gsa council meeting agenda - university of alberta€¦ · cover letter ii. outline of issue iii....
TRANSCRIPT
PreparedbyJTanguayandCThomasforGSACouncil21November2016MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item2-ConsolidatedAgenda(SecondMailing).docx
GSACouncilMeetingAGENDA
Monday,November21,2016at6:00pm2-100UniversityHall,VanVlietComplex
TheGSAacknowledgesthattheUniversityofAlbertaissituatedontheTraditionalTerritoryofTreatySix.
SpeakerSulyaFenichelintheChair
Apizzadinnerwillbeservedat5:15pm.
OPENSESSION
AttachedNumberedPages
1. RollCall
2. Approvalofthe21November2016Agenda
3. ApprovaloftheMinutesfromthe24October2016GSACouncilMeetingAttachment:
i. Minutesfromthe24October2016GSACouncilMeeting
3.0-3.6
4. ChangesinGSACouncilMembershipi. IntroductionofNewCouncillors(IfyouarenewtoGSACouncil,pleaseletusknowitisyour
firstmeeting)ii. FarewelltoDepartingCouncillors(IfthisisyourlastGSACouncilmeeting,orifyourlast
Councilmeetingisapproaching,pleaseletusknow)
CouncillorAnnouncements
5. CouncillorAnnouncements
ActionItems
6. GSA2016-2017BudgetandExpenditure(Quarterly)ReportSarahFicko(GSAPresident)willpresenttheitemandthePresident,theGSAExecutiveDirector,GSAAccountant,andGSAFinancialManagerwillbeonhandtoanswerquestions.GSABFCMembersWhoAreMembersofGSACouncil:SarahFicko(GSAPresidentandGSABFCChair);SashavanderKlein(GSAVice-PresidentLabourandGSABFCVice-Chair);DashaSmirnow(Councillor-at-Large)GSABFCMembersInvitedtoGSACouncilasGuests:KarenTurpinandSinaYansoriAttachments:
i. CoverLetterii. OutlineofIssueiii. GSA2016-2017BudgetandExpenditure(Quarterly)Reportiv. GSA2016-2017QuarterlyOperatingBudgetNarrative
6.06.1
6.2-6.36.4-6.17
SubstantivematerialissenttoallGSACouncilmembersatleastoneweekpriortothedateofthemeetingtogivemembersabundanttimetoreview(inaccordancewiththeStandingOrdersofCouncil).Anyadditionalsubstantivematerialreceivedafterthismailingwillbeemailedassoonaspossible.Reportsfromcommittees,Directly-ElectedOfficers,andmanagementareemailedtheFridaybeforeaMondaymeetingsothatthecontentisascurrentaspossible.
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v. GSA2016-2017QuarterlyRestrictedandOtherFundingNarrative 6.18-6.19
7. ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonElectionsandReferendaLeighSpanner(ChairoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee)willpresenttheitem.GSAERCMembersWhoAreMembersofGSACouncil:AhmedNajar(Councillor-at-Large)GSAERCMembersInvitedtoGSACouncilasGuests:LeighSpanner(ChairoftheGSAERC);SarahPrescott(Vice-ChairoftheGSAERC);JenniferBertrand;KurtisBroda;CarolynGibsonAttachments:
i. CoverLetterfromLSpanner,ChairoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeii. OutlineofIssueiii. ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonElections:DoubleColumniv. ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonReferenda:DoubleColumn
7.07.1
7.2-7.167.17-7.32
8. ProposedChangestoGSAPolicyontheCompositionoftheGSANominatingCommittee
SarahFicko(GSAPresident)willpresenttheitem.GSAGovernanceCommitteeMembers:SarahFicko(GSAPresidentandGSAGCChair);SashavanderKlein(GSAVice-PresidentLabour);JustinLeifso(PoliticalScienceGSACouncillor);MaryseNdiluKiese(ReligiousStudiesGSACouncillor);NicoleNoel(Councillor-at-Large)Attachments:
i. CoverlettertoGSACouncilfromSFicko,ChairoftheGSAGovernanceCommitteeandGSANominatingCommittee
ii. OutlineofIssueiii. ProposedChangestoGSAPolicyontheGSANominatingCommittee:DoubleColumn
