List of Candidates

Complete nomination packages are received by the GSA office and verified by the GSA Chief Returning Officer (GSA CRO) prior to being listed on the GSA website. Candidates were given the opportunity to submit their photo and bio as part of their nomination.

Nomination packages were to be submitted in advance of the deadline of Monday, February 9, 2026.

The 2026 GSA General Elections and Associate Vice-President Labour Election Forum was held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 2:00-4:00PM. The Forum allowed for questions to the candidates from the Elections & Referenda Committee and from the public. The Forum was filmed and can be viewed here.

Candidates

President

Bio

I am a third-year doctoral student in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, where my research focuses on therapeutic spaces and healing environments in healthcare settings. I moved to Edmonton in 2021 to pursue graduate studies. Since then, the University of Alberta has become my second home, where I also sought my Master of Education degree from the Faculty of Education in 2023.

Over the past four years, I have built connections across faculties, cultural associations, governance spaces, and student communities. I bring years of student leadership experience and have held several positions. My work has focused on strengthening and advancing core student services and initiatives, including the Campus Food Bank; mental health and well-being; GSA childcare grants; travel grants; emergency bursaries; the U-Pass program; the Graduate Student Assistance Program; the GSA Health and Dental Plan; and representing graduate students on more than 20 university committees and working groups.

I believe in leadership that is relational. It is about listening carefully, building trust intentionally, and delivering results responsibly. I want the GSA to be decisive, transparent, sustainable, and focused on real results from day one.

Campaign Platform

My campaign is focused on one promise: to deliver a GSA that is visibly accountable, financially sustainable, and proactively supportive of every graduate student's journey. Over the past two years, as Vice President of Student Services, I have worked closely with students, executives, university leadership, and community partners to strengthen the services and advocacy that graduate students rely on. Now, I am ready to lead the organization forward with strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and measurable results. My experience in budget oversight, strategic planning, crisis management, team leadership, and advocacy has prepared me to meet the demands of this role.

As President, I will work to build a culture of trust and relational leadership that meaningfully represents and supports all graduate students at the UofA by collaborating with the GSA’s Executive Board and staff, university leadership, and other partners through:

Transparent & Accountable Governance

Financial Sustainability & Responsible Budgeting

Meaningful Action for Affordability and Cost-of-Living

Student Well-being and Inclusive Support

Organizational Excellence and Relational Leadership

For more details, follow my Campaign Platform.

Vice-President Academic

Bio

I’m a student with a professional background in cybersecurity and global compliance. My career features a mixture of both technical and non-technical exposure ranging from GDPR, PCI-DSS compliance to Web Penetration and Android Penetration testing. These roles require proper understanding of the SLAs and complex frameworks, implementing those changes in an organization and ensuring the organizations meet audit expectations, eventually earning trust and certification. Beyond my professional work, I have volunteered in global non profit organizations like ISACA by presenting emerging risks and threats in the cyber space. I have a proven track record of student leadership as a Joint Secretary of the Blue Screen Programming Club, by initiating coding challenges that have improved students technical proficiency. Committed to a policy first advocacy, I aim to bring a mindset that builds trust through transparency and accountability to ensure the University is held to the highest standards of academic fairness. I am prepared to provide strategic leadership to the FGPS and GFC Caucuses and ensure that the graduate student voice is backed by rigorous, detail-oriented advocacy.

Campaign Platform

As a graduate student in the Masters of Internetworking program, I believe that academic success is built on reliable systems, clear communications and adaptable procedures. I am running for the VP Academics position to ensure that the University’s academic bodies are efficient in supporting students in their academic journey. My priority is to advocate for a more accessible and plain language policy changes, accept calculated advocacy and incorporate changes from every student irrespective of their Departments and Faculties and improvements in utilization of AI in Academic integrity. Notifying policies changes after every refinement and getting acknowledged from students is way of showing transparency and reliability, accepting changes and weighing their importance in incorporating them shows the resilience of an Institution and adopting to the emerging changes in technology by not just detecting AI but integrating AI based academic works with ethical boundaries encourages students to utilize AI in a smarter and ethical way to make students career ready. My vision is to make academic advocacy a seamless and transparent experience.

https://sites.google.com/view/navaneet-vp-academics-candidat/home

Bio

I am a PhD student in Structural Engineering at the University of Alberta with over 15 years of professional experience in civil engineering, project leadership, and academic mentorship. As a Chartered Engineer and member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (UK), I have led technical teams and supported early-career professionals through training and outreach. I previously served as Vice President of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, where I coordinated academic workshops, community development programs, and student mentoring initiatives. Currently, I serve as Vice-President Academic of the International Students’ Association (ISA), where I advocate for academic support and equity for international students. My leadership is guided by a commitment to academic excellence, collaborative problem-solving, and inclusive representation. I am passionate about making graduate education more accessible, supportive, and empowering for all students, and I look forward to continuing this work through the GSA.

