Your Student Representatives
Chair
Hello Ozzies! My name is Marcel Malfitano and I am your Student Caucus Chair for 2011-2012. I have the privilege of being a representative on SC for the third year in a row. In addition to Student Caucus, I write for the Obiter Dicta, I participate in Mock Trial, and I encourage you all to get involved as much as possible. Extracurricular involvement is one of the best ways to make your time here more enjoyable.
In terms of background, I'm a native Torontonian. I did my undergraduate degree in Classics at the University of Toronto. When I graduated and discovered that nobody spoke Latin or Ancient Greek anymore, I decided to pursue a career in law.
We have many initiatives planned for the upcoming year. Student Caucus will continue to do what it does best: represent student interests on the faculty and administrative level. Additionally, we are focusing on a more collaborative and inclusive approach to what we do. That is where you come in. Our interaction with students will be broadened. We plan on delivering more frequent updates and making it easy for students to get involved. We continue to strengthen our ties with the Legal & Literary Society with a view to making this year the best one yet. Our completed building ushers in a time of renewal for the entire Osgoode community and we will be there to help make it as smooth as possible for everyone. I look forward to meeting with all of you throughout the course of the year. I encourage you to swing by our new office and let us know what’s on your mind. Together, we can build new memories to go along with our new building.
Vice-Chair
Fellow Osgoode Students,
My name is Jessica Diab and as your Vice Chair for the 2011-2012 academic year, I am responsible for ensuring student representation on all faculty committees, as well as advocating for and listening to YOUR interests and needs.
Before attending Osgoode, I completed a Bachelors degree at Queen’s University in Politics and Global Development Studies. Throughout my first two years at Osgoode, I was a program facilitator for LEAF, a research assistant for Professor Allan Hutchinson, a mooter, a first-year representative on Student Caucus and a Dean’s Fellow. I choreograph for a competitive dance studio and on my spare time I love to run and watch embarrassingly cheesy movies.
I think we are embarking on one of the most exciting years for Osgoode. With a new home, we have an opportunity to build new and long-lasting traditions. This is a journey I am very much looking forward to taking with you.
If you have any questions, ideas or concerns or just want to chat, please come speak with me or send me an e-mail: jessicaanndiab@gmail.com. I am looking forward getting to know you!
Communications Director
I am excited to serve as Communications Director and second year representative for 2011-2012: the year the hoarding walls came down! It’s my job to ensure you’re kept in the loop on important issues being discussed at Faculty Council (Osgoode’s administrative decision-making body). Communications are a two way street, however.To that end, I will solicit your thoughts on academic and administrative issues throughout the year to ensure your voice is heard.
Last year I served as Section A’s Student Caucus repand sat on the Tenure and Promotions Adjudicating Committee and Information Technology Committee. I was part of the Mock Trial Band, and volunteered as an Osgoode Student Ambassador, Dean’s Scribe, and judge at the Osgoode Cup Moot.
On a personal note, I hail from outside Acton, Ontario and studied political philosophy in a former life. When I’m not at Oz you’ll probably find me outdoors, cooking, reading sci-fi, pretending to be a rockstar, listening to CBC Radio One, or just geeking out.
3L representatives
Hello Osgoode Hall,
My name is Joey Hoffman and I have the privilege of being one of your Third-Year Representatives on Student Caucus.
I won’t bore you with my biographical details or academic background (I’m not that interesting). Instead, I want to tell you how excited I am about the upcoming school year. With great people returning (except for Marques), a new building, and an impressive team elected to Student Caucus, this year is shaping up to be the best yet.
Last year’s Student Caucus worked tirelessly and we intend to do the same. I know our group will carry on the tradition, continuing to work hard, representing and voicing student concerns. To this end, if you ever have any questions or comments regarding Student Caucus, or just need a good summary, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with you to grow the rich tradition that is Osgoode Hall Law School.
I'm a third year student and lucky to be one of your Student Caucus representatives. I've been involved in a number of clubs executives at Osgoode before joining the ranks of student government. Through my involvement in the the Osgoode Labour and Employment Society, the Mental Health Law Society, FrancOsgoode, Orientation, Obiter Dicta, Osgoode Hall Law Journal, and Mock Trial, I've met some varied cross-sections of our wonderful Osgoode community. With the obvious exception of my nemesis, Joey Hoffman.
Now that we finally have access to some facilities and a [nearly] finished building, I hope we can develop and nurture a tighter network of knowledgeable and talented people. With this new Osgoode building finally providing a physical venue that is our own, I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss any ideas or concerns you may have. I believe that we can all learn from each other’s experiences and become better equipped to face future challenges. This is the open attitude I’ll be taking in representing you, so please feel free to email, message, or talk to me about anything you like.
