Elections & Referenda
Every year during the GSA General Election, graduate students at the University of Alberta cast votes to elect fellow graduate students to the GSA Directly-Elected Officer positions.
General Election
Every year during the GSA General Election, graduate students at the University of Alberta cast votes to elect fellow graduate students to the GSA Directly-Elected Officer positions: President, VP Academic, VP External, VP Indigenous Relations VP Student Life, and VP Student Services. For the 2025 General Elections, the GSA introduced an additional VP role: the VP Indigenous Relations, focused on advocating for Indigenous graduate students and fostering cultural awareness within the University community. Concurrently, Academically-Employed Graduate Students (AEGS) vote to elect a graduate student to the GSA Directly-Elected Officer position of Associate VP Labour.
These seven student executives represent graduate students on committees and councils across campus and to all levels of government.
Graduate students also elect ten Councillors-at-Large, who sit on GSA Council and represent all University of Alberta graduate students.
Note: Please be advised that FGPS will no longer provide tuition waivers for GSA Directly-Elected Officers, effective May 1, 2026. This decision follows a university-wide policy review. Click here for more details.
However, elected executive roles remain paid positions and continue to offer compensation for the work involved.
Referenda
GSA Referenda take place in years when graduate students are asked to vote on key issues. Past referenda have resulted in the implementation and/or continuation of graduate student services such as the GSA Health and Dental Plan, the Graduate Student Assistance Plan (GSAP), and the U-Pass program, as well as the creation of the GSA Dedicated Fee which enables graduate students to support the on-campus radio station, CJSR.
The GSA ran a U-Pass Referendum alongside the General Election to continue U-Pass services until 2028, which was passed. Click the button below to learn more.
GSA 2026 General Election Forum
Missed the live forum? You can now watch the full recording below.
We encourage all graduate students to review the candidates’ statements and responses before casting your vote. The forum provides an opportunity to hear directly from nominees about their priorities, experience, and vision for the GSA.
Being an informed voter helps ensure strong, accountable student leadership.
