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

6.2

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

10.7

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

3.0

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


3.1

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([email protected])andPhil([email protected]).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


3.2

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


3.3

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


3.4

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


3.5

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


3.6

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.


3.7

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.


3.8

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


3.9

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


3.10

i. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeReportMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.

22. GSAManagementi. ExecutiveDirector’sReport

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

23. WrittenQuestionsNoneatthistime.

24. OralQuestionsAdjournmentThemeetingwasadjournedat8:04pm.

6.0

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

6.1

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.”

/Users/gsaassist/GoogleDrive/320-Council/Meetings/2016-2017/April2017/FirstMailing/GSACouncil24Apr2017Item6b-GSACouncilDoubleColumn.docx

6.2

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.

/Users/gsaassist/GoogleDrive/320-Council/Meetings/2016-2017/April2017/FirstMailing/GSACouncil24Apr2017Item6c-GSAOfficersDoubleColumn.docx

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.


6.6

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

6.7

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.


6.8



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.


6.9



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.


6.10



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.


6.11



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.


6.12



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


6.13



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.


6.14



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.


6.15



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.


6.16



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.

7.0

/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([email protected])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).

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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.

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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

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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.

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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).

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/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.

8.0

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

8.1

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

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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ADVOCATE

GOAL1:WorkwiththeUniversityandgovernmenttoensuregraduatestudentsreceiveaffordabletuition,fundingpackages,andaccesstobursaries,scholarshipsand

awards.

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

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


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. NegotiateforincreasedgraduateassistantshipfundingintheCollectiveAgreement.

a. Educategraduatestudents,facultymembers,andUniversityadministratorsonthenewGraduateStudentAssistantshipCollectiveAgreementeffectiveSeptember2016toAugust2018.

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b. Trackissuesandotherinformationinordertoprepareforfuturenegotiations.

5. Advocatefortheinclusionofinternationalgraduatestudentsintheeligibilityrequirementsforexistingscholarships,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-boardtuitionincreasesforallgraduatestudents.c. AdvocateforareviewofthecurrentTuitionFeesRegulation.

9. Advocateagainsttheintroductionofnewmarket

modifiersorotherfeesthatarenotcurrentlyapartofanagreeduponregulatoryframework.

a. Monitorallfeesbeingimplementedforgraduatestudentstoensuretheyincludeconsultationwithgraduatestudentsbeforeimplementation.

b. EnsuregraduatestudentsarebeingassessedfeescorrectlyundertheMandatoryNon-InstructionalFeeformula.

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ADVOCATE

GOAL2:Worktodevelopsupportiveandrespectfulrelationshipsbetweengraduatestudentsandtheirsupervisors.

Graduatestudentsuccessreliesonqualitysupervisionandmentoringthroughoutadegreeprogram.TheGSAwillbuildonworkbypreviousexecutiveteamsand

collaborate,withtheFGSRandseniorUniversityadministrators,tofollowthroughonForthePublicGood,thenewinstitutionalstrategicplan,andmakequalitygraduatestudentsupervisionaninstitutionalpriority.


1. Advocateforthedevelopmentofmandatorysupervisortrainingprogramforbothincominggraduatestudentsandsupervisors.

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,thedevelopmentofacommonprogrammilestoneformforallgraduatestudentsand

supervisors,regardlessofdepartment,thatautomaticallytracksandflagsgraduatestudentsnotmeetingtheirmilestones.

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ENGAGE

GOAL1:DevelopandmaintainrelationshipswithallGSAstakeholdersinternalandexternaltotheUniversitytosupportgraduatestudentsuccess.

Graduatestudentsplayuniqueandmultifacetedrolesinauniversityenvironment.TheGSAwilladvocateforfurtherresourcestosupportgraduatestudentsbyreinforcingstrongrelationshipswithkeyplayerstocreateacommonvisionofexcellenceforallgraduatestudentsattheUniversity,aswellasacrossAlbertaandCanada.


1. EngagewiththeStudents’Union(SU),theAcademicStaffAssociation(AASUA),thePostdoctoralFellow’sAssociation(PDFA),andtheNon-AcademicStaffAssociation(NASA)toidentifysharedprioritiesandmaintainstrongpartnerships.

a. MeetregularlywithSUcounterpartstodiscussmutualprioritiessuchasresidences,academicgovernance,andmentalhealth.

b. Arrangeannualmeetingswithallpartnerassociationstodiscusscommonissuesandpriorities.

2. EngagewiththePresident,Provost,DeputyProvost,VicePresidents,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.

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ENGAGE

GOAL2:IncreasegraduatestudentawarenessofandparticipationwiththeGSAanditsservices.

TheGSAbelievesengagementoccursfromthetimesomeoneasksforinformationaboutthegraduatestudentapplicationprocessthroughtotheend-pointofconvocation.TheGSAsupportscontinuinggraduatestudentengagementthroughUniversitygovernance,networksinresidenceandelsewhere,professionaldevelopment,andinsocialsettings,allplaceswherefriendshipandresearchcollaborationcanoccur.WhiletheGSAoffersfallandwinterorientationsessions,manygraduatestudentscontinuetoremainunawareoftheGSAandtheservicesitoffers;theGSAalsoaimstoincreasevoterturnout.TheGSAwillinvestigateeffectivecommunicationmethodsthatwillcreateopportunitiesfor

graduatestudentawarenessandengagement.

StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps1. EngageallgraduatestudentsacrossallUniversityof

AlbertacampusesthroughsocialmediaandtheGSAnewslettermoreeffectively.

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.

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SUPPORT

GOAL1:Ensureallgraduatestudentshaveaccesstosufficientresourcestomeetthebasicnecessitiesoflife.

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

createsituationswheregraduatestudentscannotaffordsafehousingand/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.

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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,theGSA

website,andthehandbook.d. EvaluatecurrentGSAPolicyforsupportinggraduatestudentgroupstoensureaccessibilityandequityof

support.

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,and

a. DiscusscurrentgraduatestudentmentorshipavailabilitywiththeFGSR.b. DiscussnewgraduatestudentmentorshipopportunitieswithpartnerssuchastheAlumniAssociation.

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theGovernmentofAlberta.6. Supportcross-disciplinaryandcross-institutional

researchandlearningopportunitiesforgraduatestudents.

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.

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SUPPORT

GOAL3:Continuetobuildasafe,respectful,supportive,andappreciativelearningandworkenvironmentforallgraduatestudentsthatiscompliantwiththeGSA’sCollective

Agreementgoverninggraduatestudentassistantships.

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

andcomplianceoftheCollectiveAgreement.


1. SupportgraduatestudentsandbuilduponadvancesmadebypreviousGSAteamsinresolvingissuesassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreement.

a. CollectexamplelettersofappointmentfromasmanydepartmentsaspossibleinordertoexaminecompliancewiththeCollectiveAgreement.

b. DiscusstheCollectiveAgreementinallorientationpresentationsbytheGSA.c. DistributeaclearandconcisefactsheetregardingtheCollectiveAgreementatall

GSAorientationpresentationsandevents.d. Present,totheBoardHumanResourcesandCompensationCommittee,the

typesofCollectiveAgreementissuesaddressedbytheGSAtodemonstratetheimpactoftheseissuesontheUniversity.

e. TrackissuesassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreementtodiscussduringsubsequentcollectivebargainingwiththeUniversity.

2. SupportthedevelopmentofpartnershipswithDepartmentalCouncillorsandDepartmentalGSAstotracksystemicCollectiveAgreementcomplianceissues.

a. BeavailabletomeetwithDepartmentalCouncillors,DepartmentalGSAs,andindividualgraduatestudentstobetterunderstandtherangeofissuesandexperiencesacrosscampus.

b. DevelopatrackingsystemforallissuesdiscussedwithDepartmentalCouncillors,DepartmentalGSAs,andindividualgraduatestudents.

c. PlantomeetwithalldepartmentalCouncillorspriortotheendofDecember2016.

d. DevelopanannualmeetingschedulebetweentheGSAandDepartmentalCouncillorsforusebyfutureGSAteams.

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3. SupportandadvocateforgraduatestudentswhohaveexperiencedissuesrelatedtotheCollectiveAgreement,andforthosewhofaceissuesoutsideoftheCollectiveAgreement.

a. Advocate,onbehalfofgraduatestudents,forthepromptresolutionofongoingandsystemicissuesassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreement.

b. MeetwithanygraduatestudentwhoexperiencesanissueassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreementtodevelopmethodstoresolvetheissueinatimelymanner.

c. DevelopatrackingsystemofindividualgraduatestudentissuesworkedonbytheGSA.

d. ContinuetoadvocateforandassistgraduatestudentswhofaceissuesasidefromthoseassociatedwiththeCollectiveAgreementandaidtheminnavigatingUniversitystructures.

4. SupportpartnershipswiththeFGSRandtheOfficeoftheProvosttoensureabetterunderstandingoftheGSA’sCollectiveAgreementwithintheUniversity.

a. MaintainongoingrelationshipswiththeappropriatemembersoftheOfficeoftheProvost.

b. Review,incollaborationwiththeOfficeoftheProvost,theCollectiveAgreementInformationSheets.

c. UsesocialmediatohighlighttheCollectiveAgreement.d. Discuss,withtheFGSRandtheOfficeoftheProvost,thewayinformation

regardingtheCollectiveAgreementissharedwithincomingprofessors,graduatecoordinators,andgraduatechairs.

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

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SUPPORT

GOAL4:Enhancesupportsforinternationalgraduatestudents.

TheUniversity’scommunityofinternationalgraduatestudentsisavitalpartoftheoverallgraduateprogramsofferedattheUniversityofAlberta.TheGSAwillsupport,and

advocatefor,initiativesandprogramsthatspecificallysupportinternationalgraduatestudentsinallaspectsoftheirlives.


