GSA Council Meeting CONSOLIDATED AGENDA · This was the last meeting for a number of Councillors: A...

PreparedbyLHareuther,JTanguayandCThomasforGSACouncil24April2017/Users/gsaassist/GoogleDrive/320-Council/Meetings/2016-2017/April2017/SecondMailing/GSACouncil24Apr2017Item2-ConsolidatedAgenda(SecondMailing).docx

GSACouncilMeetingCONSOLIDATEDAGENDA

Monday,April24,2017at6:00pm2-100UniversityHall,VanVlietComplex

TheGSAacknowledgesthattheUniversityofAlbertaissituatedonTreatySixterritoryandMétishomelands.

SpeakerSulyaFenichelintheChair

Apizzadinnerwillbeservedat5:15pm.

OPENSESSION

AttachedNumberedPages

1. RollCall

2. Approvalofthe24April2017Agenda

3. ApprovaloftheMinutesfromthe20March2017GSACouncilMeetingAttachment:

i. Minutesfromthe20March2017GSACouncilMeeting

3.0-3.10

4. ChangesinGSACouncilMembershipi. IntroductionofNewCouncillors(IfyouarenewtoGSACouncil,pleaseletusknowitis

yourfirstmeeting)ii. FarewelltoDepartingCouncillors(IfthisisyourlastGSACouncilmeeting,orifyourlast

Councilmeetingisapproaching,pleaseletusknow)

CouncillorAnnouncements

5. CouncillorAnnouncements

ActionItems

6. ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonGSACouncil,GSAOfficers,andGSAStandingCommitteesSarahFicko(GSAPresidentandChairoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee)willpresenttheitem

Attachments:

i. CoverLetterfromtheGSAPresidenttoGSACouncilii. OutlineofIssue:ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonGSACouncil,GSA

Officers,andGSAStandingCommitteesiii. GSACouncil:DoubleColumnofProposedChangesiv. GSAOfficers:DoubleColumnofProposedChangesv. GSAStandingCommittees:DoubleColumnofProposedChanges

6.06.1

6.3-6.66.7-6.16

SubstantivematerialissenttoallGSACouncilmembersatleastoneweekpriortothedateofthemeetingtogivemembersabundanttimetoreview(inaccordancewiththeStandingOrdersofCouncil).Anyadditionalsubstantivematerialreceivedafterthismailingwillbeemailedassoonaspossible.Reportsfromcommittees,Directly-ElectedOfficers,andmanagementareemailedtheFridaybeforeaMondaymeetingsothatthecontentisascurrentaspossible.

Elections,Appointments,SpecialBusiness,Updates

7. GSACouncilElectionsAntonioBruni(Vice-ChairoftheGSANominatingCommittee)willpresenttheitem

GSACouncillor-at-LargePositions(4vacancies)Attachment:

i. NomineesforGSACouncillor-at-Large(4vacancies)GSAStandingCommitteesa.GSABoard(1vacancy)Attachment:

i. NomineefortheGSABoard(1vacancy)

7.0-7.4

7.5-7.6

b.GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(3vacancies)Attachment:

i. NomineesfortheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(3vacancies)

7.7-7.8

Discussion

8. GSABoard2016-2017StrategicWorkPlan:FinalUpdateSarahFicko(GSAPresident)willpresenttheitemAttachments:

i. LetterfromtheGSAPresidenttoGSACouncilii. 2016-2017GSABoardStrategicWorkPlan–April2017Update(Colour-Coded)iii. 2016-2017GSABoardStrategicWorkPlan

8.0-8.18.2-8.168.17-8.32

9. Bill7Information

SarahFicko(GSAPresident)andSashavanderKlein(GSAVPLabour)willpresenttheitemAscirculatedthroughtheGSANewsletteronApril7,13,and21,2017,youcanlearnmoreaboutBill7here:http://bit.ly/2oeMkFghttp://bit.ly/2o5WjKR

Reports

10. President(SarahFicko,GSAPresident)i. President’sReportii. GSABoardiii. GSABudgetandFinanceCommittee(nomeetingsthisreportingperiod)iv. GSAGovernanceCommittee

10.0-10.410.5-10.6

11. GSANominatingCommittee(RadimBarta,GSANominatingCommitteeChair)

i. GSANominatingCommitteeReport

11.0-11.2

12. Vice-PresidentAcademic(FirouzKhodayari,GSAVice-PresidentAcademic)i. Vice-PresidentAcademic’sReportAspartoftheGSAVice-PresidentAcademic’sreport,FirouzhasincludedadocumentoutliningaseriesofproposedchangestoFGSRpoliciesonexaminations,whichtheFGSRPolicyReviewCommitteewillsoonconsider.Youcanfindthedocumenthere.

12.0-12.1

13. Vice-PresidentExternal(MasoudKhademi,GSAVice-PresidentExternal)

i. Vice-PresidentExternal’sReportii. GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee(nomeetingsthisreportingperiod)

13.0-13.1

14. Vice-PresidentLabour(SashavanderKlein,GSAVice-PresidentLabour)

i. Vice-PresidentLabour’sReportii. GSANegotiatingCommittee(nomeetingsthisreportingperiod)iii. GSALabourRelationsCommittee(nomeetingsthisreportingperiod)

14.0-14.1

15. Vice-PresidentStudentServices(AlirezaTalaei,GSAVice-PresidentStudentServices)

i. Vice-PresidentStudentServices’Reportii.GSAStudentAffairsAdvisoryCommittee(nomeetingsthisreportingperiod)

15.0-15.1

16. Senator(JaneTraynor,GSASenator)i. Senator’sReport(nowrittenreportatthistime)

17. Speaker(SulyaFenichel,GSASpeaker)

i. Speaker’sReport(nowrittenreportatthistime)

18. ChiefReturningOfficer(CarolinaMartinez,GSAChiefReturningOfficer)

i. ChiefReturningOfficer’sReport(nowrittenreportatthistime)

19. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(LeighSpanner,GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeChair)

i. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeReport(nomeetingsthisreportingperiod)

20. GSAManagement(CourtneyThomas,GSAExecutiveDirector)

i. ExecutiveDirector’sReport

20.0-20.7 QuestionPeriod

21. WrittenQuestions(noneatthistime)

22. OralQuestions Adjournment

PreparedbyLHareutherandFRobertsonfortheCouncilMeetingof20March2017/Users/gsaassist/GoogleDrive/320-Council/Meetings/2016-2017/April2017/FirstMailing/GSACouncil24Apr2017Item3-MinutesGSACouncil20March2017.docx

GSACouncilMeetingMINUTESMonday,March20,2017at6:00pm

2-100UniversityHall,VanVlietComplex

INATTENDANCE:SarahFicko(President) AhmedNajar(Councillor-at-Large)AmandaRadil(EdPsych) DanielKrys(Oncology)

FirouzKhodayari(VPAcademic) HelenaRamsaroop(Anthropology)

DavidLi(Electrical&ComputerEngineering)

AndrewWoodman(Pharmacology)

SashavanderKlein(VPLabour) FrancescaJean;MicheleDuVal(BiologicalSciences)

LornaSutherland(ElementaryEducation)

HaninAburasayn(Pharmacy&PharmaceuticalSciences)

MasoudKhademi(VPExternal) GrahamLittle(BiomedicalEngineering)

ShainaHumble;KevinKvas(English&FilmStudies)

JayWorthy(Philosophy)

SulyaFenichel(Speaker) TrentNabe(BusinessMBA) NeilPrather(History&Classics) StephenHunter(PhysEd&Rec)

PreshitVerma(DeputySpeaker) KatieLafreniere(BusinessPhD) MohammedAbdul-Bari(HumanEcology)

DrewShepherd(Physics)

CarolinaMartinez(ChiefReturningOfficer)

BethRichardson(CellBiology) JocelynBeyer(HumanitiesComputing)

BraydenWhitlock(Physiology)

DarcyBemister(DeputyReturningOfficer)

MengqiFang(Chemical&MaterialsEngineering)

KrisJoseph(Library&InfoStudies)

MichalJuhas(Psychiatry)

JaneTraynor(Senator) AnisFahandej-Sadi(Chemistry) AtticusHarrigan(Linguistics) JoannaScanlon(Psychology)

MichelleCampbell(Councillor-at-Large)

WaiManWong(Civil&EnvironmentalEngineering)

MichelleMichelle(Math&StatisticalSciences)

KevinLien(PublicHealth)

AliciaCapello(Councillor-at-Large)NatalieMahé(CommunicationSciences&Disorders)

MasoudAliramezani(MechanicalEngineering)

AleshaReed(RehabilitationMedicine)

NicoleNoel(Councillor-at-Large) RoshanShariff(ComputingScience)

AllisonLewis(MedicalGenetics) MaryseNdiluKiese(ReligiousStudies)

PhilOel(Councillor-at-Large) DorianLang(Drama) MelissaSilva(Medicine) RyanStanfield(RenewableResources)

NedOnwugbufor(Councillor-at-Large)

BenjaminGruber(Earth&AtmoSciences)

JayFriesen(MLCS) StephanieLe(ResourceEconomics&EnvironmentalSociology)

RobertReklow(Councillor-at-Large)

MelodyLi(EastAsianStudies) DavidParent(NativeStudies) ChristopherCharles(SecondaryEducation)

DashaSmirnow(Councillor-at-Large)

BenjaminDenga(EdPolicyStudies)

MischaBandet(Neuroscience) PaigeGorsak(Women’sandGenderStudies)

Guests:ColtenYamagishi(ProgramManager,Studentcare);KimNguyen-Phuoc(MedicalGenetics);GregoryBlomquist(English&FilmStudies)SpeakerSulyaFenichelintheChair.Themeetingwascalledtoorderat6:00pm.SpeakeracknowledgedthattheUniversityofAlbertaissituatedonTreatySixTraditionalTerritoryandMétishomelands.RollCall

1. RollCallofCouncilMembersinAttendance

ApprovalofAgenda2. Approvalofthe20March2017ConsolidatedAgenda

Membershadbeforethemthe20March2017ConsolidatedAgenda,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.MKhademiMOVED;NPratherSECONDED.

MotionPASSEDunanimously.ApprovalofMinutes

3. Minutesfromthe27February2017GSACouncilmeetingMembershadbeforethemthe27February2017GSACouncilMinutes,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.NPratherMOVED;MKhademiSECONDED.

MotionPASSED;1Abstained.

ChangesinCouncilMembership4. ChangesinGSACouncilMembership

i. IntroductionofNewCouncillors:none

ii. FarewelltoDepartingCouncillorsThiswasthelastmeetingforanumberofCouncillors:ANajarCouncillorAnnouncements

5. CouncillorAnnouncementsMCampbellandPOel,Councillors-at-LargenotedthattherewouldbeaResearchonTapeventonMay12andinvitedgraduatestudentstoattend.Theyalsonotedthattheywerelookingfortwoneworganizerstoleadthiseventandthattheroleoftheorganizerswastofindvolunteerspeakers,topickdifferentandengagingtopics,andtoliaisewiththeFacultyClub.InterestedgraduatestudentscandirecttheirquestionstoMichelle(mmc7@ualberta.ca)andPhil(aoel@ualberta.ca).SFickonotedthataninitialmeetandgreetwasorganizedforIndigenousgraduatestudentsinterestedinforminganewstudentgroupandthatindividualsfromallfacultieswereinvitedtojoin.SheindicatedthatafirstmeetingwasscheduledforTuesday,March28,2017at5PMintheSouthAcademicBuilding(SAB)2-15.FKhodayarinotedthattheUniversitywasorganizingacampus-wideforumonthedevelopmentofsignatureresearchandteachingareasfrom12:00PMto1:00PMonThursday,March23,2017.ANajarnotedthathewasfinishinghistermasaGSACoucillor-at-LargesoonandhereflectedonincludingtheTruthandReconciliationCommissionintograduatelearning,thegenerousandcompassionatepeoplehehasmet,theimportanceandmeritofgraduatestudents,andthehelphereceivedfromBrentEpperson,GraduateStudentOmbudspersonandSFicko.ActionItems

6. GSAHealthandDentalPlanFeesfor2017-2018

MOTIONBEFORECOUNCIL:ThattheGSACouncilAPPROVE,ontherecommendationofGSABoard,thattheGSAHealthandDentalPlanFeebesetat$500.36/annum,effectiveSeptember1,2017,withcollectionfromgraduatestudentstobeginSeptember1,2017.

SFickointroducedCYamagishi,programmanageratStudentcare.ShenotedthattheprojectedincreasefortheGSAHealthandDentalPlan(Plan)feefor2017-2018wasmuchmoremodestthanlastyearandspecifiedthattheincreaseamountedto$7.41foratotalof$500.36.SpeakerclarifiedforGSACouncilthattheissueonthefloorwastoapprovethecostoftheplanandsheaddedthatCYamagishiwasnotheretoanswerpersonalquestions,concernsorissuesonthePlan.ALewisaskedhowpartnerserviceproviderswerechosen,andmorespecifically,howdoesStudentcaredecidewhoisinthenetworkandwhoisnot.CYamagishiexplainedthatStudentcarereachedouttomedicalpractitionerstoofferthepromotionoftheirpracticeinreturnofthepracticesofferingdiscountstoplanmembers.HenotedthatpractitionerswhoarepartoftheDentalNetworknowoffereda30%discount,itwasa20%discountinthepast.Headdedthat,inmanyinstances,practitionersreachedouttoStudentcaretobecomepartofthenetwork.Heexplainedthattherewasavettingprocess,especiallyfordentistswhowererequiredtousetheCanadianLifeandHealthInsuranceAssociation(CHLIA)feeguideforpricing.CYamagishialsoencouragedGSACouncillorstobringforwardanyconcernstheyhaveaboutnetworkproviderstoStudentcaresotheycouldfixthem.ALewisstatedthathavingreceivedservicesfrombothanetworkandnon-networkpractitioner,thesavings

werenotnoticeableandshenotedthatthereshouldbemoretransparencyaroundfees.CYamagishiagreedandexplainedthatbecausetherewasnosetfeeguideinAlberta,pricesvariedgreatlyfromonepractitionertotheother.SFickoofferedapointofinformationthatNASA,withtheassentoftheGSA,sentalettertothegovernmentrequestingtheestablishmentofafeeguidefordentalprofessionalsinAlbertaandsheaddedthatAlbertawastheonlyprovincewithoutafeeguide.MJuhasaskediftherewasanysortofalternativeactionsifthemotiondidnotpass.CThomasexplainedthatthefeemustgototheBoardofGovernorsinearlyAprilsoGSACouncilwouldhavetovoteonanalternativeoptions,probablybeforethenextscheduledGSACouncil.CYamagishistatedthattheproposedincreasewaspresentedtotheGSABoardtoensureitwasabalancedapproach.DSmirnowaskedifstudentscoveredbythespousalplancouldaccessthediscountsofferedbythenetwork.CYamagishirespondedbytheaffirmativethatwasalsopossibletostackplanbenefitsifstudentshavecompoundedcoverage.

MOTION:ThattheGSACouncilAPPROVE,ontherecommendationofGSABoard,thattheGSAHealthandDentalPlanFeebesetat$500.36/annum,effectiveSeptember1,2017,withcollectionfromgraduatestudentstobeginSeptember1,2017.SFickoMOVED.ARadilSECONDED.

MotionPASSEDunanimously.

7. ProposedChangestoGSAPolicyonAcademically-RelatedGraduateStudentGroupAwards

MOTIONBEFORECOUNCIL:ThatGSACouncilAPPROVE,ontheunanimousrecommendationoftheGSABoard,changestoGSAPolicy,GSAGrantApplicationPolicyandInformation,asshownintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentandeffectiveApril1,2017.

SFickopresentedtheitemandnotedthatthe2017-2018budget,whichwasapprovedbyGSACouncilattheirFebruarymeeting,includedanincreasetothefundforAcademically-RelatedGraduateStudentGroups.Sheexplainedthatlastyeartwodifferentgroupscameforwardtosuggestchangestothispolicytoincludefundingfornewgroupsandforcurrentgroupstobeabletoaccessfundsatanypointinafundingperiod,andnotjust6weeksinadvanceoftheirevent,solongastheyapplybeforetheireventhadtakenplace.ShenotedthatATalaeiandtheofficestaffwentthroughtheserecommendationsanddevelopedtheproposedchangestoGSApolicy,asoutlinedinthedoublecolumndocument.Shespecifiedthatthemainproposedchangesincludedofferingastart-upfundof$250fornewAcademically-RelatedGraduateStudentGroups,andallowinggroupstoapplyforfundingforaneventatanypointthefundingperiodinwhichtheireventwasheld,solongastheyappliedinadvanceoftheirevent.DSmirnowrequestedclarificationastowhyanapplicationreceivedafteranacademiceventwouldnotbeeligible,andwhethertheapplicationjusthadtobesubmittedorwhetherithadtoalsobeapprovedbeforetheevent.SFickorepliedthatgroupsonlyneededtosubmitanapplicationbeforetheirevent.CThomasnotedthereasonforrequiringapplicationstobesubmittedinadvanceoftheacademiceventwastoensurethattherewasenoughmoneyinthefundingperiodanditwasstandardpracticeforgrantstorequirethatapplicationsweresubmittedinadvanceoftheeventthatistobefunded.

MOTION:ThatGSACouncilAPPROVE,ontheunanimousrecommendationoftheGSABoard,changestoGSAPolicy,GSAGrantApplicationPolicyandInformation,asshownintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentandeffectiveApril1,2017.SFickoMOVED.FKhodayariSECONDED.

MotionPASSEDunanimously

8. 2017GSAGeneralElectionResults:ToReceiveforInformationForPurposesofTransferringBankingSigningAuthorityMOTIONBEFORECOUNCIL:ThatGSACouncilRECEIVEFORINFORMATIONtheresultsofthe2017GSAGeneralwhereinthefollowinggraduatestudentsweredulyelectedasPresident,Vice-PresidentAcademic,Vice-PresidentExternal,Vice-PresidentLabour,andVice-PresidentStudentServices:

President BabakSoltannia Vice-PresidentAcademic FirouzKhodayari

Vice-PresidentExternal MasoudKhademi Vice-PresidentLabour SashavanderKlein Vice-PresidentStudentServices ChenyangFeng

SFickopresentedtheitemandnotedthatthereasonforbringingthe2017GSAGeneralElectionresultstoGSACouncilwastoofficiallyrecordtheirnamesintheGSACouncilminutesasitisarequirementoftheGSA’sbanktotransfersigningauthorityonMay1.

MOTION:ThatGSACouncilRECEIVEFORINFORMATIONtheresultsofthe2017GSAGeneralwhereinthefollowinggraduatestudentsweredulyelectedasPresident,Vice-PresidentAcademic,Vice-PresidentExternal,Vice-PresidentLabour,andVice-PresidentStudentServices.SFickoMOVED.TNabeSECONDED.

MotionPASSEDunanimously

9. MotionProposedbytheGraduateStudentsofEnglishCollectiveConcerningDiscussionofUnionization

ShainaHumble(English&FilmStudiesCouncillor)presentedonbehalfoftheGraduateStudentsofEnglishCollective (GSEC).

MOTIONBEFORECOUNCIL:TheGraduateStudentsofEnglishCollectivemotionsthattheGSACouncilDISCUSSANDCONSIDERDIRECTINGtheGSABoardtoengageinfurthereducationandconsultationofgraduatestudentsregardingtheirrightstounionizeandfreedomofassociation.

