Looking back at the past year — more riots, the LTC strike, the possible teacher's strike — the school year always has its challenges. What will your approach be to dealing with these types of situations?

ROB: I think with any situations like Fleming, it's about approaching it with a good feel for the issues. With my communications background, I can approach it from both sides and come to a conclusion from there.

JOE: It's really something you can't plan for when it does happen, know it's going to happen. Then you plan. We had some minor setbacks but we were still able to do our jobs. Next year I'm expecting the unexpected but still getting my goals accomplished.

On the flip side — what are some good things Fanshawe and its students have done this year that didn't make headlines?

ROB: I know Shinerama is always a big thing, although the focus is always on Western. I know they raised a lot of money. The paramedic students did a food drive. There are lots of good things Fanshawe students do everyday…and when I'm president I hope to draw attention to that.

JOE: Personally, (the FSU) put more money into bursaries and helped to create a new provincial award with College Student Alliance that will go to a student at Fanshawe and one at 16 different colleges. I also know the environmental club has been pushing for an annual sustainability audit — they've been in talks with organizations and myself on getting that going here.

Not every student at Fanshawe is here for four years. How do you plan to get the word out to students about the FSU and how it can help them?

ROB: I think there are different methods…the most important is getting out there and talking to students independently. It should be done every year and some years it's been done better than others. And social media...there are different ways to utilize it. The newspaper, TV station...getting the word out any way we can.

JOE: It always starts at orientation. After that, I'm developing video screens which will be in the Oasis (this week). When students are in line, they can get information. (I plan on) marketing the website more and having open forums in Forwell Hall — that's the big one. And more video stuff — Youtube addresses every month.

What is the biggest task you're facing next year if you become president?

ROB: I think the biggest task will be trying to balance students' interest with college's interest. Sometimes they're not on the same page.

JOE: Follow up on any student concerns and set goals and try to accomplish them while helping my executives with their goals.

What's one thing the students of Fanshawe don't know about you but should?

ROB: Some people might see me as shy but I'm not. With communications, it's made me a more open person. I also know the value of hard work — getting up at four in the morning and going all day.

JOE: I'm a workaholic. I like working, it's fun. I'm doing school, two jobs and I have a personal life and social life. I manage to make it work somehow.

Name something you do or have done outside of Fanshawe that contributes to you being a great president?

ROB: I've helped out with past election campaigns — municipal and provincial. It gave me a good bearing for whenever I have run here at the college. Also my work I've done through my own program and my jobs in the media with informing people of what's going on.

JOE: I'm the southwest director for the College Student Alliance. I'm a student leader on a provincial level already and have worked with presidents in different regions. It puts me in touch with student councils across the province so I can bounce my ideas off them, see what they're doing.

Pick three words that describe your leadership style.

ROB: Experience, reliability, thoroughness.

JOE: Consistent, decisive, diligent.

What did you think current president, Jabari Cooper, did a great job on this year? What do you think you would have done differently than him?

ROB: Because he has an extensive background in athletics, I think making students more aware of what's available for them in athletics.

In terms of labour disruptions I think the student union could have been more assertive in trying to broker a deal. I spoke to a lot of people and they said it didn't seem like the student union was advocating for them. The FSU could've lobbied more to get it resolved quicker. Maybe they don't look at themselves like lobbyists but on something that affects a majority of students, they should be.

JOE: He was a total team player. He was able to ask us what we wanted to accomplish...and helped us get our stuff done and stayed on us when we needed it.

I might have been a little more firm in my decisions in letting people know they let me down — they didn't accomplish what they agreed they would. That goes for the college and the student union.

Why would you vote for your opponent?

ROB: I would vote for Joe because I know he would do a good job. I worked with him in TV broadcasting and know he would be just as hardworking and dependable as me. I'd have no problem voting for him.

JOE: Rob knows politics. He's invested a lot of time in the student union already. He's got a good reputation among staff.

I believe that I have a more creative vision of what I want next year and I will work harder at it.

Name two specials at the Out Back Shack and one staff member's name.

ROB: Adam Dick, jalapeno cheddar soup and the Shack burger.

JOE: Brian “Turbo” Harness — food service manager and executive chef. Worked with him for three years. They have a chicken bowl and perogies.

The Best Buns competition just happened. What body part would you proudly show off?

ROB: My eyes. I find that I'm used to looking people right in the eyes and eyes are one of the ways you connect with people.

JOE: I'd show off my buns. Why not?

How will you help make all students feel included in the Fanshawe community?

ROB: It just comes down to reaching out to them. Sometimes people are put into categories and that's not necessarily the right approach. Having an openness to any group at the college and being accepting of that and putting their interests first because it's not about your personal interests

JOE: Sending the message that we're (the FSU) students too and we've gone through a ton of issues too and we can relate. We're students first and student leaders second.

What does Fanshawe mean to you?

ROB: Fanshawe has given me an education. It's also made me into who I am today and given me the knowledge to carry out what I'm passionate about, in a career choice.

JOE: Fanshawe means quality education, quality events, a part of it is it's a place where you can learn skills inside and out of the classroom that will help later in life. It's a place where I've met some of my best friends.