1. SupporttheGSA’spartnershipwithUniversityofAlbertaInternational(UAI)andstudentgroupswhorepresentinternationalgraduatestudents.

a. PromotetheUAIpeermentoringprogramviatheGSAnewsletterandonsocialmedia.b. MeetwithUAIatleasttwo(2)timesperyeartodiscussissuesfacedbyinternationalgraduatestudents.c. MeetwiththeViceProvostandAssociateVicePresident(International)todiscussissuesfacedby

internationalgraduatestudents.d. Meetannuallywithinternationalstudentgroupstodiscussopportunitiesforcollaboration.e. AdvertiseUniversityeducationalsupportprogramsthatcanbeusedbyinternationalgraduatestudents.f. Investigateifthereissufficientneedtobrokeraservicetoassistinternationalgraduatestudentswith

applyingforpermanentresidency.

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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,andreputationinall

areasovertime.

2. Sustainthecommitmenttostrategicplanning,regularfollow-throughongoalsandactionsteps,andregularreportingtotheGSACouncil.

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

understandtheirrolesandresponsibilities.d. CreateopportunitiesforallCouncillorstoprovideinputonkeyitemspresentedanddiscussedatGSACouncilin

neworinnovativeways.e. DevelopasurveyforGSACouncillorstofacilitatetheirengagementwiththeGSA,andabilitytorepresenttheir

departmentsorconstituents.

3. SustainaproactivesearchfortalentthroughtheEarlyCallforTalentandTraininginitiative,andacommitmenttoprovideelectedofficialswithtrainingandprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesrelevanttotheirportfolios.

a. EffectivelyadvertisetheannualEarlyCallforTalentandTrainingprogram.b. MaintainaneffectiveNominatingCommitteewhocanworktowardsplacinggraduatestudentrepresentatives

onvariouscouncilsandcommittees.c. DevelopanannualtransitionplantoprepareincomingDEOsfortheirannualresponsibilities.d. ReviewandupdatetheannualtrainingplanforDEOstoensuredeliveryoftrainingdeemednecessaryforthem

toeffectivelyperformtheirduties.e. DiscusswiththeDeanoftheFGSRtheoptionofrequestingacademicrelieffortheGSAPresidentunderthe

professionalexperienceleavecategory.

4. SustainaregularreviewofGSABylawandPolicytoensuregoodgovernance.

a. ContinuewithreviewofGSABylawandPolicy(egcombinedversion,editorialupdates,officerportfolios,etc)b. ImplementGSACouncil-approvedupdatestoBylawandPolicyasneededfollowingreview.c. CommunicateduringtransitionoffutureteamsofDEOsthenecessityforon-goingreview.

5. SustainreasonableworkloadsforallDEOsbyreallocatingrolesandresponsibilitiestomeetthechangingUniversityenvironment.

a. Conduct,atminimum,anannualreviewofDEOportfoliosandthedivisionofresponsibilities.b. AssignDEOstocommitteesinamannerthatensuresthebestuseoftalentwhileaimingforanequitable

distributionoftheoverallworkload.

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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.

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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,inthedevelopmentofdefinitionsforsexualviolenceoncampus.

c. ParticipateintheSexualAssaultResponseImplementationCommittee.d. AttendtheForensicExperientialandTraumaInterviewtrainingtolearntrauma-informedwaysof

assistinggraduatestudents.e. WorkwithAncillaryServicestoincreasethenumberofgenderneutralbathroomsoncampus.f. Advocateforafamily-friendlycampusthatincludesanincreaseinthenumberofbreastfeedingroomson

campusandachangetothepolicyregardingbringingchildrentoclass.

3. Sustainthedevelopmentofalternativedisputeresolutiontechniquestohelpaddresspowerimbalances

a. CollaboratewiththeFGSR,theGraduateStudentOmbudsperson,andtheOfficeofSafeDisclosureandHumanRightstodevelopagraduatestudentrightsdocument.

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andtonurturepeaceandproductivitywithintheUniversityenvironment.

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.

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10.0

GSAPresidentReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: SarahFickoDate: April21,2017DearCouncillorFriendsandColleagues,Ihopeeveryoneislookingforwardtotheendofthesemester,andhassometimetoenjoythesunshineandoutdoorsinthecomingmonthsJIwanttooffermycongratulationstoeveryonewhohassuccessfullycompletedexams,theses,candidacies,andothermilestonesoverthepastfewmonths–goodluckasyoucontinueyourjourneyattheUniversityorelsewhere!Iwouldalsoliketocongratulateallofthegraduatestudents,staff,andfacultywhowerehonouredattheGSAAwardsnightheldonMarch24(itwasaverysuccessfulevent);the26awardwinnersattheFGSRteachingawards;andthe3MTfinalistsandwinners–itisexcitingtohearaboutthebreadthofresearchhappeningacrosscampus.Ithasbeenanexcitingfewweeks!ThepastfewweeksasI’vebeenwritingmytransitionreport,I’vebeenreflectingonhowfastthisyearhasgoneby–itfeelsbothlikeitwasonlyafewdaysagoIwaspreparingtostartthisnewjob,andalsothatitwasforeverago!Belowyou’llfindsomeofthekeytopicsI’vebeenworkingonthispastmonthorganizedunderthethemeheadingsfromourBoardStrategicWorkPlan.AdvocateBoardofGovernors(BoG)UpdateLastmonth,MichaelPhair(BoGChair)askedeachBoGmembertocompleteaBoGself-evaluation.HealsometindividuallywithmyselfandFahim(SUPresident)todiscussourexperiencesandthoughtsontheBoGmovingforward.InAugusttherewillbeaBoGretreat,astherewillbe13newmembers(of21)inabouta6monthperiod.IhavealsorecommendedtotheincomingGSAteamthatMichael,DavidTurpin(UniversityPresident),DougStollery(UniversityChancellor),andthenewDeanofFGSR(seebelow)beinvitedtoGSACouncilinthefalltodescribetheirroles,andtogiveCouncillorstheopportunitytoaskthemquestionsdirectly.DeanofFGSRSearchCommitteeOverthepastsixmonths,JaneTraynor(GSASenator)andIhavebeensittingontheDeanofFGSRsearchcommittee.Forthoseofyouwhohavenotsatonasearchcommitteebefore,itisaninterestingopportunitytolearnmoreabouttheUniversity,andhelpselectanindividualthatwillplayaleadershiproleinyourdepartment,faculty,orattheinstitutionallevel(I’drecommendputtingyournameforwardforoneinfutureifyoueverdohavetheopportunity!).Inmyopinion,thiswasoneofthemostimportanttasksIwasinvolvedinthisyear,asthedecisionsmadebyFGSRandtheDeancanaffecteverygradstudentoncampus.Whilethemeetingdetailsareconfidential,I’veoutlinedtheprocessbelowforthosewhoareinterested.TheinitialmeetingsweretodiscussqualitiesandskillsthecommitteethoughtthenewDeanshouldpossess,aswellastodevelopajobdescriptionandanadfortheposition.SeveralmeetingswereheldwithvariousmembersoftheUniversitycommunitytogatherfeedback,andthentheadwaspostedandthesearchconsultantalsobegantoseekoutqualifiedindividuals.Oncealloftheapplicationswerereceived,thecommitteenarroweditdowntoashortlist(somesearchcommitteesdobothalonglistandashortlistdependingontheirtimeline).Twoindividuals,AndreLoiselleandHeatherZwickeracceptedtheinvitationtogivepresentationstotheUniversitycommunityandthentheywerebothinterviewedbythecommittee.On


10.1

April10,thecommitteemettodecidewhichcandidatetheywantedtoselectasthefutureDeanofFGSR.Atthatpoint,theDeputyProvost(whochairedthecommittee)informedtheProvostofthedecision,andtheProvostdiscussedthedecisionwiththeUniversityPresidentbeforereachingouttothecandidate.TheProvostthennegotiatesacontractwiththecandidate,andoncesettled,theinformationwillgototheBoGHumanResourcesandCompensationCommittee(BHRCC)andthentheBoG(inclosedsession)onMay12forapproval.AnofficialannouncementwillbemadetotheUniversitycommunityshortlythereafter.Engageab-GPAC(AlbertaGraduateProvincialAdvocacyCouncil)UpdateThismonththeab-GPACBoardofDirectorshastheopportunitytomeetwiththeMinistersofAdvancedEducationandEconomicDevelopmentandTradeonMarch21todiscussresearch,funding,andissuesspecificallyaffectinggraduatestudentsintheprovince.OurnewExecutiveDirectorNicolehasalsobeenhardatworkwritinganelectionpolicyforelectionsforthenewexecutiveteam,conductingexitinterviewswithallDirectors,andmakingsurewearecompliantwiththerequirementsintheSocietiesAct.Theab-GPACBoardwillhaveitstransitionmeetingonMay6-7inLethbridge.QuestionsToAskBeforeStartingGradSchoolLastGSACouncilwediscussedthelistofquestionsforprospectivestudentstoaskthemselvesandpotentialsupervisorsbeforeapplyingtogradschool.AfterincorporatingthecommentsIreceived,IpresenteditatFGSRCouncilwhereitalsoreceivedpositivefeedback,andseveralpeoplesaidtheywouldliketopostamodifiedversionontheirowndepartmentalwebsites.IwillfinalizethelistinthecomingweekandthenpassitontoFGSRtopostontheirwebsite.SupportBill7andLabourLegislationChangesAsmanyofyouhaveprobablyalreadyheardandasSashaalsoreports,theMinisterofAdvancedEducationinitiatedthefirstreadingofBill7onApril6.Bill7outlinesthechangestolabourlegislationforpost-secondaryinstitutionsintheprovince.ThehighlightsoftheBillforgraduatestudentsare:• TheGSAswillremainasthebargainingagentsforgraduatestudentsforatleastthenext5years,andwill

bedeemedatradeunionforthepurposesofbargaining

• AsofApril6,everyonehastherighttostrikeinthenextroundofbargainingandinstitutionshavetherighttolockout