8.0-8.1
8.28.3-8.5
Elections,Appointments,SpecialBusiness,Updates
9. GSACouncilElectionsRadimBarta(AdministrativeChairoftheGSANominatingCommittee)willpresenttheitem.
GSAStandingCommitteesa.GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(2vacancies)Attachment:i. NomineesfortheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee
b.GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee(5vacancies)Attachment:i. NomineesfortheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee
c.GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoardAttachment:i. NomineesfortheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoardii. NomineesfortheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoardChairandVice-Chair
9.0
9.1
9.2-9.79.8-9.10
ForDiscussion:Noneatthistime Reports
10. President(SarahFicko,GSAPresident)i. President’sReportii. GSABoardiii. GSABudgetandFinanceCommitteeiv. GSAGovernanceCommittee
10.0-10.4
10.510.610.7
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11. GSANominatingCommittee(RadimBarta,GSANominatingCommitteeAdministrativeChair)i. GSANominatingCommitteeReport
11.0-11.1
12. Vice-PresidentAcademic(FirouzKhodayari,GSAVice-PresidentAcademic)
i. Vice-PresidentAcademic’sReport
12.0-12.2
13. Vice-PresidentExternal(MasoudKhademi,GSAVice-PresidentExternal)i. Vice-PresidentExternal’sReportii. GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee
13.0-13.1
13.2
14. Vice-PresidentLabour(SashavanderKlein,GSAVice-PresidentLabour)i. Vice-PresidentLabour’sReportii. GSANegotiatingCommittee(nomeetingsthisreportingperiod)iii. GSALabourRelationsCommittee(nomeetingsthisreportingperiod)
14.0-14.1
15. Vice-PresidentStudentServices(AlirezaTalaei,GSAVice-PresidentStudentServices)
i. Vice-PresidentStudentServices’Reportii.GSAStudentAffairsAdvisoryCommittee(JointChair:Vice-President
External)(nomeetingsthisreportingperiod)
15.0-15.1
16. Senator(JaneTraynor,GSASenator)
i. Senator’sReport(nowrittenreportatthistime)
16.0
17. Speaker(SulyaFenichel,GSASpeaker)i. Speaker’sReport(nowrittenreportatthistime)
18. ChiefReturningOfficer(CarolinaMartinez,GSAChiefReturningOfficer)
i. ChiefReturningOfficer’sReport(nowrittenreportatthistime)
19. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(LeighSpanner,GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeChair)
i. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeReport
19.0
20. GSAManagement(CourtneyThomas,GSAExecutiveDirector)i. ExecutiveDirector’sReport
20.0-20.3
QuestionPeriod
21. WrittenQuestions(noneatthistime)
22. OralQuestions Adjournment
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GSACouncilMeetingMINUTESMonday,October26,2016at6:00pm2-100UniversityHall,VanVlietComplex
INATTENDANCE:SarahFicko(President) MichaelWoolley(Art&Design) ShainaHumble,KevinKvas
(English&FilmStudies)KelseyPeterson(OccupationalTherapy)
FirouzKhodayari(VPAcademic) SwaiMonKhaing(Biochemistry) NeilPrather(History&Classics) DanielKryz(Oncology)
SashavanderKlein(VPLabour) FrancescaJean;MicheleDuVal(BiologicalSciences)
MohammedAbdul-Bari(HumanEcology)
BrabhjotBedi(Paediatrics)
AliTalaei(VPStudentServices) GrahamLittle(BiomedicalEngineering)
JocelynBeyer(HumanitiesComputing)
AndrewWoodman(Pharmacology)
SulyaFenichel(Speaker) BethRichardson;KarlRoesner(CellBiology)
ShivamSrivastava(Internetworking)
HaninAburasayn(Pharmacy&PharmaceuticalSciences)
PreshitVerma(DeputySpeaker) SaharSaadat(Chemical&MaterialsEngineering)
FaisalHirji(LabMedicine&Pathology)
JayWorthy(Philosophy)
DarcyBemister(DRO) AnisFahandej-Sadi(Chemistry) CarlaLewis,KrisJoseph(Library&InfoStudies)
StephenHunter(PhysEd&Rec)
JaneTraynor(Senator) DianaAbdulhameed(Civil&EnvironmentalEngineering)
AtticusHarrigan(Linguistics) LeighSpanner(PoliticalScience)
ColinMore(Councillor-at-Large) DarianBremmekamp;NatalieMahé(CommunicationSciences&Disorders)
MichelleMichelle(Math&StatisticalSciences)
MichalJuhas(Psychiatry)
AlphonseNdemAhola(Councillor-at-Large)
RoshanShariff(ComputingScience)
MasoudAliramezani(MechEng) JoshuaYong;JoannaScanlon(Psychology)
NicoleNoel(Councillor-at-Large) DorianLang(Drama) FahedElian;AllisonLewis(MedicalGenetics)
ColinReynolds(PublicHealth)
PhilOel(Councillor-at-Large) BretteHarris,BenjaminGruber(Earth&AtmoSciences)
ConnieLe(MedicalMicrobiology&Immunology)
OwainBamforth(ReligiousStudies)
RobertReklow(Councillor-at-Large)
MarciaEast(EastAsianStudies) MelissaSilva(Medicine) RyanStanfield(RenewableResources)
DashaSmirnow(Councillor-at-Large)
AmandaRadil(EdPsych) DariaPolianska(MLCS) EllenWatson(SecondaryEducation)
AhmedNajar(Councillor-at-Large)QuinnBarber(Electrical&ComputerEngineering)
DavidParent(NativeStudies) AntonioBruni;WenlongHuang(Surgery)
NianLiu(AFNS) JoanneFarmer(ElementaryEducation)
MischaBandet(Neuroscience)
SpeakerSulyaFenichelintheChair.Themeetingwascalledtoorderat6:00pm.SpeakeracknowledgedtheTraditionalTerritoryofTreatySix.RollCall
1. RollCallofCouncilMembersinAttendance
ApprovalofAgenda2. Approvalofthe24October2016ConsolidatedAgenda
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Membershadbeforethemthe24October2016ConsolidatedAgenda,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.SFickoMOVED;NPratherSECONDED.
