Dipal Patel has been elected as the incoming Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) President. She will take over from Samantha Jemison on May 1.
Originally from India, Patel moved to Canada in 2021 after earning her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy. She completed Niagara College’s Exercise Science for Health and Performance program before enrolling in NC’s Autism and Behavioral Science program which she will graduate from this April.
Patel currently serves as the Director of Community services for NCSAC and is also the Student Representative on the NC Board of Governors for 2022-2023. She has one year of experience serving as the NCSAC Director of Justice and Fitness and has also served on the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Taskforce and Sexual Violence Taskforce at Niagara College.
Patel is excited to take on the role of NCSAC President and plans to use the skills she has developed during her time at NC to advocate for students.
“During my time on the NCSAC Board of Directors I have learned that there is always something we can do to improve the student experience,” said Patel. “I am committed to listening to the needs of the student body and look forward to working with the incoming Board of Directors to address any concerns students may have.”
The NC Difference
Throughout her time as a student, Patel has gained a wealth of knowledge that she plans to use in her new role.
She is particularly passionate about sharing global opportunities for fellow NC Knights and plans to view NCSAC opportunities through a global lens.
As a student, Patel worked as an assistant for the NC Be World Ready program and traveled to attend several student conferences including the Student Union Development Summit in Vancouver and the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics conference in Spain, where she acquired a certification in good governance.
Patel is also proud to have participated as a member of the EDI Taskforce, a role that have provided her with the knowledge to share the EDI blueprint with new board members, ensuring that all student leaders at NC are well-versed in the subject.
Presidential Goals
Patel’s goals for her presidency are simple: to be someone who listens to the needs of students and creates positive experiences for the entire student body.
One way she hopes to accomplish this is by supporting the mental and physical health of students. Her goal is to maintain NCSAC’s long-standing relationship with NC’s Athletics & Student Engagement department and Health, Wellness & Accessibility Services to ensure that students feel supported.
“My wish is to be a leader that is present and listens to the concerns of students,” said Patel. “I also plan to form new partnerships throughout the College that will support NC students in various ways. I will also work hard to identify and create services to improve students’ quality of life.”