SHumbleexpressedthatGSEChopedthatthediscussiontodaywouldbecollaborativebetweenGSECandGSACouncilandthattheirmainconcernwasthelimitedconsultationconductedinthismatter.SheaddedthatGSECwouldliketofindwaystoincreaseinvolvementandtopreparefortheincomingGovernment’schangestothelegislation.SFickoexplainedthatGSAconsultationwasdoneoncampusandalsobytheAlbertaGraduateProvincialAdvocacyCouncil(ab-GPAC).ShenotedthattheGSAagreedthatthisitemwouldneedtocomebacktoCounciloncewegetmoreinformationbackfromthegovernment.Shespecifiedthat,atthistime,itwasunknownwhatthefutureframeworkwouldbeandthatitwouldbepreferabletoknowwherethegovernmentwouldlandonthisissuebeforespendingourtimeandenergyonthis.SFickosuggestedthatGSACouncilwaittohearbackfromgovernmentbeforediscussingthisissueanyfurther.NPratheraskediftheGSAhadanyinformationabouttheunionsofTAsandRAsinotherprovincesandaddedthattheUniversityofTorontoTAswereonstrikespecifyingthattheymighthaveusefulinformationtoshareaboutthis.NPratheragreedthatthiswasnotthebesttimetodiscussthis.TNabestatedthathehadconsideredthemotionandtheresourcesforwardedbyGSECandaskedhowmanymemberswereinthatgroup.KKvasrespondedwith91members.TNabeaskedhowmanypeoplevotedtobringthisforwardtotheGSA.SHumblerespondedthattheirquorumwas10andthatwashowmanyvotedtobringitforward.ShealsonotedthatthatthemotionwasdraftedinconsultationwiththeGSECLabourandEquityCommittee.TNabefurtherstatedthatthestatementinthepackage,thelettersentouttovariousstakeholdersattheUniversityandintheprovincialgovernment,saidthattheGSABoardactedundemocraticallyandheaskedif,beforemakingthatstatement,theyconsultedwithWadeKingoranyoneoncampusthatcoulddetermineifthatwasanaccuratestatement.KKvasrespondedthatWadeKingisahumanrightsadvocate.TNabeagreedandaskedwhywewerediscussingthisnowinsteadofwaitingforthegovernment’sresponse.SpeakerremindedGSACounciltokeeptothemotionathand.SHumblerespondedthatGSEC’smainconcernwasformoreinformationandeducation.Theywouldliketoknowhowareferendumwouldhappenandwhen.KKvasaddedthattherehadbeentwoyearsofattemptedconsultationsandseveralmonthsspentdiscussingthisissuewithmembersatlargeandtryingtogetsomethingonthetablehere.Henotedthatthesethingstakealongtime;thismightseemsuddenbuttheyhavebeendiscussingitsincelastOctober.AHarriganaskedforclarificationinregardstothemotionastowhetherGSECwasinterestedinlearningaboutmorerighttostrikeorinfightingfortherighttonothaverighttostrike.SpeakeraskedGSECtoclarifywhatthemotionwasdirectingGSABoardtodo.KKvasrespondedthatthemotionwasdirectingtheGSABoardtohavemoreconsultationandtoprovidemoreinformationtodiscusstheissuemore,neitherfornoragainsttherighttostrike.FJeanstatedthatwhentheGSAlasttriedtoconsult,therewasnotalotofresponseandaskedhowGSECplannedtogetmorepeopletorespond.SHumblerespondedthatGSEC’smaingoalwouldbeforemorecollaborationandeducation;theirdepartmentwishedformoreavenuesofresponseandmoretimeandexposure.FJeanaskedforspecificexamples.KKvas

respondedthatthereasonforthelackofengagementwasalackoftime;theydidnothavetimetoconsultadequatelywiththeirmembers.SFickostatedthatwhenallstudentswereemailed,theyreceived62responsesandthattheGSAheldatownhallandonlyonepersonattended.Shealsoindicatedthatamonthlater,theGSAhadmuchhigherresponseratesregardingconsultationontuitionfees.Sheaddedthatamandatetoeducatepeoplewasdifficultwhennooneattended.KKvasrespondedthatifpeoplehereinGSACouncilthoughtthiswasimportant,theycouldtakeittotheirownfacultiesandgetbetterresponses.SFickostatedthatGSACouncilwasaskedtoconsultwiththeirconstituentsbutstilldidnotreceivealotofinput.NPratheraddedthatvirtuallyeverygraduatestudentwasinvolvedinaclassorcoursework,thatmightbetheonlytimetogetthemalltogetherandaskedaboutthelogisticsofprovidinginformationataclassatthebeginningoftheyear.SFickoagreedthiswasagoodpointbutthiswouldonlyreachfirstyearsincemanygraduatestudentsdidnothaveclassesafterthatpoint.Additionally,theGSAstaffwasalreadystretchedwhileundertakingdepartmentalorientations(whichwouldbeasortofmodelforthis)andtheGSAmightbeforcedtohireanotherstaffmembertomakethathappen.NPratherstatedthatatleastwecouldgethighernumbers.MDuValaddedthatintheirdepartment(BioSci)thereweremanydifferentdisciplinesandthatreachingeveryoneinoneclasswouldbeimpossible.SpeakerreadoutwrittennotesfromCMore(Councillor-at-Large),whowasnotabletoattendbutwhohadsubmittedhisthoughtspriortoGSACouncil:

Idon'thavemuchtoaddtothediscussionwithoutknowingwhatthediscussionwillactuallybe,butIthoughtIwouldmentiontwopointsthatIthinkarequiteimportanttokeepinmind:(1)"Unionization"isnotthesameas"righttostrike".SarahmentionsthisinherlettertoCouncil,butIbelieveitisworthreiterating,asitisaseeminglysubtle,yetextremelyimportant,point.Mysenseisthattherighttostrikeisbeingseenasamuchmoregeneralinstrumentthanitwouldbe.Myunderstandingofthecurrentprovincialdiscussionisthat,inthe"ideal"case,thegovernmentwouldmerelyreplacetheclauseinthePost-SecondaryLearningAct(PSLA)whichcurrentlysaysthat,intheeventofacontractdispute,thetwoparties(GSAandUniversity)aresubjecttobindingarbitration,withonesayingsomethingtotheeffectthatthestudentsareentitledtostrikeunderthesamecircumstances.Thatis,studentswouldonlybeabletostrikeintheeventofacontractdispute,andonlyinthecontextofacontractdispute.Notasanegotiationtactic,notbecausethereissomeotheraspectofhowgraduatestudentsarebeingtreatedwhichneedstobeaddressed,butbecausethereisanotherwiseunresolvablecontractdispute.Tothiscontext,Iwouldaddmyownsensethattheconversationsthegovernmentiswillingtohaveonright-to-strike,forbetterorforworse,havemovedon.Ifthereisawill,aconversationcouldbehadontheGSA'sinternalconsultationprocesses,butuntilthenewlegislationispresented,additionaladvocacytothegovernmentwouldbestrictlyforshow.(2)"Unionization"isanentirelydifferentbeastthanright-to-strike.Undercurrentprovinciallegislation,itisunclearwhatflavourofunionizationwouldevenbelegal,muchlesshoweffectiveitwouldbe.Thedetailsarecomplex.Andanyattempttoanswerthosequestionsrestsonthestateofthelegislation,which,asweknow,iscurrentlybeingreviewedandlikelychangedinsomeunknownway.Whichbringsmetothecoreofmysecondpoint:Wehavenowaytopredictinwhichwaysprovinciallegislationislikelytochangeunderthecurrentreviewprocess.WhileIamcertainlysympatheticwith"simply"lookingintothewaysaGSAcouldunionize,thefactisthatevenifwewantedtoanyimplementationwouldbeincrediblycomplex.Thisisnotnecessarilyareasonnottounionize,butIwouldpointoutthatallofthelittledetails,whichwoulddeterminetheformand,moreimportantly,theeffectiveness,ofauniondependontheunderlyinglegislativeframework.Rightnow,wecannotpredicttheformofthatframework.Therefore,myrecommendationforthemotion(aspresentedinCouncilmaterials)istorejectit.Notbecauseitiswithoutmerit,butbecausenowisthewrongtime.Unionizationiscertainlysomethingtobeinvestigated,ifthewillisthere.However,givenitsinherentcomplexity,itisbestinvestigatedintheframeworkofaknownlegislativeenvironment.Oncethatframeworkisknown,anefficientandintelligentconversationcouldbehad,butnotbefore--giventhenumberofunknownsitwould,frankly,beawasteofGSAresources.

ALewisstatedthatsheseesbothsidesoftheargumentandthatwhentheGSAoriginallysentouttheemailsshespoketopeopleandhandedoutleafletsbutdidnotseegoodengagementeither.Sheaddedthat,incontrast,theyrecentlyhadameetingwheretheybroughtuprighttostrikeandwhenthepossibilityofnothavingthatrightwasaddressed,peoplebecame

moreinterested.ALewiswouldlikemoreinformationtotakebacktoherdepartments.SheaskedthekindofGraduateAssistantshipthe91studentscomprisingGSEC’smembershipheld.SHumblerespondedthattheyrepresentedavariety;mostworkasRAs,somePhDsworkedasPrincipalInstructors,someworkedasContractAcademicStaffTeachers.ALewisaskediftheywerethesisorcourse-based.SHumblerespondedthatitvaried.ALewisaddedthattheyrecentlydidasurveyonincreasingengagement:theysendmultipleemails,providedpizza,andtalkedtomanypeopleandhadabout50%responserate.ARadilaskedGSECtoclarifywhattheymeantby‘freedomofassociation’.KKvasexplainedthattherewasaconstitutionallyprotectedrighttoformandjointheassociationofyourchoice,especiallyinregardstounionsandaddedthatthisrightwasspecificallycurtailedinthisprovince,whichwasuniqueinCanada.AHarriganrespondedthattheGSAwasaunion;thewaytheAlbertaLabourRelationsBoardclassifiedunionwasagroupofpeoplewhogettogetherandvoteonstufflikethis.KKvasdisagreed,aswearenotprotectedbytheLabourRelationsBoardorEmploymentStandardsCode.TNabeaskedwhoweretheseopinionsfrom.KKvasrespondedthatthiswasafactaboutthelawinAlberta,theGSAwasunderthePost-SecondaryLearningActandthatgraduatestudentswereexcludedfromtheEmploymentStandardsCodeandtheLabourRelationsCode.NPratheraddedthathehadspentalotoftimebeingactiveinunionsandnotedthatKKvaswascorrect,unlesssomeoneisdirectlycoveredbytheLabourRelationsCodethislegislationwasnotapplicableandheaddedthattheissuewasverycomplexandweneededmoreinformation.JWorthynotedthattheGSAhadacomparisonwiththeresponsestothetuitionissueandthosetotherighttostrikeissueandnotedthatpartoftheissuewasthatmoststudentsdidnotunderstandthestakes.Headdedthateveryonehehadspokentoaboutthishadmanyquestionsthathewasnotabletoanswer,becauseofthecomplexitiesalreadymentioned.Hestatedthatgraduatestudentsdidneedmoreinformationandthatitwouldbegoodtostartdoingthisnowtobereadywhenthisissuearosesodecisionscouldbemademoreproductively.PGorsakstatedthatinspeakingtotheeightstudentsintheirnewdepartment,theywereinthesameboat–theydidnotknowwhatthismeantandhowitaffectedthem.MJuhasaskedSpeakertoclarifyifthiswasamotiontodiscussthisrightnowratherthanwhenweheardfromthegovernment.Speakerclarifiedthattherewasagreementinthatmoreinformationwasneededandthattheissueonhandwasthetiming.JWorthyaddedthatgiventhecomplexityoftheissue,weshouldbeginnowandaddedthatifwestartedonlywhenwehadthedecisionfromthegovernmentwewouldbestartingfrombehind.SFickorespondedthatthegovernmentwascurrentlychangingthelegislationandsheaddedthatwhentheycamebackitwouldlikelybeoneofthreeoptions:itwouldeithermaintainthestatusquo,addedanamendmentwithrighttostrike,orpossiblyscrappedthePSLAtomoveundertheLabourRelationsCode.Shenotedthat,untilweunderstoodtheframework,itwasdifficulttomoveahead.SheindicatedthattheGSAunderstoodthatpeoplewantedinformationbutthat,untilweunderstoodthedirectiontogoin,itwashardtoexpendGSAresources(fundsandstafftime)withoutaframework.KKvasaskedwhatexpenseswereanticipatedandwhytheGSAdidn’tjusthaveaunionrepresentativecomein.SFickoexplainedthataunionrepresentativeonlyrepresentedonesideoftheissueandthatconsultationswouldneedtobeunbiased.Shealsonotedthatprobablyonlyalabourlawyercouldpresentbothsidesoftheargumentandhiringalabourlawyercouldrepresentasignificantcost.ALewisnotedthatdependingonwhatthegovernmentcamebackwith,thismightbeanon-issueiftheykeptthestatusquo.AFahandej-SadiaskedwhentheGSAwouldhearbackfromthegovernmentandifthechangeswouldtakeeffectimmediately.SFickorespondedthatthegovernmentwasdraftinglegislationandithadtothengotoCabinetanditthendependedhoweasilyitgotthroughCabinet.Sheaddedthattheworst-casescenarioisiftherewerechangesanditcameintoeffectimmediatelyandwehadtodosomethingintimeforthenextroundofbargaining.Shespecifiedthatthesubmissionrequestedatwo-fouryeargraceperiodifthechangestothelegislationintroducedtherighttostrikelegislation.AFahandej-Sadiclarifiedthatitwasintheorderofyears.SFickoagreedthatyes,itcouldbeanywherebetweenmonthsandyears.NPratheraskedwhoweretheGSAbargainingwithandthatiftheGSAwasbargainingwiththeUniversity,whatwouldhappentostudentsgettingfundingfromoutsidesourcesandwhothebargainingagentswouldbe.HeaddedthattheAlbertaTeachers’Federation hadaBargaining101.SFickoexplainedthatrightnowtheGSAbargainedwiththeUniversityforTAs,RAs,PIs,GRAFs,andgraduatestudentsacademically-employedforshorttermemploymentandthattheGSAdidnotknowwhatthiswouldlookunderunionization.DBemisterstatedthatonecouldaskfortheGSAtoprovideinformationbutitwasnothardtogooglethesethingsonyourowntimeandnotputalltheonusontheGSA.HeaskediftheGSAshouldspendhourstalkingaboutunionizationwhentheroleofGSACouncilistorepresentallstudentsonallissuesandheaddedthattherighttostrikecameuplastmonthandnowweweretalkingaboutunionization,whichwereverydifferent.JTraynorexpressedthatwehaveanundeterminedtimelinewithpossiblelegalimplicationsintermsofwhattheGSAcouldandcouldnotdoandsheaddedthat,whileearlyconsultationisgreat,speakingtoconstituentswithoutallthefactswashard.SheaskedifitwasthesoleGSA’sresponsibilityatthistimewhenwedidnothavealltheinformation.Shenotedthatifthiswasascomplicatedanissueasitappearedtobe,wewouldneedexternalconsultation,whichcostsmoney.KKvasagreedwithJTraynorandheaddedthatweshouldbetalkingaboutthisexternallybuttheGSAwasthesolerepresentativebody.Heaskedif

theGSAwantedtobeinvolvedandrepresentthosepeople.JTraynorwasnotsurethisansweredherquestion,ofcoursetheGSAwasheretorepresentgraduatestudents,whichmayincluderighttostrikeandunionizationbutitalsoincludedmanyotherpressingissues.Sheaddedthattherewouldbeconsultationplannedassoonasthegovernmenttakesaction.SheaskedwhatthejustificationwasofusingGSAresourcesnowratherthanwhenitwouldhaveagreaterneedatanotherpoint.SHumblerespondedthatasaCouncillorshewentbacktoherdepartmentandconsultedandthattheirmainconcernwastofindwaystominimizevoterapathyandfoundthatknowledgeablepeoplegetmoreinvolved.MJuhaspointedoutthatthisdiscussionhadstrayedoutsideofscopeandthatthemotionwasveryvague.Headdedthatregardlessofwhetherthemotionpassedorfailed,therewasnocommitment;itcouldhappenintwomonthsortwoyears.JWorthyaskediftheGSAhadplanstodiscussthiswhenitcameup.SpeakerpointedoutthatthiswasintheGSACouncilMaterial.DParentstatedthatthequestionbeingaskedcouldbereducedto“WhyNow”andnotedthattherewassomethinginterestinghappeningherewherewewaitedforthegovernmenttodecide.Headdedthatitmightbehelpfultocomeupwithastrategybeforethat.HeaddedthatsomecommentshadbeenmadeabouttalkingaboutthiselsewherewereclassicunionbashingandthatGSACouncilwasnotthetimetotalkaboutthesethings,whichwasantitheticaltodemocracy.JTraynorrespondedthatitwasalwaystimetoeducateyourselftomakeinformeddecisionsbutherconcernregardsthejustificationforresourceallocationsandthatthebiggestconcernwasalackofinformationandtheamountofresourcesallocatedtohypotheticalsituationswhentherewastheprospectofconcreteinformation.KKvasstatedthatthiswasaquestionofadvocacy;ifpeoplewereinterestedinthisandwantedtheGSAtoadvocateforthemtodothat,theGSAshouldratherthanwaitingforthegovernment.HeaddedthatGSACouncillorsneededtotalktoeveryoneintheirdepartments,informthem,andseewhattheywanttodosothatweknowourpositiongoingforward.MDuValstatedthatshewouldbeshockedtofindoutthatanyoneinthisroomdisagreedwiththespiritofthemotionthequestionwastiming.NPratheragreedthatJTraynorbroughtupaseriousquestionofwhattheGSA,asanorganization,doesandheaddedthathethoughtthiswouldhelpusdecide.HeaddedthatGSACouncillorsshouldbedirectedtogatherquestionsandsubmitthemtotheexecutivetocompile.Speakeraddedthatthiswas,infact,alreadythecentral,namedresponsibilityofallGSAcouncillors.SFickoaskedCouncillorstogoforthandaskquestions.JLeifsothankedtheGSABoardandGSECforansweringsomanytoughquestionsandaskedwhatwasthenatureoftheab-GPACsubmissiontotheGovernment.SFickorespondedthatbindingarbitrationwasmoreprotectiveofgraduatestudentsasawhole.DSmirnowreferencedCMore’semailandstatedthatshewasconfusedaboutthedifferencebetweenunionizationandrighttostrikeandnotedthatthereseemedtobealotofmovingpiecesanditwasnotcleariftheywereallactuallyconnected.ShenotedthatGSECfeltthattherewasnotsufficientconsultationandsheaskedwhatGSECwastryingtoaccomplish.Speakerclarifiedthattheyfeltitwasbettertopreparenow.DSmirnowclarifiedherquestion,statingthatthereweredifferentunderlyingquestionshereandunionizationwasjustatoolandsheenquiredastowhatwasGSEC’smotivation.KKvasrespondedthatpersonally,thesheernumberoftimeshehadtriedtoenforceasimpleclauseinhisagreementandtherearenoteethbehinditandthatregardlessofwherehetookit,therewasnothingsupportinghiminadispute.SvanderKleinstatedthatinourCollectiveAgreementthefirststepwasalwaysaninformalprocessandthatthisstepcouldtakeaslongasneededtobutnevertakesasmuchtimeasfilinganofficialgrievance.DSmirnowsuggestedthatmaybeGSAresourceswouldbebetterspentonspecificcasesratherthanageneralissue.ACapellowonderediftheurgencyinthismotionwasbecauseGSECfeltliketherewasnotsufficientconsultationbeforetheabGPACsubmissionwassenttogovernment.Wecannotchangewhathasalreadyhappenedandthegovernmentwasnolongeracceptingfeedback.SheaddedthattheGSAneededtowaittohearbackfromthegovernmentsotheGSAhadabaselinefromwhichtoworkandthatthenwecandecideasagrouphowwewanttheGSAtorepresentus.Sheindicatedthat,assomeonewhosatonGSABoardandsawsomeofthebehindthescenes,theGSAtriedreallyhardtogetfeedbackfromstudents.JWorthypointedoutthatwhilewedidn’tknowwhatwouldhappen,therewereonlythreepossibilitiessowecouldbeginthatconversationandtalktostudentsaboutthat.SFickoagreed,thatyeswecantalktostudentsbutittookafairamountofresourcestodoproperconsultationoneachofthepossibilitiesandshenotedthat,asMDuValsaidearlier,GSAresourceswerelimitedsoitwouldbebettertoknow.BRichardsonpointedoutthatGSECfeltlikethestancetaken(infavourofbindingarbitration)didnotrepresentthemandaskedifanofficialresponseof“wearenotsure”wouldhavebeenpossible.SFickoexplainedthattheGSAtookthefeedbackavailableandincludeditinouropinionpiecethatwewereinfavourofbindingarbitration.BRichardsonaskediftheygavethemthemostinformedpositiontheycouldhave.SFickorespondedthatyes,theGSAreportedourfeedbackandmadearecommendation.

TNaberespondedtoDParent’searliercommentsregardingwhetherornotCouncilfeelsthattheGSABoardwasdoinganadequatejobofadvocatingonbehalfofgraduatestudents.HeandtheBusinessstudentshehadspokenwithfeltthattheyweredoingso.Heaskediftherewasariskdedicatingresourcestothiswithoutknowingthedirectionofthegovernment.KKvasrespondedthatCanadianshadtheconstitutionalrighttounionizewhethertheprovincesaidtheycanornot.AnAssociationofAcademicStaffUniversityofAlberta(AASUA)lawyersaidthatthelegislationhadtochangeeventually,basedontheSupremeCourtrulinginSaskatchewan.HeaddedthattheideathatpeopleinCanadadonothavetherighttounionizewasfaulty.SFickoclarifiedthattheSupremeCourtrulingreferredtoessentialservices,averydifferentarea,andmightnotapplyandshenotedthattheGSAconsultedalabourlawyerpriortotakingaposition.KKvasrespondedthattherewasstillanargumenttobemade.DParentpointedoutthatwearedisciplinedbytherhetoricaround‘resources’andaskedifGSACouncilcouldstrikeanadhoccommittee.SpeakerdeferredtoExecutiveDirectorforproceduralquestionandCThomasclarifiedthattheGSALabourRelationsCommitteealreadyexistedandthiswaswhatitwasfor.DParentaskedifthemotionwouldmoreadequatelybeaddressedbytheGSALRCratherthanGSABoard.MDuValremindedCouncilofthelasttimeCounciltriedtoformanadhoccommitteeandhownoonevolunteered.ThatwasabouttheHealth&Dentalplan,atopicinwhichpeoplewereveryinvested.CThomaspointedoutthattheGSALRCwouldbereplenishedatsomepointinthenextcoupleofmonthstoworkwiththeGSANegotiatingCommitteeontheopeningpositionandthiscouldbeaddedtotheLRCagenda.SheaddedthattheGSALRCwaschairedbytheVPLabourandthatmembershipwaselectedbyCouncil.SFickopointedoutthatalloftheGSAStandingCommitteesalsousedGSAresourcesbecauseofthestaffpreparationtimeandattendancerequired,evenadhoccommitteesandstandingcommitteesuseresources.MJuhaspointedoutthatthespiritofthemotionwasdifferentthanthewordingandaskedifwecouldinsert“immediately”or“inthenextthreemonths”intoit.Speakertookamomenttoconsult/clarifywithGSECthatthespiritwas,infact,“immediate”andwouldGSECliketoaddaFriendlyAmendment?KKvasagreedtotheFriendlyAmendment.SHumblereadthemotionagainbutwiththeadditionoftheFriendlyAmendmentto“immediately”engage.