MotionPASSED.DParentOPPOSED.ApprovalofMinutes
3. Minutesfromthe26September2016GSACouncilmeetingMembershadbeforethemthe26September2016GSACouncilMinutes,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon14October2016.SvanderKleinMOVED;MKhademiSECONDED.SHumblerequestedafriendlyamendmenttoincludethepreviouslydiscussed$16millionunionbudget,whichisnowpossibly$17millionandconcernabouttheGSAlosingitsseatontheBoardofGovernors.
MotionPASSED.DParentandtwoothersABSTAINED.
ChangesinCouncilMembership4. ChangesinGSACouncilMembership
i. IntroductionofNewCouncillorsThiswasthefirstmeetingforanumberofCouncillors:KRoesner(CellBiology)DAbdulhameed(CivilandEnvironmentalEngineering);NMahé(CommunicationScienceandDisorders);DLang(Drama);BGruber(EarthandAtmosphericSciences);KKvas(English&FilmStudies);SSrivastava(Internetworking);KJoseph(LibraryandInformationStudies);AHarrigan(Linguistics);MAliramezani(MechanicalEngineering);FElianandALewis(MedicalGenetics);DPolianska(ModernLanguageandCulturalStudies);DKryz(Oncology);SHunter(PhysicalEducationandRecreation);JScanlon(Psychology);EWatson(SecondaryEducation);WHuang(Surgery)
ii. FarewelltoDepartingCouncillorsThiswasthelastmeetingforanumberofCouncillors.CouncillorAnnouncements
5. CouncillorAnnouncementsSFenichelnotifiedCouncilmembersthattheNovemberCouncilagendawouldbeveryfull.ShenotedthattheProvostandVice-PresidentAcademicwouldbecomingtotalkabouttuitionand,duetohisschedule,mustbefirstontheagenda.Shealsoaddedthat,followingthispresentation,therewouldbealotofGSAbusinessmatterstoattendto.SFenichelaskedCouncilmemberstobepresentandtocarefullyreadthepackageinadvance.FKhodayariremindedCouncilthattheProfessionalDevelopmentInformationFairwasthisupcomingThursday,hostedbytheGSAandFGSR.HeinvitedGSACouncillorstocomeforthefoodandtheiPadMinidoorprize.Henotedthattheeventwouldhostdifferentresourcesoncampusforprofessionaldevelopment,especiallyforthoseintheirfirstyearwhoneededtomeettheprofessionaldevelopmentrequirements.HespecifiedthattheeventwouldbeattheFacultyClubfrom5:00pm-7:00pm.FKhodayarialsohighlightedanotherprofessionaldevelopmentevent,FGSR’sInvestinYourFutureonNovember8and9.Henotedthatthiseventwouldfeatureworkshops,paneldiscussions,keynotespeakersandthatthecostwas$25perdayandincludedbreaksandlunch.LSpannernotifiedCouncilthatthePoliticalScienceGSA,alongwiththeCanadianInternationalCouncilandtheundergraduategroupfortheAmericanElection,wouldhostaneventintheDevaney’sbasementonNovember8startingat5:00pmtowatchAmericanelectionresults.Sheaddedthatitwouldincludebriefremarksfromkeynotespeakers.
ActionItems,Elections,Appointments,SpecialBusiness,Updates
6. GSACouncilQuorum:ProposedChangestoGSABylawandtotheStandingOrdersofGSACouncil
MOTIONBEFORECOUNCIL:ThatGSACouncil,ontherecommendationoftheGSABoardandtheGSAGovernanceCommittee,APPROVEtheproposedchangestoGSABylaw(PartIII)andtotheStandingOrdersofGSACouncil,asnotedintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentandeffectiveimmediately.