Campaign Platform

I’m running for GSA Vice-President Academic to actively advocate for graduate students' academic rights and well-being across all programs. Having served in student leadership, I’ve seen how critical academic transparency, fairness, and responsive support systems are to student success. My platform focuses on three priorities: (1) strengthening academic support systems, including supervisor-student relations and appeals processes; (2) ensuring equitable access to resources for both domestic and international students; and (3) representing student voices in university-level decisions on curriculum, academic policy, and teaching innovation. I plan to work closely with university committees and fellow GSA executives to ensure policies reflect the realities and priorities of graduate students. I bring a commitment to active listening, informed advocacy, and practical action to help build a more inclusive, empowering academic environment for all.

Vice-President External

Bio

I'm Gabriel, a masters' student in the Dept. of mathematics and Statistics specializing in MDP. My leadership skills have been strengthened during my first master’s degree program in Saint Petersburg Russia where I served as the representative of Nigerian Scholars. In that role, I collaborated closely with university administrators and the Nigerian Embassy in Russia to support the academic, social and general well-being of the scholars with particular focus on newly arriving students. One of my key contributions was playing an instrumental role in restructuring the student documentation and settling process. By introducing an arrival buddy team and addressing language-related barriers. This reform reduced timelines from weeks to just a few days, significantly easing students’ transition and reducing administrative stress. My leadership experience is grounded in advocacy, engagement, and institutional collaboration. I have represented student interests in decision-making spaces, supported community-building initiatives, and worked to ensure that students had clear guidance and effective representation when navigating complex systems. I bring a strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, with a deep commitment to student advocacy

Campaign Platform

I am running for Vice-President External because graduate students need strong, visible, and effective representation beyond campus. Many of the issues that shape our graduate experience be it funding, immigration, housing and research support are decided at municipal, provincial, and federal levels. I want to ensure graduate student voices are well represented in those spaces. My priority as VP External is to strengthen the GSA’s external advocacy by building productive relationships with government officials, advocacy organizations, and university partners. I will work closely with the President and executive team to clearly communicate graduate student priorities and advance evidence-based advocacy that reflects the diversity of our community. A key focus of my work will be advocacy for international graduate students, drawing on my experience navigating and reforming complex administrative systems. I am committed to ensuring international student concerns are consistently represented in external policy discussions. I am prepared for the time commitment and travel required in this role and see them as opportunities to amplify graduate student interests, expand the GSA’s network, and deliver tangible outcomes for our members

Bio

Hi, I’m Adrien, a first-year Master’s student in Surgery! During my undergraduate time here, I became deeply involved in student governance and community advocacy. I previously served as the Students’ Union (SU) Undergraduate Representative on the University Board of Governors, where I represented over 35,000+ students and sat on multiple Board and committees. Through that role, I worked on key issues our students wanted such as housing/tuition, affordability, safety, food insecurity, and student support across North Campus, Campus Saint-Jean, and Augustana. Beyond the Board, I have and still serve as President of several student organizations, alongside leadership roles in equity-focused initiatives. I have previously developed a data-informed platform to better capture student concerns/experiences, and have spent time the last year learning to navigate institutional systems to inform policy initiatives. One thing I have learned through all of this is that I am very motivated by tangible change. Yes, big wins are great, but I also value the small improvements, even if change is temporary. I hope that the impact I made during my time with the SU shows the kind of advocate I can be, and can earn your vote this coming February.

Campaign Platform

Graduate students deserve advocacy that actually goes somewhere. Having served in governance, I have seen how student concerns can lose momentum once they leave campus. I want to help make sure graduate students from our 3 campuses are represented at University Administration and the Canadian government. I am focusing on a few things I think can realistically move within one term. Locally, that means prioritizing transit safety around campus, creating local and sustainable food security partnerships, student friendly house planning, and community support for student parents and Indigenous graduate students. Provincially I will push for affordability within post-secondary funding reforms and stipends that better reflect the cost of living for our international students. Federally, I will work with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations to make sure UofA is supported in national conversations on work-integrated learning and talent retention, backed by graduate student data. Effective advocacy needs to be collaborative. This means I will also work closely with the Edmonton Student Alliance, AB Graduate Provincial Advocacy Council and SU, while continuing to maintain regular contact with city councilors and provincial offices.