Hey Osgoode! I’m a third year student and am honoured to represent your interests to faculty and administration this year.
My legal interests are social justice, administrative, international, constitutional, and criminal law. Before coming to law school I studied English and Psychology. Outside of law I enjoy reading, travel, jogging, screwball comedies, and sad British pop music.
I’m always happy to listen to any question or concerns you have might have so please free to stop me in the hallway or contact me via email.
2L representatives
Welcome to 2L, Class of 2013! Ambitiously halfway through, we can laugh at our past 1L distresses and still pretend we don’t have to be grownups soon like our 3L neighbours. As Osgoode’s demographic middle child, it’s my job to make sure the unique issues of 2Ls are heard and addressed, not lost in the noise. This year I hope to focus on financial aid and student support. Life throws some curveballs, from postponed torts exams to viDesktop glitches, so if there’s ever any help Student Caucus can provide, see me anytime and we’ll work to get life back on track.
As for a bit about me, I’ve studied physics in my undergrad but still make most scientific arguments based on episodes of Mythbusters. I love baking, particularly the eating part. I dislike humidity. If given the chance, I will find a way to bring up the epic rock band Journey in conversation. I call New Brunswick home, but have been known to wander to Kampala, Uganda. Oh, and I tweet about #Osgoode – you can follow @JonOKane for some 140 character quips and commentary.
Cheers!
Hey Osgoode,
My name is Preston and I'm excited to be serving as a 2nd year representative. Having served as a 1L representative last year, I know the amazing things Student Caucus can accomplish.
Before starting at Osgoode, I studied Canadian Politics and Communication at Carleton University in Ottawa.
I look forward to representing the interests and concerns of students. As we transition back into the Osgoode building, I hope we can strengthen our community, and connection to our amazing law school.
Please feel free to contact me with any issues or suggestions. I'm thrilled to be working for the students of Osgoode!
Hello Osgoode:
My name is Fahad and I am a second-year student and first-time member of student council.
All of us at Student Council are responsible for representing your interests to faculty and administration, and for facilitating student action to improve the law school. If you have an idea, comment or concern, stop one of us in the hall or send us an email fahadsiddiqui@osgoode.yorku.ca. It's our job to listen.
If you're interested in a more active role, I encourage you to join one of the many faculty committees (which govern the school) as a student representative. Click around to find out more.
On a more personal note, I have a background in international human rights work in Africa and the Middle East and a graduate degree from the UK, so please feel free to get in touch if discussing any of this would help.
Have a great year and don't hesitate to get in touch.
I grew up on an apple farm about an hour northeast of Toronto. I played rugby in highschool and for the Oshawa Vikings RFC men's side before going to Queen's University and playing there, while earning my BScH in Biology. Following undergrad, I moved to Toronto and earned an MSc in Molecular Genetics from the University of Toronto. I decided to attend law school during my master's when I realized that the most rewarding part of my job had been discussing scientific theories and trying to convince people of the validity of mine. I hope to bring a unique perspective when serving the students of Osgoode on Student Caucus and I hope that I will learn from the unique perspectives of Osgoode's rich student body.
1L representatives
Greetings! I am incredibly excited to embark on my journey into the legal world, and I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for all of us within the Osgoode community. I have been elected as the voice of Section B, but I am looking forward to meeting and hearing from as many of you as possible. I’ve been described (somewhat unfairly, I would contend) by several teachers, bosses, and professors as a bit of a “mouthpiece,” and I would like to put that sterling reputation to good use as a voice for my fellow students. If you have any Osgoode-related issue, I would love to hear it and make it heard by others. What I would love even more, however, would be for my fellow students to take up the cause with me and get involved.
I am not only new to Osgoode, but new to Ontario, as I was raised and educated in British Columbia. I completed my BA in Economics at UBC Okanagan in late 2009, and spent the following two years as a journeyman bartender in a few different locales, ranging from the sprawling vistas of the Rocky Mountains to the desolate outback of Western Australia. Having slaked my dual thirsts for adventure and a job that didn’t require me to wake up before noon, I set my sights on my lifelong goal of a career in law. I’m an avid guitarist, rabid hockey fan, and lover of all things comedic.
Hello fellow Ozzies!
I am lucky to have been given the opportunity to participate in Student Caucus as Section D’s 1L representative this year. I am very excited to be a part of a team that works hard to place student interests first. If you ever have any ideas or comments relating to student life on campus, or anything else on your mind, please don’t hesitate to approach me in the halls to talk about it, even if you’re not in 1L Section D. I’m very friendly!
