DEO Priorities and Updates
Read Priority Updates
President: Aashish Kumar
Key Priorities
Career Support & Pathways
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Have met with 13+ department chairs, as well as Career Services and Alumni Relations, to discuss graduate-focused programming. Conversations have centred on career exploration, internship pathways, and alumni mentoring.
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Next step is to plan on holding a micro-networking sessions alongside our social hours. We will be locking in event dates soon, then moving forward with inviting professionals and marketing the events.
- Continued collaboration with Career Services, FGPS, and Alumni Relations to expand professional development and career pathway opportunities for graduate students.
- Engaged directly with students, alumni, and university leadership during the Graduate Mixer, fostering valuable professional connections.
Key Results/Progress:
- The GSA submitted a detailed Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP) proposal to the Ministry of Advanced Education.
- The proposal advocates for a province-funded internship program to help graduate students gain paid, relevant work experience across industry, government, and non-profit sectors.
- The initiative supports Alberta’s economic and innovation goals by retaining highly skilled graduates in the province.
- Hosted the Graduate Mixer, attended by President Bill Flanagan, Chancellor Nizar Somji, and over 200 graduate students. The event successfully connected students with university leadership and alumni, building professional networks and reinforcing career development priorities.
Timeline Updates:
- On track. Awaiting Ministry feedback on the GSIP proposal.
- The GSA will continue developing supporting frameworks for professional training and work-integrated learning opportunities.
What to Expect Next Quarter:
- Continued advocacy with the Ministry and university partners.
- Exploration of additional networking opportunities and mentorship events modeled after the success of the Graduate Mixer.
Tuition & Affordability
- Course-Based Master’s Scholarship: I’m continuing to follow up with FGPS and also working to ensure course-based students have more tailored career supports.
- New revenue opportunities: I’ve begun discussions with the university on potential avenues.
- Tuition advocacy: Ahead of the September meeting, I’m compiling comparative data from other U15 universities to present a strong proposal for minimum funding for master’s students.
- Exam reimbursement program: Launch is expected soon.
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- Participated in multiple TBAC (Tuition and Budget Advisory Committee) consultations with university administration and student representatives.
- Coordinated with UASU and University of Calgary GSA counterparts to align messaging on affordability, tuition predictability, and graduate funding.
Key Results or Progress:
- The GSA developed and submitted a comprehensive TBAC proposal with four major recommendations:
- Establish a sustained inflow model for the Killam Course-Based Master’s Scholarship Fund.
- Protect and strengthen funding for thesis-based students, including tuition freeze requests and indexing minimum guaranteed funding to tuition.
- Allow graduate students to retain up to $2,000 in scholarships beyond their guaranteed funding to encourage pursuit of smaller grants.
- Implement a centralized, structured tuition transparency database or webpage displaying detailed tuition breakdowns for each program.
- These proposals align with the Mintz Panel’s call for stronger grant-based support and targeted funding for top talent.
Timeline Updates:
- On track. TBAC consultations will continue through late Fall 2025, with decisions expected in the Winter 2026 Board of Governors cycle.
What to Expect Next Quarter:
- Continued advocacy for sustained scholarship funding models and transparent tuition reporting.
- Engagement with FGPS and Financial Services to explore mechanisms for implementing the scholarship retention and tuition transparency initiatives.
GSA Transparency & Coordination
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Initial conversations on Council structure reform have taken place, including discussions within the Governance Committee.
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We are also exploring ways to improve communication of GSA decisions — for example, using concise “one-page cables” (similar to those used in embassy circles) to summarize key decisions. I plan to bring forward options for feedback in the coming months.
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- Collaborated with the Governance Committee, Executive Director, and Council to advance governance reform and operational improvements.
Key Results or Progress:
- Successfully hired a new Executive Director, Associate Director, and Finance Manager, enhancing the GSA’s operational capacity and financial oversight.
- The Governance Committee approved new Standing Orders for Council, streamlining procedures and improving meeting efficiency.
- The GSA is nearing completion of a new Code of Conduct, which will strengthen accountability and define clear expectations for GSA representatives.
- The transition of the GSA Health and Dental Plan to the new provider has proceeded smoothly overall, with some issues promptly addressed by the GSA and the provider.
- A survey will be distributed to graduate students in the coming weeks to gather feedback on satisfaction with the new plan and provider.
- The GSA will analyze this feedback carefully and take appropriate action based on student responses to ensure that the plan continues to meet student needs effectively.
- Hosted a well-attended Thanksgiving Dinner, reinforcing community engagement and inclusion among graduate students.