Bio

I am a PhD candidate in Educational Policy Studies with extensive experience in student governance, institutional leadership, and policy advocacy. I currently serve on the University of Alberta’s General Faculties Council and Education Faculties Council, and Governance Committee member of the GSA, where I contribute to decision-making that shapes academic policy and student experience. I am the President of the Black Graduate Students’ Association, where I have led initiatives focused on equity, belonging, and meaningful representation for marginalized graduate students. Professionally, I work as a Governance Specialist and hold an Executive MBA in Non-Profit Management, bringing practical expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and accountable governance. As Vice-President External, I will advocate strongly for graduate students at the university, provincial, and national levels, strengthen relationships with external partners, and ensure graduate student voices are central in policy conversations that affect funding, academic freedom, and student well-being. I am committed to transparent leadership, inclusive advocacy, and advancing the collective interests of all graduate students.

Campaign Platform

My priorities as Vice-President External are funding security, research support, and collective advocacy. I will work with other graduate student associations, national student organizations, and sector partners to lead coordinated advocacy against cuts to strengthen the minimum guaranteed funding and other federal and provincial supports that affect graduate affordability and access. I will advocate for stronger minimum guaranteed funding for research-based graduate students, pushing for funding models that reflect rising living costs and the real labour of graduate research and teaching. Institutionally, I will press for transparent, equitable, and sustainable funding commitments that recognize graduate students as both learners and researchers. I am also committed to strengthening support for Tri-Council applications and awards, including improved guidance, mentorship, and advocacy for expanded funding and fairer adjudication processes. I am running to ensure graduate students have a strong, credible, and organized voice in decisions shaping our funding, research conditions, and academic futures.

Vice-President Student Life

Bio

B.Tech in Electronics and Communication with an Advanced Certification in Data Science from IIIt-Bang. At Amazon, I've grown through diverse roles, leading and mentoring a team of 9 while earning multiple Employee of the month awards. Beyond my work, I love bringing people together- organizing events, outings and celebrations that my team have been recognized for. I am passionate about fostering collaboration, building connections and creating experiences where everyone feels included and valued.

Campaign Platform

I am running for Vice-President Student Life because I believe every graduate student deserves a campus experience where they feel supported, connected and valued. Having lead teams, mentored colleagues and organized award winning events at Amazon, I understand how strong communities are built through inclusion, communication and engagement. My priorities are to strength graduate student groups, expand inclusive social and professional events, and advocate for better residence experiences. I will work closely with student organizations and university leadership to ensure graduate voices are heard in decisions affecting student life, equality and well-being. Together, we can build a vibrant, welcoming and empowering graduate community where everyone has opportunities to connect, grow and thrive.

Bio

I’m a graduate student leader in the Master of Management Analytics program, actively involved in community engagement and advocacy work. I bring a people-first approach shaped by years of leadership in student organizations, volunteer initiatives, and campus-facing roles focused on connection, inclusion, and belonging. My leadership experience includes serving with Rotaract International and as President of a student council, where I led teams, planned large-scale student initiatives, and supported meaningful student engagement. My advocacy and volunteer work spans mental health peer support, sustainability and climate action initiatives, community health programming, and gender and climate governance forums. At the University of Alberta, I am actively involved in graduate student life as an event volunteer with ISVS, a student consultant with Net Impact, a member of the MBA Gala committee, and part of the MMA Experience Builders team. I also serve as a Graduate TA and as a co-researcher on a project focused on international student wellbeing and sense of belonging. I lead with curiosity, empathy, and follow-through, and I care deeply about making graduate student life more inclusive, supportive, and accessible.

Campaign Platform

To me, student life is shaped by systems grads rely on; orientation, peer support, wellbeing, infrastructure, safety, career preparation, and connection to the GSA. When these systems are fragmented, students face unnecessary barriers. As VP SL, I will bring graduate concerns on Wi-Fi reliability, building digital NFC access, transit safety, and campus navigation directly to decision-makers, and report back on progress. My goal is not only to make campus systems work for grads, but also feel supportive and intentional. I will strengthen graduate orientation with an accessible online module; mapping services, points of contact and navigation. I plan to support wellbeing through structured peer support with dedicated drop-in spaces, and low-barrier community events. I am committed to graduate-centric career development, working with the Academic Success Centre, Career Centre, and the Student Experience Action Plan to advance graduate-focused career fairs, internships and experiential learning opportunities. My goal: a graduate experience that is structured, connected, inclusive and genuinely supportive, by improving what exists through clarity, consistency, and student-informed follow-through. Less runaround, more support.

Bio

Hello Graduate Students! My name is Alan and I am a 1st year Masters of Nursing thesis student. I work primarily in the neurosciences program at the University of Alberta hospital and research the relationship between moral distress and racism. Before becoming a nurse, I completed a BSc here at the U of A, where I’ve spent the better part of the last 8 years over 3 degrees. I am no stranger to the university and have an extensive volunteer background both on and off campus. I worked with the Canadian Blood Services Youth Committee for 7 years, both as a volunteer and later as their president, recruiting over 700 blood and stem cell donors to support our healthcare system. I also volunteered for 7 years with the TeamUP Science student group providing over 200 disadvantaged inner city students with post-secondary educational opportunities. On campus, I volunteered with the Week of Welcome orientation program, the Nursing Undergraduate Association, and currently volunteer with the Nursing Graduate Students’ Association as the president elect. I have a strong passion for student advocacy and supporting diverse groups through my leadership activities, and hope to continue giving back to my community as VP Student Life on the GSA.

