The VP finance’s midterm review looks a bit different this year. The Ubyssey usually interviews the VP finance to discuss their progress, but this year we were unable to interview the VP due to turnover.
VP Finance Gavin Fung-Quon took a leave of absence, which began November 12, due to “personal reasons,” according to a statement from AMS President Christian ‘CK’ Kyle to The Ubyssey.
- AMS VP finance taking a leave of absence for ‘personal reasons'
- AMS Council appoints interim VP AUA and VP finance
On November 20, Council appointed AVP Finance Amber Dhaliwal to serve as interim VP finance. Dhaliwal’s employment will last until the end of the VP finance’s term in April according to the job posting. The Ubyssey was unable to speak to Dhaliwal before press time. Instead, we compiled what the finance office set out to do this year, what they accomplished and what still needs to be done.
Fung-Quon ran on a platform of strengthening services, expanding subsidies, improving communication and simplifying clubs and constituency finances.
Notably, the AMS projected a surplus for the 2024/25 budget when the previous budget had anticipated over $738,00 in deficit.
In his executive goals, Fung-Quon wanted to overhaul the current Canvas Treasury Hub and collect feedback to improve the modules while also implementing step-by-step processes and video tutorials and host an in-person and online treasury training.
The office was able to complete the Treasurers Canvas course, removing outdated procedures and reporting about a 50 per cent treasurer enrolment rate. The finance office also conducted two treasurer workshops and held a Treasurer Trivia Night on October 1.
Other goals included collaborating with fee receiving subsidiaries affected by opt-outs and how to fairly represent these services — an issue that arose last year.
Fung-Quon cited having a neutral tone in advertisements for opt-outs based on consultation with fee receiving groups.
Fung-Quon also wanted to work with UBC Enrolment Services to avoid delays with enrolling the AMS/GSS Health & Dental plan because of the transition to Workday Student, but this delay still occurred and the number of students impacted remains unclear.
While some goals have been met, many will need to be repeated next term from hosting workshops on financial literacy, processing opt-outs and completing the AMS third and fourth quarter financial reports. It will have to be seen whether or not this momentum can be continued due to the portfolio's overturn in leadership.
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