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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.
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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i. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeReportMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.
22. GSAManagementi. ExecutiveDirector’sReport
Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon17March2017.Thereportstoodassubmitted.InadditionCThomasstatedtheofficeispreparingforthefinancialyearendonApril1,andworkingtoreconcileallfinances.ShenotedthatauditorswouldbeonsiteinMayandearlyJune,andtheauditwouldcometoGSACouncilinJuly.QuestionPeriod
23. WrittenQuestionsNoneatthistime.
24. OralQuestionsAdjournmentThemeetingwasadjournedat8:04pm.
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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
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OutlineofIssue(GSA Council)
ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonGSACouncil,GSAOfficers,andGSAStandingCommitteesSuggestedMotionforGSACouncil:
ThatGSACouncil,ontherecommendationoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee,APPROVEtheproposedchangestoGSABylawandPolicyonGSACouncil,GSAOfficers,andGSAStandingCommittees,asshownintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentsandeffectiveuponthesecondreadingbyGSACouncilinthecaseofGSABylawandtheapprovalofGSACouncilinthecaseofGSAPolicy.
NOTE1:TheproposedchangesapplytoSectionC:GSACouncil,SectionD:GSAOfficers,SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,SectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplainsBoard,SectionI:Elections,SectionK:Finances,andSectionO:GSARecognitionAwards.NOTE2:ThisisthefirstreadingofproposedchangestoGSABylaw,proposedchangestoGSAPolicyarepresentedforinformation.Background:MembersoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)discussedtheseproposalsatlengthattheirmeetingofMarch30,2017andthenvotedtorecommendtheattachedproposedchangestoGSACouncilunanimouslyviaemailvoteonApril3,2017.TheGSAGCalsoapprovedseveraleditorialchangestotheabove-notedsectionsofGSABylawandPolicy,whichareoutlinedintheGSAGCreporttoGSACouncil.AttheirApril5,2017meeting,membersoftheGSABoardreviewedtheproposedchangespriortotheironwardtransmissiontoGSACouncil.Pleaseseetheattachedcoverletterforadditionalinformation.Jurisdiction:SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.3.2.a“TheGSABisthesenioradministrativeauthorityoftheGSAasdelegatedtoitbyGSACouncil.”SectionF:StandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,StandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.4.2.aTheGCwill“adviseGSACouncilonGSABylaw,mattersofGSAPolicynotinthepurviewofanyotherGSAStandingCommittee,orothergoverningissuesandprovideareportonrecommendedchangesatthenextscheduledGSACouncilmeeting.” SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.4.2.bTheGSAGCwill“makeanyeditorialchanges(suchasfactualinaccuraciesandothereditorialissues)totheGSA’sgoverningdocumentsasdeemednecessarybytheGSAGC.”
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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.
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6.3GSAOfficers:ProposedChangestoGSABylawandGSAPolicy,GSAOfficers
CurrentBylaw(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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)
Rationale/Background
SectionD:GSAOfficers,GSAPolicy,GSAOfficerPortfolios D.POL.4GeneralInformationandQualifications Nochange.
D.POL.4.1-D.POL.4.11… Nochange.
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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.
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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).
ChangetoparallelproposedchangestoGSAPolicy,StandingCommittees,ifapproved.
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.
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6.6
D.POL.8.1.a-D.POL.8.1.g… Nochange.
D.POL.8.2Committees Nochange.
D.POL.8.2.a…
Nochange.
D.POL.8.2.bTheVPLisamemberoftheGSAASC(asVice-Chair),theGSAGC(asVice-Chair),theGSABFC(asVice-Chair),andtheGSAFGSRCouncilCaucus.
ChangetoparallelproposedchangestoGSAPolicy,StandingCommittees,ifapproved.
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.
D.POL.8.3Qualifications
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.9.2Committees Nochange.
D.POL.9.2.aTheVPSSco-chairstheGSASAACwiththeVPE.
ChangetoparallelproposedchangestoGSAPolicy,StandingCommittees,ifapproved.