• GraduateResearchAssistantshipFellowships(GRAFs)arenotcoveredbythelegislation(onlyTAsandRAs)

• Bindingarbitrationcanbenegotiatedatthestartofcollectivebargaining(ifitisnotnegotiatedbyaparticularbargaininggroupthenanessentialservicesagreementmustbedevelopedbeforebargainingbegins)

• ProceduresforbargainingandothermattersaremovedfromthePSLAtotheLabourRelationsCode;eachGSAwillhavetosubmittheircollectivebargainingbylawstotheLabourRelationsBoardforapprovalbyJuly2018

• PostdoctoralfellowswillberecognizedasassociationsunderthePSLA


10.2

TheGSAiscurrentlyseekingadvicefromourlawyersontheimplicationsofBill7inordertoensurethatwewillbefullycompliantwithitsvariouselements(forexample,weneedtoassesswhetherourcurrentbylawsconcerningratificationoftheCAbytheGSACouncilmustbeamendedtostipulatethatonlyacademicallyemployedgraduatestudentsareabletovotetoratifysuchagreement,aswellastheimplicationsofthislegislationforgraduatestudentsholdingGRAFs).Overthesummer,thenewteamofDEOswilllikelyaimtoholdanumberoftownhallstohelpeducategradstudentsonthechangesandtohearfurtherfromgradstudentsiftheywouldprefertheGSAtomaintaintherighttostrikeortonegotiateforbindingarbitrationfortheupcomingroundofcollectivebargainingstartinginfall2017.Oncethenextroundofbargainingiscomplete,theGSAwillthenwanttoconsultwithgradstudentsonwhatgradstudentswantinthelongrunandhowtheyshouldproceedtowardstheendofthefive-yearperiod.Assuch,thereisbothalotofworktobedoneintermsofcollectivebargainingforthiscomingyear,andalsointermsofconsultationanddecision-makingoverthenextfiveyearsforsubsequentteamsofDEOs.SustainGSAFeesFollowingtheapprovaloftheGSA2017-2018budgetattheFebruaryGSACouncilmeeting,theGSA’smembershipfeesweresubmittedtotheBoGBudget,Finance,andPropertyCommittee(BFPC),astheymustgothroughthissubcommitteeandthentotheBoGforapprovalofcollectionofthefees(notapprovalofthefeesthemselves)beginninginSeptember2017.OnApril19,IpresentedtheGSA’sfeestoBFPC,andthatbodyapprovedaMotiontorecommendthattheymoveforwardtotheBoGfortheMay12meeting.MentalHealthandWellnessItcanbehardtobalanceschoolandlifeasagraduatestudent,especiallyduringperiodsofhighstress(egexamtime)orduringtimesoftransition(egfinishingclasses/startingexperiments;finishingexperiments/startingtowriteathesis;finishingyourdegree/lookingforajob,etc).Therearemanyresourcesavailableoncampusonourwebsiteathttp://www.gsa.ualberta.ca/Services/MentalHealth.aspx,orthroughtheUniversityathttps://www.ualberta.ca/current-students/wellness/mental-health,andIencourageeveryonetotakeafewminutesandcheckinwiththeirfriendsandneighboursonaregularbasis.UpcomingActivitiesandEventsThissemesterhaslotsonthego!I’veincludedalistofdateswithsomeupcomingactivitiesbelow.April-Apr11,FGSRGraduateTeachingAwardEvent-Apr13,3MinuteThesisFinals-Apr24,GSACouncil-Apr25,GSAEvent:LetGoOfYourMind–improvstyleevent(watchorparticipate,andthenmixandminglewithfellowgrads)–wehopemanyofyouwilljoinofusforthisfuneventwithlunchprovided!-Apr28,GSAUnwindyourMindCoffeeBreakMay-May4-5,UniversitySenatePlenary-May15,GSACouncilJune-Jun6-9and12-15,Convocations-Jun19,GSACouncil


10.3

*Lotsofotherevents,workshops,andspeakerscanbefoundathttps://www.ualberta.ca/eventsFinally,thiswillbemylastreportasyoursittingPresidentandrepresentative(thoughIwillsubmitonemorereportonmylastweekfortheMayGSACouncilmeeting).AsI’velearnedthisyear,theGSAPresidentisessentiallytheCEOofa$1Mnon-profitorganization,which,inmyopinion,isprettymuchtheultimateprofessionaldevelopmentopportunityanyonecanhaveas‘just’agradstudent(hint,hint,nudge,nudge,comeouttoEarlyCallthisyear)!I’mincrediblyproudofhowmuchmyteamhaslearnedandgrown,andallthatwehaveaccomplishedthisyear.IhopewehavemadechangesorputpiecesinplacethatwillimprovegraduatestudentlivesattheUofAandinCanadanowandoverthecomingyears.Whilethisexperiencehasbeenchallenging,scary,andtiringattimes,ithasalsobeenincrediblyfun,motivating,andridiculouslyrewardingwhenwedidmakeprogressonissuesimpactinggradstudents.ThereareanenormousnumberofpeopleI’dliketothankforalltheiradvice,support,andencouragementthispastyear(thislistisbynomeansexhaustive!),includingmyteamofAli,Firouz,Masoud,andSasha;Courtney,Heather,Julie,Laura,Lisa,Fiona,Mahsa,Dorte,andShirleyintheoffice;pastGSAPresidents;theGSABoardandGSAstandingcommitteemembersI’vehadthepleasuretoworkwith;toallGSACouncillorsforyourwillingnessanddesiretovolunteertimeeachmonthcollaboratingonwaystoimprovetheexperiencesofgradstudentsoncampus;thededicatedstaffandfacultyinFGSR,theDeanofStudents’Office,andacrosstheinstitutionwhoworksuperhardtohelpgradstudentseveryday;myfriendsandfamily;andmyhusbandStuforhisunwaveringbeliefinmyabilitytolead.Iwishtheincomingteamthebestofluck,andlookforwardtoseeingtheirideasunfoldingoverthecomingyear.Warmestregards,SarahGSAPresident

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10.4

PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenMarch21,2017andApril24,2017.Themeetingswereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.SarahwasonacademicleavefromMarch21toMarch24,2017andonpersonalleavefromApril18toApril21,2017.

March27 MeetingwithaDepartmentMarch27 MeetingwithHeatherZwicker,InterimVice-ProvostandDean,FacultyofGraduate

StudiesandResearch(FGSR)March27 MeetingwithMichaelPhair,BoardofGovernorsChairMarch28 MeetingwithDavidTurpin,UniversityPresidentMarch29 MeetingwithGraduateStudentsMarch30 GSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)March30 ab-GPACExecutiveMeetingMarch31 MeetingregardingStudentHomelessnessMarch31 AlbertaGraduateProvincialAdvocacyCouncil(ab-GPAC)ExecutiveDirectorApril3 MeetingwithHeatherZwicker,InterimVice-ProvostandDean,FacultyofGraduate

StudiesandResearch(FGSR)April3 PAWStrategicOperationCommitteeMeetingApril4 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)DeanSelectionCommitteeDinnerApril5 MeetingwithoneNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand

Research(FGSR)PositionApril5 ForumwithoneNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch

(FGSR)PositionApril5 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)DeanSelectionCommitteeApril6 MeetingwithoneNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand

Research(FGSR)PositionApril6 PhoneCallwiththeAlbertaGovernmentonBill7April6 ForumwithoneNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch

(FGSR)PositionApril6 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)DeanSelectionCommitteeApril7 SpecialAnnouncementfromDavidTurpin,UniversityPresidentApril10 StudentGroupGrantSupportApril10 DinnerwiththeOutgoingExecutivesoftheStudents’UnionApril11 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)DeanSelectionCommitteeApril11 MeetingwithSteveDew,ProvostandVice-President(Academic)April11 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)GraduateStudentTeaching

AwardsApril11 AlbertaGraduateProvincialAdvocacyCouncil(ab-GPAC)BoardofDirectors

MeetingApril12 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)CouncilApril13 MeetingwiththeStudents’UnionApril13 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)ProfessionalDevelopment

AdvisoryBoardMeetingApril13 3-MinuteThesisFinalsApril24 BoardUniversityRelationsCommittee(BURC)April24 BoardLearningandDiscoveryCommittee(BLDC)

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10.5GSABoard

ReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: CourtneyThomas,ExecutiveDirectorandCoordinatoroftheGSABoard;HeatherHogg,DirectorofOperations;JulieTanguay,Associate

Director;andLisaHareuther,AssistantDirectorDate: April21,2017TheGSABoard(GSAB)reportsregularlytoGSACouncilbylistingitsagendaitems,Motions/agreements,andmainitemsofdiscussion.MotionsofAgendaapprovalandapprovaloftheMinutesarenotincludedunlesstherewereamendmentsmade.Closedsessionitemsarenotminuted.OpensessionMinutesareavailableuponrequest.ThePresident,Vice-Presidents,DirectorofOperations,AssociateDirector,andIwillbehappytoansweranyquestionsorprovidemoreinformationattheGSACouncilmeeting.AlsoseetheweeklyManagementReportstotheGSABinItem22(ExecutiveDirector’sReporttoGSACouncil)onpages20.4-20.6.21March2017GSABoardEmailVoteMotionsandAgreements:ThattheGSABoardAPPROVEtheestimatedexpensefortwo(2)representativesoftheGSAtoattendtheab-GPACTransition,May6to7,2017,inLethbridge,AB,asnotedbelow.CARRIED.22March2017GSABoardMeeting:Cancelled29March2017GSABoardMeetingMainAgendaItems:RecommendedRevisionstoGSABoardPolicyandMeetingReports