MOTIONWITHFRIENDLYAMENDMENT:TheGraduateStudentsofEnglishCollectivemotionsthattheGSACouncilDISCUSSANDCONSIDERDIRECTINGtheGSABoardtoIMMEDIATELYengageinfurthereducationandconsultationofgraduatestudentsregardingtheirrightstounionizeandfreedomofassociation.SHumbleMOVED.JBeyerSECONDED.

12inFavour;38Opposed;4Abstained(MKhademi);motionFAILED.

Elections10. GSACouncilElections

Noneatthistime.ForDiscussion

11. ListofQuestionstoAskBeforeApplyingtoGraduateStudiesSarahFicko(GSAPresident)willpresenttheitem.SFickopresentedtheitemandnotedthatayearandahalfagoafriendaskedherwhatkindsofquestionstoaskasaprospectivestudentbeforecomingtograduateschool.Thislistofquestionsiswhatsheprovidedtoherandthoughtitcouldbeausefultoolforanyonethinkingaboutapplyingforgraduateschool.InconversationswithFGSR,theyindicatedthereiscurrentlynoresourcelikethisofferedandtheyexpressedinterestinhavingalistofsuggestedquestionstoaskbeforeapplying.ThesequestionswerebroughtforwardtoGSABtoreviewanddiscussandwillalsobebroughttoFGSRCouncilinApril,inordertogetbothstudentandsupervisorperspectives.Thelistofquestionsisseparatedintofourdifferentsections:self-assessmentquestions,generalquestions,questionstoaskapotentialadvisor/supervisor,andquestionstoaskothergraduatestudentswhoworkwithyourdesiredsupervisor.SFickoinvitedCouncillorstoletherknowiftheythoughtanyquestionsweremissingorifanyquestionsneededtobereworded.Sheemphasizedthesequestionswillactasaguidelineandtheyarenotmeanttobepartoftheapplicationprocessforgradschool.ItwasnotedinGSABconversationsthattherewillbeculturaldifferencesinhowpotentialstudentsandsupervisorswillapproachandphrasethesequestions.SFickoinvitedCouncillorstosentanyfeedbacktoherbeforeApril1.ALewisnotedshethoughtthelistofquestionswasagoodideaandthatbasedonherexperiencecompletinganengagementsurveywithstudentsinherdepartment,shethoughtthatalotofstudentgrievancescouldbeavoidedifstudenthasanideaofwhattoexpectingraduateschool,andhowtoselectasupervisorandaproject.ShesentthesequestionstohergraduatecoordinatorforadditionalfeedbackandindicatedshewillsendSFickoadditionalmaterialsandresourcesthathersupervisorprovidedher.

TNabeagreedthequestionswereagreatresourceandnotedthatathreadthroughouttheGSAisthatitisveryfocusedontheresearchsideofgraduatestudies.Henotedthequestionswerenotasrelevantfornon-researchbasedworkandindicatedhewouldbehappytosendSFickoideasastohowtoincorporatetheseothertypesofquestions.Hestatedhewouldalsoforwardthesequestionstohisfacultyforfeedback.MCampbellnotedthesequestionsseemmostusefulwhendecidingifsomeonewantstogotograduateschool,andaskedwherethisresourcewillbelocatedinordertoreachthepeoplewhoneeditbeforeapplyingtograduateschool.SFickorepliedshetalkedtoFGSRaboutputtingthequestionsontheFGSRwebsiteinaseriesofdrop-downtabsforprospectivestudentstoaccess.MCampbellreferencedausefulbookrelatedtothesequestionstitled“57waystoscrewupgradschool.”PVermanotedhethoughtthequestionswereagreatinitiativeandofferedanothersuggestionthathisundergraduateuniversityhadanonlineportalwhichenabledcurrentstudentstointeractwithnewcomersandsharetheirexperiencesandanswerquestionsthroughanonlinechatboard.ARadilsuggestedaddingsomebiggerpicturequestions,suchasfocusingnotjustontheworkstyleofthesupervisorbutaddingaquestiontoalsofindouttheirsupervisionphilosophy,suchastheirprioritiesintermsofstudentsandgrantwork.Shealsosuggestedaddingquestionsaboutwhatthecompetenciesarethattheythinkgraduatestudentsshouldbedevelopingoverthecourseoftheirprogramandhowtheysupportstudentsinreachingthosecompetencies.LSutherlandsuggestedstatingupfrontinthisdocumentwherestudentscangoforhelpiftheyrunintosupervisororlabourissuesandSFickorespondedthatSvanderKleinhasbeenworkingonaseconddocumentforcurrentgraduatestudentsfocusedongraduatestudentrights,whichwouldincludethoseresourcesthatLSutherlandnoted.SvanderKleinindicatedshehasbeencollaboratingwiththeOfficeofSafeDisclosureandHumanRightsandtheGraduateOmbudspersonindevelopingthegraduatestudentrightsdocumentandthatitwouldcombinetheirresourcesaswell.

Reports12. President

i. President’sReport:Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.InadditionSFickostatedthatsheattendedthelaunchofthenewMassiveOpenOnlineCourse(MOOC),IndigenousCanada.ShenotedthattheprojecttooktwoyearstocompleteandtheMOOCiscomposedof12modulesandthattheeventfeaturedCreedancersandInuitthroatsingers.SheencouragedCouncillorstotakethisMOOCtolearnmoreaboutthehistoryofCanada.

ii. GSABoardMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.

iii. BudgetandFinanceCommitteeNomeetingsthisreportingperiod.

iv. GSAGovernanceCommitteeNomeetingsthisreportingperiod.

13. GSANominatingCommitteeMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.InadditionMDuValstatedthattheGSANominatingCommitteehadfilledvacanciesonexternalbodiesandthankedthestudentswhovolunteeredtoserveonthesecommittees.

14. Vice-PresidentAcademici. Vice-PresidentAcademic’sReport:

Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.InadditionFKhodayaristatedhewashappytoansweranyquestions.

15. Vice-PresidentExternal

i. Vice-PresidentExternal’sReportMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.InadditionMKhademistatedthattheGSAandtheSUareworkingtogetheronaLetterofUnderstandingtooutlinetheprinciplesbywhichtheSUwillcollectResidenceAssociationFeesforgraduatestudentslivinginresidences.Headdedthatgraduatestudentswouldbeabletoopt-outofthesefees.Heexplainedthat,lastyear,theUniversitystoppedcollectingthesefeesandtheSUhasbeencollectingthefeessinceforundergradstudentsandthattheSUhasofferedtocollectthesefeesforgraduatestudentsaswell.

ii. GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee’sReportNomeetingsthisreportingperiod.

16. Vice-PresidentLabouri. Vice-PresidentLabour’sReport

Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.

ii. GSANegotiatingCommittee

Nomeetingsthisreportingperiod.

iii. GSALabourRelationsCommitteeNomeetingsthisreportingperiod.

17. Vice-PresidentStudentServicesi. Vice-PresidentStudentServices’Report

Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.

ii. GSAStudentAffairsAdvisoryCommittee

Nomeetingsthisreportingperiod.

18. Senatori. Senator’sReport–whenwasthiscirculated

Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.InadditionJTraynorstatedshevolunteeredtositonataskforcefortheSenateCommunityConnectionandEngagementCommitteeandthatthetaskforcewouldcontinueworkingontheDialogueonRacisminitiatedbythiscommitteeandwouldexaminewhatSenate’sroleisinracisminitiativesoncampus.SheencouragedCouncillorstocontactherwithanyideastheywouldlikebroughtforward.ShealsonotedthatshewasapproachingtheendofheroneyeartermasSenatorandsheencouragedanyoneinterestedingettinginvolvedtoputanominationforwardfortheSenatorpositionwhennominationsopen.SheindicatedthatsheincludedinherreportpicturesfromajournalingactivitythatoccurredduringSenatePlenaryinMarch,whichismodelledonU-Schooljournalingpractices.

19. Speakeri. Speaker’sReport

Nowrittenreportatthistime.

20. ChiefReturningOfficeri. ChiefReturningOfficer’sReport

Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.InadditionCMartinezstatedtherewerenocomplaintsorissuesduringtheGSAGeneralElectionortheU-PassReferendum.Sheindicatedthattherewasahighervoterturnoutthisyear,at9.7%fortheGeneralElectionand17.9%fortheU-PassReferendumandthat,movingforward,theGSAERCmetonMarch14todebriefandtheywillstartpreparingforthenextelectionaswell.TNabeaskedwhenthefourvacantCALpositionswouldbefilledandCMartinezindicatedtherewouldbeaby-electioninGSACouncil.SFenichelclarifiedtheby-electionforthesepositionswouldtakeplaceinCouncilinApril.SFickostatedtheby-electionswouldcontinueuntilalloftheCALseatsarefilledandencouragedanyinterestedstudentstorunforthesepositions.

21. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee

i. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeReportMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.

22. GSAManagementi. ExecutiveDirector’sReport

Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.InadditionCThomasstatedtheofficeispreparingforthefinancialyearendonApril1,andworkingtoreconcileallfinances.ShenotedthatauditorswouldbeonsiteinMayandearlyJune,andtheauditwouldcometoGSACouncilinJuly.QuestionPeriod

23. WrittenQuestionsNoneatthistime.

24. OralQuestionsAdjournmentThemeetingwasadjournedat8:04pm.

DearGSACouncilColleagues, April13,2017TheattacheddoublecolumnproposalsbeforeyouforconsiderationrelatetoproposedchangestothreesectionsofGSABylawandPolicy:GSACouncil,GSAOfficers,andGSAStandingCommittees,changesfirstmentionedinmyMarch20,2017reporttoGSACouncil.TheGSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)metonMarch30,2017todiscusstheseproposedsubstantivechanges,aswellassomeeditorialchangestotheBylawsandPoliciesnotedaboveandPolicyonGSACaucuses.TheseeditorialchangesarediscussedintheGSAGC’sreporttoGSACouncil.TheGSABoardalsoreviewedtheproposedchangesbeforeyounowattheirApril5,2017meeting.Overthepastyear,asmemberhaveheardfrommebefore,theGSAGChascompletedlotsofreviewoftheGSA’sgoverningdocuments,preparinganintegratedversionofGSABylawandPolicy,aswellasreviewingthegoverningdocumentsforanyneedededitorialamendments.Theproposedsubstantivechangesbeforeyounowcanbesummarizedasfollows:

o InsertionofamandatestatementandassociateddutiesforCALs.DiscussionsconcerningCALsandtheirmandate/roleshavebeenongoingsince2015andthemandatenowproposedinthedoublecolumnsbuildsuponearlierdiscussionsoftheGSAGCandGSACouncilandservestoreflectinGSABylawandPolicytherolesthatCALsalreadyplayinpractice.TheGSAGCisalsoproposingthatCALsbeaddedtothejurisdictionoftheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,asisthecasealreadywithallotherGSArepresentativeselectedeitherbyallgraduatestudentsorbyGSACouncil.

o ProposedchangestoGSABylawandPolicyonOfficersandStandingCommitteeinclude:

o AddinggeneralstatementstoselectedDEOportfoliosconcerningtheirbroadareasofresponsibilityreflectiveofthose

thattheycurrentlyfocuson.

o EnsuringthatallGSAStandingCommitteeshaveanidentifiedChairandVice-Chair.

o MovingservingontheGFCCampusLawReviewCommitteetothePresident’sportfolio(thePresidentcanalsodelegatethis)–thisiscurrentlylistedintheVice-PresidentAcademicportfoliobuttypicallyeitherthePresidentortheVice-PresidentLabourservesonit.

o MovingoversightofGSAeventsfromtheVice-PresidentExternal’sportfoliotothePresident’sportfolio.Eventsarein

theVice-PresidentExternal’sportfolioasahold-overfromwhenthatpositionwasknownastheVice-PresidentStudentLife.TheproposedchangealsospecifiesthatthePresidentoverseesGSAeventsinconsultationwithotherDEOs.

o DissolvingtheGSAStudentAffairsAdvisoryCommittee(GSASAAC),asthiscommitteehasnotmetinover5years.The

mandateofGSASAACwastoactasasoundingboardforawiderangeofmattersrelatingtostudentservicesandstudentlife,afunctionlargelyfulfilledbyGSACouncil.Ifthisremovalisapproved,theGSASAACwillalsoberemovedfromtheportfoliosoftheVice-PresidentStudentServicesandVice-PresidentExternal,whoarelistedasmembers.

o Clarifying/amendingthenumberofgraduatestudentmembersontheGSAASC,GSALRC,andGSAERC

IlookforwardtopresentingthesechangestoyouattheAprilmeetingofGSACouncilandwelcomeanyquestionsyoumayhave.Sincerely,

SarahFickoGSAPresidentandChairoftheGSAGovernanceCommitteeandtheGSABoard

PreparedbyLHareuther,JTanguay,andCThomasforGSACouncil24April2017/Users/gsaassist/GoogleDrive/320-Council/Meetings/2016-2017/April2017/FirstMailing/GSACouncil24Apr2017Item6a-OutlineofIssueGSABylawandPolicy.docx

OutlineofIssue(GSA Council)

ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonGSACouncil,GSAOfficers,andGSAStandingCommitteesSuggestedMotionforGSACouncil:

ThatGSACouncil,ontherecommendationoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee,APPROVEtheproposedchangestoGSABylawandPolicyonGSACouncil,GSAOfficers,andGSAStandingCommittees,asshownintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentsandeffectiveuponthesecondreadingbyGSACouncilinthecaseofGSABylawandtheapprovalofGSACouncilinthecaseofGSAPolicy.

NOTE1:TheproposedchangesapplytoSectionC:GSACouncil,SectionD:GSAOfficers,SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,SectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplainsBoard,SectionI:Elections,SectionK:Finances,andSectionO:GSARecognitionAwards.NOTE2:ThisisthefirstreadingofproposedchangestoGSABylaw,proposedchangestoGSAPolicyarepresentedforinformation.Background:MembersoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)discussedtheseproposalsatlengthattheirmeetingofMarch30,2017andthenvotedtorecommendtheattachedproposedchangestoGSACouncilunanimouslyviaemailvoteonApril3,2017.TheGSAGCalsoapprovedseveraleditorialchangestotheabove-notedsectionsofGSABylawandPolicy,whichareoutlinedintheGSAGCreporttoGSACouncil.AttheirApril5,2017meeting,membersoftheGSABoardreviewedtheproposedchangespriortotheironwardtransmissiontoGSACouncil.Pleaseseetheattachedcoverletterforadditionalinformation.Jurisdiction:SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.3.2.a“TheGSABisthesenioradministrativeauthorityoftheGSAasdelegatedtoitbyGSACouncil.”SectionF:StandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,StandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.4.2.aTheGCwill“adviseGSACouncilonGSABylaw,mattersofGSAPolicynotinthepurviewofanyotherGSAStandingCommittee,orothergoverningissuesandprovideareportonrecommendedchangesatthenextscheduledGSACouncilmeeting.” SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.4.2.bTheGSAGCwill“makeanyeditorialchanges(suchasfactualinaccuraciesandothereditorialissues)totheGSA’sgoverningdocumentsasdeemednecessarybytheGSAGC.”

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GSACouncil:ProposedChangestoGSABylaw,GSACouncil

CurrentBylaw(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)

Rationale/Background

SectionC:GSACouncil C.BYL.1Mandate…

Nochange.

C.BYL.2GSACouncilComposition

Nochange.

C.BYL.2.1-C.BYL.2.3.a.i…

Nochange.

C.BYL.2.3.bThedutiesofCALswillbe: AnongoingreviewofCALpositionsandassociatedmandatebeganin2015.ThemandateproposedherebuildsuponearlierdiscussionsoftheGSAGCandGSACouncilandprovidesasimplemandatestatementtoreflectwhatCALsarealreadydoinginpractice.IntheproposedchangestoSectionF:GSAStandingCommittee,CALswillalsobeaddedtothejurisdictionoftheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,asisthecasealreadywithallotherGSArepresentativeselectedeitherbyallgraduatestudentsorbyGSACouncil. TheseproposedchangesalsoensurethissectionparallelsC.BYL.2.2.bonDepartmentalCouncillors.

C.BYL.2.3.b.iToattendallmeetingsofGSACouncil,

ToparallelC.BYL.2.2.b.iionDepartmentalCouncillors.

C.BYL.2.3.b.iiToensurethattheSpeakerandGSAofficearekeptuptodatewiththeirnames,departmentaladdresses,andcontactinformation,and

ToparallelC.BYL.2.2.b.iiionDepartmentalCouncillors.

C.BYL.2.3.b.iiiToprovideadditionalvoicesonGSACouncilfromthoseofferedbyDepartmentalCouncillors.

ClearmandatestatementforCALstoreflectwhattheyalreadydoinpractice.AstheyareelectedeitherbyallgraduatestudentsorbyGSACouncil,CALsprovideadditionalvoicestothoseofferedbyDepartmentalCouncillors.

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6.3GSAOfficers:ProposedChangestoGSABylawandGSAPolicy,GSAOfficers

SectionD:GSAOfficers,GSABylaw,GSAOfficers D.BYL.1General

Nochange.

D.BYL.1.1-D.BYL.1.4.a… Nochange.

D.BYL.1.4.bAnychangesinthestipendabovetheConsumerPriceIndexaresubjecttoexplicitapprovalbyGSACouncil.AnychangestothehonorariumaresubjecttoexplicitapprovalbyGSACouncil.

ProposedadditiontonotethatchangestohonorariabeyondCPIrequireapprovalbyGSACouncil.Thissectioniscross-referencedasanotefromGSAManagementinSectionK,Finances,GSAPolicy:BudgetPrinciples,Practices,andProcedures,andwillneedtobechangedthereaswellifthisproposalisapproved.

D.BYL.2Directly-ElectedOfficers

Nochange.

D.BYL.2.1D.BYL.2.2.f…

Nochange.

D.BYL.3Council-ElectedOfficers

Nochange.

D.BYL.3.1.a–D.BYL.3.1.e…

Nochange.

D.BYL.3.1.fCandidatesarenotallowedtorunformultiplepositionsand,ifelected,maynotholdotherCouncil-ElectedOfficerpositions.

NewsectiontoensurethatcandidatesforSpeaker,DeputySpeaker,CRO,andDROpositionsarenotnominatingthemselvesformultiplepositionsorholdingmultiplepositions.ParallelsGSAPolicywithrespecttoDEOs.

D.BYL.3.2–D.BYL.3.3… Nochange.

CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)

SectionD:GSAOfficers,GSAPolicy,GSAOfficerPortfolios D.POL.4GeneralInformationandQualifications Nochange.

D.POL.4.1-D.POL.4.11… Nochange.

6.4D.POL.4.12DEOswillreportmonthlytoGSACouncilinwriting;thesereportswillbesharedpublicly.Reportswillincludealistofallmeetingsattended,aswellashighlightsofworkdone,initiativesinvolvedwith,etcsincepreviousreports.DEOswillalsoreportorallytoGSACouncilateachmeetingattended.

ProposedadditiontospecifythereportingproceduresthatDEOscurrentlydoinpractice.

D.POL.5President

Nochange.

D.POL.5.1Duties

Nochange.

D.POL.5.1.a–D.POL.5.1.i…

Nochange.

D.POL.5.1.j The President oversees, in consultation with other DEOs and theExecutiveDirector(ED)ordelegate,allGSAevents.

ProposaltoputintoGSAPolicywhatiscurrentlydoneinpractice.ThePresidentcurrentlyoverseesthesematters,inconsultationwithotherDEOsandtheED.

D.POL.5.1.jD.POL.5.1.-D.POL.5.1.mD.POL.5.1.n…

Nochangeexcepttorenumber.

D.POL.5.2Committees

Nochange.

D.POL.5.2.aThePresidentisanon-votingmemberofallGSAStandingCommittees.

ProposedchangetoalignwithproposedchangestoGSAPolicy,StandingCommittees,whichwouldputintoGSAPolicywhatisalreadydoneinpractice,wherebyDEOscanattendanyGSAStandingCommittee,pendingapprovalfromtherelevantcommitteeChair.

D.POL.5.2.bD.POL.5.2.a-D.POL.5.2.e.viiD.POL.5.2.d.vii… Nochangeexcepttorenumber.

D.POL.5.2.e.d.viiiTheGFCCampusLawReviewCommittee(GFCCLRC),

MovedfromVPA;Presidenttypicallydelegates.Renumbering.

D.POL.5.2.e.viiiD.POL.5.2.d.ix-D.POL.5.2.e.ixD.POL.5.2.d.xi… Nochangeexcepttorenumber.

D.POL.5.3Qualifications

Nochange.

D.POL.5.3.a…

Nochange.

D.POL.6Vice-PresidentAcademic Nochange.

D.POL.6.1-D.POL.6.1.e… Nochange.

D.POL.6.2Committees

Nochange.

6.5D.POL.6.2.aTheVPAisamemberoftheGSANegotiatingCommittee(GSANC)(asVice-Chair).

ChangetoparallelproposedchangestoGSAPolicy,StandingCommittees,ifapproved.

D.POL.6.2.b-D.POL.6.2.c.vix…

Nochange.

