1. Why did you apply for this position?

I have been under the FHSSC communications portfolio for the past two years. I would like to use this experience and my passion for communications to further facilitate and improve this portfolio. 2. What do you hope to accomplish in your role? There are two realistic goals I wish to accomplish for the 2013-2014 communications portfolio:

1. Better Communication

FHSSC

FHS Students

Communications need to be a two-way conversation between the FHSSC and FHS students. How will we know whats working if we dont ask?

FHSSC FHS Students

The number one goal is to ensure that every FHS student is fully informed of our events and initiatives. How can this be accomplished?
Create promotional campaigns for every FHSSC initiative using effective marketing strategies. By creating a detailed promotional plan at the outset of every initiative, we will maximize our reach. This could include planning which outlets to use, poster locations, dates and times that tweets should be sent out, etc. The possibilities are endless. Streamline and connect communication outlets so that the same information can be found in every place. Our website, social media, print promotions and even our council office should include ALL information so that our events, sales and initiatives are easily accessible by students. Engage every FHS student by utilizing all available outlets to its full potential. Our website and social media are underutilized. More efforts to make them interactive will inform and engage students. Other outlets outside of the box should be explored as well. Increase overall social media presence. By using an application such as HootSuite, tweets and Facebook posts can be premeditated to maximize their effectiveness.

FHS Students FHSSC

This is a key area that has not been explored previously within the communications portfolio.
Collect feedback from FHS students to evaluate the effectiveness of our communications. This could be on a small scale such as online surveys and polls, or on a large scale such as focus groups. This feedback would then be used to improve our methods of communication. Increase the number of contributions and ideas from FHS students to the FHSSC. Continuing on with the idea our Homecoming and spring merchandise design contests, this could be further expanded to other areas of the portfolio. There will also be a push for submissions to the FHS Pulse, including a showcase for exemplary academic work.

2. Better Branding
Although there has been much improvement over the past two years (e.g. our new logo), branding is an area that the FHSSC has yet to perfect. This will be addressed on three levels: Strengthen the FHSSC brand by creating a uniform, consistent look that can be associated with the FHSSC Brand all of our merchandise, promotional material and online outlets Create a strong, common identity that is inclusive of all three schools (Kinesiology, Nursing and Health Studies) Use this brand to promote faculty unity

FHSSC

Faculty of Health Sciences

Western

Create a name and identity for the FHSSC and FHS that is recognizable campuswide

In addition to these two main goals, I will continue on with the great initiatives that already exist within the communications portfolio:
Growing the FHS Pulse to a high-traffic blog Continuing with the communications committee Creating and selling desirable merchandise Maximizing the potential of our website Utilizing our beautiful new display at HSB

3. Please list any skills and/or experiences you possess that you feel would make you an asset to the 2013-2014 FHSSC? Please visit my portfolio at http://jessforvpcomm.wordpress.com for the work I have done for the FHSSC.

FHSSC 2 years of experience under the communications portfolio

Publications/Social Media Coordinator (2011-2012, 2012-2013) o Designing all FHSSC promotional material (e.g. Posters, the new HSB display, Facebook covers) o Designing all FHSSC clothing and merchandise (e.g. Homecoming, council cardigans) o Coordinating all social media outlets (i.e. Facebook, Twitter) o Designing, compiling and editing the FHS Pulse for both the 2011 and 2012 Health Sci O-Week Kits o Implementing the online edition of the FHS Pulse o Serving as current Pulse coordinator on the communications committee

CAISA Fashion Show

Media Manager (2011-2012)

o Coordinating social media outlets o Managing public relations, including securing media coverage for the show Proudest accomplishment: Having CTV cover the show o Blog writing

Skills
I love writing. I ensure that there will be no grammatical errors on any of our publications. I am proficient in Adobe Photoshop. I have extensive experience and interest in marketing and promotions. I have developed leadership skills over the years through many extracurricular activities and work and volunteer experiences.

4. Please describe one challenge you have had in the past when working with others and how you overcame it. What did you learn from this experience and how will you apply this knowledge to your position on Council? When I was a lifeguard and swim instructor, I had a supervisor who discouraged our entire team from doing their job. She would blatantly point out things you were doing wrong right in front of your class and would make strict guidelines that she would not follow herself. She made the overall work environment miserable. Based on this experience, I learned that leadership style makes all the difference in terms of motivating your team. As VP Communications, I would be a compassionate and approachable leader. I would encourage my portfolio to do their best so that they would hold themselves accountable for their own work. 5. What initiative would you like to see Council fulfill next year? Last year, I suggested a Health Sciences Formal. This year, I would like council to collaborate more with other faculties, clubs and/or services on campus (e.g. Yoga Rave with Arts & Humanities Students Council). 6. List any other commitments or extracurricular activities you will be involved with next year. None! Please direct any questions and concerns to president@fhssc.com.