D.POL.9.2.b-D.POL.9.2.b.ixD.POL.9.2.a–D.POL.9.2.a.ix… Nochangeexcepttorenumber.
D.POL.9.3Qualifications
Nochange.
D.POL.9.3.a… Nochange.
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6.7
GSAStandingCommittees:ProposedChangestoGSABylawandGSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees
CurrentBylaw(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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.
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
GSAPolicy:GSAStandingCommittees F.POL.2General
Nochange.
F.POL.2.1Unlessotherwisespecified,quorumofStandingCommitteeswillbefour(4)membersofthatCommittee.
ProposedchangesbelowintroduceaquorumforeachGSAStandingCommittee.
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6.8
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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.
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6.9
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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.
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6.10
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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.
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6.11
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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).
Seebelow:clarificationconcerningthebroadmandateoftheGSALRC.
F.POL.8.2.cTheGSALRC,inconsultationwiththeGSANC,willeducategraduatestudentsabouttheCA.
Seebelow:clarificationconcerningthebroadmandateoftheGSALRC.
F.POL.8.2.aAdvisetheVPLandtheGSANCwithrespecttothedevelopmentoftheOpeningPositionforCAnegotiationsandotherissuesrelatedtonegotiationsasrequestedbytheVPL.
ClarificationconcerningthebroadmandateoftheGSALRC.
F.POL.8.2.bAdviseandassistwithrespecttoeducatinggraduatestudentsontheCAasrequestedbytheVPL.
ClarificationconcerningthebroadmandateoftheGSALRC.
F.POL.8.2.cAdviseonlabourrelatedmattersandtheCAasrequestedbytheVPL.
ClarificationconcerningthebroadmandateoftheGSALRC.
F.POL.8.3–F.POL.8.3.a…
Nochange.
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6.12
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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
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6.13
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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.
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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.
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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.
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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.
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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.
TherewillbeapaperballotvoteheldattheApril24,2017GSACouncilmeeting.
IfyouandyouralternateareunabletoattendtheApril24,2017,meetingofGSACouncilandwouldliketocastanelectronicvoteforthisposition,youmustcontacttheGSANominatingCommitteeCoordinator([email protected] )BEFORE
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).
TherewillbeapaperballotvoteheldattheApril24,2017GSACouncilmeeting.
IfyouandyouralternateareunabletoattendtheApril24,2017,meetingofGSACouncilandwouldliketocastanelectronicvoteforthisposition,youmustcontacttheGSANominatingCommitteeCoordinator([email protected] )BEFORE
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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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.
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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
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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
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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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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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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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User’sGuidetotheApril2017BoardSWPProgressUpdateBelow:Itemshighlightedinpinkwill,ideally,eitherremaininprogressonanongoingbasisorwillbeinitiated,andwillberecommendedforinclusioninfutureGSABoardSWPsItemshighlightedingreenarecompleted
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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).
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
1. Advocateforasustainablelivingfundingpackageforallthesis-basedgraduatestudentsforthedurationoftheirprogramthatenablesareasonablestandardofliving,basedonthecostoflivinginEdmontonandcurrenttuitioncosts.
a. Meetwithkeystakeholderswhohelpeddeveloppreviousgraduatestudentfundingreportstoassessthecurrentlevelofresearchandinformationavailable.
b. Articulate,tothePresident,Provost,andDeanoftheFacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR),theneedforaninternalreviewofgraduatestudentfundingandsupport,similartothereviewofundergraduatestudentfinancialsupportwhichbeganin2016.
c. DiscusswiththeDeanoftheFGSRandtheProvosthowtocreatefinancialpackagesthatcorrespondwithrealistictimestocompletion.
d. MeetwithDeanstodiscussthecurrenttypesoffundingavailableandcollaboratewiththeDeansandtheProvosttoassessthegapsinfundingforgraduatestudents.
e. Present,totheBoardHumanResourcesandCompensationCommittee,ontheeffectofnominimumfundingongraduatestudentsandthepotentialnegativeimpactstotheUniversity.
f. AdvocatetotheMinisterofAdvancedEducationwithrespecttothesignificantcontributionsofgraduatestudentstothequalityofeducationandresearchofferedatcomprehensive,researchintensiveuniversities,andtheneedforaprovincialfundingmodelthatspecificallyrecognizesgraduatestudentsandtheirresearch,andensuresqualitygraduateprogramsandsustainablelivingfundingpackagesforallgraduatestudents.