D.POL.6.2.c.xTheGFCCampusLawReviewCommittee(GFCCLRC).

MovedtoPresident’sportfolio,seeaboveD.POL.5.2.d.viii.Inpractice,thePresidenthasdelegatedthistoaVPandtheVPAhasnotserved.

D.POL.6.2.c.xi-D.POL.6.2.c.xviD.POL.6.2.c.x–D.POL.6.2.c.xv… Nochangeexcepttorenumber.

D.POL.6.3Qualifications Nochange.

D.POL.6.3.a

Nochange.

D.POL.7Vice-PresidentExternal

Nochange.

D.POL.7.1.-D.POL.7.1.a.iii Nochange.

D.POL.7.1.bTheVPEisresponsibleforconsultingwiththeGSABoardandtheEDordelegateonmattersrelatedtoOrientation,AwardsNight,andsimilaractivities,withtheEDresponsiblefordeliveryoftheseevents.

ProposaltomovethistothePresident’sportfolioas,incurrentpractice,thePresidenthasoversightofGSAeventsandconsultswiththeDEOs.EventsarestilllocatedintheVPEportfolioasaholdoverfromwhentheVPStudentLifepositionunderwentatitlechangetoVPExternal.

D.POL.7.1.cD.POL.7.1.b-D.POL.7.1.eD.POL.7.1.d

Nochangeexcepttorenumber.

D.POL.7.2Committees Nochange.

D.POL.7.2.aTheVPEchairstheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee(GSAASC),andco-chairstheGSAStudentAffairsAdvisoryCommittee(GSASAAC)withtheVPSS.

ProposeddeletiontoremovingreferencetotheVPEmembershiponGSASAAC,iftheproposedchangetoremoveSAACisapprovedbyGSACouncil.

D.POL.7.2.bTheVPEisamemberoftheGSALRC(asVice-Chair).

D.POL.7.2.c–D.POL.7.2.c.vi… Nochange.

D.POL.7.3Qualifications Nochange.

D.POL.7.3.a-D.POL.7.3.b Nochange.

D.POL.8Vice-PresidentLabour Nochange.

D.POL.8.1.a-D.POL.8.1.g… Nochange.

D.POL.8.2.a…

Nochange.

D.POL.8.2.bTheVPLisamemberoftheGSAASC(asVice-Chair),theGSAGC(asVice-Chair),theGSABFC(asVice-Chair),andtheGSAFGSRCouncilCaucus.

D.POL.8.2.c–D.POL.8.2.c.i… Nochange.

D.POL.8.2.c.iiTheProtectiveServicesAdvisoryCommittee.,and

Editorialchange.

D.POL.8.2.c.iiiCommitteesrelatedtoworkplacehealthandsafetyissues,campusalcoholissues,andmentalhealthandwellnessissues.

ProposedadditiontoclarifythattheVPLcurrentlyandhistoricallyrepresentstheGSAonmentalhealthandwellnessissues.

Nochange.

D.POL.8.3.a–D.POL.8.3.b… Nochange.

D.POL.9Vice-PresidentStudentServices Nochange.

D.POL.9.1.a-D.POL.9.1.j… Nochange.

D.POL.9.2.aTheVPSSco-chairstheGSASAACwiththeVPE.

D.POL.9.2.b-D.POL.9.2.b.ixD.POL.9.2.a–D.POL.9.2.a.ix… Nochangeexcepttorenumber.

Nochange.

D.POL.9.3.a… Nochange.

/Users/gsaassist/GoogleDrive/320-Council/Meetings/2016-2017/April2017/FirstMailing/GSACouncil24Apr2017Item6d-GSAStandingCommitteesDoubleColumn.docx

GSAStandingCommittees:ProposedChangestoGSABylawandGSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees

GSABylaw,SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees F.BYL.1General F.BYL.1.1–F.BYL.1.3.c…

Nochange.

F.BYL.1.3.dStudentAffairsAdvisoryCommittee,

ObsoleteCommittee–hasnotmetinmanyyears.

F.BYL.1.3.eF.BYL.1.3.dGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee,

Renumbering.

F.BYL.1.3.fF.BYL.1.3.eGSANegotiatingCommittee,

Renumbering.

F.BYL.1.3.gF.BYL.1.3.fGSALabourRelationsCommittee,

Renumbering.

F.BYL.1.3.hF.BYL.1.3.gGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee,

Renumbering.

F.BYL.1.3.iF.BYL.1.3.hGSANominatingCommittee,and

Renumbering.

F.BYL.1.3.jF.BYL.1.3.iGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard.

Renumbering.

F.BYL.1.4AdHocCommittees

Nochange.

F.BYL.1.4.a…

Nochange.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees F.POL.2General

Nochange.

F.POL.2.1Unlessotherwisespecified,quorumofStandingCommitteeswillbefour(4)membersofthatCommittee.

ProposedchangesbelowintroduceaquorumforeachGSAStandingCommittee.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees F.POL.2.2F.POL.2.1IfTtheChair(orChairs)ofaGSAStandingCommitteeisabsentorhasaconflictofinterest,theVice-ChairwillassumetheresponsibilitiesoftheChair(asperGSAPolicy,PerformanceandConduct,ConflictofInterest,andConflictofCommitment).maydelegatetheirresponsibilitiesaschairtoanothermemberofthecommittee,subjecttotheapprovalofthecommittee.TheChairandVice-ChairarevotingmembersofallGSAStandingCommitteesofwhichtheyaremembers.

ProposedchangetointroduceaVice-ChairforeachGSAStandingCommitteeandrenumbering.

F.POL.2.3F.POL.2.2IntheabsenceoftheChairandVice-Chair(orChairs),themembersofaGSAStandingCommitteemayselectaninterimChairfromitsmembershipbymajorityvote,withsuchanappointmenttolastforthedurationoftheChair’sabsence.

Toaccordwiththeproposedchangeaboveandrenumbering.

F.POL.2.4F.POL.2.3… Nochangeexceptrenumbering.

F.POL.2.4AnyDirectly-ElectedOfficers(DEOs)mayattendanyGSAStandingCommitteemeetingsasaguestfollowingapprovalfromtheChairofthecommittee.

ProposedadditiontoenableDEOstoattendanyGSAStandingCommitteemeetingasaguestfollowingapprovalfromtheChairofthecommittee.GSAPolicyforBFC(K.POL.2.3)currentlyspecifiesthatallDEOsarewelcometoattendGSAGFCmeetings.ProposaltoexpandthistootherGSACommitteesaswell.

F.POL.2.5–F.POL.2.9.e…

Nochange.

F.POL.3GSABoard Nochange.

F.POL.3.1-F.POL.3.1.c…

Nochange.

F.POL.3.1.dAllCouncil-ElectedOfficersTheSpeakerandSenator,(SectionD:GSAOfficers,GSABylaw,GSAOfficers,SectionD.BYL.3)asnon-votingmembers.

Inpractice,theCRO,inordertomaintainneutrality,doesnotattendGSABmeetings.Likewise,inpractice,theDeputySpeakerdoesnotattendGSABmeetingsunlessactingintheroleitself.

F.POL.3.1.e–F.POL.3.3.c…

Nochange.

F.POL.4GSAGovernanceCommittee Nochange.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees F.POL.4.1-F.POL.4.2.c… Nochange.

F.POL.4.3Meetings EditorialchangetostandardizelanguagethroughouttheGSAStanding

CommitteesPolicy.

F.POL.4.3.aQuorumisthree(3)votingmembersincludingeithertheChairorVice-Chair.

AdditionofaquorumforGSAGC,asitisproposedtoremovethegeneralstatementinthecurrentF.POL.2.1that“Unlessotherwisespecified,quorumofStandingCommitteeswillbefour(4)membersofthatCommittee.”

F.POL.5GSABudgetandFinanceCommittee

Nochange.

SeeSectionK:Finances,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSABudgetandFinanceCommittee.

Nochange.

SectionK:Finances,GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees,GSABudgetandFinanceCommittee

Nochange.

K.POL.2Composition

Nochange.

K.POL.2.1–K.POL.2.5…

Nochange.

K.POL.2.6AllDirectly-ElectedOfficers(DEOs)arewelcometoattendGSABFCmeetings.

ProposedchangetoexpandthisstatementsothatDEOsarewelcometoattendanyGSAStandingCommittee,followingapprovalfromtheChairofthecommittee.DeletionpendingapprovalofnewgeneralstatementinK.POL.2.4,above.

K.POL.3–K.POL.4.1…

Nochange.

F.POL.6GSANegotiatingCommittee Nochange.

F.POL.6.1–F.POL.6.2.g… Nochange.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees F.POL.6.3.Meetings

EditorialchangetostandardizelanguagethroughouttheGSAStandingCommitteesPolicy.

F.POL.6.3.aQuorumisthree(3)votingmembersincludingeithertheChairorVice-Chair.

AdditionofaquorumforGSANC,asitisproposedtoremovethegeneralstatementinF.POL.2.1that“Unlessotherwisespecified,quorumofStandingCommitteeswillbefour(4)membersofthatCommittee.”

F.POL.7GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee Nochange.

SeeSectionO:GSARecognitionAwards,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee.

Nochange.

GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee

Nochange.

O.POL.3Composition

Nochange.

O.POL.3.1…

Nochange.

O.POL.3.2 The Vice-President Labour (VPL) serves on the GSA ASC as Vice-Chair,and

ProposedchangetoformalizeVPLasVice-Chairofthiscommittee.Renumbering.

O.POL.3.3 A minimum of eight (8) and up to twelve (12) graduate studentmembers-electedbyGSACouncil asvotingmembers.TheGSAASCChair, inconsultation with the GSA ASC Vice-Chair and the Chair of the GSANominating Committee, can decide to increase the number of graduatestudentmembersontheGSAASC.

Aminimumofeightmembers,whileallowingforthecompositiontoincludemoremembersasdeterminedbytheChair,betterreflectstheworkloadofthecommitteewithrespecttothenumberofmembersneeded,whilestillallowingforincreasedmembershipintheeventthatasignificantnumberofawardapplicationsarereceivedinagivenyear.

O.POL.3.4TheVPEwilldesignateamemberoftheGSAASCtoactasChairintheirabsenceorinthecaseofaconflictofinterest.

ToalignwithproposedsubstantivechangestoGSAOfficerPortfolios,andO.POL.3.2above,whichnamestheVPLasVice-ChairoftheGSAASC.

O.POL.4–O.POL.6.1… Nochange.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees F.POL.8GSALabourRelationsCommittee Nochange.

F.POL.8.1Composition

Nochange.

F.POL.8.1.a-F.POL.8.1.b… Nochange.

F.POL.8.1.cAminimumoffour(4)anduptoeight(8)graduatestudentmembers,electedbyGSACouncil,asvotingmembers.TheGSALRCChair,inconsultationwiththeGSALRCVice-ChairandtheChairoftheGSANoC,candecidetoincreasethenumberofgraduatestudentmembersontheGSALRC.

ProposedchangetospecifythecompositionoftheGSALRCasthiswasmissing.

F.POL.8.2Mandate

Nochange.

F.POL.8.2.aTheGSALRCwilldiscussissuesofconcernregardinggraduatestudentassistantships.

Seebelow:clarificationconcerningthebroadmandateoftheGSALRC.

F.POL.8.2.bTheGSALRCwillassisttheVPLonissueswithgraduatestudentassistantshipaswellaswiththeinterpretationoftheCA(s).

F.POL.8.2.cTheGSALRC,inconsultationwiththeGSANC,willeducategraduatestudentsabouttheCA.

F.POL.8.2.aAdvisetheVPLandtheGSANCwithrespecttothedevelopmentoftheOpeningPositionforCAnegotiationsandotherissuesrelatedtonegotiationsasrequestedbytheVPL.

ClarificationconcerningthebroadmandateoftheGSALRC.

F.POL.8.2.bAdviseandassistwithrespecttoeducatinggraduatestudentsontheCAasrequestedbytheVPL.

F.POL.8.2.cAdviseonlabourrelatedmattersandtheCAasrequestedbytheVPL.

F.POL.8.3–F.POL.8.3.a…

Nochange.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees F.POL.9GSAStudentAffairsAdvisoryCommitteeF.POL.9.1CompositionF.POL.9.1.aTheGSAStudentAffairsAdvisoryCommittee(SAAC)isco-chairedbytheVice-PresidentExternalandVice-PresidentStudentServices.F.POL.9.2MandateF.POL.9.2.aTheGSASAACwillactasasoundingboardforawiderangeofmattersrelatingtostudentservicesandstudentlife.

Obsoletecommitteethathasnotmetinmanyyears.

F.POL.10F.POL.9GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee

Nochangeexceptrenumbering.

SectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee

Nochange.

I.POL.18Composition

Nochange.

I.POL.18.1Two(2)membersfromamongsttheeight(8)six(6)votingmembersoftheGSAERCwillbeelectedbytheGSAERCtoserveasChairandVice-ChairforthedurationoftheirtimeontheGSAERCoruntiltheyresigntheirpositions.TheelectionoftheChairandVice-ChairoftheGSAERCwillnormallyoccuratthebeginningofthefalltermandthepersonselectedwillbereportedtoGSACouncil,

Aminimumofsixmembersbetterreflectstherequirementsforthecommittee,inordertoprovideapluralityofvoiceswithoutthecommitteemembershipbeingunwieldyintermsofscheduling.ThisproposedchangewasdiscussedbytheGSAERCattheirMarch14,2017meetingandtheyweresupportiveofloweringthemembershipfrom8membersto6members.

I.POL.18.2Atotalofeight(8)six(6)graduatestudentmembers,includingatleastone(1)memberofGSACouncilelectedbyGSACouncil,asvotingmembers,

Seeaboverationale.

I.POL.18.3–I.POL.18.21.1…

Nochange.

F.POL.11F.POL.10GSANominatingCommittee… NochangestoF.POL.11orSectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSANominatingCommittee,exceptrenumberingtoF.POL.10,if

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees GSACouncildecidestoremovetheGSASAAC.

F.POL.12F.POL.11GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard

Renumbering,ifGSACouncildecidestoremovetheGSASAAC.

SectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard

Nochange.

H.POL.1PerformanceandConductofGSAOfficers

Nochange.

H.POL.1.1TheGSAexpectsGSAOfficersandCALstocontributetothecarryingoutoftheGSA’sfiduciarydutytorepresenttheinterestsofgraduatestudentsattheUniversityofAlbertathroughconductthatexhibitsthehighestethicalandprofessionalstandards.ThesegraduatestudentrepresentativesareexpectedtoobserveGSABylawandPolicy,andareexpectedtoperformtheirdutieswithdiligence.

AdditionofCALStothejurisdictionoftheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,asisthecasealreadywithallotherGSArepresentativeselectedeitherbyallgraduatestudentsorbyGSACouncil.

H.POL.1.2GSAOfficersandCALscanbeheldaccountablefortheirconduct(includingconflictofinterestorconflictofcommitment)and/ortheperformanceoftheirdutiesandrelatedmatters(includingattendanceandconfidentiality),andmayberemovedfromoffice(seeSectionC:GSACouncil,GSAPolicy,C.POL.5andSectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard).

Seeaboverationale.

H.POL.2–H.POL.5.9…

Nochange.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard

Nochange.

H.POL.6Jurisdiction…

Nochange.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees H.POL.6.1TheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(GSAACB)isresponsibleforhearinganddecidingappealsofGSAChiefReturningOfficer(CRO)decisionsandcomplaintsaboutGSAOfficersandCALsasallowedbySection94(3)ofthePost-SecondaryLearningAct.

Seeaboverationale.

H.POL.6.2…

Nochange.

H.POL.6.2.aComplaintsabouttheperformanceorconductofGSAOfficersandCALsoraboutconflictofinterestorcommitmentrelatingtoGSAOfficersorCALs(seeSectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,GSAPolicy,PerformanceandConduct,ConflictofInterest,andConflictofCommitmentandSectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommitteeMembers,andRepresentativeonUniversityGoverningBodiesandCommittees)

Seeaboverationale.

H.POL.6.2.b-H.POL.8.8…

Nochange.

H.POL.9CompositionofGSAACBHearingCommittees Nochange

H.POL.9.1ForthepurposeofhearingappealsofCROdecisions,thecompositionandquorumisthree(3)membersoftheGSAACB.ForthepurposeofhearingcomplaintsaboutGSAOfficersandCALs,thecompositionandquorumisfive(5)GSAACBmembersofwhichatleasttwo(2)mustbeDepartmentalCouncillors,alternates,orrecentformerDepartmentalCouncillors.

Seeaboverationale.

H.POL.9.2-H.POL.14.1…

Nochange.

H.POL.15ComplaintsAboutthePerformanceorConductofGSAOfficersandCALs,IncludingComplaintsAboutConflictofInterestorCommitment

Seeaboverationale.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees H.POL.15.1ReceiptofComplaintsandSettingtheHearingDate(s)

Nochange.

H.POL.15.1.aComplaintsaboutaGSAOfficer(s)orCAL(s)willbedirectedtotheGSAACBChairandcopiedtotheED.

Seeaboverationale.

H.POL.15.1.bComplaintsmaybemadebyanyperson(s).

Nochange.

H.POL.15.1.cComplaintsabouttheperformanceorconductofaGSAOfficer(s)oraCAL(s),oraboutconflictofinterestorcommitmentrelatingtoGSAOfficer(s)orCAL(s)mustbeinwriting(ienotoral),andsigned.TheymustprovideacompletedescriptionofthecircumstancesthathavepromptedtheComplaint,alistofanyknownwitnessestheComplainantintendstocall,andanysuggestedremedyoraction.

Seeaboverationale.

H.POL.15.1.d–H.POL.15.2…

Nochange.

H.POL.15.2.aTheGSAACBChairwillsendtheComplainttotheGSAOfficer(s)ortotheCAL(s)beingcomplainedabout,copiedtotheED.TheGSAACBChairwillrequireaResponse,tobereceivedwithinfifteen(15)workingdays,andwillaskaboutthepossibilityofinformalresolution;thedeadlineforaResponsemaybeadjustedaccordingly.

Seeaboverationale.

H.POL.15.2.b–H.POL.15.7…

Nochange.

H.POL.15.8PowersofaGSAACBHearingCommitteeConcerningGSAOfficer(s)andCAL(s).

Seeaboverationale.

H.POL.15.8.a-H.POL.15.8.b…

Nochange.

H.POL.15.8.cIftheComplaintisupheld,theGSAACBHearingCommitteemay Seeaboverationale.

GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees issuealetterofwarningtotheGSAOfficer(s)ortheCAL(s)relatedtoperformance,conduct,orconflictofinterest/commitment;maysetoutclearexpectationsforfutureperformance,conduct,orconflictofinterest/commitment;ormakeanyotherdecisionappropriatetothecircumstances.TheGSAACBChairwillmonitorthesituation.IfthereisafurthercomplaintaboutthesameGSAOfficer(s)orCAL(s),thewrittendecisionoftheinitialGSAACBHearingCommitteewillbemadeavailableforanyfurtherhearingtogetherwithareportonthemonitoringofthesituationbytheGSAACBChair.H.POL.15.8.d…

Nochange.

H.POL.15.8.eTheGSAACBHearingCommitteemayremovetheCAL(s)fromtheirposition,anddeclarethepositionvacant.

Seeaboverationale.

H.POL.15.8.eH.POL.15.8.f

Nochangeexceptrenumbering.

H.POL.15.8.fH.POL.15.8.gTheGSAACBChairwillattendGSACouncilandreportbriefly,inclosedsession,onComplaintsconcerningGSAOfficer(s)andCAL(s)thathavebeenheardanddecided.

Seeaboverationaleandrenumbering.

H.POL.16AppealsofaCRODecision…

Nochange.

/Users/gsaassist/GoogleDrive/320-Council/Meetings/2016-2017/April2017/SecondMailing/GSACouncil24Apr2017Item7-NomineesfortheGSACouncillor-at-LargeBy-Election.docx

GSANOMINATINGCOMMITTEE(GSANoC)GSACouncillor-at-LargeBy-Election(4POSITIONS):

9NOMINEESInthe2017GSAGeneralElection,six(6)outoften(10)Councillor-at-Largepositionswerefilled.IntheGSAnewslettersofMarch24,31,April7,and13,2017,theGSANoCadvertisedfortheremainingfour(4)vacantGSACouncillor-at-Largepositions.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasApril11,2017andnine(9)nominationswerereceived.AcallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonApril13,2017.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasThursday,April20,2017andnoadditionalnominationswerereceived.

TherewillbeapaperballotvoteheldattheApril24,2017GSACouncilmeeting.

IfyouandyouralternateareunabletoattendtheApril24,2017,meetingofGSACouncilandwouldliketocastanelectronicvoteforthisposition,youmustcontacttheGSANominatingCommitteeCoordinator(gsa.nomcomm@ualberta.ca)BEFORE

3:00PMonMondayApril24,2017,inordertocastyourvoteinadvanceoftheGSACouncilmeeting.Nomineesforthispositionarelistedinalphabeticalorderbylastnameandwillbepresentedinreversealphabeticalorder

ontheballot.‘NoneoftheCandidates’willalsobeconsideredanominee.