Campaign Platform

My mission as the VP Student Life is to continue growing the graduate student community by: Supporting and building relationships with graduate student groups and continuing to expand the GSA event volunteer program. As an event volunteer with the GSA, I saw the impact that the GSA events had across campus. I believe we can continue expanding on these events while building relationships with graduate student groups. Graduate students are the backbone of the graduate programs here at the U of A and many student groups are doing amazing things. I believe the GSA can take a leading role in facilitating these connections. I will regularly connect with graduate student groups beyond the GSA meetings to establish long-lasting relationships. I will also develop a package to share with new graduate student groups which outlines what services and resources are available. I believe this will help student groups feel supported in their establishments, ensure that they are successful, and remain strong partners within our community. Overall, my platform is based on relationship building, mutual growth, and a community of support. Thank you for taking the time to read my platform, and I hope you will consider voting for me to be your VPSL!

Vice-President Indigenous Relations

Bio

I am a Red River Métis graduate student and a proud citizen of the Métis Nation. I am currently completing a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta (Augustana Campus). I hold a Bachelor of Education with a minor in Indigenous Studies from Mount Royal University. I bring a decade of teaching, leadership, and advocacy experience across Treaty 6, 7, and 8 territories, as well as internationally in Aotearoa New Zealand. My professional background includes elementary and inclusive education, with a strong focus on supporting Indigenous learners, students with disabilities, and rural and remote communities. I have also participated in Indigenous mentorship initiatives and field schools centred on Indigenous culture, pedagogy, and community-based learning. My work is grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, cultural safety, and the decolonization of education and healthcare systems. I am deeply committed to Indigenous rights, accessibility, and meaningful representation. My leadership emphasizes relationship-building, accountability, and the inclusion of Indigenous voices within the GSA. I have served as the inaugural Vice-President Indigenous Relations (VPIR) during the 2025–26 academic year.

Campaign Platform

I am running for VPIR to continue strengthening Indigenous representation, accountability, and advocacy within the GSA and the U of A. As the inaugural VPIR, I understand both the potential of this role and the structural gaps that remain. Indigenous graduate students deserve consistent, meaningful advocacy that leads to lasting change. My priorities are advancing Indigenous student voices, improving access to culturally safe supports, and ensuring Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully included in decision-making. I will advocate for equitable funding, transparent policies, and stronger academic, wellness, and community supports for Indigenous graduate students. I am committed to strengthening relationships between the GSA, Indigenous student groups, University leadership, and external Indigenous organizations at municipal, provincial, and national levels. This includes continued work on reconciliation-focused initiatives, cultural awareness, and the recognition of Indigenous Knowledges within graduate education. My leadership is grounded in relationship-building, accountability, and respect, with the goal of creating a graduate student experience where Indigenous students feel seen, heard, and supported.

Vice-President Student Services

Bio

I am an MBA student in Strategy at the University of Alberta with a background in operations leadership, financial stewardship, and student‑centered advocacy. I co‑founded and managed a service company for five years, where I oversaw budgeting, service delivery, and cross‑functional operations, strengthened stakeholder experience, and led initiatives that improved efficiency and reduced costs. My earlier work in supplier negotiation sharpened my ability to secure fair, sustainable agreements—skills I now apply to student‑focused program and service negotiations. Supporting people has been a consistent thread in my work. I launched a workplace inclusion and peer‑support initiative in a male‑dominated environment, coordinated youth education programs, and led a university wellbeing initiative focused on mental health, resilience, and student success. I’ve also served as a teaching assistant and as Vice President of my university’s Accounting and Management Alumni Association. I am committed to strengthening graduate student wellbeing, ensuring transparent and responsible management of student funds, and advocating for accessible, high‑quality services that genuinely support students’ academic and personal lives.

Campaign Platform

I am running for VP Student Services because every graduate student deserves services that are accessible, transparent, and built around real needs, not assumptions. My priority is to strengthen the programs students rely on most: health and dental coverage, GSAP, U‑Pass, emergency bursaries, childcare grants, and academic travel funding. My background in student wellbeing, community advocacy, and operations management has taught me how to listen, negotiate, and manage resources responsibly. I have led mental‑health and resilience programs, built peer‑support and inclusion initiatives, coordinated youth education programs, and supported students through teaching and mentorship. I’ve also managed budgets, improved service delivery, and negotiated fair agreements, skills I will bring directly to overseeing student funds and negotiating key services. As VPSS, I will advocate for transparent funding decisions, stronger mental‑health supports, fair and student‑centered service negotiations, and improved access to essential programs. My goal is simple: ensure every graduate student feels supported, heard, and able to thrive.