2. Advocatetodecouplegraduatestudentfundingdirectlyfromgraduatesupervisors.
a. Createabriefingmemooutlininghowfundingtiedtoasupervisorincreasesthepowerimbalancebetweengraduatestudentsandtheirsupervisors.
b. Shareourconcernsregardingtheimpactofpaydiscrepancybetweengraduatestudents,includingthelackoftransparencyinthewayfundingisallocatedtofacultiesandwithindepartments.
3. Advocate,totheFGSR,ontheneedtoincludeclearandconcisecontracttermsinlettersofoffertotheUniversity,andmaketheselettersavailabletograduatestudentswellinadvanceofdeadlinesforoffersofadmission.
a. Reviewthecurrentdocumentationprovidedtonewgraduatestudentsuponanofferofadmission.b. Requestthatspecificexpectationsandrequirementsforgraduateassistantshipsduringaprogrambe
outlinedintheletterofoffer.
4. 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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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.
StrategicObjectives 2016/2017ActionSteps
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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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
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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
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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
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*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)
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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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11.2
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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12.0
GSAVice-PresidentAcademicReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: FirouzKhodayariDate: April21,2017
DearCouncilColleagues,
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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12.1
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)PositionApril6 ForumwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand
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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13.0
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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13.1
PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenMarch21,2017andApril24,2017.Themeetingswereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.
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 ForumwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand
Research(FGSR)PositionApril5 AlumniStudentCouncilApril6 MeetingwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand
Research(FGSR)PositionApril6 ForumwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand
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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14.0
GSAVice-PresidentLabourReporttoGSACouncilfortheApril24,2017Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: SashavanderKleinDate: April21,2017
DearCouncilColleagues,
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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PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenMarch21,2017andApril24,2017.Themeetingswereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.
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)PositionApril5 ForumwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand
Research(FGSR)PositionApril6 ForumwithaNomineefortheDeanofFacultyofGraduateStudiesand
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
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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)
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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.
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• Facebook=933likes(up3fromMarch1);Facebookpostsreached1,115usersthisweekandour“postengagement”countwas340.Twitter=729followers(up2fromMarch1);ourtweetsearned2,800“impressions”overthelastweek.
TotalAmountAvailableThisPeriod
TotalAmountRemainingThisPeriod(Post-Processing)
NumberofNewApplicationsSince
LastGSAB
TotalNumberofApplicationsThisPeriod
ATAs $98,705.42 $53,766.89 12 99(13pendingprocessing)
CCGs $99,137.50 $22,137.5 3 57(3pendingprocessing)
ASGAs $4,368.15 $0CLOSED 0 4(0pendingprocessing)
EBs $34,543.00(noperiods) $27,414.97 0 12(0pendingprocessing)
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.
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• Facebook=933likes(up3fromMarch8);Facebookpostsreached937usersthisweekandour“postengagement”countwas53.Twitter=730followers(up1fromMarch8);ourtweetsearned3,044“impressions”overthelastweek.
TotalAmountAvailableThisPeriod
TotalAmountRemainingThisPeriod(Post-Processing)
NumberofNewApplicationsSince
LastGSAB
TotalNumberofApplicationsThisPeriod
ATAs $98,705.42 $49,941.89 8 107(10pendingprocessing)
CCGs $99,137.50 $20,137.5 2 59(3pendingprocessing)
ASGAs $4,368.15 $0CLOSED 0 4(0pendingprocessing)
EBs $34,543.00(noperiods) $24,959.97 1 13(1pendingprocessing)