When the AMS gathered for its final assembly of the semester on Nov. 28, Rector Alex da Silva announced an election for a new rector will be held in January.

President’s Report

In his written report, Pierce addressed student concerns about Fall Reading Break.

With Student Senate Caucus Chair, David Niddam-Dent, Pierce wrote they have been meeting with stakeholders across the university, faculty society presidents, and students through data collecting, to address all concerns from students.

“Once again, this is an example of how much more effective student voices all are when we are united, so I expect to draft a report with Student Senate Caucus Chair Niddam-Dent for endorsement for Faculty Societies,” Pierce wrote in his report.

Pierce also addressed concerns about Homecoming and the Kingston community. The president noted the importance of accountability, but urged the City and the University to approach the issues by implementing harm reduction techniques.

“We have been working with other student unions in the province such as McMaster, Laurier, and Western to find out more about their own harm reduction strategies,” Pierce stated.

Rector’s Report

At Assembly, University Rector Alex da Silva announced an election for a new rector will kick off in January.

According to da Silva, an information session will be hosted in the beginning of January for students who are interested in running for the position.

Da Silva also noted the Promised Scholars, a full-ride scholarship to Queen’s tailored for students who come from low-income families officially launched yesterday. The University is also currently fundraising with alumni in order to expand the program in the future.

Application for the Tricolour Awards also went live on Thursday, da Silva said.

“Tricolour Award is an award open to any current students. It is the highest honor you can receive for things that are outside their regular work,” she said. “Whether it within the community or on campus specifically, there are no limitations.”

Motions Passed

The Assembly gave jurisdiction to the Queen’s International Affairs Association (QIAA) to run and operate Queen’s Model United Nations.

“I think that it is just the timing of the Student Choice Initiative and things that are going on with our association,” QIAA President Sam Hiemstra said. “[QIAA] have the volunteer base, we have the know-how, and I think that is in the greater interest of the students at the University to continue running this conference.”

The Assembly also passed a motion to change the AMS Election and Referenda Policy.

According to Pierce, the AMS intends to increase the level of student engagement in the election process next year by reducing the barriers students may face.

“Currently, two per cent of the members need to sign off the automation package to run,” Pierce said. “We’re reducing that down to one per cent, so that’s around 160 signatures that you need.”