As the voice of graduate students at the University of Calgary, the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) is committed to advocating for the needs and interests of its members. Recently, the GSA made significant strides in advancing its advocacy agenda through the submission of a budget proposal to the provincial government and the release of a white paper addressing student housing …
GSA Advocacy Recap: Prioritizing Graduate Students’ Welfare
Advocacy has been at the forefront of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) as the GSA has diligently worked to address pivotal issues impacting graduate students. The months of November and December saw an array of strategic initiatives and engagements aimed at securing better opportunities and resources for graduate students. Advo Week, held from November 20 to November 24, 2023, witnessed …
GSA’s Response to the Board of Governors Tuition and Fee Vote
The Board of Governors of the University of Calgary convened on Friday, December 8, 2023, to deliberate on a proposed set of tuition and fee increases. The Board of Governors is the ultimate decision-making body of the institution and is comprised of members from the university administration, the Students’ Union (SU), the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), the Faculty Association (TUCFA), …
GSA’s Advocacy for Affordable Education: The GSA’s Five Key Asks for Positive Change
As advocates for graduate students, the Graduate Students’ Association recently met with the university’s Provost’s office to discuss key issues that directly impact the graduate student community. Here is a breakdown of the five significant asks presented by the GSA during the meeting, highlighting the importance of each request and the potential impact they could have on graduate education. Ask …
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Alberta Post-secondary Education
The Council of Alberta University Students (CAUS) recently put out a press release regarding the Sexual and Gender-Based violence in Alberta Post-secondary education report. This report has brought to light about the harsh realities of sexual and gender-based violence within our post-secondary institutions. CAUS alongside the GSA, and other stakeholder groups are deeply invested in the welfare of our students …
GSA Feedback to The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy 2024-2030
The city of Calgary recently sought feedback on their Home is Here – Housing Strategy 2024-2030, a pivotal roadmap to address housing challenges in our community. Our response was just not a reaction: it was a reflection of the concerns voiced by our members who face housing challenges daily. But our commitment doesn’t end with the submission of feedback. We …
The GSA’s Response to the Alberta Innovative Catalyst Grant
In a bid to bolster innovation in Alberta, the provincial government has launched the Innovation catalyst Grant (ICG), an initiative aimed at supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduate students. With the goal to commercialize research emerging from Alberta’s universities, this grant program holds the promise of transforming innovative ideas into thriving businesses. While the initiative is commendable, it …
Apply to Become a Member of Our GSA Elections Committee!
Do you want to gain experience on how to run an election? Our Elections Committee is recruiting members to join the team. Consider signing up to be a part of it. The Elections Committee focuses on student engagement and outreach for the GSA Elections. It runs events and activities to increase candidate and voter turn-out as well as support the …
Who are on your 2023-24 Senior Leadership Team?
The GSA has 9 committees, 4 subcommittees, and 2 working groups that work diligently to carry out initiatives and host events to improve the graduate student experience at the University of Calgary. The Chairs and Vice Chairs of these committees and subcommittees together with the Board of Directors, Chief Returning Officer, GRC Speaker, GRC Clerk, AVP Labour, and GSA Executive …
Calgary Stampede 101: For First-Timers
Updated for 2023 Stampede YAHOO! Calgary Stampede is just right around the corner, starting this Friday, July 7 and running until next Sunday, July 16! The first Stampede was hosted in 1912; however, it might be the first for many of our graduate students at the UCalgary. Stampede can be overwhelming for first-timers, especially when another million or more people …