1. SylvesterAgbo(CivilEngineering)2. SpencerBalay(BiologicalSciences)3. HosseinHosseiniparvar(Music)4. SachinKaushik(MINT)5. KerolousMesseha(Medicine)6. NicoleNoel(BiologicalSciences,MedicalGeneticsasofSept2017)7. MostafaTawfeek(CivilEngineering)8. AndrewsTawiah(RehabScience)9. BraydenWhitlock(Physiology)

Jurisdiction:SectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.16.3“IntheeventthatanyCALpositionsarenotfilledbytheendoftheGSAGeneralElection,oraCALpositionisvacatedpriortoDecember1(orthenextworkingday)GSACouncilwillberesponsibleforelectinganyremainingCALs.WhenelectinganyRemainingCALs,theGSACouncilwillaimtoelectgraduatestudentsfromasbroadarangeofdisciplinesaspossible.TheGSANoCwilldecideonproceduresandthenprovideoneormorenamestoGSACouncilforconsideration,exceptthattheGSANoCmaynotwaiveadvertising.NotethatthelegislatedGSANoCprocessallowsforCouncillorstomakeadditionalnominations.Ifthematterisurgent,GSACouncilcanholdthiselectionelectronically.”Thenamesandbiographiesreceivedforthenine(9)nomineesareBELOWonpages7.1-7.4.Biographiesarepresentedasreceived(ienotedited).

BiographiesandResumesofNominees(9Nominees)

1. SylvesterAgboAnyothercommittees:NoSylvesterAgbo’sBioIwasbornandraisedinEnugu,Nigeriabymyparents.IspeakEnglishfluentlysinceEnglishistheinstructionlanguageinallschoolsIattended.AfteraBScdegreeinCivilEngineeringattheUniversityofBenin(UNIBEN),Nigeria(2008),IstudiedattheFederalUniversityofTechnologyOwerri(FUTO),NigeriaandobtainedaMSc.StructuralEngineering(2014).WhileIwasatUNIBEN,IrepresentedtheFacultyofEngineeringinthestudent’sparliament.WhileIwasatFUTOIservedasthesecretarygeneralofpostgraduatestudentassociationwhereIrepresentedthepostgraduatestudentsintheschoolgoverningcouncil.HereattheUofA,IamamemberoftheYoungPipelinersAssociationofCanada,UniversityofAlbertaandAQueenElizabethIISilverJubileeScholar.IvolunteeredforGraduateStudentscareerexplorationsymposium,W.PWagner-Highschoolmentorship,USchoolmentorship,VisitingLectureshipinHumanRight,GlobalEducationprogramsduringtheInternationalweek.SylvesterAgbo’sResumeIstartedmyPhDstudyinSeptember2016,inthedepartmentofCivilandEnvironmentalEngineeringwhereIamstudyingtheeffectsofinternalpressureandcircumferentialflawonthetensilestraincapacityofX42NPSpipelinesundercomplexloadingcondition.IworkinDr.SamerAdeebresearchgroupwithagoodindustrialcollaboration.Aftermyundergraduatedegree,IworkedintheindustryforfouryearswhereIrosetomanagementlevelbeforejoiningFUTOasaGraduateTeachingAssistantinCivilEngineeringdepartmentin2012andcontinueduntilIcametoUofAin2016.SinceIstartedmyPhDinUofAinSeptember2016,IhavebeenaGraduateTeachingAssistantforCIVE395forfall2016andcurrentlyforCIVE295.IaminterestedinservingasGSACouncilor-at-LargebecauseIhavepassionincontributingtodiscussionsanddebatesthatleadtoqualitydecisionmakingforthewell-beingofthepeopleandtofurtherdevelopmyleadershipskills.Iamfreeatthetimesthiscommitteewillmeetandhaveaflexibleschedulethatcanaccommodatesittingonabusycommittee.

2. SpencerBalay

Anyothercommittees:NoSpencerBalay’sBioMynameisSpencerBalayandIamrunningforaGSACouncillor-at-Largeposition.IwasborninCamrose,AlbertaandrecentlycompletedmyBachelorsofScienceSpecializationinAnimalBiologyattheUniversityofAlberta(2016).Iaminterestedinanimalbehaviorandthemechanismsthatgovernthem,andamspecificallystudyingmeansofanimalnavigationstrategies.Iamanavidoutdoorsperson,andlovetokeepbothmymindandbodyactive.IamverypassionateabouttheGraduateStudentexperience,andamlookingforwardtorepresentingtheGSA.SpencerBalay’sResumeIamcurrentlyinmyfirstyearofaMSc.programintheDepartmentofBiologicalScienceswithDr.TedAllison.Iamstudyingtheroleofretinalphotoreceptorsinthereceptionofmagneticinformationusingmolecularandbehavioralparametersinzebrafish.DuringmyBSc.program,Ihadtheopportunitytoworkinadiverserangeofresearchareas:IhaveanalyzedvegetationdiversityinEdmontonurbanparklands,studiedGrizzlyBearuseofrailwaysandtheassociatedrailhabitatinBanff,collectedsmallmammalpopulationdatainMbuluzi(Swaziland)andexploredcoralreefhabitatsinTofo(Mozambique).Myvolunteerexperiencemostlystemsfromonthegroundfieldbasedresearchprojects,butIhaverecentlyservedasaGraduateStudentproxyfortheDepartmentofBiologicalSciencesCurriculumandCoursesCommittee(CCC)andplantoremaininvolved.IamlookingforwardtobeingmoreactiveinmyGraduateStudentcommunity!

3. HosseinHosseiniparvar

Anyothercommittees:NoHosseinHosseiniparvar’sBioIwasbornandgrewupinMashhad,Iran.IstudiedengineeringatAmirkabirUniversity(TehranPolytechnic),Tehran,Iran.Afterreceivingmybachelordegreeandfewyearsofworkingintheindustry,IdecidedtopursuemyeducationfurtherthroughanMBAprogram.Besidesmyextracurricularactivities,mypassionformusicdirectedmetobecomeacofounderandorganizeroftwonationalmusicfestivalsinTehran,Iran,2006and2011.AftermovingfromTehrantoEdmontononAugust2015,Ichangedmymajortomusicandestablishedanewpathformyfutureeducation,andstartedmyMAprograminEthnomusicologyinfall,2016attheUniversityofAlberta.

HosseinHosseiniparvar’sResumeIaminthefirstyearofanMAprograminethnomusicologyatthemusicdepartmentofUniversityofAlberta,andanactivestudentbothasscholarandcomposer.Asanethnomusicologystudent,Ireadaboutthedifferentissuesontheinterrelationshipofmusicandvariousaspectsofsociety.Mygoalistobuildupavocabularythatenablesmetoofferabroaderrealizationofsomecommonintra-culturalaspectsofoursociety.IamcurrentlyworkingasaresearchassistantforAghaKhanGardenprojectthatisgoingtobeconstructedintheUniversityofAlbertaBotanicgarden.AsRA,myresearchistostudydifferentcollectionsofsoundsandmusicalcompositionsfromvariouspartsoftheIslamicateworldandextractarepresentativesoundscapethatcouldbemappedinthegarden.Iamaresearchassistantinanotherprojectthatisultimatelygoingtobeadirectorydatabaseforacompletelistofmusicalfiguresandevents,residedorhappenedinthecontemporaryhistoryofEdmonton,Alberta.IaminterestedinbecomingamemberofthiscommitteeasIbelieveinvolunteeringforthedecisionmakingprocessthataffectsmyowncommunity.Ihavevariousvolunteerexperiencesinthepast,especiallyinculturalactivitiesandIwouldliketooffermyunderstandingandideasonthesematterspredominantlyandotheraspectsofimprovingoursharedlivestothegoverningbodyofourcommunity.

4. SachinKaushikAnyothercommittees:NoSachinKaushik’sBioIwasbornandraisedinDelhi,India.ItookgraduatedegreefromIndiainBachelorofTechnologyinElectronics.Then,IworkedforMNCfortwoyears.IcameEdmontontoperusemymaster’sdegreeinInternetworks.Myresearchinterestincludessoftwaredefinednetworks,neuralnetworksandartificialIntelligence.Ilovetoreadbooksandenjoyyoga.SachinKaushik’sResumeIamnowasecond-yearMSstudentinthedepartmentofcomputingsciencestudyingInterworking.Aftermyundergraduatedegree,IworkedasanengineerinIndiaforInternetservicesfor2yearsbeforecomingtoUofA,whereIlearnedresponsibilitiesofpartofgoodorganizationsuchasGSA.Rightnow,IamvolunteeratMetorup.IaminterestedincounciloratlargepositionbecauseIwanttocontributetowardsdevelopmentGSAandwelfareforallgraduatestudents.

5. KerolousMessehaAnyothercommittees:RTC(ResearchandTrainingcommittee)KerolousMesseha’sBioIamamasterstudentatthedepartmentofMedicine.MybackgroundisbeingaphysicianbackinEgypt.IamcurrentlyGraduatestudentsrepresentativeforthedepartmentofMedicineattheRTC.Iliketobeengagedindifferentactivities;Ihuntingaswellasplayingsoccer.IvolunteertohelpnewimmigrantsaswellasrefugeestogetaccommodatedeasilyinCanada.KerolousMesseha’sResumeIamafirstyearMasterstudentintheDepartmentofMedicinestudyingimmunologicaleffectsofoneofthevirusesontheHepaticductsandtryingtofindanoveltreatmentforthatunderthesupervisionofmyPI.IworkinDr.Mason’slabwithaninternationalteam.BetweenmyundergraduatedegreeandmyMSc,IworkedasafamilyPhysician.IaminterestedtobecomeaCALmemberbecauseIlikehelpingnewstudentsaswellascurrentstudentstomakeagreatadvantageofbeingstudentsatoneofthewellestablishedCanadianUniversities,UofA.Inotherwords,Iamgoodathavingnewfriendshipsandtogetalongwithpeople.IcancomfortablyclaimthatIhavealotoffruitfulfriendships,indifferentdepartments,sincethestartofmyMScinSeptember2016.ThroughthesecommunicationsIcanconveyclearimagesbetweenstudentsandGSA.Sowecanhelpthegraduatestudentstohaveaneasierlifeaswellasmoreenjoyableperiodduringtheirgraduatestudies.Thiswillbeachievedbyinvolvinggradstudentsinputtingandshareintheprocessoflegislations,thataredirectlyaffectingthem.Ihaveaschedulethatisflexibleenoughtoaccommodatesittingonabusycommittee.

6. NicoleNoelAnyothercommittees:GSACouncil,CAL(termendingApril30)GSAGovernanceCommittee(termendingApril30)BGSAWebMasterNicoleNoel’sBioIwasbornandraisedinFortMcMurray,andmovedtoEdmontonfiveyearsagotocompletemyundergradattheUofA.IcompletedthefirsttwoyearsofmyundergraddegreeatKeyanoCollegeinFortMcMurray,whereIwasactivelyinvolvedinthetheatrecommunity.AttheUofA,IwasthepropertiesmasterforStudentUnion’sproductionofYoungFrankensteinin2013.IcompletedmyBSc(withabiologicalsciencesmajorandEnglish

minor)in2014.In2015,IcompletedaBScHonorsinMolecularGeneticsafterdegree.Currently,IaminaMScprogramIthedepartmentofBiologicalSciences.NicoleNoel’sResumeIamcurrentlyasecondyearMastersstudentintheDepartmentofBiologicalSciences.I’mcarryingoutmythesisworkinDr.Allison’slab,whereIhavebeeninvestigatingphotoreceptorconnectivityanddegenerationinzebrafish.InthefirstyearofmyMasters,IhadthepleasureofbeingaTAforBIOL107andGENET375.IwillbedefendingmyMastersinAugust,andinSeptemberIwillbestartingaPhDintheDepartmentofMedicalGenetics.IjoinedtheGSAasaCouncilor-at-LargeinMay2016,andhavebeenvolunteeringastheBiologyGraduateStudentAssociation’sWebmastersinceMay2016,aswell.IhavebeenamemberoftheGSAGovernanceCommitteesinceOctober2016.IvolunteerattheSexualAssaultCentreofEdmontonasacrisislineworker.IaminterestedincontinuingonGSACouncilasCALbecauseIwanttostayinformedaboutsubjectsthataffectgraduatestudentsandIcareaboutgraduatestudentissues.

7. MostafaTawfeekAnyothercommittees:FGSRcouncilorandamemberinGSAAwardSelectionCommitteeMostafaTawfeek’sBioIwasborninSaudiArabiaandraisedinEgypt.IgraduatedfromFacultyofEngineering,AinShamsUniversity,Cairo,Egypt(2010).MyB.Sc.degreewasinCivilEngineeringandmygraduationprojectwasinSurveyingEngineering.IgotmyM.Sc.degreeinTransportationEngineering(2014).Iwasassistantleaderandboyscoutleaderfrom2006to2014inEl-Shamsscoutinggroup.Duringthisperiod,IparticipatedinEssexInternationalJamboree2008,Essex,Englandasastaff.DuringmyworkasateachingassistantinFacultyofEngineering,AinShamsUniversity,IwenttoKarlsruhe,Germany(2013)asaparticipantinstudents’summertraininginPTVVision.Inaddition,IwenttoSlovakia(2013)aspartofthepreparationforEU-EG-JOJointMasterPrograminIntelligentTransportSystems(JOINITS).AfterjoiningUofA,IwasnominatedasaboardmemberoftheInstituteofTransportationEngineering(ITE)studentchapteratUniversityofAlbertaformOctober2014toSeptember2015.Duringthisperiod,IrepresentedtheITEstudentchapterintrafficbowlcompetitioninRegina,Saskatchewan.Inaddition,IwaselectedasthetreasureroftheEgyptianStudentAssociation(ESA)fromApril2015toMarch2016.Moreover,IvolunteeredinSaturdayschoolasArabicteacherforkidsbetween10to15yearsoldintheMuslimCommunityofEdmontonsinceJanuary2016tillnow.IwasamemberofGSAAwardSelectionCommitteefor2017awardsandajudgeforUAlberta's2017CampusSustainabilityLeadershipAwards.Currently,IamproudtobearepresentativeofthegraduatestudentsintheFGSRcouncilandaresidentvolunteerwiththeofficeofsustainabilityatUofA.MostafaTawfeek’sResumeIamnowathird-yearPh.D.studentinTransportationEngineeringgroup,DepartmentofCivilandEnvironmentalEngineering.IenrolledinthisprograminFall2014.IamstudyingtheImpactsofConnectedVehiclestechnologyonthedriverbehavior.Ipresented/willpresentpartsofmyresearchworkinthefollowingevents:IntelligentTransportationSystems(ITS)CanadaconferenceinCalgary,Alberta(May2016).CanadianSocietyofCivilEngineering(CSCE2016)conferenceinLondon,Ontario(June2016).TransportationResearchBoard(TRB)Annualmeeting2017inWashingtonDC,USA.AsIhaveapaperwhichisacceptedforpresentationinthisconferenceandunderreviewforjournalpublicationintheTransportationResearchRecord(TRR).Besidemyresearch,IwasamemberintheorganizingcommitteeoftheInternationalConferenceonTransportationInnovation(ICTI)inUofA(September2016).Iwasresponsibleforrecruitingandschedulingthevolunteers,plananddividethetasksonthevolunteersandorganizethepresentations,labtours,andthedemotoursduringtheconference.Moreover,IwasamemberinthedemoplanningteamofthefirstConnectedVehiclestestbedinCanada.ThisdemotookplaceduringtheICTI2016conference(formoreinformationpleasecheckthislink:http://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=4342706B2F973-F636-E821-D94C9596D4DB4460).Duringsummer2016,Isupervisedundergraduatestudentsduringtheirsummertraining.Inaddition,Ivolunteeredasaposterjudgein2016and2017FestivalofUndergraduateResearch&CreativeActivities(FURCA).IvolunteeredasaregistrationofficerinFacultyofEngineeringGraduateResearchSymposium(FEGRS)2015.InFEGRS2016,myabstractwasselectedfororalpresentationin“EngineeringforaSustainableFuture”session.DuringmyM.Sc.degree,IworkedasaresearchassistantinAinShamsUniversity,Cairo,Egypt.MyresearchfocuswasonstudyingtheeffectofbusesprioritysystemsonthetrafficconditionsandbusesperformanceonacorridorinGreaterCairoRegion.SinceIwasgraduateandbeforejoiningUofA,IworkedasateachingassistantinEl-SheroukAcademy,CanadianInternationalCollegeinCairo,andAinShamsUniversity.IaminterestedintheGSACouncillors-at-Large(CAL)positionbecauseIaminterestedinextendingmyexperienceasagraduatestudentrepresentative.Inaddition,Iwouldliketoofferhelpandsupporttothegradstudentthroughthisposition.

8. AndrewsTawiahAnyothercommittees:N/AAndrewsTawiah’sBioIamaninternationalstudentfromGhanawithexperienceininternationaleducation.IcompletedmyBScPhysiotherapy(2010)attheUniversityofGhanaduringwhichtimeIservedasamemberoftheexecutivecommitteeforthePhysiotherapyStudents’Association.Iworkedasaphysiotherapistfor4yearsandwontheCommonwealthSharedScholarshiptopursuemymaster’sdegreeattheUniversityofSouthamptonintheUnitedKingdom(2014-2015).Duringthistime,IservedasastudentliaisonofficerontheFacultyofHealthSciencesAcademicReviewCommittee.Iechoedstudentsvoiceonthecommitteeandmostespeciallytheplightofinternationalstudents.IreturnedtoGhanaandworkedasaseniorphysiotherapistfor1yearandservedasalocalcommunitymentorfortheyouth.IthenmovedtoEdmontontobeginmyPhDinJanuary2017underthesupervisionofDr.LindaWoodhouse.IhavebeenawardedbestspeakerfortheplenarysessionattheEdmontonWHOsimulationconference.BackinGhana,IvolunteeredforCureClubfootGhana,managingbabieswithclubfootandcounsellingparentsfromunderprivilegedsociety.AndrewsTawiah’sResumeIhave5years’experienceinconductingoriginalresearchusingbothquantitativeandqualitativeresearchmethodologiessuchassurveys,semi-structuredinterviewsandfocusgroups.Ihavealsoconducted3literaturereviewsincludingascopingreviewduringmymaster’sprogramattheuniversityofSouthamptonintheUnitedKingdom.Asaresearcher,Ihavetwopublicationsinpeerreviewedjournals.Duringmyclinicalpractice,IhelpedinestablishingaclinicalpathwayforpatientswithkneeosteoarthritiswhocouldnotaffordkneearthroplastyinGhana.Ihaveexperiencedeliveringvarietyofpresentationsandseminarsinvolvingofficeergonomicsandworkplaceredesign.Iestablishedateamofhealthcareprofessionalswhocreatedpublicawarenessonnon-communicablediseases.Currently,IserveasaresearchassistantwithintheFacultyofRehabilitationMedicineandworkedwiththeRehabilitationResearchCentre.IserveasatraineeontheMusculoskeletalRehabilitationResearchNetwork’sPilotGrantSelectionCommittee.MyresearchinterestsareondevelopingandevaluatingnewcarepathwaysforpatientsawaitingkneeandhiparthroplastyaswellasdevelopingcompetenciesforAdvancedPhysiotherapyPractice.ThisprojectisinconjunctionwiththeWorldConfederationforPhysicalTherapyandCanadianPhysiotherapyAssociation.IbelieveIcancontributeimmenselytotheGSAcouncilbybringingonboardexperiencesfrommyinternationaleducationandrepresentingtheviewsofinternationalgraduatestudents.

9. BraydenWhitlockAnyothercommittees:GFC,APCBraydenWhitlock’sBioBraydenWhitlockisahealth-technologyentrepreneur,non-profitleader,podcasterandwriterwhofocusesonempoweringpeopletoleadeffectively,andpromotingevidence-baseddecision-makinginsociety.WhitlockfoundedthePublicScienceInstitute,anon-profit,volunteer-runorganizationthataimstoeliminatebarriersbetweenscienceandthepublic.HeisafoundingboardmemberofEdmontonWorldHealthSimulationConferences,andthefounderoftwocommunityserviceandleadershipfocusedvolunteerorganizationsincoordinationwithGoldenKeyInternationalHonourSociety.Heiscurrentlyleadingamulti-stakeholderefforttobringfreedomofspeechandacademicinquirybacktoCanadianuniversities.HehasservedonGFCandAPCattheUniversityofAlberta,andservedonseveralfaculty-levelcommittees.WhitlockhasalsoservedinleadershippositionswithSt.JohnAmbulance,Let’sTalkScience,andFrontierCollege.BraydenWhitlock’sResumeIama4thyearPhDstudent,andIhavebeeninvolvedindiscussionandcriticismofuniversitygovernanceforafewyears,whichhasallowedmetheopportunitytoworkwithprovinciallegislators,whosoughtmyinputonchanginglaws.DuringmytimeonGFCandAPC,Ihavedevelopedasenseofhowtomakechangeseffectively,andmadekeyrelationshipstohelpmedoit.IwasoncecalledintotheofficeofuniversitygovernancehereattheUofA,andtoldtostopaskingquestions(paraphrased).Interpretthathowyouwill,butIthinkit’sasignofagoodrepresentative.Ididn’tstop,ofcourse.IhavebeenanactivememberofGSAcouncil,andIseeitasawaytohelpkeepthingsrunningsmoothlyandethically,topartiallyrepaythedebtIowetothecommunityofotherstudentswhohavesupportedandcollaboratedwithme.Ialsointendtokeepawatchfuleyeongovernance,asIhavedoneinmyearlierterms.Ispecializeinbuildingmutuallybeneficialpartnershipsinbusiness,academiaandphilanthropy,andIlookforwardtosynthesizingtheinputIreceivefrommycolleaguesandtransformingitintoactionablestrategies.

