McGill’s Arts Undergraduate Society is every Arts’ students go to for campus life; from events like Grad Ball and Bar des Arts to support services like the AUS Essay Writing Centre and peer tutoring.
We spoke to a few of this year’s AUS executives about their roles within the organization, their academic journeys at 51łÔąĎÍřand what they are most looking forward to this upcoming year.
Aishu Rajan, AUS President, U3, Honors Political Science with Minors in South Asian Studies and Management
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: I have always been interested in student governance and improving my fellow students' experience! In my first year at McGill, I was eager to find opportunities to represent my peers when I came across AUS through a call for election candidates in the weekly newsletter sent to Arts students. After meeting a few members of the executive team, I was drawn to the sense of community and their shared commitment to advocacy. Three years later, my time with the AUS has genuinely been the highlight of my 51łÔąĎÍřexperience. It has allowed me to work with students and faculty, while gaining an invaluable understanding of the university's operations.
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
A: As President, I am the official spokesperson for the AUS and supervise the coordination of all its operations. I oversee a team of eleven executives and over 150 employees and work directly with the Dean of Arts. I also act as a crisis manager and serve as the liaison between the university administration and the AUS. On the more exciting side of student life, I supervise our student-run cafe in Leacock and have the pleasure of supporting 31 departmental associations under the AUS.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at McGill?
A: The vast diversity of departments within the Faculty of Arts and the strong sense of community make me incredibly proud to be an Arts student at McGill. I’ve had the opportunity to take courses that align with my niche interests while meeting the most interesting people from all different programs. As President, I have the privilege of interacting with hundreds of students, and I’m constantly in awe of the intelligence, dedication, and embodiment of McGillian values that I see across our faculty.
Q: As new and returning students settle into the semester, what advice would you give to your fellow Arts students for this new academic year?
A: I know it is a common adage, but getting involved is my biggest advice! 51łÔąĎÍřhas no shortage of ways to get involved with over two hundred and fifty clubs alone there truly is a niche for everyone, and you will find your people! Putting yourself out there can be intimidating at first, but the friendships and mentorship I’ve found through campus involvement make it all worth it! . I also encourage students to take advantage of the resources offered through the AUS and the Faculty of Arts, such as free peer tutoring and support from the Writing Centre!
Q: What are you most looking forward to during the 2025-2026 academic year?
A: I am most looking forward to continuing to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for all students within the Faculty of Arts! Personally, in my final year, I want to take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way, whether that’s professional or social, to make the most of my remaining time at McGill. University goes by so fast, and I want to graduate knowing that not only did I take every opportunity, but I also helped make sure that the systems of support and inclusion within my faculty are stronger than when I started.
Ben Weissman, VP-Finance, U3 Honours International Development Studies, Minor Concentration in Economics
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: This year marks my second year on the AUS Executive, and I am so grateful to be returning this year. My motivation to join the AUS Executive again as Vice-President Finance was to manage AUS’ financial planning and operations in a way that is sustainable, transparent, and representative of the initiatives that fellow Arts students want to see out of the AUS!
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
A: As VP Finance, my role includes preparing the AUS’ annual budget, managing the AUS’ annual audit, assisting AUS departmental associations in their operations, overseeing the disbursement of over $50,000 in AUS external funds to various student groups within and outside of the AUS, and dealing with the day-to-day financial affairs of the society.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at McGill?
Definitely other Arts students! The sheer drive that we have is so inspiring and is infectious to be around.
Q: As new and returning students settle into the semester, what advice would you give to your fellow Arts students for this new academic year?
Remember to have fun! 51łÔąĎÍřacademics are rigorous, especially when you are adjusting to them for the first time but always remember to take breaks to hang out with friends and do the things that interest you. Balancing your personal life and studies is so important in preventing burnout.
Q: What are you most looking forward to during the 2025-2026 academic year?
I am looking forward to making more memories with my friends and checking off my more items on my Montreal bucket list. Especially since it is my last year, there are so many amazing things to do in Montreal that I haven't done yet!
Delaney Cahill, Arts Representative, U3, Major in Economics, Minor in Anthropology and Social Studies of Medicine
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: I knew some previous Arts Representatives who had a great experience in the role and mentioned that they got to be a part of many interesting and insightful committees and discussions pertaining to 51łÔąĎÍřand SSMU affairs. I wanted to build on that work by contributing my own perspective, ensuring that the voices of Arts students continue to be heard in key decision-making spaces. This role represents an opportunity not only to advocate for my peers but also to deepen my understanding of how student governance operates and how collaborative dialogue can shape change within our community.
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
A: My core responsibility is to serve as a voice for the AUS at SSMU Legislative Council meetings, and as a representative for SSMU at AUS Legislative Council. In this role, I ensure that both bodies remain informed about one another’s activities while voting on important motions that impact many different aspects of McGill, including its services, clubs, and students. In addition, I sit on several SSMU and AUS committees, where I contribute by voting, sharing perspectives, and engaging in discussions on a wide range of issues affecting the community.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at McGill?
A: What makes me most proud is the diversity of thought, background, and experience that exists throughout the Faculty of Arts. I’ve taken a wide range of Arts courses on many different topics, which has allowed me to engage with perspectives far beyond my own. Professors actively encourage students to share their views, and this openness has broadened my worldview, challenged me to think critically, and helped me grow both academically and personally.
Q: As new and returning students settle into the semester, what advice would you give to your fellow Arts students for this new academic year?
