Jaiya Panchi is running for a student senator-at-large seat, hoping to cap textbook costs, make past syllabi available during registration and expand undergraduate research opportunities.
The third-year political science and international relations student currently serves as associate VP administration at the AMS. In that role, she said she has supported over 360 clubs and allocated approximately $100,000 in funding to student groups through the AMS Fund Subcommittee. She described this experience as hands-on advocacy, working directly with students to help fund initiatives, competitions and campus programming. Panchi is also running to be the AMS’s VP academic and university affairs (AUA).
One of her proposals would remove mandatory exams for first- and second-year courses. Panchi argued that harsh assessment structures may not reflect diverse learning styles and can place unnecessary pressure on students adjusting to university expectations.
She also wants to push for past course syllabi to be made available during registration periods, allowing students to review assessment breakdowns and expectations before enrolling. She framed this as a transparency issue — allowing students to make informed decisions before registering.
On affordability, Panchi said she would advocate for a policy to cap textbook costs, citing student financial strain reflected in the AMS’s 2025 Academic Experience Survey results. Panchi said textbook expenses along with annual tuition increases create difficult situations, especially for students living away from home.
“All these costs add up. To have to pay a certain amount for a textbook, for a course that’s mandatory … places a burden on students and that affects learning [and] your academic experience at the University,” she said.
She said the University must expand open educational resources (OERs) to address affordability, but did not elaborate on how she would accomplish this.
“We're a leading global institute … [But] there's a gap between that and being affordable for students,” said Panchi.
Panchi said expanding undergraduate research opportunities is increasingly important for upper-year students who are considering graduate studies or competitive career paths. She did not say how she plans to expand these opportunities or mention the recently secured funding in undergraduate research opportunities through UBC’s Undergraduate Research Expansion Pilot Program.
She also identified Generative AI policy in classrooms as inconsistent. Panchi said there’s uncertainty about “what’s allowed and what isn’t,” but believes “clear and consistent” policies would help reduce confusion and ensure fairness.
UBC currently has principles and guidelines on Generative AI. Senate recently amended its syllabi policy to require professors to include a statement on how its use will be allowed for student-submitted work. Panchi did not mention either of these things.
Recent Student Experience of Instruction (SEI) Survey results failed to meet minimum response rates and faculty senators raised concerns that they are still relied on to determine faculty members’ merit.
When asked about the role of SEIs, Panchi said she supports maintaining them as a mechanism for student voice. She acknowledged that derogatory or misogynistic feedback is unacceptable and can undermine the legitimacy of student evaluations. However, she cautioned against dismantling SEIs entirely. Students are “stakeholders,” she said.
As a reform measure, she proposed encouraging or mandating mid-course feedback. She argued that mid-term evaluations would allow students to see changes implemented while still enrolled in the course, rather than after it concludes. However, she did not say how she would ensure students would fill out the mid-course feedback.
In terms of committee work, she identified the Academic Policy Committee and the Teaching and Learning Committee as her priorities. She said these committees oversee decisions that directly shape classroom experiences, including course materials, instructional standards and academic regulations. She also expressed interest in the Budget and Academic Buildings Committee, noting its influence over capital planning and university spending decisions which can affect learning spaces and academic infrastructure.
Panchi also plans to advocate for 24/7 library access during final exam periods. “It’s very important, especially for commuter students, because they don't have a place to go home on campus,” she said. “There’s nothing worse than being in flow states and having to leave at midnight.”
UBC Libraries have faced precarious finances for years, and in December, University Librarian Susan Parker spoke about the possibility of trimming down hours — Panchi did not mention how she would expand library hours with limited funding.
“I pride myself on being an advocate for students,” said Panchi. “Providing opportunities for students and advocating for opportunities is something that I've always been keen on.”