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GSANOMINATINGCOMMITTEE(GSANoC)GSABOARD(1POSITIONFORAGSACOUNCILMEMBER):

1NOMINEEInformationregardingthisvacancywascirculatedviaemailtoGSACouncilonMarch29,2017withadeadlineofApril10,2017.Nonominationswerereceived.AcallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonApril12,2017.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasApril19,2017andone(1)additionalnominationwasreceived.TheGSABoard(GSAB)isthesenioradministrativeauthorityoftheGSAandcurrentlymeetseveryWednesdayfrom12:00–2:00PM. AssetoutinGSABoardPolicy(GSABoardPolicy,GSACouncillorPositionsontheGSABoard:Responsibilities),theresponsibilitiesoftheCouncillorpositionsonGSABare:

1. RegularattendanceatGSABmeetings,withregretsandreasonssubmittedtotheGSAPresident.2. ProvidingalinkbetweentheelectedGSAOfficersandthefloorofGSACouncil.3. ParticipatingandspeakingupatGSACouncilwhenGSABbusinessisdiscussed,fromthemember’sownunique

views.

3:00PMonMondayApril24,2017,inordertocastyourvoteinadvanceoftheGSACouncilmeeting.Nomineesforthispositionarelistedinalphabeticalorderbylastnameandwillbepresentedinreversealphabeticalorder

ontheballot.‘NoneoftheCandidates’willalsobeconsideredanominee.

1. GabrielO.Ojakovo(Music)

GSACouncilMemberLeavingGSAB:AliciaCapello(HumanitiesComputing)GSACouncilMemberStayingonGSAB:MichelleDuVal(BiologicalScience),RadimBarta(Oncology)Jurisdiction:SectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,Nominating,SectionE.POL.6.6“TheGSANoCwillprovideGSACouncilwithnominationsfortheGSABoard,allGSAstandingcommittees,Speaker,CRO,andSenator.AdditionalnominationsmaybemadebyCouncillors,inwriting,inadvanceoftheCouncilmeetingwhereelectionswilltakeplace.IfaCouncillor(s)makesanadditionalnomination,therewillbeawrittenballotattheCouncilwheretheelectionwilltakeplace.AllothervacancieswillbefilledbytheGSANoCandreportedtoGSACouncil.”Thenameandbiographyreceivedfortheone(1)nomineeareBELOWonpage7.6.Thebiographyispresentedasreceived(ienotedited).

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BiographiesandResumesofNominees(1Nominee)

1. GabrielO.OjakovoAnyothercommittees:NoGabrielO.Ojakovo’sBioIwasbornandraisedintheNiger-DeltaregionofNigeria.Myinterestinmusicwasdevelopedduringmyhighschooldaysasadancerintheschoolclub.UponmygraduationwithB.AMusic,Iwasemployedasamusicfaculty,KwaraStateUniversityMalete.GabrielO.Ojakovo’sResumeGabrielO.OjakovoholdsaB.A(Hons.)MusicandM.APerformingArtsdegrees,withspecializationinethnomusicologyfromthe Delta State University, Abraka and the University of Ilorin, respectively.MyM.A thesis deals with Islamic and YorubaculturalinterpretationofmusicinstreetperformancesintheIlorinmetropolis.CurrentlyaPhDstudentinethnomusicology,UniversityofAlberta,Edmonton,Canada.MyareaofresearchisonSufiMusicinNorthernNigeria.IamthecurrentPresidentofGraduateMusicStudentAssociation,UofA.

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GSANOMINATINGCOMMITTEEGSAAPPEALSANDCOMPLAINTSBOARD(3POSITIONSFORGRADUATESTUDENTS):

2NOMINEESIntheMarch31,2017GSAnewsletter,theGSANoCadvertisedforthree(3)vacantpositionsontheGSAACB.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasApril10,2017andnonominationswerereceived.ThecallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonApril12,2017.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasApril19,2017andtwo(2)additionalnominationswerereceived.ThenomineesweretheninterviewedbyGSANoCChairRadimBartaandGSANoCmember(andrecentformerGSANoCAdministrativeChair)MicheleDuVal,bothofwhomhavebeentrainedinproceduralfairnessbytheGSAandhavearecordofdemonstratingimpartialitythroughtheirworkontheGSANoC.GSAAssistantDirectorLisaHareutherwasalsopresent.Duringtheinterviews,thenomineeswereaskedaseriesofquestionsaimedatassessingtheirawarenessofthebasictenetsofproceduralfairnessandtheirabilitytoadjudicatepotentialcasesinaccordwiththosetenets(noteaswellthatallindividualselectedtotheGSAACBwillreceivetraininginproceduralfairness).

3:00PMonMondayApril24,2017,inordertocastyourvoteinadvanceoftheGSACouncilmeeting.

GSAACBElectionbyGSACouncil:GSANominatingCommitteeProcedures

Nomineesforthispositionarelistedinalphabeticalorderbylastnameandwillbepresentedinreversealphabeticalorderontheballot.1. BenjaminGruber(EarthandAtmosphericSciences)2. AtticusHarrigan(Linguistics)

TheBallot

• Therewillbeoneballotwithcandidateslistedinreversealphabeticalorder.• Foreachcandidate,therewillbea“yes”boxanda“no”box.

Voting

• Thevoterticksoneboxpercandidate,orabstainsbynotvotingforaparticularcandidate(bothboxesareleftempty).Counting

• Ifacandidatehasmore“no”votesthan“yes”votes,thecandidateiseliminated.• Ifaftertheeliminationround,therearefewercandidate(s)oranequalnumberofcandidatesastherearepositions,

thecandidate(s)withatleastone“yes”voteis/aresuccessful.• Ifaftertheeliminationround,therearemorecandidatesthanpositions,thecandidateswiththehighestnumberof

“yes”votes,equivalenttothenumberofpositions,arethesuccessfulcandidates.• If,aftertheeliminationround,thereisatieforlastplaceinthenumberof“yes”votes,thecandidatewiththefewest

numberof“no”votesissuccessful.Ifthetiedvotehasthesamenumberofboth“yes”and“no”votes,theSpeakerwilldrawone(1)namefromahat.

Jurisdiction:SectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,Section10.4“TheGSANoCwillinterviewallnomineestotheGSAACB,includingthosewhoareadditionalnominationsfromGSACouncil,andforwardselectednomineestoGSACouncil.”Thenamesandbiographiesreceivedforthetwo(2)nomineesareBELOWonpage7.8.Biographiesarepresentedasreceived(ienotedited).

/Users/gsaassist/GoogleDrive/320-Council/Meetings/2016-2017/April2017/SecondMailing/GSACouncil24Apr2017Item7b-NomineesfortheGSAAppealandComplaintsBoard.docx

BiographiesandResumesofNominees(2Nominees)

1.BenjaminGruberAnyothercommittees:NoneBenjaminGruber’sBioIamaUScitizenwhohasspentmostofhislifeinthePacificNorthwestoftheUnitedStates.In2015,IearnedmyBachelorsdegreeinGeologyatWashingtonStateUniversityandthentooktimeoffofschooltofocusonaresearchprojectandtoworkinWSU’sgeochemistrylab.InmytimeatWashingtonState,IservedastheVicePresidentoftheGeologyclubfortwoyearsbeforetakingoverasPresidentinthethirdyear.Inadditiontothisandmylabworkexperience,Ialsogradedcourseassignmentsandtutoredotherstudentsoncontractwiththedepartment.AttheUniversityofAlberta,IamanexecutivememberoftheEarthandAtmosphericSciencesgraduatesociety(ATLAS)andamthealternateGSArepresentativeforthatgroup.BenjaminGruber’sResumeIamcurrentlyinthemiddleofthefirstyearofmyMastersdegree.MyresearchfocusesonhowheatintheEarthisgeneratedandhowthisvariablerelatestotheformationofdiamonds.IamamemberoftheDiamondExplorationandResearchTrainingSchoolandworkunderbothDr.ChackoandDr.Pearson.NearthecompletionofmyundergraduatedegreeIwasawardedmydepartment’s“OutstandingSenior”AwardformyacademicstandingandmycontributionstotheUniversitycommunity.InthetimebetweenmyBachelorsandmyMastersdegreesIpresentedaresearchprojectattwoacademicconferenceswhileworkingparttimeasalaboratorytechnician.Currently,IamamemberoftheEarthandAtmosphericSciencesgraduatesociety(ATLAS)andhaveservedonseveralprojectsinthatcapacity.IaminterestedintheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoardbecauseIfeelthatIcanmakedecisionsimpartiallyandfairlytobenefittheGSAasawhole.AsIhavecompletedmycoursework,myscheduleisflexibleandcanaccommodatebeingonacommitteesuchasthis.2.AtticusHarriganAnyothercommittees:N/AAtticusHarrigan’sBioIwasbornandraisedinEdmontonandIcompletedaDiplomaofAppliedCommunicationatMacEwanUniversitybeforeenrollingintheBAHonoursprograminlinguistics(fromwhichIgraduatedin2015).IwastheVicePresidentandUndergraduateDepartmentLiaisonfortheUndergraduateLinguisticsClubduringmyBachelordegree,actedasanEventCoordinatorfortheLinguisticsGraduateStudentAssociation(LGSA),andcurrentlyactasGSARepandTreasurerfortheLGSA.LastsummerIalsovolunteeredfortheFortMcMurrayEvacueeCentreatListerHall.InmyfreetimeIenjoy(very)amateurpowerlifting,calligraphy,andpostmodernart.AtticusHarrigan’sResumeIbeganmyMScinLinguisticsinFall2015,andIhavefast-trackedintothesecondyearofmyPhD.Iamcurrentlyworkingonthecomputationalmodelingandstatisticalanalysisofcorpusdataanditsintersection/applicationinlanguagedocumentationandrevitalization.IworkunderDr.AnttiArppeandamcurrentlymanagingtheAlbertaLanguageTechnologyLaboratory.I’vepreviouslyvolunteeredwiththeCanadianIndigenousLanguageandLiteracyDevelopmentInstitute,collaboratedwithscholarsfromtheUniversityofSaskatchewan,theUniversityofTromsøandtheUniversityofHelsinki.I’vepresentedatavarietyoflocal,national,andinternationalconferencesandcurrentlyhave2papersacceptedforpublication.IaminterestedinthispositionasIbelievestronglyingivingbacktothegraduatecommunity.BoardssuchastheAppealsandComplaintsCommitteeserveanimportantpurposeinensuringfairgovernanceandoperationoftheGSA.Ihavetheabilitytoremainneutralandpossesstheabilitytothinkindependentlywithoutjumpingtoconclusions.AsIamcurrentlydonewithmycoursework,myscheduleisflexible.Therewillbenoissueinbalancingthismembershipwithmyacademicresponsibilities.

DearCouncillors, April13,2017

AsmanyofyouwillremembermyteamandIbeganthedevelopmentofthe2016-2017BoardStrategicWorkPlan(SWP)inlateAprilof2016andafterabroadconsultativeeffort,wepresentedthefinalizedplantoGSACouncilinOctober.InearlyJanuary,myteamandIprovidedanupdateonourprogressonthevariousinitiativesdevelopedinthePlan.

ForthefinalGSACouncilmeetingforthecurrentteamofDirectly-ElectedOfficers,Iaskedmyteamtoeachidentifyinitiativesthattheyhavecompletedandthattheyfeelhavehadanotableimpact,aswellastheinitiativesthattheyaremostexcitedabouteithertacklingnext(iftheywereelectedtoserveasecondterm)ortorecommendtotheirsuccessor.Belowisasummaryofthoseidentifiedinitiatives.AttachedyouwillfindaversionoftheSWP(similartothatwhichyousawinJanuary)inwhichinitiativeshavebeencolour-codedtoreflecteitherthattheyarecompletedorthattheyareongoing(someofthesehavealreadybeeninitiatedandwewillrecommendtotheincomingPresidentandVice-PresidentsthattheyallbeincludedinfutureSWPs).TheSWP,asitwaspresentedinOctobertoGSACouncil,andwithoutthecolour-coding,isattached.

CompletedInitiativesin2016-2017

• Advocatingagainstincreasestointernationalgraduatestudenttuition• Re-startingtheconversationwithsenioradministrationaroundimplementingsustainablefundingpackagesthatsupportanappropriate

standardoflivingforgraduatestudents• ReviewingtheGSAHealthandDentalPlanutilizinggraduatestudentfeedbackgatheredthroughtownhallsandsurveys• ConcludingtheU-PassAgreementRenewal• Developingguidingquestionstoassistprospectivegraduatestudentsinselectingasupervisorandmakingthedecisiontopursue

graduatestudies• Workingwithab-GPAConvariousgovernmentreviewsonthePSLAandtuitionandfunding• AssistingwithfinalizingtheUofASexualViolencePolicy• RestructuringtheGSABoardStrategicWorkPlanthroughanintensivegraduatestudentconsultationprocess• EnhancinggraduatestudentengagementthroughvariousGSAevents,suchasGSACoffeeBreaks,theWinterChillOut,andanImprov

Event• Promotingmentalhealthandwellnessinitiativesandsupportoncampus(includingcompletingseveralcollaborativementalhealth

relatedinitiatives,includingtheestablishmentoftheDaysofActionCommittee,bringingtheInquiringMindprogramtotheUofAcampus,andhiringanACCESScliniciantofillaCommunityBrokerSocialWorkposition)

• Activelyengaginginselectingnewsenioradministrationmembers,includingtheDeanofFGSR,Vice-President(Research),andVice-President(UniversityRelations)

• ActiveparticipationonthenewlycreatedResidenceLifeTaskForce• CultivatingacollegialandrespectfulrelationshipwithUniversitystakeholdersandnewmembersofseniorUniversityadministration

(suchastheDeanofStudentsandtheVice-Presidents(Finance&Administration,andFacilities&Operations)• SuccesfuladvocacytoandconsultationwithFGSRonmentoring,professionaldevelopment,andinternshipprograms• Buildingondiscussionswithsenioradministrationregardinggraduatestudentsupervision• Collaboratingwithcampusserviceproviderstosuggestinnovativeprogrammingandexpandedservicesforgraduatestudents• Handlinglabourcomplianceandsupervisorycases• Advocatingforsustainable,affordable,andwell-maintainedgraduatestudenthousing• ExpandedtheGSA’scollaborationwithFGSRonthingssuchasDepartmentalOrientations• SupportingtheprofessionalexperienceleavepolicyadvancedbytheFGSR• ReviewingexamandsupervisorypoliciesincollaborationwiththeFGSR• GrowingourrelationshipwiththeCampusFoodBank

RecommendedInitiativesfor2017-2018

• CollaboratingwithotherassociationsandtheUniversitytoimproveresourcesforstudentparentsandadvancingdiscussionstoaddressstudenthomelessnessoncampus

• ContinuingdialoguesconcerninghowtheGSAcanassistindigenousgraduatestudents• ParticipatingindiscussionswithFGSR,theProvost,andothersenioradministrationregardinggraduatestudentsupervisionandfunding

packagesthatpromoteasustainablestandardofliving,aswellasadvocatingforequitablequalitymeasuresandgraduatestudentmanagementplans

• Meetingwithgraduatestudentswhohaveconcerns,issues,andareindistressduetolabourorsupervisoryissues,anddealingwithcomplianceenforcementonacase-by-casebasis

• ContinuinglabourconsultationswithGSACouncillorsandotherGSAmembersinpreparationforCAnegotiations• WorkingwithFGSRonofferingaseriesof‘ManagingUp’sessionstoprovidegraduatestudentswithworkplacerelationshipmanagement

skills• MaintainingourpartnershipwiththeCampusFoodBanktoaddressgraduatestudentsfacingfoodinsecurityissues• ReviewingandstreamliningtheprocessoffeecollectionsforResidenceAssociationsandsupporting/assistinggraduatestudentslivingin

residences,inpartnershipwithResidenceAssociations• Advocatingforimprovedimmigrationpoliciesforinternationalgraduatestudents• Investigatingstrategiestoadvocateforhighqualityworkspacesforallgraduatestudents• AdvocatingformoreaccessibletransittotheMichenerParkresidence• Continuingdevelopingmechanismstoencouragegraduatestudentengagement,bothwiththeGSAandwithintheirdepartmental

communitiesandtheUniversity• MaintainingandenhancingpartnershipswithDepartmentalGSAstospreadawarenessabouttheGSAandencouragegraduatestudent

engagement• EngagingwiththeGSAsfromothercomprehensiveandresearchintensiveuniversitiesinAlbertaandacrossCanadatoshareinformation,

discussbestpractices,andcollaborateoncommonissues• Sustainingasupportive,respective,professional,andenjoyableworkenvironmentforGSADEOsandsupportingtheExecutiveDirector’s

worktoensureasimilarenvironmentwithintheGSAoffice• CollaboratingwiththeUniversityondevelopingamoreinclusive,equitable,anddiversecampus• DiscussingwiththeFGSRcurrentopportunitiesavailabletograduatestudentsapplyingforscholarships,grants,andawardstoensurethe

FGSR’scompletesupportthroughouttheapplicationprocess• Meetingwithstakeholders,suchastheFGSRandtheCareerCentre,todiscussthesupportofentrepreneurshipopportunitiesfor

graduatestudentsandparticipatinginPD4GradsmeetingstoassistwiththedevelopmentofPDworkshopsandevents• Activelyengaging,viatheFGSRPolicyReviewCommittee,andothersimilarUniversitycommittees,withreviewsofacademic

requirements,andthepromotionofinterdisciplinaryandalternativelearningopportunitiesforgraduatestudents,includinginternationalexchanges

• OngoingevaluationofUniversityandGSAservicesprovidedtograduatestudentsandpromotingtheexpansionofwellnessservicesoncampusSincerely,

SarahFicko2016-2017GSAPresident

User’sGuidetotheApril2017BoardSWPProgressUpdateBelow:Itemshighlightedinpinkwill,ideally,eitherremaininprogressonanongoingbasisorwillbeinitiated,andwillberecommendedforinclusioninfutureGSABoardSWPsItemshighlightedingreenarecompleted

UniversityofAlbertaGraduateStudents’AssociationBoardStrategicWorkPlan–2016/2017

TheGSArespectfullyacknowledgesthatitislocatedonTreaty6territory.

VISION: TheGraduateStudents’Association(GSA)advocatesforanengagingenvironmentthatissafe,respectful,supportive,healthy,accessible,andinclusive,andthatempowersgraduatestudentstobeagentsofchangeduringtheirtimeattheUniversityofAlberta,andbeyond.

MISSION: Recognizingthemulti-facetedrolesplayedbygraduatestudentsattheUniversityofAlberta,theGSA:advocatesforcomprehensive,timely,andexcellentsupportsforallgraduatestudentsfromboththeUniversityandtheAlbertaGovernment;negotiatesacollectiveagreementthatequitablysupportsgraduatestudentswhoareemployedbytheUniversity;workswithUniversityadministrationandfacultiestoensurecompliancewiththeCollectiveAgreement;engagesgraduatestudentsandsupportstheirendeavours;andworkstosustaintheexcellentreputationoftheGSA.

TheGSAbelievesthatahealthyorganizationisnurturedthrougheffectiverelationshipswithallstakeholders,includingconstituentgroupsoftheacademy.1Nonetheless,anorganizationthatevolvesovertimemustbepreparedtotakestepsatcriticaljuncturesthatmayormaynotbeendorsedbyallitsstakeholders.TheGSAseesthisasalivingdocument,shiftingdirectionsasneeded,astheprovincial,federal,andUniversitylandscapechanges.ItisdevelopedbyboththepreviousandcurrentteamsofDirectly-ElectedOfficers(DEOs)andprovidesaplanningdocumentforthisandfutureyears.Ouroverallgoalistocreateacampuscommunitywhereallgraduatestudentsfeelencouragedtolearnandareprovidedwithreasonablesupports(andaccommodations,whennecessary)toensuretheirsuccess.

OURIDEALDEFINITION,SITUATION,ANDEXPERIENCEFORALLGRADUATESTUDENTS:

Agraduatestudentisajuniorcolleaguewhocontributestotheirfieldofstudyinpursuitofanadvanceddegreethroughcollaborativeworkwiththeprofessoriateandseniorcolleaguesinresearch,teaching,administrative,andlearningenvironmentsoftheUniversity.Thesecontributionsmaybeaccomplishedthrough:extensivecoursework,forwhichstudentspaytuition;manyhoursofassistantships,forwhichstudentsarepaid;theco-creationandwritingofscholarlywork;thesecuringofacademicfunding;presentations,conferences,andcommunityengagement;andcapstoneprojects,theses,ordissertations.Thismulti-facetedpositiontakesplaceinanenvironmentofmutualrespectandfairnesstodevelopskillsandknowledgeforfuturecareers.

1Stakeholdersinclude:individuals,groups,andofficesthatcanaffectoraredirectlyaffectedby,theGSAanditsinitiatives.Constituentgroupsoftheacademyinclude:faculty,graduatestudents,undergraduatestudents,andnon-academicstaff–allofwhicharerepresentedontheGeneralFacultiesCouncil.ThePostdoctoralFellows’Associationisalsoincludedasagroupempoweredto“communicatewiththeUofAonallissuesofgeneralimportancetothePostdoctoralFellowCommunity.”

