Jared Fernyc, Eng ’23, is running uncontested for the Residential Society’s (ResSoc) Vice-President of Residential Affairs (VPRA). 

“One thing I’d like to do is increase visibility of the Residential Society with first year students,” Fernyc said in an interview with The Journal. “There’s a portion of students that aren’t aware the Society exists or what we do so I would like to increase marketing both online and in residence.” 

Fernyc plans to increase the awareness of ResSoc with students living in residences to foster a tight-knit community and develop the events and resources offered by the Society. 

His interest in working with the Queen’s community began in first year when he worked in a volunteer position with ResSoc. This year, he’s working as student staff on-campus within residence. 

Fernyc has reached out to first-year students to gain insight on what they would like to see improved at ResSoc. By expanding online events and running outdoor physical activities, he hopes to incentivize participation and allow first-years to bond in an online environment. 

“One of the largest drivers for me to apply to this position overall is that I’m very passionate about leadership and with the idea that the legacy of a leader is instilling leadership in others,” Fernyc said. 

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He hopes to expand current programs offered through ResSoc by building on students’ professional and academic skills. Through a speaker and workshop series, Fernyc is enthusiastic about helping first-year students with the transition to university and aid them in developing their leadership skills.  

He said he’s committed to expanding sustainability in residence, as well as equity, diversity, inclusion, and indigeneity (EDII) initiatives. He plans to pursue these goals by promoting sustainable living through waste reduction in residences and encouraging an open conversation with the incoming community on how ResSoc can promote EDII in student spaces. 

“I don’t think it’s for us to just solely prescribe this is what we’re going to do, I think it’s very important to have a dialogue with the community and I look forward to planning steps to address student’s needs,” Fernyc said. 

Though Fernyc isn’t currently on ResSoc’s EDII committee, he’s looking forward to learning about the initiatives planned for the coming year and working with the committee to bring forth their initiatives. 

As VPRA and direct supervisor to House Presidents, Fernyc said he wants to foster consistent communication with student staff in residences to ensure they feel their concerns are being heard and they’re able to balance their commitments. 

“Work life balance is something I believe in promoting and I plan on taking direct action to make it happen.”