A: It’s never too late to get involved! Whenever you feel ready or have the capacity, I encourage you to explore student groups or clubs on campus, whether you’re in your first year or your last. University offers a unique opportunity to discover new interests, connect with others, and be part of something meaningful, so take that chance if you can!
Q: What are you most looking forward to during the 2025-2026 academic year?
A: Academically, I’m most excited to complete my economics degree and aim for a 4.0 this year (at least I can dream)! On a personal level, I’m really looking forward to enjoying my final year with the friends I’ve made, and I’m trying to say “yes” to as many opportunities and events as possible to truly make the most of my time here.
Keith Andre Baybayon, Arts Senator, U2, Joint Honours in Religious Studies and Political Science
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: I first got involved with the AUS in my first year as a committee volunteer, and later served as an Arts Representative to SSMU (2023–2024) and as an Associate Arts Senator. My background in student government – having served as a School Board Trustee – showed me how much meaningful change students can create within their institutions. I joined the AUS executive team to carry that same passion into my time at McGill. From student services to events, from accommodations to convocation, I want to help shape the way Arts students experience this university. Once I graduate from McGill, I hope to leave the Arts community stronger and more supportive than when I first encountered it.
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
A: As an Arts Senator, I advocate on behalf of students at 51łÔąĎÍřSenate where I bring student perspectives on academic policy, administrative priorities, and issues that shape campus life. This includes asking questions on the Senate floor, contributing to debates and discussions, and writing motions with the aim to make university more responsive to student needs. Beyond Senate meetings, I work closely with a team of Student Senators from other faculties through the Senate Caucus. We collaborate on university-wide initiatives and develop projects that improve the academic and community experience for all 51łÔąĎÍřstudents.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at McGill?
A: I’m proud of the creativity and social awareness that defines our community. Students of our faculty are unafraid to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions, and imagine better ways of understanding the world around them. Over the past three years I’ve seen how innovative and adaptable Arts students can be when faced with uncertainty and that quality continuously shows in the initiatives and projects they lead every year.
Q: As new and returning students settle into the semester, what advice would you give to your fellow Arts students for this new academic year?
A: Lean into what feels unfamiliar. The moments that push you slightly out of your comfort zone are often the ones that shape your 51łÔąĎÍřexperience the most. Join the club that intimidates you a little, attend the event where you don’t know anyone, or share an idea that feels too ambitious. Each small risk opens the door to something greater – whether that is new friends, unexpected opportunities, and a deeper sense of belonging in the Arts community!
Q: What are you most looking forward to during the 2025-2026 academic year?
A: I’m looking forward to seeing the ideas and projects I’ve been building since my election take shape. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch plans that begin as sketches or conversations start making a tangible difference for students. I’m also excited to continue working with the Senate Caucus toward changes that strengthen the student experience across McGill. Even though I represent one faculty, I see this role as part of a collective effort to make the university more responsive and student-driven!
Maggie Tang, Arts Senator, U2, Double Major in Psychology & Sociology and Minor in Communications
Q: What motivated you to join the AUS executive team?
A: Throughout my time at McGill, I’ve consistently been involved with the AUS, holding roles such as Deputy Secretary General and later Secretary General of Administration. While I found these positions incredibly rewarding, they were primarily administrative in nature. This year, I wanted to broaden my experience by stepping into a more advocacy-focused role—one that would allow me to engage more directly with students and represent their interests. As someone who genuinely enjoys connecting with others, running for the Senator position felt like a natural next step.
Q: What are some of the core responsibilities of your role?
A: As a Senator, my primary responsibility is to represent SSMU and advocate for undergraduate Arts students by bringing their perspectives and initiatives to the 51łÔąĎÍřadministration to help drive meaningful change on campus. I collaborate with 12 other incredible student senators, each bringing unique backgrounds and passion projects to the table, ensuring that we collectively reflect the diverse needs and priorities of the student body. Each senator also has the opportunity to pursue individual projects throughout the year. Some of the areas I’m particularly passionate about include improving the accessibility of financial aid and contributing to the development of the Policy on Sexual Violence. I'm always open to conversations with students about how we can make our campus a safer, more inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone.
Q: What makes you proud of being an Arts student at McGill?
A: I’m deeply proud to be an Arts student—especially after becoming a senator and seeing firsthand the incredible range of passions, talents, and perspectives that define our community. While the Faculty of Arts is sometimes underrated, it remains one of the most prominent faculties for a reason. It’s truly inspiring to be part of such an ambitious and driven group of students. What sets Arts students apart is not only their academic dedication but also their constant drive to think critically and stay engaged with the world around them—qualities that are more important than ever in today’s society.
Q: As new and returning students settle into the semester, what advice would you give to your fellow Arts students for this new academic year?
A: My biggest piece of advice is to take things easy and not take everything too seriously. When I first arrived at McGill, I was anxious about leaving behind a familiar environment, and I struggled to adjust during my first year. But looking back, I’m incredibly grateful that I trusted the process. Over time, I found a community of like-minded people who I truly value, and I grew to love a city that’s inclusive, laid-back, and welcoming. If you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed, try stepping out of your comfort zone—go to events, explore campus life, and experience all the fantastic things 51łÔąĎÍřand Montreal have to offer. You never know what or who will resonate with you.
Q: What are you most looking forward to during the 2025-2026 academic year?
A: I’m most looking forward to meeting new people and making the most of my year on Senate. I’m excited to collaborate with others, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and play a role in creating a positive impact within our school community. On a personal level, I hope to grow as a leader, build strong connections, and deepen my understanding of how student government can shape the student experience. It’s a valuable opportunity to give back to the community while developing skills that will stay with me long after this year.