Uncontested VP Internal candidate Abdu Negmeldin talks about increased advocacy for mental health resources at SU election forum 

By Mia Gilje, March 2 2026—

The uncontested Vice President Internal (VPI) candidate, Abdu Negmeldin, began the SUforum on Feb. 26 by discussing his three main platform goals of supporting mental health resources, increasing students accessibility to student leaders and to reduce the bureaucracy of the clubs office. 

The role of VPI is the newest amongst the current three executive roles. Negmeldin begins describing the function and importance of the role by explaining that the role came from combining the previous Vice President Operations and Finance role and the Vice President Student life role. 

“The role primarily has to do with the finances of the student union in terms of operational finances and then it also has to do with student life on campus, like mental health and wellbeing,” said Negmeldin. 

When asked what are the top three concerns to the quality of life of students, Negmeldin said they are mental health resources, the lack of community and minimal student spacing which leads to overcrowding.

“One of them would obviously be mental health resources … I’m told by a lot of students that … there’s too many wait-lines in terms of the wellness centre and whatnot,” said Negmeldin. 

In regards to the lack of community and the feeling of belonging, Negmeldin expressed wanting to use clubs to improve issues of disconnect within the University of Calgary’s student population. 

“Which [the lack of community] kind of makes sense because we are a commuter campus,  but I think there’s an opportunity to [decrease] that through clubs,” said Negmeldin. 

Currently, international students are facing various issues including the ongoing limits to the number of international students being accepted and the growing anti-immigration rhetoric in Alberta. Negmeldin plans to address these concerns by building on previous efforts to create an international students association. 

“Well first off, I know there [have] been efforts in previous years to make an international students association. I would build on that because I believe it would give them an opportunity to truly be heard… [to] ensure there’s an open line of communication for international students to have their concerns heard and dealt with. They are a very integral part of our community especially given we are a diverse campus. So I wouldn’t…want to get rid of that kind of diversity that we have,” said Negmeldin. 

The role of VPI is largely responsible for negotiating contracts for third party businesses such as the vendors in MacEwan Hall. As a result of this, if there are changes to vendor contracts or vacancies open up, the VPI would be a part of determining how to fill this vacancy. If Negmeldin was given the opportunity to bring a new vendor to MacEwan Hall he would prioritise establishing greater cultural food diversity. Specifically, he adamantly expressed an interest in bringing a shawarma vendor to MacEwan Hall.

“I’m told by many students, and this might just be a biased answer…I’d want the shawarma place, because you know…shawarma man. The closest thing we have right now is…Opa and I would not really classify that as anywhere near shawarma, really,” said Negmeldin.

Negmeldin was asked if his campaign goals aligned with the university’s indigenous strategy of ii’ taa’poh’to’p, which translates to “a place to rejuvenate and re-energize during a journey” and pushes for a process of reconciliation that sees the different communities on campus working together in harmony. Negmeldin expressed that his goals to establish the international students association and maintain a diverse campus are reflective of this strategy. 

“My campaign goals have to do with inclusivity and…diversity as one of [my goals] has to do with the international students association. That would definitely have to do with…ensuring we stay diverse as a campus,” said Negmeldin.

Negmeldin believes he would have the most opportunity for collaboration with the Vice President Academic (VPA) amongst the rest of the executives. 

“It would definitely be Vice President Academic because academics are kind of a huge part of you know the university life and the student experience,” said Negmeldin.

However, he also recognized areas for potential collaboration with the Vice President External (VPE) and the President. 

“It would also extend to the VP External when it comes to student housing as an issue…residency that’s [a] part of [being] VP Internal,” said Negmeldin. “And…[collaborating with] the president in general, because they tend to help…oversee everything.”

When having to determine whether to refer a club’s issue to the club’s office or addressing it directly, Negmeldin plans to stick to referring students to the club’s office when there is unassuredness in how to resolve an issue. 

“When in doubt, refer them to the club’s office,” said Negmeldin.

If it’s a recurring issue that exists amongst multiple clubs, he would reevaluate the conflict strategies within the issue and look for areas of possible improvement. Ultimately, Negmeldin’s responses suggest a plan to limit his direct involvement in sorting out issues clubs may have. 

“Generally speaking, if a club is coming to an executive, from my experience, they’re looking for an exception…I should refer them to the club’s office and leave it at that,” said Negmeldin.

Negmeldin’s platform is largely focused on advocating to the university the existing strains on UCalgary’s mental health resources. 

“In terms of increasing advocacy, perhaps we should get other groups of student leaders and other students in general to go to university admin or…sign some kind of…petition,” said Negmeldin. “[It] Shows them that it’s not just maybe a few people…but rather the entire campus.”

When asked what he understands about what the Quality Money issue is, Negmeldin said that it is a matter of UCalgary attempting to replace Quality Money with an alternative program that would not be a suitable or relevant replacement. 

“My understanding is that the university is…running around not really fully comprehending how Quality Money works and they’re trying to replace it with a new…program that’s not really similar at all. So, it is obviously in my best interest and the students best interests…to advocate for quality money to remain as is or as close as possible to what it currently is,” said Negmeldin. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And Quality Money is not broken. It’s a very successful program and I’ve only ever seen good come from it, and it would be a shame for it to be discontinued.”

When asked if Negmeldin is connected to any social causes on campus, such as National day of Remembrance, the pride flag raising and action on violence against women, Negmeldin discussed his concern specifically surrounding violence against women. 

“Action on violence against women is a very important topic to tackle down and to…speak out about…[and] it starts with everyone recognizing that this is an issue that needs to be solved,” said Negmeldin.

Finally, Negmeldin was asked why people should vote “yes” for him, why he is a strong VPI candidate regardless of being uncontested. 

“I’ve talked to a lot of students. I know the issues that are the most important and the most dire. I know the things that need to be fixed really well and I have a solid idea of how I can get them done. I think students would really miss out if they do not elect me,” said Negmeldin.

Voting for the 2026 SU General Election and the Mac Hall Redevelopment Fund referendum question takes place from March 3 to 5 through the myUofC Student Centre. In-person polling stations in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), MacEwan Student Centre and the TFDL foyer will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on voting days. All UofC undergraduates registered in the Winter 2026 term are eligible to vote.