MotionsandAgreements:Motion:ThatGSABoardAPPROVEtherecommendededitorialandsubstantiverevisionstotheentirelyofGSABoardPolicyasnotedintheattached“trackchanges”and“ifapproved”documents,effectiveimmediately.SFMOVED.MKSeconded.CARRIED.MembersAGREEDtomoveinCLOSEDSESSION.MembersdiscussedMeetingwithaDepartment.MembersAGREEDtomoveoutofCLOSEDSESSION.MembersAGREEDtomoveinCLOSEDSESSION.MembersdiscussedMeetingwithUniversityPresident.MembersAGREEDtomoveoutofCLOSEDSESSION.MembersAGREEDtomoveinCLOSEDSESSION.MembersdiscussedGFCNominatingCommittee.MembersAGREEDtomoveoutofCLOSEDSESSION.MembersAGREEDtoreviewexampoliciesatotherinstitutionsforideasandtodiscussthistopicfurtheratthe5April2017meeting.05April2017GSABoardMeetingMainAgendaItems:ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonGSACouncil,GSAOfficers,andGSAStandingCommittees;GSABoardStrategicWorkPlan:UpdatetoGSACouncil;andFGSRPolicyReviewCommittee

MotionsandAgreements:ThattheGSABoardreview,FORINFORMATIONANDPRIORTOONWARDTRANSMISSIONTOGSACOUNCIL,therecommendedproposedchangestoGSABylawandPolicyonGSACouncil,GSAOfficers,andGSAStandingCommittees,asshownintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentsandeffectiveuponapprovalbyGSACouncil.12April2017GSABoardMeetingMainAgendaItems:Attendanceattheab-GPACTransition,May6to7,2017,inLethbridge,AB:EstimatedExpenses;Bill7Information;GSABoardStrategicWorkPlan:UpdatetoGSACouncil

MotionsandAgreements:MembersAGREEDtoapprovetheAgendaofApril12,2017,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributed,afteraddinganactionitemconcerningadditionalestimatedtravelexpensesforab-GPAC).SFMOVED.MKSeconded.CARRIED.MembersAGREEDtoapprovetheMinutesofApril5,2017,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributed,afteramendingSF’sreportfortheFGSRDeanSearchCommitteemeetingstoread‘ConfidentialMeeting’insteadof‘NothingtoReport’.SFMOVED.ATSeconded.CARRIED.

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10.6Motion:ThattheGSABoardAPPROVEtheestimatedexpenseforone(1)representativeoftheGSAtoattendtheab-GPACTransition,May6to7,2017,inLethbridge,AB,asnotedintheattachedestimate.SFMOVED.MKSeconded.CARRIED.MembersAGREEDtomoveinCLOSEDSESSION.MembersdiscussedBill7.MembersAGREEDtomoveoutofCLOSEDSESSION.MembersAGREEDtoplacediscussionofBill7asastandingitemonGSABoardagendasforthecomingmonths.19April2017GSABoardMeeting:Cancelled

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10.7

GSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)ReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: SarahFickoDate: April21,2017DearCouncilColleagues,TheGSAGCmetonMarch30,2017.Atthismeeting,membersreviewedaseriesofproposededitorialandsubstantiveproposedchangestofoursectionsofGSABylawandPolicy:GSACouncil,GSAOfficers,GSAStandingCommittees,andGSACaucuses.Followingtheirmeeting,theGSAGCvotedunanimouslyviaemailvoteonApril3,2017insupportofrecommendingtheproposedsubstantivechangesthatarenowbeforeyoutoGSACouncil,andinsupportoftheeditorialchanges.AssetoutinGSAPolicy,TheGSAGCwill“makeanyeditorialchanges(suchasfactualinaccuraciesandothereditorialissues)totheGSA’sgoverningdocumentsasdeemednecessarybytheGSAGC”(SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.4.2.b).

Theapprovededitorialchangesincluded:

• StandardizingthelayoutofallGSAStandingCommitteessothattheyfollowthesameformatof:Composition,Mandate,andMeetings

• RemovingUniversitycommitteesthatnolongerexistfromtheDirectly-ElectedOfficerportfolios• Addingeditorialstatementsofclarificationregardingcurrentprocedures• Removalofrepetitivelanguage

Sincerely, SarahFicko,GSAPresidentandChair,GSAGovernanceCommittee

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11.0

GSANominatingCommitteeReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: RadimBartaDate: April21,2017

DearCouncilColleagues,

ThereportfromtheGSANominatingCommittee(GSANoC)thismonthisasummaryofdiscussions/decisionstheGSANoChasmadesinceitslastreport,togetherwithalistofallvacanciesfilledandthosewhichwillbefilledshortly.

GSAPolicygoverningtheGSANoCislocatedinGSABylawandPolicy,SectionE:Nominating.AsprovidedforinitsTermsofReference,theGSANoChasbeenconductingbusinessviae-mail.

Sincerely,

RadimBarta,Chair,GSANoC

GSACouncillor-at-LargeBy-Election

1) GSACouncillor-at-Large(4GraduateStudentPositions)

Inthe2017GSAGeneralElection,six(6)outoften(10)Councillor-at-Largepositionswerefilled.IntheGSAnewslettersofMarch24,31,April7,and13,2017,theGSANoCadvertisedforthefour(4)vacantGSACouncillor-at-Largepositions.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasApril11,2017andnine(9)nominationswerereceived.AcallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonApril13,2017.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasThursday,April20,2017andnoadditionalnominationswerereceived.

SeeItem7–NomineesforGSACouncillor-at-LargeBy-Election.

GSAStandingCommittees

2) GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(GSAACB)(3GraduateStudentPositions)

IntheMarch31,2017GSAnewsletter,theGSANoCadvertisedforthree(3)vacantpositionsontheGSAACB.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasApril10,2017andnonominationswerereceived.ThecallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonApril12,2017.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasApril19,2017andtwo(2)additionalnominationswerereceived.ThenomineesweretheninterviewedbyGSANoCChairRadimBartaandGSANoCmember(andrecentformerGSANoCAdministrativeChair)MicheleDuVal,bothofwhomhavebeentrainedinproceduralfairnessbytheGSAandhavearecordofdemonstratingimpartialitythroughtheirworkontheGSANoC.GSAAssistantDirectorLisaHareutherwasalsopresent.Duringtheinterviews,thenomineeswereaskedaseriesofquestionsaimedatassessingtheirawarenessofthebasictenetsofproceduralfairnessandtheirabilitytoadjudicatepotentialcasesinaccordwiththosetenets(noteaswellthatallindividualselectedtotheGSAACBwillreceivetraininginproceduralfairness).Therewillbeapaperballotvote.SeeItem7b–NomineesfortheGSAACB.

3) GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(GSAERC)(1GSACouncilMember)

OnMarch29,2017,GSACouncilmemberswerenotifiedviaemailofone(1)vacancyontheGSAERCforaGSAmemberofCouncil.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasApril10,2017andnonominationswerereceived.AcallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonApril12,2017.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasApril19,2017andnoadditionalnominationswerereceived.Thisvacancywillbeadvertisedagain.

4) GSABoard(GSAB)(1GSACouncilMember)


11.1

AliciaCappellohassteppeddownfromherposition,leavingavacancyforanon-votingmemberofGSACouncilonGSABoard.InformationregardingthisvacancywascirculatedviaemailtoGSACouncilonMarch29,2017withadeadlineofApril10,2017.Nonominationswerereceived.AcallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonApril12,2017.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasApril19,2017andone(1)additionalnominationwasreceived.Therewillbeapaperballotvote.SeeItem7a–NomineefortheGSABoard.

BodiesExternaltotheGSA

GSACouncilhasdelegatedtotheGSANoCtheresponsibilityoffillingpositionsonallcommitteesexternaltotheGSA.Normally,allvacanciesareadvertised.AccordingtoGSAPolicy,“advertisingmaybewaivedininstanceswhere,intheGSANoC’sview,itisurgenttofillavacancy”(GSABylawandPolicy,SectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,Nominating,SectionE.POL.5.2).

1) GeneralFacultiesCouncil(GFC)(14GraduateStudentPositions)

ThesepositionswereadvertisedintheGSAnewsletteronMarch31,April7,andApril132017.AnemailwasalsosenttothecurrentrepresentativesonGFCtoinquireastotheirinterestinservinganadditionalterm.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasTuesday,April18,2017at12:00PM(noon).Ten(10)nominationswerereceived.SolomonAmoateng(Law),RubenAraya(ComputerEngineering),DarcyBemister(AFNS),MichelleBorowitz(Anthropology),BenjaminDenga(EducationalPolicy),KyleFoster(Physics),MaryamKebbe(Pediatrics),MaryseKiese(HumanitiesComputing/MLIS),AndrewsTawiah(RehabScience),andBraydenWhitlock(Physiology)wereelectedbytheGSANoCtoserveontheGFC.

CurrentVacancies

1) Senator(1GraduateStudentPosition)

AsperGSABylawandPolicy,thenominationperiodforthepositionofSenatorhasopened.TheGSANoCadvertisedforthepositionintheGSAnewsletterofMarch31,2017,andthisadvertisementisongoing.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationsisMay3,2017,andthedeadlinetoreceivedadditionalnominationsfromGSACouncilisMay11,2017.GSACouncilwillvotetoelectanindividualtothispositionattheMay15,2017GSACouncilmeeting.

