UCSA President becomes acting Chief Executive
UCSA President Pierce Crowley, has recently been named as acting Chief Executive.
The University of Canterbury Student Association (UCSA) has appointed current President Pierce Crowley as the acting Chief Executive.
The appointment is a temporary one as the UCSA searches for a permanent appointee after former Chief Executive Julia Innocente-Jones took up a role at the UC International College as the College Director and Principal.
Innocente-Jones took the chance to thank staff in her last edition of the staff newsletter Te Hono.
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for making my two years here so memorable and enjoyable,” she wrote.
“Even though we’ve weathered some tough times, throughout, you have all kept the faith and remained positive and committed to the UCSA and for this, I couldn’t be prouder of you all."
Crowley told Canta that Innocente-Jones had been a great support to him, and the rest of the executive and UCSA staff.
“We became personal friends and was just a great guide and mentor. She always had the interests of students at the core of everything she did which was so inspiring,” he said.
In an email to staff, the UCSA said that the appointment would ensure continuity and praised Crowley’s abilities to take up the acting Chief Executive role.
“As Student President, Pierce already has a wealth of knowledge about the organisation and has strong, established relationships with the current UCSA staff, student executive, students, UC and other stakeholders,” the UCSA said.
Crowley, who has already graduate with his LLB and is set to graduate his BA this year, is currently serving his second term as UCSA President.
Elected in 2022, Crowley was the first president elected from outside of the executive in 15 years.
Crowley won’t be contesting the upcoming UCSA elections which will be held from the 16th to the 18th of August. He told Canta that it had been an honour to serve the student body, and that he hoped campus was in better place thanks to his work.
Crowley encouraged students to run for the student executive saying that while campaigning may seem daunting, the friends you make along the way make it worth it.
“If you’re on the fence at all - give it a go, you won’t regret it for a second. Definitely the best decision I made at university, can’t understate that enough,” he said.
UCSA engagement officer Xavier Moir told Canta that nominations for the UCSA elections will open at the Half-AGM on Wednesday the 16th and close on Thursday 3rd of August.
Moir said students can also expect to see the usual students debates as well as information sessions such as candidate speed-dating in the lead up to election. Other details on the UCSA election schedule as well as upcoming events will be confirmed at a later date.