Timeline Updates:
- All leadership hires completed on schedule.
- Governance and accountability frameworks are progressing well, with final Code of Conduct approval expected early next quarter.
- Health and Dental Plan feedback collection is planned for late Fall 2025.
What to Expect Next Quarter:
- Implementation of the Code of Conduct and new accountability measures.
- Analysis of Health and Dental Plan survey results and further engagement with the provider to address feedback.
- Continued focus on transparency, organizational improvement, and community engagement.
CASA & Provincial Advocacy
- At CASA, I’ve been actively involved in deliberations around aligning our policy goals with the current political climate. This has helped shape our national advocacy approach.
- Provincially, advocacy is going smoothly — We expect to increase my engagement with the Ministry team and have more one-on-one meetings with the Minister of Advanced Education this fall.
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- Maintained active collaboration with CASA (Canadian Alliance of Student Associations) and CAUS (Council of Alberta University Students) to align advocacy at national and provincial levels.
- Engaged with the Ministry of Advanced Education on topics including affordability, funding sustainability, and student housing.
- Engaged with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) through both direct communication and CASA advocacy channels regarding international student deferral challenges.
Key Results or Progress:
- Deferrals have been a major concern this year, with many international graduate students forced to delay their studies due to processing delays and increased financial requirements.
- The GSA has formally written to IRCC to express these concerns and has also raised the issue through CASA, ensuring that it is recognized at the federal level.
- This will be a key advocacy priority during CASA Advocacy Week, where the GSA will continue to push for more predictable and equitable visa and study permit processes.
- The GSA will also be working with CASA to advocate for the indexing of Tri-Council grants (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR) to inflation — a central CASA priority for 2025–26 — to ensure research funding keeps pace with living costs and inflationary pressures.
- The GSA’s TBAC and GSIP submissions reinforced national and provincial goals around affordability, research excellence, and graduate employability.
Timeline Updates:
- All advocacy efforts remain on track and coordinated with CASA and CAUS timelines.
What to Expect Next Quarter:
- Participation in CASA Advocacy Week, where the GSA will emphasize international student support, Tri-Council grant indexing, and graduate affordability.
- Continued provincial engagement with Advanced Education and national advocacy for improved research and funding policies.
VP Academic: Chen Okafor
Key Priorities
Supervision & Academic Relationships
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Held several one-on-one meetings with graduate students experiencing challenges with their academic supervisors. Planning is underway for a Fall workshop focused on navigating supervisor-student relationships, in collaboration with FGPS.
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Preparation is ongoing for outreach to FGPS to confirm workshop details. A draft proposal to FGPS is in progress.
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Tentative workshop is on September 2025.
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Exploring additional opportunities for collaboration with FGPS to support graduate students in their academic journeys.
- We hosted a Q&A-style Academic Supervision Workshop in October, where graduate students could ask questions and share concerns about their supervisory relationships. The session covered common supervisory challenges, rights and responsibilities, and pathways for addressing issues. There were two associate deans from FGPS and the Director of ISVS (International Student + Visitor Services) present and they directly answered questions from graduate students. I plan on hosting another one in Winter 2026.
- We have been connecting with department student associations (like Education GSA) to understand common issues students are facing and how we can advocate for change at both the department and university levels.
Key Results or Progress:
- Looking into how we can better gather and share feedback about supervisory experiences through a survey. Currently coordinating with FGPS on this.
Timeline Updates:
- On track with my objective of attempting to improve academic supervisory/student relationships at the U of A, though there remains much work to be done. There will be another iteration of the Q&A style Academic Supervision Workshop come late January 2026.
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Academic Fairness & Navigation
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Attended General Faculties Council (GFC) meetings where academic policies such as leaves, thesis extensions, and academic integrity are regularly discussed. Planning is underway to organize a workshop or Q&A session with representatives from GFC and FGPS. Also exploring the development of a comprehensive student-facing handbook covering key academic policies and procedures.
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A draft proposal to FGPS is being prepared to propose collaboration on both the academic policies workshop and the handbook initiative.
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The academic policies workshop is tentatively scheduled for the September 2025.
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Planning to initiate consultations with FGPS on the structure and content of the proposed academic policy handbook. This will be a longer-term initiative requiring ongoing coordination.
- In January we’re teaming up with the Student Conduct and Accountability Office (SCA) to help graduate students avoid situations like accidental plagiarism and better understand academic expectations. This session will cover how to protect yourself, what to know about the university’s Academic Integrity Policy, and what resources are available if you get caught in a tough spot.