2) UniversityCupSelectionCommittee(1GSADirectly-ElectedOfficerorDelegatePosition)

ThiscommitteerequiresaGSADirectly-ElectedOfficerordelegatetoadjudicateapplicationsfortheUniversityCup,whichisthehighesthonouroftheUofAgrantedtothoseindividualswhohaveachievedoutstandingdistinctionineachoftheareasofscholarlyresearch,teaching,servicetotheUniversityandthecommunityatlarge.InconsultationwiththeGSAVice-PresidentAcademic,adelegatewillbeidentifiedtoserveonthiscommittee(GSABylawandPolicy,SectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,Nominating,SectionE.POL.6.2).

3) DistinguishedUniversityProfessorSelectionCommittee(1GSADirectly-ElectedOfficerorDelegatePosition)

ThiscommitteerequiresaGSADirectly-ElectedOfficerordelegatetoadjudicateapplicationsforthetitleofDistinguishedUniversityProfessorandDistinguishedUniversityProfessorEmeritustothoseindividualswhohaveachievedoutstandingdistinctionandscholarshipineachoftheareasofresearch,teaching,andservicetotheacademyandthecommunityatlarge.InconsultationwiththeGSAVice-PresidentAcademic,adelegatewillbeidentifiedtoserveonthiscommittee(GSABylawandPolicy,SectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,Nominating,SectionE.POL.6.2).

4) VargoTeachingChairSelectionCommittee(1GSADirectly-ElectedOfficerorDelegatePosition)

ThiscommitteerequiresaGSADirectly-ElectedOfficerordelegatetoadjudicateapplicationsfortheVargoTeachingChair.VargoTeachingChairswerecreatedtofosterexcellenceinteachingattheUniversity.InconsultationwiththeGSAVice-PresidentAcademic,adelegatewillbeidentifiedtoserveonthiscommittee(GSABylawandPolicy,SectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,Nominating,SectionE.POL.6.2).


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5) VisitingLectureshipinHumanRights(VLHR)SelectionCommittee(1GraduateStudentPosition)

ThispositionwasadvertisedinGSAnewslettersofApril13and21,2017withanominationdeadlineofApril28,2017at12:00PM(noon).

Addendum–RecentIn-PersonMeetingoftheGSANoC

OnMarch31,2017,membersoftheGSANoCmetthenewestmemberofthecommittee,AhsanAhmed,whowaselectedattheFebruary27,2017meetingofGSACouncil.Overthecourseofthemeeting,theyprovidedhimwithcontextontheworkoftheGSANoC,explainedcommitteeprocedures,anddiscussedrelevantsectionsoftheGSABylawandPolicy.

Furthermore,membersdiscussedachangetoprocedurewithrespecttoreplenishingGSAStandingCommittees.Inthepast,GSACouncilhasonlycastballotsincaseswhereeitheradditionalnominationsweresubmittedbyGSACouncilmembersorininstanceswherethenumberofnomineesexceededthenumberofvacancies(ie,acontestedelection)(asperGSABylawandPolicy,SectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,Nominating,SectionE.POL.6.6).Ininstancesinwhichtheydidnotengageinapaperballotvote,GSACouncilwasaskedinsteadtodeclarenomineeselected.Withrespecttothisprocess,GSANoCmembersagreedtoadoptaproceduralchangeonatrialbasiswhereinGSACouncilwouldengageinapaperballotvoteconcerninganyGSAStandingCommitteeelection(ie,evenininstanceswheretherewasonlyonenomineeforonevacancy).AfteratrialperiodintendedtogaugetheimpactofthischangeontheflowofbusinessandagendaitemsatGSACouncilmeetings,theGSANoCwilldiscussthepossibilityofadoptingitmorepermanently.Finally,atthisin-personmeeting,membersalsodiscussedtheupcomingGSACouncilelectionforCouncil-ElectedOfficerpositions.

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GSAVice-PresidentAcademicReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: FirouzKhodayariDate: April21,2017


Ihopethateverybodyisenjoyingthelastdaysofthesemesterwhileendingonasuccessfulnote.AsVice-PresidentAcademic,Ihaveattendedseveralmeetingsandbeeninvolvedwithmanydiscussionsduringthelastmonth;Iwillsharethehighlightswithyouinthisreport.

SupervisionandExaminationPolicy

AsImentionedinmyFebruaryreporttoGSACouncil,IhavebeencloselyworkingwiththeFGSRtoreviewpolicyonsupervisionandexaminations.AmajorrevisiontotheSupervisionandStructureofExaminingCommitteesintheGraduateProgramManualwasapprovedbytheFGSRCouncilinMay2012.Subsequently,inMay2013,theauthorityforapprovalofseveralitemswasdelegatedtoFacultiesandchangestotheGraduateProgramManualgoverningexaminationswereapprovedbyFGSRCouncilinOctober2013.Sincethen,anumberofareashavecometolightthathavecausedproblemsduetoapparentcontradictions,gapsand/orlanguagethatisconfusing.TheFSGRPolicyReviewCommittee(PRC)(whichIamamemberof)undertookacomprehensivereviewofthesupervisionandexaminationregulations.Theproposedchanges,alongwiththecurrentversionoftheregulationsarepresentedhere(thehighlightedareasshowthechanges).IhavealsoattachedtheDoctoralCandidacyExaminationOutcomesFlowcharttothisdocument(whichcouldbefindonthelastpage).Iencourageallofyoutoreadbothdocuments,consultwiththegraduatestudentsinyourdepartment,andletmeknowanyfeedbackyouhave.ThisdocumentwillbediscussedforthelasttimeinaPRCmeetingonApril25,beforegoingtoFGSRCouncilforfinalapprovalonMay10,2017.ThefeedbackIreceivefromgraduatestudentsacrossdifferentdepartmentswillhelpensurethereviewofthispolicyisascomprehensiveaspossible.

Iamhappytoansweranyquestionsorcommentsthatyoumighthaveregardingthisreport.Also,IwouldbemorethanhappyifyouwouldliketoshareyoursuggestionsorconcernsregardinganyacademicrelatedissuesyouhaveencounteredattheUniversity.

Thanks,

FirouzKhodayari,GSAVice-PresidentAcademic

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PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenMarch21,2017andApril24,2017.Themeetingswereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.

March22 GFCNominatingCommittee(GFCNC)March3 SignatureAreasCampusForumMarch24 GSAAwardsNightMarch28 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)PolicyReviewCommitteeMarch31 UniversityResearchPolicyCommittee(URPC)April5 MeetingwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand

Research(FGSR)PositionApril5 ForumwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand

Research(FGSR)PositionApril5 GFCCommitteeontheLearningEnvironment(GFCCLE)April5 ImagesofResearchReceptionandExhibitionApril6 MeetingwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand


Research(FGSR)PositionApril10 DinnerwiththeOutgoingExecutivesoftheStudents’UnionApril10 GSAFacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)CouncilCaucusApril10 GFCNominatingCommittee(GFCNC)April10 GFCExecutiveCommittee(GFCExec)April11 Ualberta.caEvolutionWorkingCommitteeApril11 MeetingwithGraduateStudentsApril19 CampusSustainabilityAwardsApril19 AcademicIntegrityCouncilApril20 GSAGFCCaucusApril20 GSAAcademically-RelatedStudentGroupAwardAppealApril21 GeneralFacultiesCouncil(GFC)April24 KillamAwardforExcellenceinMentoringAdjudication

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GSAVice-PresidentExternalReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: MasoudKhademiDate: April21,2017

DearCouncilColleagues,Ihopeyouaredoingwell ineachandeveryaspectofyour lives.Asyoualreadyknow,weare in the finalexam season, and some of youmight still have some courses to pass. So, before getting into the formalreportofmymeetings,Iwanttowishyoutonsofluckinyourupcomingexams.AsImentionedinmyMarchGSACouncilreport,theDeanofStudents’OfficeisintheprocessofreviewingtheStudentGroupsPolicyandProcedure.Consequently,theyarebringingupdatedversionsoftheirdraftstoseveralcommitteesandcouncils(suchasCOSA,CORA,DAC)withintheUniversity,andareworkingtogatherfeedback.InallofthesemeetingsIhaveworkedtoremindthemabouttheGSA’sfeedbackontheproposedchangesintermsofhowthechangesmayimpactgraduatestudentgroups.AsIhavementionedbefore,theGSAhadaseparatemeetingwiththeDeanofStudents’Officetoprovideourspecificanddetailedfeedbackontheproposedchanges.In the past few months, the University’s senior administrative team has gone through several changes,resultinginmanycasesnewfacesattheUofA.AsImentionedinmylastreport,IampartoftheAdvisorySearchCommitteefortheVice-PresidentUniversityRelations.Asweareheadingintotheendofthissearchprocess,wehavehadseveralinterviewswiththeshortlistedcandidatesandhopefullythefinaldecisionwillbereleasedsoon.Additionally,alongwiththerestoftheGSADirectly-ElectedOfficers,Ihadachancetohavein-person meetings with both candidates shortlisted for the position of Dean of the Faculty of GraduateStudies and Research (FGSR). In these meetings, we worked to share the GSA’s perspective on theresponsibilitiesandrolesoftheFGSRwithintheUniversity’sstructureandevaluatethecandidatesbasedontheiralignmentwithourstrategicplans.

Duringthepastmonth,Iparticipated,alongwithotherab-GPACdirectors,inashortmeetingwithMinisterSchmidt.Asthismeetinghappenedbeforetheofficialreleaseoftheprovincialandfederalbudgets,themaintopic of discussion was the oversight of the new provincial budget and how it can help support post-secondaryeducationwithinAlberta.IalsometthismonthwithMinisterHajdu,whoisthefederalMinisterofEmployment,WorkforceDevelopment,andLabour.ThismeetingoccurredduringhershortvisittotheUofAFaculty of Science. In thismeeting, she discussed student employment after graduation and the role andstrategicplansthatthefederalgovernmenthastosupportpost-graduationemployment.

