Get Involved

Meet new people, gain valuable experience, and help build a better graduate experience by getting involved with the GSA and with student governance at the University of Alberta.

Help Lead the GSA

GSA student executives, (formally known as GSA Directly-Elected Officers) are elected annually in February. Student executives work to develop and implement the GSA Board Strategic Work Plan — a set of priorities that guide the GSA in best representing graduate students to government and the University.

The President and Vice-Presidents actively engage with stakeholders and advocate for over 8,000 of their fellow graduate students about important matters (like tuition and funding) through major University governing bodies and meetings with senior administration. To learn more about the GSA student executive positions, we invite you to Discover Governance at the GSA.

Discover Governance

Serve on a Committee

You can also get involved by serving as a graduate student or GSA representative on any number of GSA Standing Committees or University of Alberta committees.

To see the current membership of each committee, please click here. For more information about each committee, please see GSA Bylaw and Policy (under Governance Resources). 

GSA Deputy Returning Officer

Deadline: Friday, December 13 2024 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

The GSA is seeking one graduate student to serve as Deputy Returning Officer (DRO). The DRO works with the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) to oversee fair and impartial GSA elections, by-elections, and referenda, ensuring processes uphold the GSA's reputation.

Key Details:

  • Monthly Meetings: Monthly GSA Council (6 PM, penultimate Mondays) and GSA ERC (10 AM- 12 PM, first Tuesdays each month as necessary).
  • Eligibility: Must remain neutral, cannot hold another GSA role, did not run or serve as a Campaign Volunteer in the most recent election/by-election/referendum, and must be present in Edmonton during election periods.
  • Preferred Skills: Experience with election administration and GSA policies, strong organizational skills.

Please use the nomination form HERE

Please note that an interview will be arranged with GSA Management and the Nominating Committee Chair/Vice-Chair to determine eligibility. 

GSA Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Deadline: Friday, December 6 2024 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

The GSA EDIC is seeking one GSA member to join the committee immediately. This committee works to ensure the GSA reflects principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, enhancing the graduate student experience and fostering a welcoming community.

Meetings are held monthly on the first Monday from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM.

Eligibility: Applicants should identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, disabled, female, or LGBTTQQPIANU+

GSA Elections and Referenda Committee

Deadline: Friday, December 6 2024 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

The GSA is seeking one graduate student to join the Elections and Referenda Committee (ERC). The ERC consults with the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) on matters related to GSA Elections, By-Elections, and Referenda, including planning, advising, and annual policy reviews.

Meetings are held monthly on the first Tuesday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.  Additional availability required during the General Election (February 2025) and any referenda or by-elections.

Eligibility: Open to graduate students who are neutral, impartial, and not involved in current or recent GSA elections, referenda, or campaigns. Cannot serve on both the ERC and GSA Appeals and Complaints Board.

GSA Appeal and Complaints Board

Deadline: Friday, December 6 2024 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

The GSA is seeking one GSA Councillor and one GSA Member to join the Appeals and Complaints Board (ACB). The ACB is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals of the Chief Returning Officer’s (CRO) decisions and addressing complaints about GSA Officers, as outlined in Section 94(3) of the Post-Secondary Learning Act.

Members must be available during the GSA General Election process. Training on procedural fairness will be provided by the GSA Executive Director or delegate.

Eligibility: Did not run in the most recent GSA General Election or election of the Associate Vice-President Labour, nor have intentions to run in the next election or by-election. Members of the GSA Executive or Elections and Referenda Committee are not eligible to serve.

Please note that an interview will be arranged with GSA Management and the Nominating Committee Chair/Vice-Chair to determine eligibility. 

GFC Graduate Program Support Team (GFC GPST)

Deadline: Friday, December 13 2024 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

The GFC is seeking two graduate students to join the Graduate Program Support Team (GPST). The GPST advises and supports the GFC regarding changes to and development of new graduate degree programs, graduate certificates, and/or diplomas. GPST is a standing advisory committee constituted and acting under the authority of the GFC Programs Committee. More information can be found here.

Monthly meetings are held fully online on the first or last Monday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM.

Eligibility: Open to graduate students.

GSA Budget & Finance Committee

Deadline: Friday, December 20 2024 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

The GSA BFC is seeking one GSA member to join the committee immediately. This committee works to advise on the GSA's financial affairs and ensure the financial health of the organization to continue supporting graduate student needs. 

Meetings are held approximately four to six times a year. The next meeting of this committee is expected to take place from 2:00-3:30pm on Thursday, January 9th, 2025. 

Preferred Skills/Education: Background in Business or Finance.

Nomination Form for Standing Committees

Please direct any questions or concerns to gsanomco@ualberta.ca