Timeline Updates:
- SCA will be sending me the presentation any day now. I will be able to offer my thoughts and give feedback that will better inform what the session ends up looking like.
What to Expect Next Quarter:
- We are finalizing the content now - look out for updates in your inbox and on GSA channels in early 2026.
Tuition Relief Mechanisms for Graduate Students
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Initiated contact with the university regarding tuition fee advocacy. Scheduled to attend the first key committee meeting on September 10, 2025, where tuition and fee-related matters will be addressed. Exploring potential strategies to reduce costs for students, including the possibility of waiving certain mandatory non-instructional fees (MNIFs).
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Currently reviewing historical tuition rates to better understand year-over-year changes.
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Engagement with key stakeholders will begin next quarter to better understand how MNIFs are determined and to explore avenues for reducing financial burden on graduate students.
VP External: Niloufar Mirfallah
Key Priorities
Provincial Advocacy
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Began re-engaging with other Alberta GSAs (UC-GSA, AU-GSA) following the wrapping up of ab-GPAC. Held preliminary conversations about shared priorities and explored whether graduate student advocacy would benefit more from joining a formal coalition (e.g., CAUS) or continuing with informal collaboration.
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Update pending submission.
Federal Advocacy
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Attended CASA general committee meetings and plan to join the Graduate Advisory Committee (GAC) to advocate for graduate-specific issues such as research funding and immigration challenges. Expressed interest in serving as a voting member on GAC to ensure continued representation of graduate student concerns.
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Update pending submission.
External Partnerships
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No updates this quarter. Work on sponsorships and external partnerships is expected to begin in future quarters.
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Update pending submission.
VP Indigenous Relations: Tamara Dubé
Key Priorities
Indigenous Awards Development
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Progress & Updates:
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The VPIR, Indigenous Graduate Students’ Association (IGSA), and First Peoples’ House (FPH) are collaboratively developing two awards:
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Indigenous Graduate Student Award – a $1000 annual award recognizing an Indigenous graduate student for leadership, academic achievement, and community contribution.
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Recognition for Truth and Reconciliation Award – a non-monetary recognition for a staff or faculty member (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting Indigenous graduate students and advancing reconciliation. They will be nominated by Indigenous students.
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They will follow the standard GSA Recognition Awards timeline, launching December 1, 2025, alongside other GSA awards.
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Adjudication will be conducted by a tri-partite panel: the VPIR, one IGSA representative, and one First Peoples’ House representative.
Next Steps:
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Finalize nomination forms and culturally appropriate selection criteria by mid-November.
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Integrate the awards into the GSA Recognition Awards platform and promotional materials.
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Cultural Safety and DEO Onboarding
Progress & Updates:
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The VPIR will participate in an Indigenous KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE) facilitated by Moonlit Horizons Consulting Inc. on Augustana campus on November 28th as part of planning for future GSA onboarding.
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Discussions with Moonlit Horizons are underway to organize a Blanket Exercises on North Campus (Jan/April 2026) to include:
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GSA Directly Elected Officers (DEOs)
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GSA Council Representatives
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Committee Members and staff engaged in governance or representation roles
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Onboarding materials are being developed alongside Faculty of Native Studies, IGSA, and First Peoples’ House for resource development and cultural safety components (e.g., Indigenous Canada MOOC integration).
Next Steps:
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Pilot onboarding elements with current DEOs in Winter 2026.
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Establish a full implementation plan by May 2026 for integration into GSA training.
Indigenous Governance and Community Connection
Progress & Updates:
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The VPIR and IGSA are developing an Indigenous graduate student connection group named Kiyokewin.
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Monthly virtual meetings (starting November 2025) will offer a space for kinship, crafting, and sharing, which is fostering community across campuses and programs.
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Encouraging Indigenous graduate students to be involved in governance (e,g., filling vacant seats)
Next Steps:
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Launch the first Kiyokewin session in November.
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Continue to have frequent communication with Indigenous graduate students.
Review of ERC Changes to VPIR-related Bylaws & Policies
Progress & Updates:
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The VPIR and IGSA are reviewing the Elections and Referenda Committee’s (ERC) proposed amendments to the VPIR bylaw and policy framework.
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Feedback will ensure that revisions:
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Uphold Indigenous self-governance and representation.
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Protect the autonomy and continuity of the VPIR role.
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Reflect the principles of reconciliation.
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Next Steps:
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Circulate proposed amendments to Indigenous graduate students for consultation and feedback.
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Submit joint IGSA–VPIR recommendations to the ERC by late October.
