Advocacy Update Dear fellow graduate students, We’re now halfway through the Fall semester and six months into our term as your elected representatives. Our focus has been clear: to advocate for graduate students and improve the graduate student experience. Your input through conversations, surveys, and ideas continues to drive real progress on and off campus. You’ve asked to see how …
Graduate Students’ Association Condemns the Use of the Notwithstanding Clause in Bill 2
On October 27, 2025, the Government of Alberta passed Bill 2 – the Back-to-School Act, setting a deeply concerning precedent for labour rights and democratic governance in the province. In addition to circumventing the conventional legislative process, this bill invokes the notwithstanding clause, thereby allowing the government to override protections guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Most …
UCGSA’s Joint Provincial Budget Submission: Strengthening Support for Graduate Students
UCGSA joined forces with the University of Calgary Students’ Union and the Students’ Association of Bow Valley College to submit our joint provincial budget submission to the Government of Alberta. This submission is part of the provincial budget cycle, when individuals and organizations can propose spending priorities and regulatory changes before January. After this period, the Treasury Board and Ministry …
GSA Recognizes Several Positive Recommendations in the Mintz Report
Upon initial review, the Graduate Students’ Association at the University of Calgary (GSA) would like to commend several of the recommendations provided in the Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding and Alberta’s Competitiveness (also known as the Mintz Report). Over the past few years, the GSA has expressed numerous concerns about the state of post-secondary education for international students, the …
Advocating for Graduate Students: UCGSA’s Joint Provincial Budget Submission
Last week, UCGSA and our partners at the University of Calgary Students’ Union and the Students’ Association of Bow Valley College released our joint provincial budget submission. During the provincial budgetary cycle, individuals and organizations can submit spending and regulatory requests to the government up until approximately January, after which the Treasury Board and Ministry of Finance set the spending …
Student Voices in the Municipal Election
The University of Calgary Students’ Union (SU) and Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) are working together to make sure student voices are heard in the upcoming municipal election. We want to ensure both your ballot and your concerns shape this election. Get Out the Vote – October 9th Ward 7 Councillor Debate Come early to scan a QR code and submit …
Two Surveys Published to Support GSA Advocacy Efforts
The GSA has launched two new surveys to help guide how the executive can best support the graduate student community. Last April, over 1,000 graduate students submitted responses to our annual survey. These results helped us identify the key priorities the GSA should advance and highlighted the concerns graduate students are facing. By completing these surveys, you’ll be entered to …
Support for Graduate Students in Times of Global Crisis
The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) at the University of Calgary recognizes that many of our fellow graduate students are deeply impacted by conflicts occurring around the world. We want you to know: we see you, we care about you, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected. If you are experiencing distress or hardship due to global conflict, please remember …
GSA Town Hall Recap: A Powerful Kickoff to the Year
The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) kicked off the year with its first Town Hall, bringing together graduate students from across disciplines for an engaging and productive session. This event was the first opportunity for the community to meet and connect with the newly elected 2025 Executive Council, setting the stage for a year of open communication, collaboration, and strategic momentum. …
Important Update: $400 Lump Sum Payment for Eligible Graduate Students
Graduate students eligible for a $400 lump sum must have held one or more Graduate Assistant (Teaching, Non-Teaching, or Research) appointments between September 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, and be registered in a graduate program on the payment date. This lump sum is paid as two entries totaling $400 on the May 9 pay stub. To view this payment, …