Bio

I am a Master’s student in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at the University of Alberta, and I am deeply committed to strengthening graduate student services and advocacy. My motivation to run for Vice-President Student Services comes from a strong belief that graduate students deserve accessible, transparent, and effective health, wellness, and financial support systems.

I bring professional experience as a Data Researcher and Analyst, where I supported evidence- based decision-making, improved service delivery, and strengthened accountability within organizations. I have also worked as an Assistant Manager, supervising teams, coordinating institutional resources, and contributing to negotiations that led to improved service outcomes. These experiences have equipped me with the skills needed to represent graduate students effectively and advocate on their behalf.

A key focus of my candidacy is graduate student health and wellness. I am committed to negotiating better benefits, improving communication around coverage, and ensuring students can confidently access the care they need.

Through campus leadership and community engagement, I have consistently advocated for inclusion, equity, and student-centered services. As VP Student Services, I will strengthen health and dental coverage, expand wellness initiatives, and ensure graduate student voices remain central to decision-making.

Campaign Platform

I am running for Vice-President Student Services because I believe every graduate student deserves accessible, affordable, and well-communicated support systems to thrive both academically and personally. Graduate life comes with unique financial, academic, and personal pressures, and students should not have to navigate these challenges without strong advocacy.

My key priority is improving graduate student health and wellness supports, particularly the GSA Health and Dental Plan. I have a complete and practical understanding of the current plan administered through StudyWell, including coverage structures, limitations, and common student challenges. One major concern is the current cap of 30 dollars per massage/physiotherapy session, which does not reflect the real cost of care. I will work to negotiate higher coverage for therapy sessions and comparable paramedical services so students can meaningfully access the care they need.

I also aim to strengthen financial supports such as emergency bursaries, childcare grants, and travel funding through transparent and equitable processes. Expanding awareness is essential, as many students miss out on benefits simply because they are unaware of them. I will prioritize clear communication, outreach, and collaboration with the University to ensure graduate student voices are represented in decisions that affect their daily lives.

Associate Vice-President Labour

Bio

My name is Muhammad Faizan Tariq, and I am an MSc student in Structural Engineering at the University of Alberta. I am an international student from Pakistan with a strong background in student leadership, advocacy, and service. During my undergraduate studies, I was actively involved in student governance and leadership roles, including serving as the Treasurer for my department’s student council. These experiences taught me how to represent student interests, manage responsibility, and work collaboratively to deliver results. At the University of Alberta, I have continued to stay engaged in campus life. I have volunteered with the Campus Food Bank’s Trick or Treat program and supported the New Majority Get Out the Vote campaign. I have also served as a Councillor-at-Large for the Graduate Students’ Association, where I gained firsthand experience with GSA governance, student representation, and advocacy. I am passionate about improving graduate student life through transparent leadership, meaningful engagement, and strong representation. I am committed to serving graduate students and ensuring their voices are heard.

Campaign Platform

My platform is built around one goal: running Labour like an organizing campaign so members can win at the table and enforce what they win. My priorities are: • Transparent bargaining with regular, plain-language updates • Strategic use of labour funds to remove barriers to participation and support department-level organizing • Clear communication and timelines around the essential services process • Member-driven mandate building through surveys and listening sessions • A trained steward network with representation across departments • Faster, clearer contract enforcement with defined intake and follow-through Labour is the core responsibility of the GSA. A strong agreement requires informed members, real engagement, and consistent enforcement. I will focus on visibility, accountability, and results, not optics. If elected, members should expect regular communication, meaningful opportunities to shape bargaining priorities, stronger departmental representation, and quicker support when issues arise.

Bio

I'm Mohamed a PhD researcher in Construction Management, a father, and someone who has spent the past year showing up for graduate students when it mattered most. As Chief Faculty Steward, I serve as the primary point of contact for graduate labour concerns across every faculty at the University of Alberta. I've personally handled tens of complex cases helping students navigate conflicts with supervisors, funding disputes, and workplace issues that no one should face alone. I sit on the Labour Relations Committee, GSA Council, and multiple committees where real decisions get made about our working conditions and rights. I hold PMP and RMP certifications and bring professional experience in workforce systems and organizational leadership. But what drives me isn't titles it's the student who messages late at night worried about retaliation, or the one who didn't know they had rights until someone told them. I've been that person for dozens of students this year. I believe in accountability, transparency, and building systems that don't just react to problems but prevent them. I'm running because this work isn't finished and because the students I've stood beside deserve someone who won't stop fighting for them

