GSA Member Meeting Recap: Updates, Priorities, and a Look Ahead

On July 2, 2026, in advance of the annual Stampede BBQ the GSA held its first Member Meeting under the petametres of the new bylaws and new Governance Structure. The seven GSA elected councillors all presenting focus and goals as part of their overall mandates.

Across the board, several common themes emerged:

• Improving communication between graduate students and the GSA.
• Making GSA events more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming.
• Strengthening advocacy on issues such as housing, affordability, minimum funding, and labour rights.
• Increasing transparency and accountability in GSA governance.
• Expanding financial supports and making awards and funding more accessible.

Additionally, the council introduced the new Faculty Liaison initiative which will strengthen communication between graduate students, faculties, and the GSA.

Faculty Liaisons will work closely with Graduate Student Groups (GSGs) and departments to identify student concerns and ensure they are represented during discussions with university leadership. You can find the list of Faculty Liaisons here.

Quality Money Funding Continues with a New Structure

One major update focused on the University’s Quality Money (QM) program. Although the University of Calgary is working to restructure the program and the GSA is working to maintain the core pillars that support student groups and the broader graduate community, the GSA successfully secured funding for the 2026–27 academic year at the same level as last year.

This funding will be administered more like a grant program, meaning revised application and reporting processes will be introduced. The elected Council also shared that there will be an increase in bursaries, including the Professional Development Grant (PDG), as well as two new initiatives including bursaries targeted toward course-based students and a graduate internship pilot with four spots available.

The GSA will continue to support core initiatives such as funding for Peer Beyond, Graduate Orientation, core events and Graduate Student Initiative Grants. Applications for these funding initiatives opened on July 15.

 Changes to Student Group Funding and Events

During the meeting, some questions came forward surrounding changes to the DGA and GSG funding. While the GSA is working to finalize the new handbook (policies) by the end of July, there were a couple of updates in advance of the release.

The Event Grant and Operational Grant will be consolidated into an individual grant. This is to prepare Student Groups for the potential phase-out of Quality Money.

While groups can use their operational funding for events, they will also be able to access funding by organizing events through GSA-supported programming, including Tuesday evening events at the Last Defence Lounge. Additionally, groups are encouraged to apply for the Graduate Student Initiative Grants for marquee events, as they will be given special consideration.

Health & Dental Plan Update

The GSA also shared an important update regarding the Graduate Health & Dental Plan.

Following two years of operating under a self-insured trust model, student use of the plan exceeded expectations, resulting in a financial deficit to the plan. Fortunately, there are reserves the GSA can tap into, so there will be no debt to the Association, and the GSA remains in healthy financial standing.

However, ensure the plan remains sustainable while protecting students from future financial risk, the GSA has decided to transition back to a traditional insured model instead of self insured plan. As a result, students will see a modest fee increase of approximately 6% this year, with no reduction in overall coverage.

Looking Ahead

Graduate students are encouraged to stay informed by following GSA communications, connecting with their Faculty Liaison, and taking advantage of the funding and engagement opportunities available throughout the year.

There are several Member Meetings and a AGM scheduled for the fall and winter semester. Members are encouraged to visit this site to find the detail and all DGAs are encouraged to send a representative to future meetings.

Note: As quorum was not achieved, the meeting did not proceed as a formal membership meeting, and no official business or motions were considered. Instead, Council used the opportunity to provide members with updates on current initiatives, introduce the newly elected executive team, and solicit feedback and questions from attendees. The discussion offered graduate students an opportunity to learn more about upcoming changes and share their perspectives on GSA priorities.