities Night, Winter Activities Night, and smaller events throughout the year as determined by the VP (Student Life).
Mental Health Advocacy Coordinator
The Mental Health Advocacy Coordinator chairs the Mental Health Advocacy Committee, a committee of the SSMU Legislative Council
Accessibility Commissioner
The Accessibility Commissioner chairs the Accessibility Committee and engages in university advocacy with the Vice-President (University Affairs) to achieve goals set out in the Accessibility Policy.
Website Project Coordinator
The Website Project Coordinator supports the Systems Administrator’s projects and manages form creation and administration, in addition to assisting with the design and publishing of the website content.
Portal Management Coordinator
he Portal Management Coordinator supports the management and operation of the SSMU Student Group Portal. The Portal Management Coordinator provides technical support to portal users, collects and inputs information to the Portal, and assists with the organization of Portal.
Human Resources
HR Coordinators
Reporting to the Human Resources Manager and working with relevant executives, the Human Resources Coordinators help manage human resources processes pertaining to the student staff members such recruitment, employee on-boarding, and communicating SSMU policies to student staff.
Anti-Violence Coordinator
The Anti-Violence Coordinator (AVC) reviews and updates the SSMU Gendered and Sexual Violence Policy (GSVP) and organizes GSVP training for all SSMU staff and members.
Communications
Graphic Designer
Reporting to the Communications Manager, the responsibility of the Graphic Designer is to create digital and print artwork for the SSMU and its student groups.
Club Website Designer
The primary responsibility of the Club Website Designer is to design and update websites for SSMU Clubs and Services.
Social Media Coordinator
The Social Media Coordinator assists the Communications department with monitoring social media traffic, moderating SSMU’s online spaces, and livestreaming governance events.
Handbook Content Editor
The Handbook Content Editor is responsible for creating and editing the text content for the SSMU Student Handbook.
Handbook Layout Editor
The Handbook Layout Editor is responsible for designing the graphics and layout of the SSMU Student Handbook.
Photographers
The Photographers provide coverage of SSMU events, campaigns, and initiatives.
Governance
Recording Secretary
The Recording Secretary is responsible for taking detailed minutes during, and keeping detailed records of, the meetings of Legislative Council, the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and General Assemblies.
Speaker of Council (On-Call)
The Speaker of Council (On-Call) presides over meetings of the Legislative Council and the General Assembly in the absence of the Speaker of Council.
Speaker of Council and Board of Directors
The Speaker opens and presides over meetings of the Legislative Council and Board of Directors.
Parliamentarian
The Parliamentarian assists the Speaker of Council in the preparation of documents and fulfills the duties of the Speaker of Council if required.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)
The Chief Electoral Officer is responsible for the general conduct and execution of elections and referenda.
Deputy Electoral Officer (DEO)
The Deputy Electoral Officer supervises all electoral officers of the SSMU, oversees the operations of Elections SSMU, and is responsible for administering the SSMU’s elections and referenda, under the direction of the CEO.
MiniCourses Coordinator
The MiniCourses Coordinator oversees the selection, organization and scheduling of MiniCourses,  a program designed to meet the interests of McGill students through offering fun, inexpensive, and non-credit courses.  The MiniCourses Coordinator is responsible for developing a marketing strategy aimed to showcase and reintegrate MiniCourses back into the McGill community.