BCIT FSA

Meet the Candidates: FSA 2025 Board Elections

March 27, 2025

In this year’s election, the FSA welcomed Board nominations for one (1) Treasurer, five (5) Directors-at-Large, and two (2) Directors, Associate Members to sit for the 2025-27 term.

*** Update: All candidates have been acclaimed ***

Nomination Details

Nominations were accepted from March 7, 2025, until March 26, 2025.
We received one (1) nomination for one (1) Treasurer position.
We received seven (7) nominations for five (5) Director-at-Large positions.
We received two (2) nominations for two (2) Director, Associate Members positions.
Two (2) Director-at-Large nominees withdrew their candidacy
All positions have been acclaimed
Questions can be directed to the Chief Returning Officer, Denise Calvert through fsa@bcit.ca
Candidate statements below are those of the individuals and do not represent official positions of the FSA. Statements are presented in a randomized order via random.org.

ACCLAIMED

Treasurer

Trish Albino

As a candidate for the FSA Treasurer position, I am excited to offer my skills, experience, and knowledge to serve the BCIT community in this important role. I have been a part of the BCIT community as an instructor since 2016 and have served on the Board of Directors of the FSA since 2021 and as Treasurer since 2023.

I am a proud graduate of the BCIT Financial Management Diploma and Accounting Degree programs. My education and background as a CPA, CA provides me with technical knowledge and expertise in accounting that I will be able to utilize with respect to the FSA budget and annual financial statements. I have extensive experience teaching accounting in full-time and part-time studies, which has honed my ability to communicate complex financial information in a clear and concise manner.

If elected as the FSA Treasurer, I plan to continue working diligently to ensure that the FSA's finances are managed with transparency, accuracy, and efficiency. I will work collaboratively with the FSA staff and Board of Directors to adhere to the financial policies and procedures that support the organization's strategic objectives. My primary goal is to maintain the financial strength of the organization by making financial decisions that reflect the needs of our members and prioritize their interests.

I am passionate about serving the BCIT community and ensuring that the FSA is financially sustainable for years to come. I believe my experience, education, and dedication to the organization make me the best candidate for this role.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Director, Associate Members

Judy Shandler

I have worked at BCIT for over 30 years and in that time if have been actively involved in the BCIT community and held a seat on the FSA Board for the past 2 years.

The major issues I'd like to resolve is the lack of communication and knowledge for those holding positions as Flex Instructors in all Schools. There needs to be clearer understanding of the rights and benefits that Flex Instructors have, however the communication may have been lacking.

Dr. Rami Mustafa

As a committed member of the BCIT PTS community, I am pleased to put my name forward for a position on the FSA Executive. I bring over 23 years of professional experience in training development and education, with a strong collaboration, integrity, and strategic leadership record. I have an extensive background as an instructor and professional trainer with experience across various higher education institutions in Canada, the US, and abroad, working with industry leaders. My career has centered on creating engaging, inclusive, and practical learning experiences, and I am passionate about representing the voices of faculty—particularly Part-Time Studies (PTS) instructors—whose contributions are essential yet often under-recognized.

At BCIT, I have served as an instructor in the Communications Department, where I strive to bridge theory and practice to prepare learners for real-world challenges. My experience spans curriculum design, adult education, and professional development in academic and industry settings. In addition to teaching, I actively contribute to institutional governance in all the higher institutes where I work through my involvement in several key committees, including the Curriculum Development Committee, the Academic Integrity Board, and the Internship Supervisory Committee. These roles have allowed me to engage in policy development, uphold academic standards, and meaningfully support students and faculty.

From my perspective, the FSA—and the broader BCIT community—faces several pressing challenges that require collective attention:
• Transparency & Communication: Promote more regular and accessible communication between the FSA Executive and members, including open dialogue and feedback forums.
• Support for PTS Instructors: Many PTS instructors teach during evening hours, often without adequate institutional support. Access to essential services such as food and beverage options—particularly on the Burnaby campus—is limited after regular hours. If elected, I will advocate for extended access to campus services that reflect the needs of all instructors, regardless of their teaching schedule.
• AI and Academic Integrity: The rise of AI-generated content has introduced new challenges to academic integrity. While BCIT has taken steps to address plagiarism, more potent tools, and transparent policies are needed to help instructors detect and prevent AI-assisted misconduct. I will work toward increasing training and access to advanced ethical detection tools while promoting awareness among faculty and students.
• Curriculum Renewal: Some curricula remain outdated and no longer reflect the evolving demands of our industries or learner needs. As a long-standing curriculum committee member, I understand the urgency of curriculum renewal and will advocate for streamlined, inclusive, and responsive review processes to ensure program relevance and academic rigor.
• Support for Contract Faculty and Staff: Advocate for more equitable treatment and improved job security for non-regular employees, recognizing their vital contribution to BCIT.

As a candidate for the FSA Executive, I am committed to fostering a more equitable, responsive, and supportive teaching and learning environment. All faculty, whether full-time or part-time, deserve a strong voice and practical support. My approach is collaborative, action-oriented, and informed by on-the-ground realities.

I appreciate your support.

Dr. Rami Mustafa

Director-at-Large

Zaa Joseph

(NOMINATION WITHDRAWN)

William Oching

Work history: I started work at BCIT in 2015 as a faculty member in the Mining and Mineral Exploration Department and involved in the establishment of the accredited Bachelor of Engineering in Mining and Mineral Resources Program. In the course of my service at BCIT, I developed and instructed several courses till the present date and served as the Program Quality Assurance Coordinator to ensure that the Mining and Mineral Resources Program meets the highest standards of engineering education set by Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board. I also sit at the Health and Safety Committee for the School of Construction and the Environment and a member of the Curriculum committee.

