GSA Call for Nominations
Presidential Vacancy Election 2021
Nomination Period: October 12 – November 12, 2021 (4:30pm)
Campaign Period: November 15 – 26, 2021 (4:30pm)
Voting Period: November 29 – 30 (11:59pm)
Term of Office: December 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022
The GSA is the sole official representative body of graduate students at the University of Guelph. The GSA is operated by a Board of Directors, which consists of an elected Executive Committee and representatives from each department. The Executive Committee is comprised of a President & CEO, Vice-President Internal, Vice-President Finance and Vice-President External.
As of September 12, 2021 Nicole Berardi has resigned from her position and there is a vacancy for the position of GSA President.
President Self Nomination Process:
Term of Office: December 1, 2021 – April 30, 2022
- Eligibility
Full and part time graduate students who have at least six (6) months service as a General Director and/or Executive, at the commencement of their term (December 1, 2021).
*This requirement is waived if none of the candidates nominated for a position meet the service term requirement. All interested students are encouraged to apply.
- What to Do
Complete the GSA Presidential Vacancy Election Nomination Form [1] by the nomination deadline: November 12, 2021 (4:30 p.m.). The nomination form includes a brief nominee statement (no more than 500 words), which becomes a public document. *Please note the nomination form will not open until October 12, 2021.
- Campaigning Period
Candidates have the option of campaigning for their position. The campaign period runs from November 15 – 26, 2021. All campaign materials must be approved by the CRO and must be removed by 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the campaign period. No campaigning is permitted during the voting period.
- Voting Period
The voting period will be held from November 29 & 30, 2021. In the event of a single nomination for any office, there shall be a (yes/no/abstain) vote to ensure that the candidate is satisfactory to the membership.
Graduate Students' Association Presidential Nominee Information
Please complete the online nomination form at the following link access the form at the following link: https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3w5479GaLLJfwP4 [2]
*Please note the nomination form will not open until October 12, 2021.
Duties of GSA President
Candidates must be current members of the GSA and intend to register for Graduate Studies during the Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 semester; and have at least 6 months service as a General Director and/or Executive at the commencement of their term (December 1, 2021) to be eligible.
*The 6-month service eligibility clause is waived, if none of the nominees meet the requirement.
The By-Laws/Constitution outlining responsibilities and duties (in detail) - posted on the GSA website: https://www.uoguelph.ca/gsa [3]
The GSA President is required to submit monthly written reports; attend bi-monthly Executive and monthly Board Meetings; as well as Committee Meetings outlined in their portfolio.
GSA PRESIDENT: As the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the President is charged with the responsibility of carrying out the legislation, policies, by-laws, regulations, and resolutions of the Corporation, supervises employees of the GSA, coordinates activities of operational bodies, represents the Corporation at official functions and public occasions, ensures development of long term goals, priorities, and policies, represents the Corporation at the Board of Graduate Studies, and represents the GSA as an ex-officio member of Senate. The President Chairs the GSA Grad Lounge Sustainability Committee. Executive Officers rotate attendance at monthly Student Leaders and Administration meetings.
Honorarium is currently $887.70/month.
Some of the Student Services the GSA provides to members:
- Operation of The Lookout: Rooftop Patio + Grad Lounge
- Negotiation of Health and Dental benefits
- Administration of the bus pass
- Confidential peer support for students experiencing academic disputes
- Communication with members through newsletter/website/U.C. digital screens
- The GSA founded the Emergency/Compassionate Fund; provides Travel Grants for GSA members presenting at conferences and research-related travel; Child care bursaries.
- The GSA acts as a liaison between graduate students and university administration, with GSA representatives sitting on most university committees/presidential task forces and boards.
If you have any questions regarding the nomination process, please contact the GSA CRO, gsacro@uoguelph.ca [4], or Daria Ruginis, gsa@uoguelph.ca [5]
