With more than 73 per cent of the vote, Muhammad Usman is returning as director of education & equity.

With 3,748 votes cast, Usman garnered 2,279 of them.

“With the election results in, I really feel very excited. As far as I know, I think that I received the highest number of votes ever recorded which is a humbling achievement. I view this as an opportunity for our student community to become more engaged and active in governance. I am confident that the incoming elected members will continue to build upon our progress, driving positive change for our community,” said Usman. “In the previous election, there was stiff competition with many politically active candidates vying for the same position. Winning by a narrow margin of 17 votes was unexpected but a reflection of the hard work and dedication I invested. Even in this election, I faced significant challenges, but I believe that perseverance and commitment always yield results. What truly stands out to me is the journey, a journey marked by challenges and opportunities for growth, which have ultimately shaped me into the leader I am today.”

An incumbent during this year’s general elections, his only competition was Heather Chan who secured 815 votes. Last year, he went up against a significantly larger slate of candidates, managing to win the position over the second place candidate with just 17 votes.

Like his first race for the executive position, Usman promised students a slew of things if he were to be elected including 100 per cent free transit; free breakfast, lunch, and snacks; cheap or free parking; more on campus jobs; and the creation of legal services.

With all promises varying in their scale, Usman intends to start small and use them as targets to achieve over the course of his next term.

“My strategy for achieving my vision involves starting small and progressively scaling up over time. While winning without making promises is an option, I have chosen to commit to significant pledges. These commitments serve as targets that motivate me to work diligently towards their attainment. Additionally, they provide students with awareness of what is achievable through dedication and effort.”

The most significant promise he brought forward during the campaign was a 100 per cent free PRESTO pass. This would mean that students would have access to unlimited transit rides on the TTC, during their studies at George Brown College (GBC).

At a majority of post-secondary schools within the province, a program like this is known as a universal bus pass (U-Pass).

Usman notes how significant it would be to bring this to fruition, as no school in a TTC served area, has implemented something like this.

“Implementing a 100 per cent free PRESTO system is a substantial objective, particularly unprecedented within TTC-served schools. I am committed to work towards realizing this goal. Upon success, it would represent a revolutionary milestone among other student unions. Such achievement would position us as a hope for others to imitate, inspiring them to follow a similar path of innovation and accessibility,” said Usman.

If a U-Pass is implemented at GBC, every full-time student will have to pay for this pass in their ancillary fees – normally a very reduced cost ranging anywhere from $122 to $450 per year, depending on the location of the school.

Students should note, this is a mandatory fee, and all students who attend GBC will be expected to pay for this, regardless of whether they use transit or not.

There will be no ability to opt out.

While the current cost to GBC students is still being examined, estimates show that the monthly cost from TTC would be about $80 – $320 per semester and $640 per year. This is significantly higher than the costs paid by students at other colleges and universities.

To get the process started, a referendum would need to be run. This would mean that the Student Association of George Brown College (SAGBC) would need to poll all current student members, asking them whether or not they would like to see this pass implemented.

In order to get the U-Pass, at least 80 per cent of the full-time student body must vote in favour.

“I understand that implementing it through a referendum requires 80 per cent support. I believe it’s a significant issue within the student community, and many are suffering because of it. Obtaining 80 per cent support shouldn’t be a major challenge. However, we would only know for sure if we pursue this path. Students have the right to vote for or against it, but what I’m proposing is to provide them with an opportunity to express their perspective. A referendum is a way to understand what students want. If they want it, it will pass; if not, it will fail.”

Stepping into a leadership role is not always easy. For Usman, he says the most difficult part of his first year was learning how to navigate. He also notes how happy he is to have been able to work with the current board.

“In my first term, the toughest part was learning how things work in the corporate world. It was like figuring out a puzzle with lots of rules. Even though I knew how to lead, I had to understand the system to be effective. It took time and effort, but I kept at it and got better each day. I believe in digging deep into what I love until I master it,” said Usman. “Reflecting on my first year in office, I am most proud to have had the opportunity to work alongside a diverse and dedicated team. Each member brought their own unique perspectives and strengths, which enriched my understanding of leadership and contributed to my growth. I am grateful for the valuable lessons I learned from each of them, and I am proud of the progress we made together in serving our community.”

As he looks forward to a new year, Usman intends to bring his wealth of knowledge and leadership to help the new board, and the SAGBC, thrive.

“As I step into my second term of service to the GBC students, I am self-assured to raise my performance through continuous self-improvement. Having gained invaluable experience during my initial tenure, I am determined to apply these insights effectively, ensuring a more impactful and fruitful term ahead.”

Usman’s new term as director of education & equity will start May. 1, 2024 and run until April. 30, 2025.

Students who wish to reach him can do so by emailing directoreducationequity@sagbc.ca