VP Student Life: Hazel Kemuma
Key Priorities
Expand Inclusive Community Programming
- ISVS x GSA x ASSET Canadian Multiculturalism Day
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Event attended by more than 400 students
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Designed a year-long calendar of Social Hours (September–March) with activities that encourage cross-campus interaction (e.g., Speed Friending, Climbing Social, Pottery/Plants activity).
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Planned standalone events such as an Ice Skating/Hockey Lesson (December) to create unique, low-barrier opportunities for graduate students to connect.
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Began outreach to 30+ student groups across faculties to explore collaboration for inclusive, co-branded events, like the Fall Walk/Run.
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In a sit-down with the VP Facilities & Operations, followed up on previously discussed initiatives including the Unused Meal Donations Program, which is set to launch in Fall and support the Campus Food Bank.
- The Turkey Trot Run, organized in collaboration with Campus Community & Recreation, the Students’ Union, and the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport & Recreation, drew 280 participants in the 5 km race and 104 in the kids’ 1 km run. The event raised $5,000 in support of the Campus Food Bank, not only fostering community spirit but also contributed meaningfully to supporting students and families in need.
- The Graduate Student Mixer marked one of the term’s most successful community-building and professional networking events. With over 200 attendees from graduate students, alumni, and university guests, the event created a unique platform for mentorship, career exploration, and industry connection. Attendees had the opportunity to meet potential mentors and mentees, as well as engage with prospective employers and collaborators across disciplines. The presence of University of Alberta President Bill Flanagan and Chancellor Nizar Somji underscored the importance of fostering strong relationships between graduate students, alumni, and university leadership. The overwhelming turnout required a venue change to accommodate participants, reflecting the deep interest and enthusiasm for such connection-driven programming.
- Speedfriending Event brought together over 150 new graduate students. The atmosphere was vibrant, with meaningful conversations and genuine connections taking place throughout the afternoon. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to meet new people and build community early in the semester. I hope that the friendships and networks formed during the event will continue to grow and provide support as the term progresses and academic demands increase.
Together, these initiatives have built meaningful connections among students, celebrated diversity, and reinforced the GSA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus community.
Support Equity-Deserving Communities
EDI Committee
In our monthly EDI Committee meeting, aligned with the 2-year action plan, we identified this year’s key priorities:
- Continuing the harm reduction tent,
- Strengthening collaborative initiatives, and
- Improving resource allocation through developing scholarships, advocating for inclusive research, and addressing funding gaps.
Engagements
- Initiated planning for an Indigenous Learning Opportunity in the Fall term to promote cultural awareness and inclusion. This initiative will further be developed by VP Indigenous Relations.
- Connected with the graduate residence team to plan a Thanksgiving Potluck, creating space for international and marginalized students to feel more at home on campus.
- Started exploring partnerships with equity-focused student groups to ensure diverse voices are included in event planning and programming.
- The GSA/ISVS/Residence Thanksgiving Potluck was another highlight, attracting over 200 attendees despite 130 RSVPs. The event brought together graduate and international students to share a meal, celebrate community, and enjoy a warm and inclusive environment during the Thanksgiving season.
Advance Wellness & Belonging
- The EDI Committee in collaboration with the Student Success and Experience (SSE) (formerly known as Dean of Students office) will be hosting the Harm Reduction Tent initiative during the Week of Welcome in the fall.
- Partnered with Campus & Community Recreation (CCR) to co-host wellness events such as the October Mental Health Walk/Run and the January Climbing Social.
- Integrated mental health and social wellness themes into Social Hour planning, such as Speed Friending to combat isolation.
- Initiated monthly alignment meetings (starting August) to streamline event promotion, ensuring students are informed about wellness-focused activities and resources.
- Began exploring external partnerships (e.g., Puppy Yoga) to enhance mental health and community-building initiatives.
- The speedfriending event integrated mental health and social wellness themes, providing graduate students with an opportunity to build meaningful connections in a supportive and fun environment. I hoped that the friendships formed through this event will help combat the isolation that often accompanies graduate studies and support students’ wellbeing during periods of seasonal depression
- Graduate Reading Groups: Efforts are underway to launch the graduate reading groups, with plans to host one later this year and another during the winter semester, fostering intellectual engagement and peer learning.
- Currently coordinating a climbing event and a plant night in partnership with Campus Community and Recreation, scheduled for January and March, respectively, to promote wellness, recreation, and community engagement among graduate students.
VP Student Services: Saad Arslan Iqbal
Key Priorities
Priority #1
Update pending submission.
Associate VP Labour: Nathan Lamarche
Key Priorities
Priority #1
Update pending submission.
