We had a terrific time catching up with Cédric Gravel-Switzman, one of the graduating members of our Student Usability Panel.
Our conversation covered all things SUP, from contributing to projects like the Course Catalogue to the value of bringing diverse student voices into the process, and how creating space for honest, inclusive feedback ultimately leads to better experiences for everyone in the McGill community.
For someone that might be coming across the Student Usability Panel for the first time, how would you describe what the panel is and what it does?
It's a chance for people who might feel sidelined or marginalized to have an opinion and a direct impact on the future of McGill’s services and digital spaces. It was fun to be part of something where you're working towards a common goal, and that is to benefit the school for the people who take classes here and who go here every single day.
Of all of the things that we've done and the experiences that you've had, is there anything in particular that sticks out?
Well, the one that feels the most impactful is the Course Catalogue. To see that go from what it was previously to what it was afterwards was really cool to witness firsthand. That's the power of giving input in all these small ways—collectively all the little bits build up to something where it's like, okay, now we've iterated in a significant way to make it way better.
Can you talk about how you participated in exercises for the Course Catalogue project?
The questions ahead of time get us to self-reflect. Then you get to debate and add to what other people are saying. I liked hearing about other people's problems with the Course Catalogue because sometimes they line up. Other times it's like, oh, I had never thought of that. I could voice my support for something and be like, this is really important. Like, this is not just one person's thing. Consensus is really cool. We build our opinions, we share our opinions, we might disagree on something, but we can see, okay, this is what we agree on. So this is what we can build on.
Was there anything specific about the new Course Catalogue that you were really happy to have a hand in?
I can't remember off the top of my head, but I just remember telling people afterwards, “It's useable now.” I could look for a class, see the pertinent information, and use that to make my schedule.
The last time we met I think you shared some reflections on what you thought when you saw the recruiting announcement.
Yeah, because I remember seeing the posting online, and it was like, “Be a part of something on campus.” I was like, " Cool, a little bit of extra cash”. But more importantly, this is something that I can do that doesn't take up all my time and that I get to see progress over time. I really like the idea of gathering a diverse set of voices in order to show the true student body of McGill rather than, like, one aspect of it. Most people were able to go every single time. So, it was really cool to have a meeting where the majority of the people are always there in person. It's not harsh in terms of time demands or anything like that.
So, what about the experience will you take into your career now that you're graduating?
Definitely being able to converse with and build collegial relationships with other people. Having a bunch of fellow students and being able to have relationships with them that feel professional, but are also friendly. That's something I've definitely taken into the staff room in the high schools that I worked at. Having that opportunity to practice that in a very safe and comfortable environment was really cool. Being able to be outspoken and share my thoughts without fear of repercussion.
So I guess it's a good lead into the next question, which is, why is it important for students to be involved in the Student Usability Panel?
I think students need to be involved in most things. It's how our democracy will function best, when the people who are most impacted are the ones affecting change and being asked for their opinions and criticisms. It's important to say what we would like and say what we think will make this place better for us as students.
Join the 2026/27 Student Usability Panel
We're currently looking for two newly admitted students to join the Student Usability Panel in September.