ADVOCATE

GOAL1:WorkwiththeUniversityandgovernmenttoensuregraduatestudentsreceiveaffordabletuition,fundingpackages,andaccesstobursaries,scholarshipsand

awards.

Post-secondaryeducationplaysanimportantroleinaprosperoussociety.Graduatestudents’successisdependentuponaccesstosustainablelivingfundingpackagesforthedurationoftheirprogramssotheycanfocusontheirstudiesandresearch.TheGSAwilladvocatethat,throughstrategicinvestmentsandreallocationofcentralfunding,

allgraduatestudentsshouldbeofferedbaselinefunding.TheGSAwillalsoadvocateforgreaterfinancialsupports,including:highersalariesforassistantships;morescholarships,awardsandbursaries;andincreasestotheGraduateStudentSupportFund(GSSF).

StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps

1. Advocateforasustainablelivingfundingpackageforallthesis-basedgraduatestudentsforthedurationoftheirprogramthatenablesareasonablestandardofliving,basedonthecostoflivinginEdmontonandcurrenttuitioncosts.

a. Meetwithkeystakeholderswhohelpeddeveloppreviousgraduatestudentfundingreportstoassessthecurrentlevelofresearchandinformationavailable.

b. Articulate,tothePresident,Provost,andDeanoftheFacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR),theneedforaninternalreviewofgraduatestudentfundingandsupport,similartothereviewofundergraduatestudentfinancialsupportwhichbeganin2016.

c. DiscusswiththeDeanoftheFGSRandtheProvosthowtocreatefinancialpackagesthatcorrespondwithrealistictimestocompletion.

d. MeetwithDeanstodiscussthecurrenttypesoffundingavailableandcollaboratewiththeDeansandtheProvosttoassessthegapsinfundingforgraduatestudents.

e. Present,totheBoardHumanResourcesandCompensationCommittee,ontheeffectofnominimumfundingongraduatestudentsandthepotentialnegativeimpactstotheUniversity.

f. AdvocatetotheMinisterofAdvancedEducationwithrespecttothesignificantcontributionsofgraduatestudentstothequalityofeducationandresearchofferedatcomprehensive,researchintensiveuniversities,andtheneedforaprovincialfundingmodelthatspecificallyrecognizesgraduatestudentsandtheirresearch,andensuresqualitygraduateprogramsandsustainablelivingfundingpackagesforallgraduatestudents.

2. Advocatetodecouplegraduatestudentfundingdirectlyfromgraduatesupervisors.

a. Createabriefingmemooutlininghowfundingtiedtoasupervisorincreasesthepowerimbalancebetweengraduatestudentsandtheirsupervisors.

b. Shareourconcernsregardingtheimpactofpaydiscrepancybetweengraduatestudents,includingthelackoftransparencyinthewayfundingisallocatedtofacultiesandwithindepartments.

3. Advocate,totheFGSR,ontheneedtoincludeclearandconcisecontracttermsinlettersofoffertotheUniversity,andmaketheselettersavailabletograduatestudentswellinadvanceofdeadlinesforoffersofadmission.

a. Reviewthecurrentdocumentationprovidedtonewgraduatestudentsuponanofferofadmission.b. Requestthatspecificexpectationsandrequirementsforgraduateassistantshipsduringaprogrambe

outlinedintheletterofoffer.

4. Negotiateforincreasedgraduateassistantship

fundingintheCollectiveAgreement.a. Educategraduatestudents,facultymembers,andUniversityadministratorsonthenewGraduateStudent

AssistantshipCollectiveAgreementeffectiveSeptember2016toAugust2018.b. Trackissuesandotherinformationinordertoprepareforfuturenegotiations.

5. Advocatefortheinclusionofinternationalgraduate

studentsintheeligibilityrequirementsforexistingscholarships,awards,andbursaries.

a. Propose,toGU15,tocreateawhitepaperrecommendingthatinternationalgraduatestudentshaveaccesstoTri-CouncilAgencyfunding.

b. Collaboratewithab-GPAC(AlbertaGraduateProvincialAdvocacyCouncil)todevelopapositionpaperoutliningissuesandnecessaryimprovementsforinternationalgraduatestudenttuitionandfundinginAlberta.

6. Advocateforassistance,support,andencouragementforallgraduatestudentstoapplyforinternal,provincial,andfederalawards,grants,andscholarships.

a. PromotetheFGSRanddepartmentalworkshopsdesignedtoassistgraduatestudentswiththeapplicationprocess.

b. EncouragegraduatestudentstotakeadvantageoftheFGSRsearchabledatabaseofscholarships,awards,andbursaries.

c. Workwithdepartmentstoprovidesufficientnoticetograduatestudentsofapplicationinternaldeadlines.d. AdvocatefortransparencyofscholarshipallocationsawardedwithintheUniversity.

7. Advocatefornewqualitymeasures,funding

models,andgraduatestudentmanagementplansthatdonotfavoursomefacultiesordepartmentsoverotherfacultiesordepartments,tocreatemoreequitablegraduateexperiences.

a. Ensuregraduatestudentsareinvolvedinanyreformdiscussionsassociatedwithqualitymeasures,fundingmodels,orgraduatestudentenrolmentmanagementplans.

b. Participateincommitteemeetings,theFGSRCouncil,andtheGeneralFacultiesCouncil(GFC)regardingqualitymeasures,fundingmodels,andgraduatestudentmanagementplans.

c. RequestgraduatestudentrepresentationontheGraduateEnrolmentandFundingAdvisoryCommittee.d. CreateopportunitiestodiscusstheUniversity’sdecentralizedmodelandhowitcreatessignificantdisparities

inprogramexpectationsandrequirements,fundingoptions,andtimetocompletionforgraduatestudents.

8. AdvocateforatuitionmodelthattiesgraduatestudenttuitionincreasestotheAlbertaConsumerPriceIndexandopposesacross-the-boardgraduatestudenttuitionincreases.

a. Encourageab-GPACtoreviewinternationalgraduatestudenttuitionanddeveloprecommendationsforinclusionofinternationalstudenttuitionfeesintheprovince’sTuitionFeesRegulationtoincreasefeepredictability.

b. MaintaintheGSA’spaststanceinoppositiontoacross-the-boardtuitionincreasesbeyondAlbertaCPIforallgraduatestudents.

c. AdvocateforareviewofthecurrentTuitionFeesRegulation.

9. Advocateagainsttheintroductionofnewmarketmodifiersorotherfeesthatarenotcurrentlyapartofanagreeduponregulatoryframework.

a. Monitorallfeesbeingimplementedforgraduatestudentstoensuretheyincludeconsultationwithgraduatestudentsbeforeimplementation.

b. EnsuregraduatestudentsarebeingassessedfeescorrectlyundertheMandatoryNon-InstructionalFeeformula.

ADVOCATE

GOAL2:Worktodevelopsupportiveandrespectfulrelationshipsbetweengraduatestudentsandtheirsupervisors.

Graduatestudentsuccessreliesonqualitysupervisionandmentoringthroughoutadegreeprogram.TheGSAwillbuildonworkbypreviousexecutiveteamsandcollaborate,withtheFGSRandseniorUniversityadministrators,tofollowthroughonForthePublicGood,thenewinstitutionalstrategicplan,andmakequalitygraduate

studentsupervisionaninstitutionalpriority.

StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps1. Advocateforthedevelopmentofmandatory

supervisortrainingprogramforbothincominggraduatestudentsandsupervisors.

a. Collaborate,withtheFGSR,ontheimplementationofrecommendationsfromtheQualityofGraduateStudentSupervisionReportandothersimilarinitiatives.

b. Promoteabetterunderstandingoftherolesandresponsibilitiesofbothgraduatestudentsandsupervisorstoprovideexpectationsforbothgroups.

c. Developalistofrecommendedprofessionaldevelopmentworkshopsforgraduatestudentsthathelppromoteamoreeffectivegraduatestudent-supervisorrelationship.

d. Promotearestorativejusticeandmediationprocesstoencouragepromptresolutionofanygraduatestudent-supervisorconflicts.

2. Advocateforthedevelopmentofanaccountabilitystructurethatrewardsqualitysupervisionandmentoringwhilecreatingincentivestoimprovepoorsupervision.

a. HosttheannualGSAAwardsnighttorewarddeservinggraduatestudents,facultyandstaffforexcellenceinteaching,supervision,research,service,andleadership.

b. WorkwiththeFGSRtodevelopaprogramtotrackthequalityofthegraduatestudent-supervisorrelationshipovertime.

c. Collaborate,withtheFGSR,tocreatearegularfeedbackprocessfromgraduatestudentsregardingexperienceswiththeirsupervisors.

3. Advocatefordepartmentstodevelopameansbywhichgraduatestudentscanreportconcernsregardingtheirsupervisors.

a. EncouragegraduatestudentstoseekassistancefromtheGSAwithrespecttosupervisoryconcerns.b. EncourageallDeanstodevelopawebsiteformfordisclosureofanonymoussupervisorconcernstobetter

trackthelevelandtypesofconcernsovertime,anddiscusswaystoaddressanysystemicissuesthatemerge.

4. Advocateforrealistic‘timetocompletion’ratesinorderforbothgraduatestudentsandsupervisorstodevelopreasonableexpectationsregardingthelengthofthedegreeprogram.

a. Developa‘cheatsheet’forprospectivegraduatestudentsthatlistssuggestedquestionstoaskapotentialsupervisorbeforestartingagraduatedegreeprogram.

b. Collaborate,withtheFGSR,onwaystomitigatesystemic‘timetocompletion’problems.c. Collaborate,withtheFGSR,todevelopasurveytoassesscurrent‘timetocompletion’expectationsofboth

existingandpotentialgraduatestudents.d. EncouragetheFGSRtodevelopmetricsthattrackfacultyadherencetoprogramtimingandrequirements

whichallowsthemtoproactivelyinterveneifproblemsarise.

e. Discuss,withtheFGSR,thedevelopmentofacommonprogrammilestoneformforallgraduatestudentsandsupervisors,regardlessofdepartment,thatautomaticallytracksandflagsgraduatestudentsnotmeetingtheirmilestones.

ENGAGE

GOAL1:DevelopandmaintainrelationshipswithallGSAstakeholdersinternalandexternaltotheUniversitytosupportgraduatestudentsuccess.

Graduatestudentsplayuniqueandmultifacetedrolesinauniversityenvironment.TheGSAwilladvocateforfurtherresourcestosupportgraduatestudentsbyreinforcing

strongrelationshipswithkeyplayerstocreateacommonvisionofexcellenceforallgraduatestudentsattheUniversity,aswellasacrossAlbertaandCanada.

StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps1. EngagewiththeStudents’Union(SU),theAcademic

StaffAssociation(AASUA),thePostdoctoralFellow’sAssociation(PDFA),andtheNon-AcademicStaffAssociation(NASA)toidentifysharedprioritiesandmaintainstrongpartnerships.

a. MeetregularlywithSUcounterpartstodiscussmutualprioritiessuchasresidences,academicgovernance,andmentalhealth.

b. Arrangeannualmeetingswithallpartnerassociationstodiscusscommonissuesandpriorities.

2. EngagewiththePresident,Provost,DeputyProvost,Vice-Presidents,BoardofGovernors’members,UniversityGovernance,DeanoftheFGSR,DeanofStudents,Senators,theAlumniAssociation,serviceproviders,andotherkeypartnerstodeterminesharedprioritiesandmaintaineffectiveandcollaborativerelationships.

a. MeetregularlywiththeDeanoftheFGSRandtheDeanofStudentstodiscussspecificissuesaffectinggraduatestudents.

b. MaintaingraduatestudentrepresentationontheAlumniAssociationandtheSenate.c. ArrangemeetingswithseniorUniversityadministration,whenneeded,todiscusskeyissuesforgraduate

students.d. AttendBoardofGovernors’dinners,specialevents,andotherfunctionstobuildrelationshipswithkey

stakeholders.e. Attendallmeetingsscheduledwithrepresentativesoftheprovincialgovernment.

3. Engagewithourprovinciallobbygrouptoensurethe

prioritiesofUniversityofAlbertagraduatestudentsareheardbytheprovincialgovernment.

a. Participateinallab-GPACmeetingstoensuretheneedsofUniversityofAlbertagraduatestudentsareincludedinab-GPACactivities.

b. Takeanactiveroleintheab-GPACexecutiveteamandimportantworkinggroups/committees,asneeded,tosupportUniversityofAlbertagraduatestudentprioritiesandensureasolidinternalgovernancestructure.

c. AdvocateforinternationalPhDstudentstobeincludedintheprovincialnominationprogramtoincreasepointsifapplyingforpermanentresidency.

d. Investigateattendingadvocacymeetingsofotherlobbygroupsinordertoobserve,learn,andgatherinformation.

4. EngagewiththeGSAsfromothercomprehensiveandresearchintensiveuniversitiesinAlbertaandacrossCanadatoshareinformation,discussbestpractices,andcollaborateoncommonissues.

a. MeetannuallywithMembersofParliament(MPs)andMembersoftheLegislativeAssembly(MLAs)fromallmajorpartiestoadvocateforgraduatestudents.

b. AttendGU15meetingstoshareinformation,determinebestpractices,andmaintainrelationships.c. Signapetitionadvocatingforthecreationofafast-trackPhDstreamtoaccelerateapplicationfor

permanentresidencystatusbyinternationalgraduatestudents.

ENGAGE

GOAL2:IncreasegraduatestudentawarenessofandparticipationwiththeGSAanditsservices.

TheGSAbelievesengagementoccursfromthetimesomeoneasksforinformationaboutthegraduatestudentapplicationprocessthroughtotheend-pointofconvocation.TheGSAsupportscontinuinggraduatestudentengagementthroughUniversitygovernance,networksinresidenceandelsewhere,professionaldevelopment,andinsocialsettings,allplaceswherefriendshipandresearchcollaborationcanoccur.WhiletheGSAoffersfallandwinterorientationsessions,manygraduatestudentscontinueto

remainunawareoftheGSAandtheservicesitoffers;theGSAalsoaimstoincreasevoterturnout.TheGSAwillinvestigateeffectivecommunicationmethodsthatwillcreateopportunitiesforgraduatestudentawarenessandengagement.

1. EngageallgraduatestudentsacrossallUniversityofAlbertacampusesthroughsocialmediaandtheGSAnewslettermoreeffectively.

a. ContinuetheGSA’sreviewofitscommunicationpracticeswithaneyetoassessinghowtobetterreachgraduatestudents.

b. Post,onsocialmedia,aminimumofone(1)photoperweekofaGSAactivityandaimtoincludeatleastone(1)DEO.

c. Assessdifferentcommunicationstylesonsocialmediatoincreaseviewership.d. DevelopmethodstousesocialmediatoeducategraduatestudentsaboutservicesofferedbytheGSA–

includinginformationregardinggraduatestudentrightsandwaystheGSAcanassistallgraduatestudents.e. AssessalternativetemplatesfortheGSAnewslettertoincreasereadership.f. CompletetheGSAwebsite’stransitiontoSitecore3andtheassociatedredesign.

2. Engagewithgraduatestudentsthroughworkshops

aboutimportantservicesandUniversitygovernancestructures.

a. DiscussinnovativenewmethodstopromoteawarenessoftheGSAamonggraduatestudentstoincreaseparticipationinGSAactivitiesandevents.

b. Developasurveytounderstandtheimpactoflabourlegislationchangesongraduatestudents.c. Continuetohostroundtablediscussions,townhalls,and101sessionstoeducategraduatestudentsabout

Universitygovernanceandotherimportantissues.d. DevisemethodstoincreasevoterturnoutintheannualGSAGeneralElection.

3. Engagegraduatestudentsbypromotingactivitiesandeventstoincreaseparticipation.

a. MeetwithgraduatestudentgroupsanddepartmentalGSAstobetterunderstandhowtoassisttheirmembers.

b. MeettheVice-President(FacilitiesandOperations)tofollowuponthe2010MemorandumofUnderstandingwiththeUniversityregardingtheNorthPowerPlant.

c. Lobbyforspacefortheexclusiveuseofgraduatestudentstoencouragecollaboration,ideasharing,andinformalmeetings.

d. Providethree(3)eventsthroughouttheacademicyeartosupportsocialengagementandreducestressamongstgraduatestudents.

e. DiscusscreatingGSAbrandedproductsandprizestoincentivizegraduatestudentstoparticipateincontests,events,andactivities.

SUPPORT

GOAL1:Ensureallgraduatestudentshaveaccesstosufficientresourcestomeetthebasicnecessitiesoflife.

TheGSAisavigilantvoiceforthegraduatestudentexperience,includingfunding,housing,andservices.InorderforgraduatestudentstohaveapositiveexperienceattheUniversityofAlberta,keyinfrastructurepiecesmustbeinplacebeforegraduatestudentsevenregister.Thecurrentunpredictableandunsustainablefundingmodelcancreate

situationswheregraduatestudentscannotaffordsafehousingand/orsufficientfood.Thelackofgraduatestudentfundingcreatessignificantstrainonmentalhealthandleadsto:increaseddrop-outrates;increaseddrawsonHealthandWellnessservices;andadecreasedfocusonstudiesandresearchproductivity.Thepotentialfor

achievementcanbelostasgraduatestudentsmustfindalternativefundingsourcesthroughloansandjobsinordertosupportthemselvesandtheirfamilies.

StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps1. SupporttheCampusFoodBank(CFB)initsmissionto

ensurethedeliveryofadequatefoodforstudentsandtheirfamilies.

a. MaintainGSArepresentationontheCFBBoard.b. ContinuetoreviewtheCFB’sannualauditedfinancialstatements,usagestatisticswithrespectto

graduatestudents,andbudgetinaccordancewiththeGSA’sfiduciarydutiesconcerningtheuseofgraduatestudents’fees.

2. Supportaccesstohealthierfoodoptionsoncampus,includingforthosewithdietaryrestrictions.

a.MeetwithAncillaryServicestoadvocateforawidervarietyofhealthyfoodoptionsoncampus,includingoptionsforthosewithdietaryrestrictions.

3. Supporttheneedforsustainable,affordable,andwell-maintainedgraduatestudenthousingtopreventhomelessnessandensureapositiveexperienceattheUofAforgraduatestudentsandtheirfamilies.

a. AdvocateforflexibleandtransparentresidencerentalcontractsbetweentheUniversityandgraduatestudentsthatuse‘plainlanguage.’

b. Meetwithpotentialadvocatesandsponsorsregardingtheissueofgraduatestudenthomelessness,includingChaplains,Senators,andtheAlumniAssociation,tobrainstormpotentialsolutionstoshort-termandchronichomelessnessamongstgraduatestudents.

c. Discusstheon-goingissueofmoldandgeneralunhealthylivingconditionsatMichenerParkwithsenioradministrationandadvocatetoimprovethequalityoflifeforgraduatestudentsandtheirfamilies.

d. CollaboratewithCommunitySocialWorkerstomaketheGSA’spresenceandservicesbetterknowntograduatestudentslivinginresidences.

e. Advocateforaffordableandhighqualitygraduateresidencesthatareeasilyaccessibleviapublictransit.f. EnsuregraduatestudentrepresentationontheResidenceLifeTaskForce.g. CollaboratewiththeSUtoadvocateformorecompassionateresponsesfromResidenceServicesto

ensuretheneedsofallstudentsinresidencearemet.

4. Supportandassistgraduatestudentslivinginresidences,andtheirResidenceAssociations,toensurestudentsarelivinginsafeconditionsandreceivingexcellentservices.

a. CollaboratewithResidenceAssociationstosurveygraduatestudentslivinginresidenceabouttheirkeyissuesandconcerns.

b. AssistgraduatestudentslivinginresidencetoensuretheirconcernsareaddressedbyResidenceServicesinatimelymanner.

c. MeetwithResidenceAssociationseachtermtoheartheirconcernsandhelpraisethoseissueswithsenioradministration.

SUPPORT

GOAL2:Striveforapositiveexperiencethatmeetstheneeds,andfurthersthedevelopmentof,graduatestudents.

TheGSAsupportsandencouragesanempoweringenvironmentforallgraduatestudentssotheycanthriveacademicallyandprofessionally.TheGSAsupportsanincreasetothenumberanddiversityofprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesbeingimplementedforgraduatestudents.TheGSAwillcontinuetocollaboratewiththeFGSRtoensuregraduatestudentsareabletodeveloptheskillsandknowledgenecessaryforfuturecareers.TheGSAwillworkwithstakeholderstopursuethedevelopmentofamentorshipprogram.TheGSAwillalsomaintainitssupportofUniversityservicesthatbenefitgraduatestudents,includingadvocatingfortheabilityofgraduatestudentstopresenttheir

researchtotheacademiccommunityinsideandoutsidetheUofA.

StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps1. Supportavarietyofhighqualityprofessional

development(PD)andinternshipopportunitiesforgraduatestudentsinrecognitionofthediversefuturecareerpathsaheadofgraduatestudents.

a. SupporttheprofessionalexperienceleavepolicybeingadvancedbytheFGSR.b. MeetwithInternshipandPDDirectorseachtermtohearprogramupdatesandtodiscussfeedbackfrom

participants.c. Meetwithstakeholders,suchastheFGSRandtheCareerCentre,todiscussthesupportof

entrepreneurshipopportunitiesforgraduatestudents.d. Developandhosttwo(2)PDeventsforgraduatestudents.e. ParticipateinPD4GradsmeetingstoassistwiththedevelopmentofPDworkshopsandevents.

