Advocacy

This is where advocacy becomes action.
Here, you’ll find the GSA’s key policy work — from budget recommendations and policy briefs to open letters and quality research. These documents show what we’re fighting for, why it matters to grad students, and how we’re making our voices heard at every level of government and university leadership.

Budget Recommendations

Our annual asks to government — calling for better funding, stronger financial aid, and support for graduate education.

Policy Briefs

Clear, focused summaries of current policies, legislation, or issues that affect grad students — including our stance.

UCGSA Brief on Target vs Base, Human Capital, and Grad Student Productivity

UCGSA on Bill 18 - Provincial Priorities Act

UCGSA Brief on IT and GPAs

UCGSA Position on Performance Based Metrics

UCGSA Brief on Government Research Funding and Endognous Growth Theory

UCGSA Brief on Indirect Costs of MNIFs - for UCSU

UCGSA Brief on Supporting International Grad Students to Strengthen Canada

Government Briefs

UCGSA Presentation to the Mintz Panel

UCGSA-Brief-to-the-Standing-Committee-on-Science-and-Research-Capstone-Project-1

UCGSA-Brief-to-the-Standing-Committee-on-Science-and-Research-Private Sector Investment in R&D-1

UCGSA-Brief-to IRCC on Student Permit Extension delays and PGWP Processing delays

GSA Open Letters

Open messages to political or institutional leaders — used to respond publicly, demand action, or show solidarity.

Policy Statements

Official GSA policy statements that shape our advocacy work and define where we stand on key student issues.

GSA White Papers

In-depth research reports from the GSA that inform our advocacy and explore systemic challenges grad students face.

National Advocacy Papers

Policy papers developed through the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) that address national student issues like affordability, housing, and research support.

Bill 9 and the Fairness and Safety in Sport Policy: What This Means for UCalgary Students

Bill 9 and the new policy raise serious concerns for equity and inclusion on campus. Learn how these changes affect student athletes and how the GSA is responding.

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