Prior to studying at Osgoode, I complete a Bachelors of Commerce at Ryerson’s Ted Rogers School of Management. During my time there, I was involved in a wide variety of activities, including: being a teaching and research assistant, mentoring first-year students, participating in undergraduate mooting competitions, and being a part of various student associations. I am also currently involved in my community as the youngest board member of the Vaughan Social Action Council. Outside of school, I like to create abstract paintings, dine in restaurants and spend time outdoors (yes, even in the Winter time).
I’m looking forward to a great year together, especially in our new beautiful building!
Hello Osgoode,
I am your 2011-2012 representative for Section C on Student Caucus. While completing my Honours degree in Criminology at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, I ran in multiple elections and gained positions on the Students’ Association (SMUSA) Board of Directors and the University’s Academic Senate.
In addition to my elected positions, I have created two societies at SMU; one departmental society and the White Ribbon Society. The latter of which brings awareness to the problem of men’s violence against women. White Ribbon provides funds to local women’s groups and invests in re-education programs for men. I have also created a fund, with collects an annual fee from SMU students to support community development projects in the Halifax area.
This year you can find me working with CLASP, and being an active member of the Academic Policy Committee.
Remember that only through working together will great change occur on the student front. As your representative, it’s my duty to advance your interests and better our student experience. Together we can make an even better and stronger community at Osgoode Hall Law School
Please contact me with any questions that you have about my duty on Student Caucus
Have a great year,
Jeff Mitchell, JeffreyMitchell@osgoode.yorku.ca
HeyFellow Osgoode Students,
My name is Victoria Riley and I am the Section A 1L representative for 2011-2012. I am very excited about the opportunity to represent Section A on Student Caucus to ensure that your voices are heard!By listening to your recommendations and wishes I know that we can have an amazing experience during our first year at Osgoode.
Before attending Osgoode, I completed anHonoursBachelor of Business Administration at the Schulich School of Business here at York University. I am proud to be continuing my education at Osgoode and I look forward to supporting my fellow Osgoode classmates at all Faculty and Student Caucus meetings. In my spare time I love travelling, shopping and enjoying great food with friends.
If you have any suggestions, questions or concerns please feel free to send me an e-mail : victoriariley@osgoode.yorku.ca
I look forward to an excitingyear full of challenges and new friendships.
President - Legal & Lit
What’s up everyone, my name is Dave Shellnutt and I am your Legal and Lit President for the 2011/2012 year. I guess a bit about me might be helpful. I’m from Guelph, Ontario and went to the University of Western where I started an urban culture club. No I can’t rap, but I love promoting those who can. After UWO I went to Liberia, West Africa, to work with female child soldiers on reintegration programs. My love for West Africa has made me return twice since then. I have worked with Amnesty International in both Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Actually, after just two weeks of law school I went back to Sierra Leone to complete the project I had worked on. While I have an interest in the region, I am dedicated to social justice globally and am a veteran of Parkdale Community Legal Services. I love Oz for the opportunities it has given to me to pursue areas of law that interest me. I have met some amazing people and I am sure you will to. Please get involved as early as you can in clubs and other activities, it really makes your time here worthwhile. It is my pleasure to be your advocate this year and I encourage you to holler at me whenever you need. Peace.Email: legalandlitprez@osgoode.yorku.ca Twitter:@daveshellz
VP Internal - Legal & Lit
Hello,I’m your Vice President Internal this year. One of my roles is to represent your interests in both the Student Caucus and the L&L Executive. Along with the President, I will be doing a lot of committee work to ensure that your interests are heard and represented. I am also tasked with the development and maintenance of the L&L website. We are proud to unveil our overhauled website this year. It would be great to get your feedback on how the site can be improved on as a resource for summaries, L&L events and as portal for feedback and transparency. On a personal note, I was born and raised in London (UK). After moving to Canada I graduated from University of Toronto with an Hons. BA specializing in political science. I now have a hybrid Canadian-English accent that sounds more English when I’m watching football and more Canadian when I’m ordering a coffee from Timmy’s. My hobbies include photography, long walks on … nope- can’t do it, travelling, playing Angry Birds (its a phase, I hope), collecting highlighters and crossing things off to-do lists. I hope to get to know you over the year. If you have any questions or would just like to drop a line and tell me how your day went (I’m a good reader), please do so anytime (legalandlitvpi@osgoode.yorku.ca ). I can also be found on twitter: @simplyzee, where you can tune-in to my inane 140 character ramblings.