Incoming executive chair of the Durham College Student Association (DCSA) Keiran Popela says improving transparency around student fees will be a priority when he takes office.
He won the election on March 25 taking 215 of 360 votes cast. More than 11,000 students were eligible to vote.
“What motivated me was a way to give back to students, give back to the DC community,” said Popela, a third-year Finance – Business Administration student.
He said his goal is to take what he has seen on campus and “help enhance it within the student life, as well as to grow the student community here at Durham College.”
A central focus of his platform is ensuring students understand how their fees are used.
Students paid $493.77 in ancilliary fees to Durham College and another $430 to the DCSA for the 2025-2026 school year.
Popela said current communication methods are not enough and he aims to review all the benefits in detail and clearly explain to students exactly where their fees go.
He said the information available through the account summary section on students’ financial statements “doesn’t necessarily say exactly where and how to access those benefits.”
He added that while information is available, it is not always reaching students.
“Yes, there are emails that go out but I believe that full transparency needs to be given as to what can be provided to the students,” he said, “how to access these tools to help benefit them and the easiest and most compatible ways for them to be to be used.”
Affordability is another issue he wants to tackle.
“My goal is to create programs as well as to create initiatives that are going to assist students, especially within today’s financial climate,” he said.
Popela, who plays for the Lords men’s rugby team, said his leadership style is rooted in communication and openness.
“I always strived myself to be someone who can be approachable and someone who can have a genuine conversation with anybody and hear them out,” he said.
Balancing academics, athletics and student leadership will require adjustment, he said.
“I think academics are the most important, that’s why we’re all here,” he said. “I’m used to having a lot on my plate. I’m going to do my absolute damnedest to make this as manageable as possible.”
Popela said he does not plan major changes from the previous administration but wants to build on existing work.
“I think [current executive chair Megan Bent] did an amazing job,” said. “I don’t think there’s anything I necessarily would change.”
His message to students is simple.
“We’re all in this together,” he said. “We should all support each othe. There’s always going to be support and there’s always going to be care about you no matter where you go.”