Finally,thispastmonthIattended,alongwiththeotherDEOs,theGraduateStudentTeachingAwards,whichwashostedbytheFGSR.ThisawardrecognizesthosestudentswhoexcelledintheirroleasTAs.Thiseventwas very interesting, especially the studentpresentationson theirmethodsof teaching,whichhighlightedtheirsignificantaccomplishmentswithinashortperiodoftime.

Asalways, ifyouneedmore informationorhaveanyquestionregardingthemeetings Ihaveattendedthispastmonth,pleasedonothesitatetocontactme.

Sincerely,MasoudKhademi,GSAVice-PresidentExternal

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March21 MeetingwithDeronBilous,MinisterofEconomicDevelopmentandTradeMarch21 LunchwithMarlinSchmidt,MinisterofAdvancedEducationMarch21 AlumniStudentCouncilActivityMarch22 Dean’sAdvisoryCommittee(DAC)March24 CouncilofResidenceAssociations(CORA)March24 GSAAwardsNightMarch27 ResidenceAdvisoryCommittee(RAC)March31 GSACoffeeBreakApril3 Vice-President(UniversityRelations)AdvisorySearchCommitteeApril4 Vice-President(UniversityRelations)AdvisorySearchCommitteeApril5 MeetingwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand


Research(FGSR)PositionApril5 AlumniStudentCouncilApril6 MeetingwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand


Research(FGSR)PositionApril7 WorldHealthDayApril10 DinnerwiththeOutgoingExecutivesoftheStudents’UnionApril11 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)GraduateStudentTeaching

AwardsApril11 AlbertaGraduateProvincialAdvocacyCouncil(ab-GPAC)BoardofDirectors

MeetingApril13 MeetingwiththeStudents’UnionApril13 CouncilonStudentAffairs(COSA)April18 CouncilofResidenceAssociations(CORA)April19 CampusSustainabilityAwardsApril19 MeetingwithPHajdu,FederalMinisterofEmployment,Workforce

DevelopmentandLabourApril20 ResidenceAdvisoryCommittee(RAC)April21 Vice-President(UniversityRelations)AdvisorySearchCommittee

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GSAVice-PresidentLabourReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: SashavanderKleinDate: April21,2017


AwhiteEaster,whowouldhavethoughtthat?!Ifounditareasonablyrefreshingandnovelexperience.Ihopeyouallhadanicelongweekendandagoodegghunt.

Ibeginmyreportwiththenewlegislationthatcameforwardfromthegovernment.AsSarahalsomentionsinherreport,andaspreviouslycirculatedtoallgraduatestudentsthroughtheGSAnewsletter,theimpactofBill7issubstantialandwillrequirealotofworktoensuretheGSAiscompliantwiththenewlegislation.Wewillneedtodeterminehowtheprocessesaroundnextyears’negotiationswilltakeshapetobecompliantwiththenewlegislation.Thisgivesmeanexcellentopportunitytostressagaintheurgencyofallcouncillorsand/oralternatestobooklabourconsultationswithme.WewanttohearfromyouandyourdepartmentalcolleaguesdirectlyaboutwhatyouwouldliketoseehappeningintermsoflabouragreementswiththeUniversity,whatisgoingwellinyourdepartmentregardingcomplianceand/orlabourpractices,andiftherearepressingissues,whattheyareandhowyouwouldliketoseethemaddressed.Ifyouhavemetwithmealready,butyoufeellikeBill7hasresultedinnewresponsesfromyourconstituents,orhasreshapedyourownopinionofhowgraduatestudentlabourpracticescanbeimproved,pleasedon’thesitatetobookameetingwithmeagain.

TherestofthismonthIhavebeenbusyansweringquestionsfromgraduatestudentsregardingtheirappointments,rangingfrommaternityleavetoSpring/SummerappointmentsundertheC:ASTagreement.WehavetocontinuouslystresstodepartmentsthatevenwhentheyhavestudentsfallingundertheGRAFcategory,theseappointmentsareentitledtothesamevacation,maternity,parental,medical,compassionate,bereavement,andjurydutyleavebenefits.Ifthisaffectsyou,pleasereviewtheconditionsinArticle14through19oftheGSACAorshootmeanemailifyouhavequestionsaroundyourindividualsituations.IfyouhavequestionsaroundyourindividualSpring/Summerappointments,shootmeanemailaswell.

IhavealsobeenworkingwithFGSRonorganizingaseriesoflunchsessionsfocusedonthetopicofmanagingup.WeareplanningtolaunchthesesessionsinSeptember.I’malsostillworkingontheGraduateStudentsRightsDocument,aninitiativebetweenFGSR,theOfficeofSafeDisclosureandHumanRights,theOfficeoftheStudentOmbuds,andtheGSA.Wearedevelopinginformationpamphletsandawebsite,sothatallgraduatestudentscanhaveeasyaccesstotheirrightsasagraduatestudent.

RegardingtheMentalHealthPortfolio,MasoudattendedtheWorldHealthDayonApril7formeasIcouldn’tmakeitduetoresearchobligations.ThiswaspartoftheUnwindYourMindweek,organizedbytheHealthyCampusUnit,whichincludedmanyinitiativestohelpstudentsdestressfortheupcomingexamperiod.SeethecalendaroftheHealthyCampusUnitontheirwebsiteorfollowthemthroughFacebooktogetinvolvedwiththeirrelaxingactivitiesandeventsoncampus.Thisgivesmeanexcellentbridgetoourownevent,fundedbyanUnwindYourMindgrant.OnTuesdayApril25theGSAwilltakeitastepfurtherforgraduatestudents.Notonlycanyou‘unwind’yourmind–youcanLetGoofYourMind!I’mconfidentitwillbeaveryfun,open,andrelaxingevent.

Again,Iwillkeepthelinktothelabourconsolationscalendarinmyreportsfornow,soifyouhaven’tbookedameetingyet,it’seasytoaccess!

ThatwasApril!Letmeknowifyouhavequestions,andfeelfreetocontactmeatanytime.

Thanks,

SashavanderKlein,GSAVice-PresidentLabour

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March21 AppliedSuicideInterventionSkillsTrainingMarch22 LabourConsultationwithaGraduateStudentMarch23 LabourConsultationwithaGraduateStudentMarch24 LabourConsultationwithaGraduateStudentMarch24 LabourConsultationwithaGraduateStudentMarch24 GSAAwardsNightMarch27 MeetingwithaDepartmentMarch28 HealthyCampusWebinarMarch29 MeetingwithaGraduateStudentsMarch30 MeetingwithaGraduateStudentMarch30 GSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)April3 MeetingwithaGraduateStudentApril3 MeetingwithHeatherZwicker,InterimVice-ProvostandDean,FacultyofGraduate

StudiesandResearch(FGSR)April5 Vice-President(Research)AdvisorySearchCommitteeApril5 MeetingwithaGraduateStudentApril6 Vice-President(Research)AdvisorySearchCommitteeApril10 Vice-President(Research)AdvisorySearchCommitteeApril10 DinnerwiththeOutgoingExecutiveoftheStudents’UnionApril11 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)GraduateStudentTeaching

AwardsApril11 MeetingwithaGraduateStudentApril11 MeetingwithaGraduateStudentsApril12 MeetingabouttheStudentRightsDocumentApril12 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)CouncilApril18 MeetingwithSBuchsdruecker,FacultyRelationsOfficerApril19 DaysofActionCommitteeMeetingApril19 CampusSustainabilityAwardsApril19 LabourConsultationwithaGraduateStudent

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GSAVice-PresidentStudentServicesReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: AliTalaeiDate: April21,2017DearCouncilColleagues,Anothermonthhascomeandgoneagainanditmeansthatthisismy24thandalmostlastGSACouncilreport.Ithasbeenagreattwoyearsofworkingtogether!!!Ihopeeveryonehasbeendoingwellsincethelasttimewemet.IthasbeenrelativelybusyintheGSAworldandbelowisthesummaryofmyactivitiessincelastmeeting.ThismonthhasbeenquiteexcitingasIattendedmeetingsandspenttimewithRoyleFeng,theincomingGSAVPStudentServices.Duringthistransition,hehadtheopportunitytomeetthekeystakeholdersandobservetheworktheGSAengagedinthroughvariousexternalcommittees.WemetwithStephenKuntzandhisteamfromtheWritingResourceswheretheyprovidedfeedbackontheWinterWriters’Retreat,whichwasa3-dayworkshopforgradstudentsworkingontheirtheses,sponsoredbytheGSA.Thefeedbackreceivedwasverypositiveandalmostallofthestudentswhoattendedsupportedthecontinuationofsimilaractivities.WediscussedpotentialnewwritingservicesforgradstudentsandagreedthattheGSA’sfinancialsupportcouldbeusedforsimilarwriters’retreatsbutpotentiallyalsoforestablishingtheperiodicpresenceofawritingadvisorinTriffoHall.Thedetailsoftheproposedplanwillbediscussedfurtheroverthesummer.AttheU-PassAdvisoryCommitteemeeting,therewerediscussionsabouttheU-PassagreementandSmartFare.RegardingtheU-Passagreement,everythingisgoingsmoothly.ETS’slegaldepartmenthasreviewedthefinalagreementanditwillbesenttothevariousinstitutionssoon.Inotherwords,everythingisontrackandtheagreementsbetweenthemunicipalitiesandtheUniversityshouldbesignedsoonandthentheGSAwillsignitsagreementwiththeUniversity.RegardingSmartFare,theCityofEdmontonisstillinnegotiationwiththeselectedvendors.Theyarenowworkingonthedetailsofthetechnologyandwhenitisdecidedupon,theUniversitywillbeabletoworkonintegratingthetechnologyintoONEcardsaccordingly.IntheProtectiveServicesAdvisoryCommitteemeetingIattendedfortheGSAVPLabourtherewasdiscussionaboutthestructureofUniversityProtectiveServices(UAPS),includingitsshortandlong-termgoalsandtheperformanceoftheunitinthepastyear.Bigtopicsofdiscussionsurroundedthecommunicationstrategy,wherebyUAPSwillcontinuetocommunicatewithdifferentstakeholderstoensurecommunitymembersareawareoftheUAPSservicesonandoffcampus.TheothergoodnewsisthatthevolunteeringprogramattheUAPShasbeenrevisitedandthereareopportunitiesformembersofcommunitytovolunteerwiththem.Pleasechecktheirwebsiteifyouareinterested.TheUnitedWayCommitteehasalmostfinishedtheplanningphase.Detailsaboutthecommitteemembershiparenowfinalized,anddiscussionsaboutthecampaignstrategy/timingandstakeholdersinvolvementhavebeencompleted.ThiswillprobablybethefirstyearthatstudentchampionsareofficiallypartoftheUniversityUnitedWaycampaignandwealllookforwardtoit.IalsoattendedtheGraduateStudentTeachingAwardsceremony,alongwiththeotherDEOs,andthe3-MinuteThesisFinals.IwasimpressedtoseethequalityofresearchanddedicationoftheTAsImet.Sincerely,