Campaign Platform

I'm running for Associate Vice-President Labour because right now, at this very moment, we are drafting the collective agreement that will govern every graduate student's working relationship with this university for the next two years. This is not a future promise it is happening, and I am already at the table. Here is what I'm fighting for: a real minimum funding guarantee so no student is left struggling to survive while doing world-class research. Protection for your scholarship and external income money you earned should stay in your pocket. A meaningful increase in wages that reflects the actual cost of living in this city. Fair working hours with clear boundaries. And bylaws that protect you from retaliation because no student should ever be afraid to speak up. Over the past year, I've supported dozens of students through some of the hardest moments of their graduate experience. I know what's broken because I've seen it up close. I'm not here to make promises from the outside. I'm already doing this work. I'm asking for your vote so I can keep doing it with the mandate to push even harder. Every graduate student deserves fairness, dignity, and someone in their corner who won't back down.

Councillor-At-Large

Bio

Gihan Wijelath is a PhD student in Food Science and Technology at the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science (AFNS), where his research focuses on upcycling brewing byproducts into sustainable protein ingredients for functional food applications. He holds an MSc in Analytical Chemistry and a BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Technology, and brings several years of experience from academia and the food industry in quality assurance, food safety and health. Gihan is actively engaged in graduate student leadership and governance. He serves as Faculty Steward for the AFNS on the GSA Labour Relations Committee, and a graduate student representative on the ALES Faculty Identity Task Force. He also volunteers or has volunteered with the GSA, Campus Food Bank, and International Student and Visitor Services, Office of the Registrar’s Student Advisory Committee and works as a Teaching Assistant. Gihan is also a member of professional organizations including IFT, AOCS, ACS, CIFST, IAFP, and the Cereals & Grains Association. As a Councillor-at-Large, Gihan is committed to transparent governance, equitable representation, and strengthening communication between Council and the diverse graduate student community.

Campaign Platform

I am running for Councillor-at-Large because I believe graduate students deserve strong, transparent, and inclusive representation at every level of university governance. Through my experience in various graduate student roles, I have seen how policy decisions directly affect graduate students’ academic progress, employment conditions, and wellbeing. I want to bring these perspectives to Council and ensure student voices meaningfully shape GSA decisions. My priorities are:

• Advocacy for fair working and learning conditions – supporting strong collective agreements, clear policies, and protections for graduate student employees.

• Affordability and financial security – advocating for accessible funding, fair fees, and expanded emergency and support grants.

• Wellbeing and mental health – strengthening awareness and accessibility of mental health, health, and wellness services.

• Equity, diversity, and inclusion – ensuring policies reflect the needs of international students, marginalized groups, and diverse disciplines.

As Councillor-at-Large, I will listen, engage, and advocate to help build a GSA that is responsive, accountable, and focused on improving the everyday life of graduate students.

Bio

I am a first-year Master’s student in Biological Sciences with deep roots at the University of Alberta. Having completed my BSc Honors here and worked as a staff Research Assistant for three years, I possess a unique perspective. I have navigated this institution as an undergraduate, a staff member, and now a graduate student, gaining a comprehensive understanding of our academic and professional landscape. My leadership experience is extensive. I currently serve as an Alternate Bargaining Team Member for the GSA Labor Relations Committee. Previously, I held executive roles (VP Finance, VP Internal) for undergraduate clubs, managing budgets and advocating for student interests. Beyond my role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, I am an outreach member for the RE Peter Biology Conference and served as a session co-chair for an international research conference. Additionally, I co-founded a student cryptography challenge and peer-reviewed for the Spectrum undergraduate journal. My transition from staff back to student equips me with the professional insight and institutional knowledge needed to represent the graduate student body effectively on the GSA Council.

Campaign Platform

I am running as a councillor to bring a grounded, real-world perspective to the GSA Council. As a Master's student and former staff Research Assistant, I view the university from two angles. I understand the pressure of research as an employee and the financial stress of a student. I want GSA decisions to reflect our daily reality, not just policy on paper. My Priorities include support, affordability & fairness. My experience as staff showed me that graduate students are a key part of this university’s research. Now, as a student, I feel that weight without the benefits. I will advocate for mental health and conflict resolution resources that actually fit our demanding schedules, rather than adding to our burden. I joined the GSA Labor Relations Committee (Alternate) because our work deserves recognition. On Council, I will vote for policies that push for transparent funding and cost-of-living adjustments to keep students above water. I seek to ask the hard question every time. How can this decision help a fellow student right now? I will always be looking out to ensure the diverse voices across the university in our grad student community, from the classroom to the lab spaces, are heard, no matter the department.