2. Supportworkshopsandservicesthatassistgraduate

studentswithacademicprogressandprofessionaldevelopmentopportunities.

a. Subsidizeandsupportgraduatestudentworkshops,courses,andsessionsofferedbytheCareerCentreandtheStudentSuccessCentre.

b. EvaluateannuallytheeffectivenessofservicessubsidizedbytheGSAforgraduatestudents.

c. ContinuetopromoteworkshopsandservicesforgraduatestudentsthroughtheGSAnewsletter,theGSAwebsite,andthehandbook.

d. EvaluatecurrentGSAPolicyforsupportinggraduatestudentgroupstoensureaccessibilityandequityofsupport.

3. Supportgraduatestudentsthroughouttheapplicationprocessforinternal,provincial,andfederalgrants,fellowships,andotheropportunities.

a. Asnotedabove,discuss,withtheFGSR,thecurrentopportunitiesavailabletograduatestudentswhoareapplyingtoscholarships,grants,andawardstoensuretheFGSR’scompletesupportthroughouttheapplicationprocess.

4. Supportgraduatestudentsfinanciallysothattheycanattendlocal,regional,national,andinternationalconferencestopromotetheirworkanddevelopnewacademicnetworks.

a. OfferGSAAcademicTravelAwardstoasmanygraduatestudentsasGSSFfundingpermits.b. Compareandcontrastfundingforacademictravelavailabletograduatestudentsatotheruniversitiesin

preparationforcollectivebargaining.

5. SupporttheexpansionofamentorshipprogramavailabletograduatestudentsinpartnershipwiththeFGSR,theAlumniAssociation,theCityofEdmonton,andtheGovernmentofAlberta.

a. DiscusscurrentgraduatestudentmentorshipavailabilitywiththeFGSR.b. DiscussnewgraduatestudentmentorshipopportunitieswithpartnerssuchastheAlumniAssociation.

6. Supportcross-disciplinaryandcross-institutionalresearchandlearningopportunitiesforgraduatestudents.

a. AdvocateforeasiertransferofcreditsforgraduatestudentsbetweenotheruniversitiesandtheUniversityofAlberta.

b. InvestigatethepossibilityofobtainingaseatontheprovincialAcademicandCreditTransferCommitteeforeithertheUniversityofAlbertaorab-GPAC.

c. Researchdepartmentalcredittransferpoliciestodetermineinconsistenciesandareasforimprovement.d. Meetwithatleasttwo(2)DeansorDepartmentChairstodiscusstheissuesoftransferringcreditsand

strategizehowtoovercomebarriers.

7. Supportopportunitiesforgraduatestudentstohaveinternationalresearchandstudyopportunities.

a. ParticipateintheFGSRPolicyReviewCommittee,andothersimilarUniversitycommittees,topromoteinterdisciplinaryandalternativelearningopportunities,includinginternationalexchanges,forgraduatestudents.

b. MeetwithGoAbroadandMitacstodiscussopportunitiestopromoteandexpandinternationaleducationalexperiencesavailabletograduatestudents.

8. Supporttheneedforhigh-qualitygraduate-levelprogramsandcourses.

a. ParticipateintheUniversalStudentRatingsofInstructionreviewprocesswhichwillassesstheeffectivenessofthecurrentevaluationsystemandrecommendimprovements.

b. AssessgraduatestudentsatisfactionlevelsandareasofimprovementoutlinedintheCanadianGraduateandProfessionalStudentSurvey.

c. ParticipateinCampusAlbertaQualityCouncilreviewsofgraduatestudentprograms.

SUPPORT

GOAL3:Continuetobuildasafe,respectful,supportive,andappreciativelearningandworkenvironmentforallgraduatestudentsthatiscompliantwiththeGSA’sCollectiveAgreementgoverninggraduatestudentassistantships.

Allgraduatestudentsareentitledtoasafeandrespectfulworkenvironment,freefromharassment,discrimination,andbullying.Forgraduatestudentswithassistantships,theCollectiveAgreementisalegallybindingdocumentbetweentheGSAandtheBoardofGovernorsthatoutlinestheexpectationsforfaircompensationandabeneficialworkenvironment.TheGSAwillbuildupontheadvancesithasmadetoassistgraduatestudentswithCollectiveAgreementissues,andensureUniversity-wideawareness

andcomplianceoftheCollectiveAgreement.

1. SupportgraduatestudentsandbuilduponadvancesmadebypreviousGSAteamsinresolvingissuesassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreement.

a. CollectexamplelettersofappointmentfromasmanydepartmentsaspossibleinordertoexaminecompliancewiththeCollectiveAgreement.

b. DiscusstheCollectiveAgreementinallorientationpresentationsbytheGSA.c. DistributeaclearandconcisefactsheetregardingtheCollectiveAgreementatallGSA

orientationpresentationsandevents.d. Present,totheBoardHumanResourcesandCompensationCommittee,thetypesof

CollectiveAgreementissuesaddressedbytheGSAtodemonstratetheimpactoftheseissuesontheUniversity.

e. TrackissuesassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreementtodiscussduringsubsequentcollectivebargainingwiththeUniversity.

2. SupportthedevelopmentofpartnershipswithDepartmentalCouncillorsandDepartmentalGSAstotracksystemicCollectiveAgreementcomplianceissues.

a. BeavailabletomeetwithDepartmentalCouncillors,DepartmentalGSAs,andindividualgraduatestudentstobetterunderstandtherangeofissuesandexperiencesacrosscampus.

b. DevelopatrackingsystemforallissuesdiscussedwithDepartmentalCouncillors,DepartmentalGSAs,andindividualgraduatestudents.

c. PlantomeetwithalldepartmentalCouncillorspriortotheendofDecember2016.d. DevelopanannualmeetingschedulebetweentheGSAandDepartmentalCouncillorsfor

usebyfutureGSAteams.

3. SupportandadvocateforgraduatestudentswhohaveexperiencedissuesrelatedtotheCollectiveAgreement,andforthosewhofaceissuesoutsideoftheCollectiveAgreement.

a. Advocate,onbehalfofgraduatestudents,forthepromptresolutionofongoingandsystemicissuesassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreement.

b. MeetwithanygraduatestudentwhoexperiencesanissueassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreementtodevelopmethodstoresolvetheissueinatimelymanner.

c. DevelopatrackingsystemofindividualgraduatestudentissuesworkedonbytheGSA.

d. ContinuetoadvocateforandassistgraduatestudentswhofaceissuesasidefromthoseassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreementandaidtheminnavigatingUniversitystructures.

4. SupportpartnershipswiththeFGSRandtheOfficeoftheProvosttoensureabetterunderstandingoftheGSA’sCollectiveAgreementwithintheUniversity.

a. MaintainongoingrelationshipswiththeappropriatemembersoftheOfficeoftheProvost.b. Review,incollaborationwiththeOfficeoftheProvost,theCollectiveAgreement

InformationSheets.c. UsesocialmediatohighlighttheCollectiveAgreement.d. Discuss,withtheFGSRandtheOfficeoftheProvost,thewayinformationregardingthe

CollectiveAgreementissharedwithincomingprofessors,graduatecoordinators,andgraduatechairs.

e. AttendtheDeans’Council,GraduateProgramAdministratorsCommittee,andmeetingsofothergroupstopresentinformationabouttheGSA’sCollectiveAgreement.

SUPPORT

GOAL4:Enhancesupportsforinternationalgraduatestudents.

TheUniversity’scommunityofinternationalgraduatestudentsisavitalpartoftheoverallgraduateprogramsofferedattheUniversityofAlberta.TheGSAwillsupport,and

advocatefor,initiativesandprogramsthatspecificallysupportinternationalgraduatestudentsinallaspectsoftheirlives.

1. SupporttheGSA’spartnershipwithUniversityofAlbertaInternational(UAI)andstudentgroupswhorepresentinternationalgraduatestudents.

a. PromotetheUAIpeermentoringprogramviatheGSAnewsletterandonsocialmedia.b. MeetwithUAIatleasttwo(2)timesperyeartodiscussissuesfacedbyinternationalgraduatestudents.c. MeetwiththeVice-ProvostandAssociateVice-President(International)todiscussissuesfacedby

internationalgraduatestudents.d. Meetannuallywithinternationalstudentgroupstodiscussopportunitiesforcollaboration.e. AdvertiseUniversityeducationalsupportprogramsthatcanbeusedbyinternationalgraduatestudents.f.Investigateifthereissufficientneedtobrokeraservicetoassistinternationalgraduatestudentswithapplyingforpermanentresidency.

SUSTAIN

GOAL1:MaintaintheGSA’sexcellentreputationandcultureofrespect,tolerance,andprofessionalism.

TheGSAaimstobethebestmanagedgraduatestudentassociationinCanada,witheffectiveandwell-trainedelectedleadershipsupportedbyaprofessionalandengaged

managementteam.Tobeeffective,theGSAneedstomaintainaviablestaffinginfrastructureandanengagedofficesupportteam.

1. Sustainasupportive,respectful,professional,andenjoyableworkenvironmentforGSADEOsandsupporttheExecutiveDirector’sworktoensureasimilarenvironmentwithintheGSAoffice.

a. Ensuretheuseofeffectivecommunicationskillstoaddressconflictorissuesasquicklyaspossible.b. Ensureeveryone’stimeisrespected.c. Createopportunitiestoshowappreciationforassistanceorforajobwell-done.d. WorkcollaborativelywiththeExecutiveDirectortoenhancetheGSA’shealth,stability,andreputationin

allareasovertime.

2. Sustainthecommitmenttostrategicplanning,regularfollow-throughongoalsandactionsteps,andregularreportingtotheGSACouncil.

a. UpdatetheBoardStrategicWorkPlan(SWP)andannualactionstepswitheachnewgroupofDEOs.b. DevelopeffectivemethodstodemonstrateprogressandsuccessoftheBoardSWPactionsteps.c. Reviewandregularlyupdatetherecently-developedGSACouncillorHandbooktoassistCouncillorsto

betterunderstandtheirrolesandresponsibilities.d. CreateopportunitiesforallCouncillorstoprovideinputonkeyitemspresentedanddiscussedatGSA

Councilinneworinnovativeways.e. DevelopasurveyforGSACouncillorstofacilitatetheirengagementwiththeGSA,andabilitytorepresent

theirdepartmentsorconstituents.

3. SustainaproactivesearchfortalentthroughtheEarlyCallforTalentandTraininginitiative,andacommitmenttoprovideelectedofficialswithtrainingandprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesrelevanttotheirportfolios.

a. EffectivelyadvertisetheannualEarlyCallforTalentandTrainingprogram.b. MaintainaneffectiveNominatingCommitteewhocanworktowardsplacinggraduatestudent

representativesonvariouscouncilsandcommittees.c. DevelopanannualtransitionplantoprepareincomingDEOsfortheirannualresponsibilities.d. ReviewandupdatetheannualtrainingplanforDEOstoensuredeliveryoftrainingdeemednecessaryfor

themtoeffectivelyperformtheirduties.e.DiscusswiththeDeanoftheFGSRtheoptionofrequestingacademicrelieffortheGSAPresidentundertheprofessionalexperienceleavecategory.

4. SustainaregularreviewofGSABylawandPolicytoensuregoodgovernance.

a. ContinuewithreviewofGSABylawandPolicy(egcombinedversion,editorialupdates,officerportfolios,etc).

b. ImplementGSACouncil-approvedupdatestoBylawandPolicyasneededfollowingreview.c. CommunicateduringtransitionoffutureteamsofDEOsthenecessityforon-goingreview.

5. SustainreasonableworkloadsforallDEOsbyreallocatingrolesandresponsibilitiestomeetthechangingUniversityenvironment.

a. Conduct,atminimum,anannualreviewofDEOportfoliosandthedivisionofresponsibilities.b. AssignDEOstocommitteesinamannerthatensuresthebestuseoftalentwhileaimingforanequitable

distributionoftheoverallworkload.

SUSTAIN

GOAL2:Continuetoofferhigh-quality,affordableservicestoallgraduatestudents.

TheGSAwillcontinuetoofferawidevarietyofbeneficialservicesthatareavailabletoallgraduatestudents.TheGSAwillalsocontinuetonegotiateforaffordablehealth,

dentalandtransitprogramsforgraduatestudentsbasedongraduatestudentneedsandwants.

1. Sustainanddevelopon-campusandGSAnegotiatedandsubsidizedservicestoobtainthehighestvaluepossibleforgraduatestudents.

a. DevelopopportunitiestogaininsightandfeedbackfromgraduatestudentsregardingtheservicesofferedbytheGSA.

b. ConductacomprehensivereviewoftheGSA’sHealthandDentalPlaninordertoselecttheplanthatbestmeetstheoverallneedsofgraduatestudents.

c. Developaproposalforadrop-inchildcarecentreoncampusthatcanbeutilizedbygraduatestudents.d. WorktoensuretheU-Passremainscosteffectiveforgraduatestudents.e. LeadthediscussiononcreationofadirectbusroutebetweenMichenerParkandNorthCampus.f. Discuss,withotherEdmonton-baseduniversities,negotiatingforadiscountedU-Passrateforspouses

anddependentsofstudentsinfuture.g. FinalizetheagreementbetweentheGSAandtheSUregardingthePhysicalActivityandWellness(PAW)

Centrefoodservicearea.h. Maintainrelationshipswithourpartnersandsponsorsofeventsandactivities.

SUSTAIN

GOAL3:Promoteawelcoming,equitable,sustainable,andhealthycampusforallmembersoftheUniversitycommunity.

TheGSAsupportsaUniversitythatvaluescontinuouslearninganddevelopmentandmeasuressuccess,boththroughtraditionalmetricsandalternative,lesscompetitiveandmorecollaborative,methods.TheGSAsupportsthedevelopmentofcriticalthinkingskills,opportunitiestofailwithoutpunishment,assignmentsthatdevelopself-awareness

ofstrengths,andopportunitiestogivebacktothecommunity.TheGSAwillcontinueto:fosteracultureofinclusionandacceptance;responsibilityfortheuseoffiniteresources;andsupporthealthandwellnessinitiativesthataimtoincreasework-lifebalance.

1. Sustainarespectfulandwelcomingenvironmentforallindigenouspeoples.

a. AcknowledgeweareonTreaty6landinallofficialmeetingsandonallofficialdocumentsproducedbytheGSA.

b. ExaminetheTruthandReconciliationCommission’sreporttodeterminehowtheGSAcanimplementtheCallstoAction.

c. HostanEldertoleadasmudgingceremonyatthestartofGSACouncil.d. AdvocateforlearningenvironmentswithintheUniversitythathonourindigenousapproachestoliving

andlearning.e. CollaboratewiththeIndigenousCounciltoadvertiseandparticipateintraditionaleventsandactivitiesto

increasegraduatestudentknowledgeandunderstandingofindigenouscultures.f. DiscusswiththeDeputyProvostcurrentstrategiesbeingimplementedbytheUniversityforindigenous

peoplesoncampusandidentifyareasaffectinggraduatestudents.g. Investigatewhetherthecurrentinfrastructureprovidedtoindigenousundergraduatestudentsalso

meetstheneedsofindigenousgraduatestudents.

2. Sustainworkingrelationshipswithstakeholderstoensureacampusfreefromdiscrimination,harassment,andbullyingforallmembersoftheUniversitycommunity.

a.Identifyvulnerableandat-riskgraduatestudentpopulationsandsetupmeetingseachtermtodiscussconcernsandissues.b. Participate,throughthesexualassaultpolicycommittee,inthedevelopmentofdefinitionsforsexual

violenceoncampus.c. ParticipateintheSexualAssaultResponseImplementationCommittee.d. AttendtheForensicExperientialandTraumaInterviewtrainingtolearntrauma-informedwaysof

assistinggraduatestudents.e. WorkwithAncillaryServicestoincreasethenumberofgenderneutralbathroomsoncampus.f. Advocateforafamily-friendlycampusthatincludesanincreaseinthenumberofbreastfeedingroomson

campusandachangetothepolicyregardingbringingchildrentoclass.

3. SustainthedevelopmentofalternativedisputeresolutiontechniquestohelpaddresspowerimbalancesandtonurturepeaceandproductivitywithintheUniversityenvironment.

a. CollaboratewiththeFGSR,theGraduateStudentOmbudsperson,andtheOfficeofSafeDisclosureandHumanRightstodevelopagraduatestudentrightsdocument.

b. TrainDEOsinrestorativeandmediationpracticesthatcanhelpencourageapromptresolutionofconflictsandissues.

c. EncouragetrainingforGraduateChairsinrestorativeandmediationpracticestohelpresolveconflictswithinadepartment.

d. Worktoincreaseawarenessofalternativedisputeresolutiontechniquesandpracticalcommunicationskillsforgraduatestudents,administrators,andprofessors.

e. Discussdevelopingalternativemethodstoaddressseriousallegationsaboutsupervisionissues,otherthantheArticle16process,toeffectchangeandimprovegraduatestudentexperiences.

4. Sustaincampus-widehealthandwellnessinitiativestosupportandpromotetheimprovementofmentalhealthforgraduatestudents.

a. Organizeeight(8)CoffeeBreaksduringtheacademicyeartoprovidementalhealthbreaksandnetworkingopportunitiesforgraduatestudents,tosupportflourishingmentalhealth.

b. Encouragegraduatestudentparticipationinlocalandprovincialmentalhealthmeetings,eventsandsummits.

c. Promoteresourcesthataddressthestigmaofmentalhealthtochangethecultureofisolationandfearthatcaninhibitsuccess.

d. CollaboratewiththeUniversityofCalgarytobringtheInquiringMindsanti-stigmamentalhealthworkshoptotheUniversityofAlberta.

e. Encourageab-GPACtomaintainpressureontheprovincialgovernmenttoguaranteelong-termequitablefundingformentalhealthprograms.

f. ObtainmonthlyupdatesfromtheVice-President(FacilitiesandOperations)regardingtheprogressonthecampus’snewInterfaithPrayerandMeditationSpace.

g. ParticipateincommitteemeetingstodevelopafairandequitablesystemforbookingthePrayerandMeditationSpace.

h. Participateincampus-wide,on-goinghealthandwellnessinitiatives.i. AdvocatetomaintainapsychologistinTriffoHallforgraduatestudents.

5. Sustainleadershiptowardsenvironmentalsustainability

andstewardship.a. EvaluateGSAeventstodeterminetheirenvironmentalimpactandworkwiththeOfficeofSustainability

toreducethatimpact.b. Limitprintingofdocumentsbyencouragingtheuseoflaptopsandprojectorsatmeetings.c. PromotetheUniversity’ssustainabilityinitiatives.d. EncouragetheVice-President(FacilitiesandOperations)tobuildnetzeroenergybuildingstoreducethe

long-termenvironmentalimpactoftheUniversity.

UniversityofAlbertaGraduateStudents’AssociationBoardStrategicWorkPlan–2016/2017

TheGSArespectfullyacknowledgesthatitislocatedonTreaty6territory.

VISION: TheGraduateStudents’Association(GSA)advocatesforanengagingenvironmentthatissafe,respectful,supportive,healthy,accessible,andinclusive,andthatempowersgraduatestudentstobeagentsofchangeduringtheirtimeattheUniversityofAlberta,andbeyond.

MISSION: Recognizingthemulti-facetedrolesplayedbygraduatestudentsattheUniversityofAlberta,theGSA:advocatesforcomprehensive,timely,andexcellent

supportsforallgraduatestudentsfromboththeUniversityandtheAlbertaGovernment;negotiatesacollectiveagreementthatequitablysupportsgraduatestudentswhoareemployedbytheUniversity;workswithUniversityadministrationandfacultiestoensurecompliancewiththeCollectiveAgreement;engagesgraduatestudentsandsupportstheirendeavours;andworkstosustaintheexcellentreputationoftheGSA.

TheGSAbelievesthatahealthyorganizationisnurturedthrougheffectiverelationshipswithallstakeholders,includingconstituentgroupsoftheacademy.1Nonetheless,anorganizationthatevolvesovertimemustbepreparedtotakestepsatcriticaljuncturesthatmayormaynotbeendorsedbyallitsstakeholders.TheGSAseesthisasalivingdocument,shiftingdirectionsasneeded,astheprovincial,federal,andUniversitylandscapechanges.ItisdevelopedbyboththepreviousandcurrentteamsofDirectly-ElectedOfficers(DEOs)andprovidesaplanningdocumentforthisandfutureyears.Ouroverallgoalistocreateacampuscommunitywhereallgraduatestudentsfeelencouragedtolearnandareprovidedwithreasonablesupports(andaccommodations,whennecessary)toensuretheirsuccess.

OURIDEALDEFINITION,SITUATION,ANDEXPERIENCEFORALLGRADUATESTUDENTS:Agraduatestudentisajuniorcolleaguewhocontributestotheirfieldofstudyinpursuitofanadvanceddegreethroughcollaborativeworkwiththeprofessoriateandseniorcolleaguesinresearch,teaching,administrative,andlearningenvironmentsoftheUniversity.Thesecontributionsmaybeaccomplishedthrough:extensivecoursework,forwhichstudentspaytuition;manyhoursofassistantships,forwhichstudentsarepaid;theco-creationandwritingofscholarlywork;thesecuringofacademicfunding;presentations,conferences,andcommunityengagement;andcapstoneprojects,theses,ordissertations.Thismulti-facetedpositiontakesplaceinanenvironmentofmutualrespectandfairnesstodevelopskillsandknowledgeforfuturecareers.