AliTalaei,Vice-PresidentStudentServices

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PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenMarch21,2017andApril24,2017.Themeetingswereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.IwasonacademicleavefromMarch21toMarch22,2017andonpersonalleavefromMarch23toMarch31,2017.

April3 PAWStrategicOperationCommitteeMeetingApril4 MeetingwithWritingResourcesApril5 MeetingwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand



Research(FGSR)PositionApril10 DinnerwiththeOutgoingExecutivesoftheStudents’UnionApril11 GraduateStudentTeachingAwardsApril11 ProtectiveServicesAdvisoryCommitteeApril12 SignatureAreasDevelopmentPanelApril13 3-MinuteThesisFinalsApril18 U-PassAdvisoryCommitteeMeetingApril19 UnitedWayCampaignCommitteeApril20 U-PassAdministrativeCommitteeMeeting

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GSAExecutiveDirectorReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: CourtneyThomasDate: April21,2017ThetablebelowliststheGSA’skeycorporatedocs,whichdefineusasacorporateentity.Additionally,thedetailedmanagementreportssubmittedweeklytotheGSABoardareattached.Asalways,Julie,Heather,andIwelcomeyourquestionsandfeedback.Best,CourtneyThomas,ExecutiveDirector

NAME SUMMARY STATUSAgreementswithExpiryDates

CampusFoodBank

RegulatesGSAinvolvementwithFoodBank.

GSAgives$9000/annumtoCampusFoodBank.MoUexpiredApril30,2015.For2016-2017,GSABdecidedonfourpaymentsof$2500over2016-2017.NewagreementissetoutannuallyinletterstotheCampusFoodBank.

GraduateStudentAssistantshipCollectiveAgreementandAgreementreGSAPandGSSF

SetsouttermsandconditionsforgraduatestudentsservingasGTAs,GRAs,andGRAFs,aswellasaseparateMoUthatprovidesforfundingallocationstotheGSAfortheGSSF.

CurrentagreementwiththeBoardofGovernorsexpiresAugust31,2018.

CollectiveAgreementwithNASAcoveringofficestaff

SetsouttermsofemploymentforGSAstaff.

RenegotiatedbytheExecutiveDirectorandDirectorofOperationsinApril2012and2015.Currentagreementexpiresin2020.

GraduateStudentAssistanceProgram(GSAP)

Providesforawiderangeofpersonalcounselling.

OriginallysignedDecember31,2010foratwo-yearperiodwiththepossibilityof4two-yearextensions.Wasreviewedandre-signedviaemailinAugust2013.DependentsaddedinDecember2013.CurrentagreementexpiredDecember31,2014butisdescribedbyAdministrationasarollingplan.ReviewedannuallywithAdministration.

HealthandDentalAgreementwithStudentcare

ProvidesforHealthandDentalPlan. Providerchangedin2012.Re-signedin2014.CurrentagreementexpiresAugust31,2020(renegotiated


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agreementwassignedinOctober2014).Servicelevels,claims,etcarereviewedannually.

LiabilityInsurance Asaseparatecorporationfromtheuniversity,wecarryourownGeneralLiabilityinsuranceandDirectorsandOfficersinsurance.

Doubledourliabilityinsurancein2012.TheGSAisnotcoveredforalcoholuse.Discussionsin2013-2014and2016-2017withAdministrationandinsuranceexpertssurroundingthecreationofanalcoholliabilitywaiverforgraduatestudentgroups.GeneralLiabilityinsuranceexpiresMay17,2017andhasbeenrenewedto2018.

NorthPowerPlantandDewey’s 2009MemorandumofAgreementwiththeStudents’UnionregardingtheoperationofDewey’s.2010MemorandumofUnderstandingwiththeUofAforuseofNorthPowerPlantSpacefortheToryBuildingdecant.1997MemorandumofAgreementwiththeUofAguaranteeinggraduatesocialspaceinNorthPowerPlantoratanotherlocation;2004LetterofConfirmationonthisMoUfromtheDeanofStudents.Thespaceincludesthecurrentsustainabilityoffices.

ExpiredAugust2012-conversationsaboutuseofspaceareongoing.NoExpiration-conversationregardingDewey’s/NPPongoingaspartofthisMoA.NoExpiration-conversationregardingDewey’s/NPPongoingaspartofthisMoA.

Officers/Directors’Insurance Asaseparatecorporationfromtheuniversity,wecarryinsurancethatcoverstheelectedofficials,andmanagement.

Wedoubledourcoveragein2013.Weswitchedbrokersin2016andsignedanewagreement.CurrentagreementexpiresJanuary28,2018.

PhotocopierLeasewithXerox Coverstwophotocopiers. CurrentagreementexpiresMarch31,2018.

TDIMM ProvidesforgroupautoandhomeinsuranceaswellassomefundingforGSAevents.

Renewedin2016foraperiodof5yearsandwithanincreaseinthesponsorshipfundsprovidedbyTD.CurrentagreementexpiresSeptember16,2021.FundingfortheTDStudentServiceAwardcontinuesuntil2021.

TriffoHallLease DetailedleasecoveringouruseofTriffoofficespace.

First-everleasewassignedinJune2011;5-yearterm,fourrenewals(threenowremaining).Re-signedin2016andcurrentagreementexpires


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May30,2021(notificationofdesiretorenewmustbegiven6-12monthsbeforeexpiry).

UofAFinancialServices StipulateswhenGSAreceivesfeescollectedbytheUofAonourbehalf.

Re-negotiatedandsignedinApril2012.Re-negotiatedagainin2013fortheacademicyears2013-2014,2014-2015,and2015-2016.Re-negotiatedagainin2016fortheacademicyears2016-2017,2017-2018,and2018-2019.CurrentagreementexpiresApril30,2019.

U-PASSTransitAgreementwiththeUofAAgreementwiththetransitproviders

GovernsU-PASS.GovernsU-PASS.

ReferendumheldinMarch2013.NewagreementsignedinSeptember2013.Currentagreementexpiresin2017whentheUofAagreementwiththemunicipalitiesexpires.Referendumforanewfour-yearagreementpassedinMarch2017andtheagreementitself(witha2021expiry)willbesignedsoon.TheUniversitysignsthisagreementwiththemunicipalitiesandtheUofAandtheGSAandSUtheneachsignaseparateagreement.Currentagreementexpiresin2017and,followingthe2017referendum,anewagreementwillbesignedsoon.

AGREEMENTSWITHNOEXPIRYDATE(ONGOING)

NAME SUMMARY STATUSAlbertaGraduateProvincialAdvocacyCouncil

SocietyundertheSocietiesAct. RegisteredinMarch2015withUofC,UofLandAUGSAs.Noexpirationdate;annualSocietiesActfilingrequired.(TheformerAlbertaGraduateCouncildisbandedin2013).

ATBFinancialBanking Operatingaccount. ReviewedwithBMOinApril2012.SwitchedtoATBinMay2016(astheyalsomanagetheGSA’sinvestments).Ongoingwithnoexpirydate.Signingauthoritiesreviewedannually.

ATBFinancialInvestments GICs,investments. AgreementwassignedonApril11,2016.Reviewedregularly.

CAPSandWritingResourcesCentreAgreements

ProvidesforsubsidyofcertainCAPSandWRCcoursesforgradstudents.

Annualsubsidyof$5500.Reviewedannually.

Ceridian(Payroll) GSAstaffandelectedofficialsarepaidbydirectdeposit.

Outsourcingischeaper/moreefficientthanin-houseproductionofcheques.


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AgreementsignedMay30,2011.Ongoingwithnoexpirydate.

InfoSharingwithStudentcareandUniversity

AllowsStudentcareaccesstospecifiedgraduatestudentpersonalinformationforstrictlydefinedpurposesregardingtheGSA’sHealthandDentalPlan.

ReviewedwiththeUofAPrivacyOfficerandStudentcarein2012andnewagreementsignedonMay3,2013.Ongoingwithnoexpirydate;GSAtogivenoticeof6monthsifwantingtoterminate.

PAWCentre SetsouttermsofoperationofPAW.SUalsoasignatorytotheAgreement.

Referendumheld,agreementsignedinApril2012.NeedtonegotiatecertainbusinesstermswithSU(discussionbeganinDecember2013andcontinuesbutshouldbeconcludedsoon–finaldraftsareunderreview).

