Here is a recording of my recent debate incase you missed it

I would like to personally announce that the students of UBC have elected me the next VP Academic of the AMS. The past two weeks we have seen an intense race from all candidates in all positions trying to make a difference for you at UBC. I am extremely grateful for all of the support and encouragement I have received and I am overjoyed that you have chosen me. I look forward to serving you next year and I will work my hardest to ensure that the decisions I make on your behalf are going to make your life at UBC that much better. If you would like to send me a message feel free to email me at vote@bencappellacci.com

Vote now from January  25 – 29 https://adm.ams.ubc.ca/elections2010/

The AMS is UBC’s student society and this January you get your say as a student on how it should be run. I’m Ben Cappellacci and I’m running for VP Academic and Univeristy affairs, a position that involves working with the Univeristy to develop the campus so that it can better serve you. This website will highlight some of my ideas for the job, my past experiences as well as some of my passions. Feel free to send me an email vote@bencappellacci.com or tweet @bencappellacci

That picture you just clicked on is photo I took of a Heron down at Wreak Beach last spring, I chose it because its one of my favourite photos. Photography is a big hobby of mine, though I don’t even have a flickr yet! As for a few things about me, I am a third year Commerce student studying Marketing and International Business, I speak English and French Fluently and I have a pretty firm grip on Italian. I have lived on campus all three years of my university career and I absolutely love it. Don’t be surprised if you see me grabbing a mid day beer at the gallery, or spinning some tunes at Deke on a Friday night party. I have been described as a bit of a workaholic but I definitely know when I need to unwind. I am a big fan of art and design and I have done a lot design work for various groups on campus. I really do enjoy long walks on the beach, and I can be often found listening to Armin Van Buuren, Ratatat or Lil Wayne on my iPod in between classes, which is no where near the beach, but I like to pretend. I would really love to visit Austria one day and I hope to go Vienna or Paris on exchange in my 4th year at UBC. I have a few youtube videos that I put together for various events, most recently for JDC West, a commerce competition that Sauder placed first in this year. Check it out (I’m the one holding the keyboards). If you have any more questions about me feel free to drop me an email at vote@bencappellacci.com. I am interested in hearing your perspective on the politics of the AMS, the University or anything else for that matter.

University Affairs

This year is a critical year for the AMS in university affairs. With the pending renegotiation of the UBC busloop as well as a new agreement on governance from Metro Vancouver there are two significant opportunities for the student voice to shape the way this campus operates. The AMS VP Academic is entitled to sit on many committees and boards that are influential in making these decisions. My experiences in the Senate have taught me the language of the University when it comes to communicated the student voice in a realistic but more importantly a respectful manner. I believe it is the duty of the AMS to act as the student voice in such large student bodies and that with good consultation with the AMS Council a VP Academic who has the respect of these bodies can make progress. I want to advocate to ensure that student consultation is a requirement of all UBC campus developments to ensure that the best solution for students can be achieved.

On Metro Vancouver:

The recent issues between governance of the campus between Metro Vancouver and the University need to be handled with great caution. Issues such as noise complaints on campus, traffic tickets, or land allocation sit in a legal grey zone that will be cleared up soon and the AMS needs to ensure that the student voice is heard during these negotiations. I personally believe that the University will strive to serve the interests of students slightly more than Metro Vancouver, however its not a question of who does the governance, its a matter of making sure students get what the need in the process.

On the UNA:

As the VP Academic sits on the board of directors of the University Neighbourhood Assocaition I have considered the impact this would have. I consider this a great opportunity for growth as my appointment to the board would allow for dialogue between the UNA and the Greek system at level previously never seen. I am both extremely excited and optimistic that a new era of understanding can be reached.

On Student Housing:

Currently there is a mandate at UBC to eventually have capacity for 50% of students to live on campus. While the university is steadily moving toward this, as a student living learning through student loans I will advocate for a greater level of diversity in student housing that includes more affordable options so that not only will there be enough space at UBC, but spaces students from various backgroudns can affoard.

Academics

UBC is one of the top rated universities in the world, yet there are always ways that student input can improve the educational experience. My plans for academic changes at UBC include a student lead strategy for the implementation of course reviews to ensure that the data collected about courses is used in a way that creates learning advantages for students. I would also like to see the development of a review process for introductory “101″ level classes, as the student experience in these classes has consistently been below par. I would also like to approach the university in attempting to promote the Credit/D/Fail system to encourage students to expand on a recent change to learning at UBC. Lastly, I would like to investigate the possibility of increasing exam hardship as this is popular issue amongst many students.

Here’s how you can reach me:

The official Facebook Group Vote Ben Cappellacci AMS VP Academic

My LinkedIn Profile BenCappellacci

Twitter @bencappellacci

Email: vote@bencappellacci.com

Campus Involvement: My Experience

AMS Safewalk

-  I coordinate the largest paid student organization on campus
-  I have increased the number of walks this year through a revamp and promotions
-  I am familiar with the internal operation of the AMS and I can easily learn even more

UBC Senate

- I am a student senator representing commerce students, I sit on the finance committee and the Teaching and Learning committee.
- I have met with important members of the university executive
- I have been given the responsibility to make decisions affecting the academic lives of UBC students

CUS Board of Directors

- I sit as a voting member of the board of directors
- Responsible for the effective allocation of the $1.3 million dollar CUS budget
- Chaired the elections reform committee to ensure equitable elections practices
-Experienced in writing policy for the CUS

Delta Kappa Epsilon

- Member of the Greek system
- I am the resident DJ for the fraternity
- I keep tabs on the many issues affecting the greek system

Totem Park

- First year TPRA floor rep
- Put on many events for the totem Park community
- Aware of issues in residence and for commuter students alike