Involvement with the FSA: Currently, I am serving as an FSA Board member since 2021. Previously, I passionately served as a Tech Rep from 2016 to 2021, representing my department and FSA in various capacities. My roles included increasing the awareness and visibility of FSA on campus, serving as the FSA Returning Officer for four years, and representing FSA in several committees, including new hires’ selection committees and the Anti-Racism working group. Additionally, I represented FSA at various committees and conferences.

Involvement in the BCIT community: I have been involved in engagement surveys and discussions, articulating challenges facing FSA members and suggesting opportunities to improve the work and learning environment for both FSA members and students. I promote BCIT through participation in professional associations, research, and publication. I have participated in four convocation ceremonies, “Big Info” sessions, and open houses at BCIT. I am also grateful to have worked with the Students Association to establish a local committee of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) at BCIT, a non-profit organization present in about 100 post-secondary institutions in Canada, providing education, employment, and empowerment opportunities for youth around the world.

Major issues facing the FSA: The declining quality of life for members, fair employment concerns for part-time staff, including workspace issues, poor pay, and lack of job security, are pressing issues. Annual salary increases are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living, and there are challenges in attracting and retaining top talent. If elected, I will continue to advocate for salary and wage increases that at least match inflation rates. I will also push for fair treatment of our part-time colleagues, including compensation for attending meetings and improved job security. Additionally, I will work to increase awareness of the important role played by the FSA and engage with all FSA members by listening to their pressing challenges and ideas. Together, we will address these issues in a timely and practical manner. I am committed to advancing and protecting the interests of FSA members to ensure our work environment is fair and just for all.

Sincerely,

William Oching, MBA, P.Eng.

Gurminder Grewal

As a faculty member of the Automation and Instrumentation department for over seven years, I have been deeply involved in the BCIT community. My work history at the Institute has given me a firsthand understanding of its strengths and the challenges we face.

My commitment to BCIT extends beyond my role as an instructor. I have actively followed the FSA's work and understand the major issues facing our faculty and staff. Recent policy changes from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have presented financial challenges to the Institute, and I am committed to ensuring BCIT's financial sustainability. I believe that BCIT is uniquely positioned to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s economy, and I am committed to working to ensure that BCIT continues to be a leader in workforce development.

If elected, my tangible ideas toward achieving the FSA’s goals include:

Addressing Financial Challenges: I will work to ensure that BCIT remains financially sustainable while continuing to provide a high-quality education to our students.

Workforce Development: I will collaborate to ensure that BCIT continues to be a leader in providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's economy.

Strategic Planning and Risk Management: I am aware of the Board's active involvement in strategic planning, prioritizing objectives, succession planning, and risk management, and I will bring my experience to these important discussions.

I have carefully reviewed the FSA bylaws and am prepared to fulfill the responsibilities of a Director-at-large. I am dedicated to serving the members of the FSA and contributing to the continued success of BCIT.

Michelle Beauchamp

I am a long time BCIT employee with almost 24 years of service in the Medical Radiography Program -- a program I graduated from in the 1980's! I started involving myself with the FSA first as a Tech Rep in 2011; moving up to sitting on the Board of Directors from 2021 onwards. I truly love my work as a representative of the FSA and get great satisfaction in trying to help advance our members standing at BCIT. At the moment, the greatest issue facing the FSA is the threats to our job security due to the announced budget cuts put forth by BCIT. If elected I will continue to stand strong to protect our Collective Agreement rights and freedoms.

Kerly Acosta Hitchcock

I have been with BCIT since 2006, working in various roles—from researching green roofs to serving as the Program Head of BC’s first Energy Management program. I am currently a faculty member in the Environmental Technology Department. My passion for learning keeps me at BCIT, along with having the privilege of working with some incredible people.

My involvement in Association affairs began when I was invited to join the BCIT Presidential Search Committee. This experience gave me valuable insight into the process of recruiting and hiring for executive roles, such as the President, and a deeper understanding of the demands of such positions. It also reinforced my commitment to supporting women in leadership.

Another pivotal moment that inspired me to run for the FSA Board was attending the Aboriginal Academic Staff Conference, Beyond Words: Translating Indigenization of the Academy into Practice. The conference fostered meaningful discussions on the importance of connectedness in education, particularly through Indigenous perspectives. This experience also sparked my interest in learning more about Indigenous educational pedagogy. I am also part of the FSA transit advocacy committee, BCIT’s Indigenous Affinity Caucus, and BCIT’s Sustainability Community of Practice.

While my experience with FSA affairs is limited, I am eager to learn how the Board operates and to contribute meaningfully. My focus will be on supporting opportunities that empower women into leadership roles, advancing Indigeneity in education, and promoting sustainability.

Adrianna D'Ilio

My nursing career began after graduating from the University of Alberta in 2000. It was difficult to find full time work at that time, so I moved to British Columbia and began working at Lion's Gate Hospital. While nursing on the unit, an instructor who would later become my mentor, asked me to teach for her for a few days while she was away and I fell in love with teaching. Shortly after that experience, I applied to work at BCIT and have been teaching ever since. I first connected with FSA when I was on a mat leave in 2010 and had some questions about my return to work plan. From there, I became the tech rep for our program which led me to being involved with an arbitration process our department went through. That event taught me a lot about the power of working collectively during challenging times and how amazing and supportive my colleagues are. I also learnt that if you aren't aware of your collective rights or how to advocate as a department, those rights can be eroded and lost. Educating faculty on the collective agreement and departmental process would defiantly be a focus for me if elected. Our program has expanded and grown rapidly in the last few years and that knowledge needs to be shared for the next generation of educators. Over the 20 years I've been teaching, I have watched the learning environment and the way people learn change. I'd like to help the FSA be proactive in anticipating how these changes will impact educators and the collective agreement.

Fraser Robertson