PersonalInformationSharingAgreementwiththeUofA

AllowstheGSAaccesstospecifiedgraduatestudentpersonalinformationforstrictlydefinedpurposes,e.g.emailingthenewsletter,elections.

SignedinMay2013.Ongoingwithnoexpirydate.

StudentFinancialServices StudentFinancialServicesadministerstheGSA’sEmergencyBursaryprogram.GSAdistributesfunds.

2006AEGSMemorandumofSettlementbetweenGSA/BoGprovidesforestablishmentofemergencybursaryprogramwithtermsofreferencedevelopedbyGSAand“distributedthroughtheUniversityBursaryProgram.”

UofAHumanResourcesDirectDeposit ProvidesfordirectdepositthroughBearTracksofGSSFallocationstograduatestudentsandT4AproductionbyUofA.

Signedin2012.Majorinfrastructurechangefromchequeprocessing.Ongoingwithnoexpirydate.

UofAIST Providesservice,support,andregularreviewoftheGSA’sITinfrastructure.

Negotiatedin2017.Ongoingwithnoexpirydate.

OtherCorporateDocuments

NAME SUMMARY STATUSAudit(basedonGSACouncil-approvedbudget)

AsaseparatecorporationfromtheUniversity,wehireourownauditor.RequirementofthePost-SecondaryLearningActtoprovideauditedfinancialstatementstotheBoardofGovernorsannually.

AuditoccursannuallyinMay-June.Auditfieldworkersaretypicallyon-siteinlateMay/earlyJune.

GSACouncilBylawandPolicy EnabledbythePost-SecondaryLearningAct.

Comprehensivereviewbeganin2013andcontinues.IntegrateddocumentcompletedinOctober2016.

ContractwithED/Lettersof Setsouttermsofemploymentfor TheED’scontractandotherstandard


20.4Appointment administrative/professionalstaff. appointmentlettersfor

administrative/professionalstaffhavebeenreviewedbyourlawyers.

ReferendaMasterFile Allreferendaquestionsthatactivelyimpactgraduatestudents(egUPASS,PAWCentre,GSAP,GSAHealthandDentalPlan,etc).

Compiledandfiled.Ongoingasreferendaarise.

ManagementReporttotheGSABoard,March1,2017Thefollowingissueshavedominatedmanagement’sattentionintheweekssincethelastGSABoardmeetingonFebruary22,2017:Strategic

• MainIssuesDealtWithinthePastWeek:EarlyplanningforTransition;discussionsconcerningtherighttostrikelegislationandconsultationswithgraduatestudents;openingofthevotingperiodfortheGSAGeneralElectionandU-PassReferendum;GSAGeneralElectionForum;GSACouncilmeetingandassociatedaction;ongoingworkonanissueassociatedwiththeGSAHealthandDentalPlanandanissueassociatedwithagraduatestudentgroup;andreviewofproposedchangestotheUniversity’sStudentGroupsProcedure.

• BylawandPolicyReview:OngoingreviewofseveralGSABylawsandPolicies(GSAOfficerPortfolios,Academically-RelatedGraduateStudentGroups(proposalhasbeendevelopedandreviewedbytheVice-PresidentStudentServicesandoncebytheGSABoard,pendingarecommendationfromtheGSABoarditwillbepresentedtoGSACouncil),GSAStandingCommittees,etc)andworkingonrecommendedupdatesandrevisionstoGSABoardPolicy.

• GraduateStudentGroups:OngoingstrategizingrelatedtostudentgroupsandresidenceassociationsfollowingdiscussionsbytheGSABoardandwiththeSU;relationshipbuildingandmaintenancewithStudentGroupServices;anddiscussionsconcerningSUandDeanofStudentsinitiativesonstudentgroups.

GrantsandOperations

• PlanningforGSAAwardsNightandupcomingGSACoffeeBreaks.

• TransferofcontenttoSitecore3(tobecompletedinMarch)andpopulatingaGoogleGroup(withassistanceandsupportfromIST)tobeusedforvotingintheGSAGeneralElectionandU-PassReferendum.

• Facebook=930likes(up5fromFebruary22);Facebookpostsreached819usersthisweekandour“postengagement”countwas421.Twitter=727followers(up5fromFebruary22);ourtweetsearned2,000“impressions”overthelastweek.

TotalAmountAvailableThisPeriod

TotalAmountRemainingThisPeriod(Post-Processing)

NumberofNewApplicationsSince

LastGSAB

TotalNumberofApplicationsThisPeriod

ATAs $98,705.42 $58,913.75 16 88(16pendingprocessing)

CCGs $99,137.50 $28,137.50 2 54(4pendingprocessing)

ASGAs $4,368.15 $0CLOSED 0 4(1pendingprocessing)

EBs $34,543.00(noperiods) $27,414.97 0 12(0pendingprocessing)


20.5WeekinReview–OfficeOperations:

• SupportingtheworkoftheGSANominatingCommittee(vacanciesontheFestivalofTeachingSteeringCommitteeandtheSexualAssaultResponseImplementationCommittee(SARIC)"Assessment"Subcommittee)andsupportfortheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeanditsworkplanningforthe2017GeneralElectionandU-Passreferendum.

• PlanningforwintertermGSACoffeeBreaksandAwardsNight.

• ForwardplanningforDirectly-ElectedOfficertransitioninMarch/April.

ManagementReporttotheGSABoard,March8,2017

Thefollowingissueshavedominatedmanagement’sattentionintheweekssincethelastGSABoardmeetingonMarch1,2017:Strategic

• MainIssuesDealtWithinthePastWeek:WrappinguptheGSAGeneralElectionandU-PassReferendum;planningforTransition;discussionsconcerningtherighttostrikelegislationandconsultationswithgraduatestudents;preparingforthefirstmailingofGSACouncil;trainingsessionsforGSAACBmembers;ongoingworkonanissueassociatedwiththeGSAHealthandDentalPlan;reviewofproposedchangestotheUniversity’sStudentGroupsProcedureandmeetingwiththeSU;HRwork;designingtrainingsessionsfornewCALs;andpreparingforthefiscalyearend.

• BylawandPolicyReview:OngoingreviewofseveralGSABylawsandPolicies(GSAOfficerPortfolios,GSAStandingCommittees,etc)andplanningforsomemeetingsoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee,andworkingonrecommendedupdatesandrevisionstoGSABoardPolicy.

• GraduateStudentGroups:OngoingstrategizingrelatedtostudentgroupsandresidenceassociationsfollowingdiscussionsbytheGSABoardandwiththeSU;relationshipbuildingandmaintenancewithStudentGroupServices;anddiscussionsconcerningSUandDeanofStudentsinitiativesonstudentgroups,aswellassuggestionsforchangestoStudentGroupsProcedurefromaGSAmember.

GrantsandOfficeOperations

• PlanningforGSAAwardsNightandupcomingGSACoffeeBreaks.

• PlanningforTransition.

• Developmentfortrackinggraduatestudentadvocacyissues.

• GoogleDrivecleanupandfileorganization.

• SupportingtheworkoftheGSANominatingCommittee(vacanciesonGeneralFacultiesCouncilstandingcommittees)andsupportfortheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeanditsworkplanningforthe2017GeneralElectionandU-Passreferendum.

• TransferofcontenttoSitecore3(tobecompletedinlateMarch/earlyApril)andassociatedstafftraining.


20.6

• Facebook=933likes(up3fromMarch1);Facebookpostsreached1,115usersthisweekandour“postengagement”countwas340.Twitter=729followers(up2fromMarch1);ourtweetsearned2,800“impressions”overthelastweek.




LastGSAB






ManagementReporttotheGSABoard,March15,2017Thefollowingissueshavedominatedmanagement’sattentionintheweekssincethelastGSABoardmeetingonMarch8,2017:Strategic

• MainIssuesDealtWithinthePastWeek:GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteemeeting;preparingthefirstmailingofGSACouncil;meetingwithadepartmentalgroup;reviewofproposedchangestoUSPPOLpolicyandprocedureongraduatestudentgroups;planningforTransitionandmeetingwiththeincomingPresident;discussionsconcerningtherighttostrikelegislationandconsultationswithgraduatestudents;HealthandDental101sessions(updatingslides);preparingforameetingoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee;HRwork(payroll);designingtrainingsessionsfornewCALs;andpreparingforthefiscalyearend.

• BylawandPolicyReview:OngoingreviewofseveralGSABylawsandPolicies(GSAOfficerPortfolios,GSAStandingCommittees,Caucuses,CALs,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,etc)andplanningforsomemeetingsoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee,andworkingonrecommendedupdatesandrevisionstoGSABoardPolicy.

• GraduateStudentGroups:OngoingstrategizingrelatedtostudentgroupsandresidenceassociationsfollowingdiscussionsbytheGSABoardandwiththeSU;relationshipbuildingandmaintenancewithStudentGroupServices;anddiscussionsconcerningSUandDeanofStudentsinitiativesonstudentgroups.

GrantsandOfficeOperations

• PlanningforGSAAwardsNight(catering,spacebooking,rehearsal,certificates,floralarrangements,etc)andupcomingGSACoffeeBreaks.

• PlanningforTransition–complicatedthisyearbysomeabsences.

• Developmentofatrackingsystemforgraduatestudentadvocacyissues(atthedataentryphase).

• SupportingtheworkoftheGSANominatingCommittee(vacanciesonGeneralFacultiesCouncilstandingcommittees)andsupportfortheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee.

• TransferofcontenttoSitecore3(tobecompletedinlateMarch/earlyApril)andassociatedstafftraining.


20.7

• Facebook=933likes(up3fromMarch8);Facebookpostsreached937usersthisweekandour“postengagement”countwas53.Twitter=730followers(up1fromMarch8);ourtweetsearned3,044“impressions”overthelastweek.




LastGSAB






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

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