Bio

My name is Andy Han, I’m a PhD student in the department of Psychology, with a research focus on intercultural communication and language learning. I’m particularly interested in learning about how international students and immigrants acculturate to a new environment, examining the personal and contextual factors that contribute to a successful adaptation experience. I completed my undergraduate degree at the U of A, then a master’s in Applied Psychology at Tsinghua University in China. My experience of transitioning between different cultures and adjusting to new social contexts has informed my perspective on the way institutional and social structures shape our lives. This has given me a unique lens through which to view the challenges faced by other students, especially international students and those from diverse backgrounds. I have experience in taking on leadership roles in campus organizations, including as internal director of TeamUP Science, a student-led club focused on increasing interest in STEM fields among youth. I am confident my previous experience and skills in working collaboratively to arrive at solutions to common challenges will enable me to be an effective advocate for all graduate students.

Campaign Platform

I would like to provide strong, informed, and inclusive representation for graduate students at the GSA Council table. My academic work and personal experience have shaped my understanding of how deeply graduate student experiences are influenced by social, cultural, and institutional conditions. I have a strong appreciation for the challenges faced by international students and those from diverse cultural, racial, sexual, and socio-economic backgrounds whose voices are often underrepresented in decision-making on campus. As a councillor, my priorities will include amplifying student voices, advocating for better support for international and transitioning students, and ensuring that concerns from all graduate students are clearly communicated and meaningfully addressed at Council. I am committed to being an active and reliable councillor — engaging in dialogue and discussion, maintaining active channels for feedback, and keeping students informed. I aim to bring a student-led, collaborative approach to this role and to contribute to a graduate student experience that is supportive, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all members of our community.

Bio

I am a PhD student and Vanier Scholar in the Department of Sociology and a registered social worker. I hold two master’s degrees focused on inequality in higher education. My Master of Social Work examined gender inequality on college campuses through direct work with students to improve institutional services. My Master of Arts in Sociology explored the experiences of student mothers, resulting in peer-reviewed publications on how inequality is produced and sustained within universities. I have extensive experience in graduate student advocacy and research at the University of Alberta. These include the following select examples: In 2022 following the university’s transition to a shared services model, I co-organized a response with Ping Lam Ip to the months-long graduate contract delays that threatened student pay. This resulted in contracts being issued. I was a founding member of Halt the Hike, a grassroots campaign opposing tuition increases, and helped organize one of the largest campus protests in recent history. In 2024, again with Ping Lam Ip, I challenged Alberta’s Bill 18 using publicly available data, contributing to the removal of provincial oversight of federal research funding.

Campaign Platform

I am running to reaffirm the Graduate Students’ Association as a body that represents the students and holds those in power accountable for decisions that directly impact our lives. My priorities include:

-Maintaining my membership on the GSA Board to increase transparency and expand student involvement

-Reinstating the University of Alberta Daycare Advisory Committee and affiliated funding

-Rebuilding the Coalition of University of Alberta Associations to coordinate collective action across campus.

-Leaving the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, refocusing advocacy on provincial and local issues, including the ongoing freeze of our operating grant.

-Significantly reducing spending on business travel and external advocacy by Directly-Elected Officers of the GSA

-Organizing meaningful resistance to annual tuition hikes and cuts to student services

-Using evidence-based research to correct misinformation and misleading statements by those in power used to justify harmful policy

Bio

Grace Akuma is a medical doctor and MPH student at the University of Alberta, dedicated to student advocacy, youth empowerment, and health equity. She earned her medical degree from Babcock University, Nigeria, where she served as Student Senator, championing student welfare and engagement programs. As Chief House Physician, she led initiatives to improve junior doctors’ wellbeing, including wellness activities and call-hour reforms. She also served as Youth Coordinator for UNESCO Youth Nigeria, leading a digital gender-based violence campaign reaching 50,000+ youth. As a GSA Councillor, Grace's focus is on amplifying graduate student voices and fostering an inclusive, supportive campus community.

Campaign Platform

I’m running for GSA Councillor because graduate students deserve representation that is visible, supportive, and responsive. As an MPH student and medical doctor, I understand the pressures of balancing academics, work, and life, and I believe advocacy should be practical, inclusive, and grounded in real experiences. My priorities focus on making graduate life more connected and supported. I aim to strengthen meaningful engagement between international and domestic students, champion accessible wellness programs and safe campus spaces, and advocate for fair tuition, grants, U-Pass, health and dental coverage, and inclusive social opportunities. I am committed to transparent governance and ensuring every graduate student voice is heard, valued, and reflected in decisions; building a more connected, equitable, and caring graduate community at the University of Alberta.

2024 GSA Election of VP Student Life Re-Election Timeline

The 2024 GSA Election of VP Student Life Re-Election Timeline was approved by the GSA Chief Returning Officer (CRO) in consultation with the GSA Elections and Referenda Committee (GSA ERC). This timeline has been developed in accord with GSA Bylaw and Policy, Section I: Elections, which can be found here

2024 List of Candidates

Below you may find the timeline of events for the 2024 GSA Election of VP Student Life Re-Election Timeline.

All times listed are in Mountain Time.

Monday, 11 March 2024 at 2:00 PM (MST)

********************** MANDATORY MEETING FOR

ALL CANDIDATES

GSA Re-Election of the Vice-President Student Life All-Candidates Meeting • Attendance at the All-Candidates Meeting is mandatory, as well as associated meeting materials, will be sent to all candidates following the close of the nomination period.

• Failure to attend without adequate prior notification of at least one (1) hour to the CRO is grounds for disqualification.

• A scribe will be present at the All-Candidates Meeting and, shortly after the meeting, notes will be distributed to all candidates.

Tuesday, 12 March 2024 at 12:00 AM (MST)

GSA Re-Election of the Vice-President Student Life Campaign Period Begins • The campaign period will last at least seven (7) calendar days and will begin no earlier than the day following the All-Candidates Meeting

• The campaign period will run from 12 March 2024 to 21 March 2024. This includes the two (2) day voting period.

Monday, 18 March 2024 at 11:00 AM (MST)

GSA Re-Election of the Vice-President Student Life Forum

• A GSA Re-Election of the VP Student Life candidates’ forum will be hosted, open to all graduate students to attend. A recording of the forum will be posted on the GSA website.

Tuesday, 19 March 2024 at 10:00 AM (MST)

GSA Re-Election of the Vice-President Student Life Voting Period Opens • The voting period will last forty-eight (48) hours from 10 AM on Tuesday, 19 March to 10 AM on Thursday, 21 March 2024.

• Campaigning is allowed during the voting period.

Thursday, 21 March 2024 at 10:00 AM (MST)

GSA Re-Election of the Vice-President Student Life Campaigning and Voting Periods Close

• Voting and campaigning close at 10:00 AM (MST).

Thursday, 21 March 2024 at 12:00 PM (MST)

Deadline for GSA Re-Election of the Vice-President Student Life Campaign-Related Expenses and Receipts Submission

• Following the campaign period, candidates will be asked to submit to the CRO a report of all campaign-related expenses and associated receipts no later than two (2) hours after the close of the voting period (to be submitted electronically to the CRO via gsa.frontdesk@ualberta.ca; photos of receipts must also be submitted and a form will be provided to all candidates at the All-Candidates Meeting).

Thursday, 21 March 2024 – Tentative, Pending Release of Provisional Results

GSA Re-Election of the Vice-President Student Life Announcement of Provisional Results

• Provisional results are results subject to change due to possible outstanding complaints to the CRO and appeals of CRO decisions.

Friday, 22 March 2024 – Tentative, Pending Release of Provisional Results

Deadline to Lodge a Breaches Discerned or Alleged Breach Associated with the GSA Re-Election of the Vice-President Student Life with the CRO

• This deadline is set at twenty-four (24) hours after the announcement of provisional results.

Friday, 22 March 2024 – Tentative, Pending Release of Provisional Results

GSA Re-Election of the Vice-President Student Life Announcement of Official Results

• Official results will be announced once the deadline to lodge an alleged breach or complaint about alleged breaches has passed.

As per GSA Bylaw and Policy I.POL.11.5, all CRO Decisions made regarding complaints and alleged breaches will be posted on the GSA website. Please see below the CRO Decisions issued for the 2024 GSA General Election and Election of the Associate Vice-President Labour:

The following decisions are relating to the Re-Election of the Vice President Student Life.

As per GSA Bylaw and Policy H.POL.15.7.c, the GSA ACB Chair will ensure that, subject to privacy legislation, decisions on appeals of CRO decisions are posted on the GSA website. Please see below the ACB Decisions issued for the 2024 GSA General Election and Election of the Associate Vice-President Labour:

The following decisions are relating to the Re-Election of the Vice President Student Life.

The following ACB decision relates to a complaint against a GSA officer, governed by GSA Bylaw and Policy H.POL.14. These decisions are generally confidential and only presented to GSA Council; however, all parties have consented to sharing it publicly due to the importance of the matter.

ACB Decision regarding formal complaint between F Khalid and A Adigun- Mar 13, 2024

GSA Bylaw and Policy governs the Election and Referenda. If you have any questions, please contact the GSA Chief Returning Officer at gsa.elections@ualberta.ca

List of Candidates

Candidates

President

Vice-President Academic

Vice-President External

Vice-President Student Life

Vice-President Indigenous Relations

Vice-President Student Services

Associate Vice-President Labour

Councillor-At-Large

2024 GSA Election of VP Student Life Re-Election Timeline

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