SFickoremindedCouncilthatGSABylawrequiredtworeadingsandthatthismotionwasbroughttoCouncillastmonthforthefirstreadingofproposedchangestoGSABylaw.SheremindedCouncilthat,inFebruaryof2016,avotefromthefloortaskedtheGSAGovernanceCommitteetoreviewtheCouncilquorumnumber.ShenotedthattheGSAGovernanceCommitteeandtheGSABoarddiscussedthisissueseparatelyandthenmettogetherandcametoaconsensuson30asthenewquorum.She
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addedthatthisnumberwaschosenasitisnottoohightopreventbusinessfromproceedingbuthigherthanthecurrentquorumof14,whichwasconsideredtoolow.ShefinallyindicatedthatasetnumberwaschosenratherthanapercentagefortheeaseofSpeakerandMinuteTakersduringmeetings.
MOTION:ThatGSACouncil,ontherecommendationoftheGSABoardandtheGSAGovernanceCommittee,APPROVEtheproposedchangestoGSABylaw(PartIII)andtotheStandingOrdersofGSACouncil,asnotedintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentandeffectiveimmediately.SFickoMOVED.ATalaeiSECONDED.
MotionPASSED.OneAbstained.
7. GSABoard2016-2017StrategicWorkPlan
MOTIONBEFORECOUNCIL:ThatGSACouncil,ontheunanimousrecommendationoftheGSABoard,RECEIVEFORINFORMATIONtheGSABoard2016-2017StrategicWorkPlan,asattached.
SFickopresentedareviewofthehighlightsfromtheGSABoard2016-2017StrategicWorkPlanforfeedback.Shenotedthatthisplanwasusedtohelpguidetheorganization.Sheaddedthat,inthepast,theincomingandoutgoingteamshavecreatedtheStrategicWorkPlantogetherintheirfirstjointBoardmeeting.Shespecifiedthat,thisyearasitwasbeingcreatedatthesametimeastheUniversity’sInstitutionalStrategicPlan,shehadwantedtoreachoutandincludemoreinputforthisplanandtohavemorestructureandactions.SFickonotedtheoutgoingandincomingteamsparticipatedinafacilitatedworkshop,whichhelpedthenewteamtounderstandtheirportfoliosandwhattheyweredoing.SFickoremindedCouncilthat,attheJuneCouncilmeeting,Councilparticipatedinasimilarworkshop.SheaddedthatsilentdiscussionsandtheRoundtablesessionsthissummerwerealsousefulforfeedbackandtoreachouttomoregraduatestudents.SFickonotedthattheGSABoardapprovedthisPlanunanimouslyonOctober12asalivingdocumenttoguidetheGSAthisyearbutalsodirecttheGSAforthefuture.Shenotedthat,alsomoreinalignmentwiththeUniversity’sapproach,thePlanhasbeenrestructuredaroundfourcorethemes:advocate,engage,support,andsustainandthatwithineachthemeweregoals,strategicobjectives,andannualactionitems.SFickothankedACappelloforeditingthedocument.SFickohighlightedthreeaspectsoftheplan:anequitableandwelcomingcampuscommunity,reasonableaccommodationtoensuresuccess,andeffectiveengagement.SheaddedthatthisisaGSABoardPlanbuttheGSABoardwouldbereportingbacktoCouncilmonthlyandatcertaintimesoftheyearitwouldbebroughtforwardtoshowtheGSABoard’sprogress.Shenotedthat,previously,objectiveswerecolour-codedwithcheckmarks,orhighlightsofprogresswereoffered.SFickoaskedCouncilhowtheywouldCouncilliketohearbackonprogress,astherearedifferentwaystoshapethis.DParentsuggestedavideoblog(vlog).ANajarexpressedthathelikedthelanguageinthereportandthesilentdiscussion.HefurtherexpressedthatheunderstoodthattheCollectiveAgreementwasnegotiatedonthepremisethatthereweresomeinternalizationbytheGSAthatgraduatestudentswerenotworkersbutjuniorcolleagues.Headdedthatthisdefinitionofagraduatestudentwasidealbutnotthetypicalexperience.HethenaskedhowtheGSABoardisplanningonmakingtheUniversityinternalizethatdefinitionastheplanwasdraftedwithouttheUniversity.SFickoexplainedthatthedefinitionwasrewrittenwhentheUniversityProvostandVice-PresidentAcademicaskedtheGSAtodefineagraduatestudent.Shenotedthatitwasintendedtobeanidealandthatshewasawareitwasnotthereality.SheaddedthattheGSArepeatedlyexpressedtheirexpectationsonhowgraduatestudentsshouldbetreated.Shefurtherexplainedthatmostgraduatestudents’issuesareresolvedusingrelationshipsasalotofconnectionsaredevelopedthroughthecommitteesonwhichtheDirectly-ElectedOfficersserve.Sheaddedthatitwasimportanttochangetheperceptionofgraduatestudentsbysupervisorstochangetheculture.ShealsonotedthatFGSRwascurrentlydevelopingamentorshipcollegefornewFacultymemberstoimprovementorshiprelationsandtodealwithproblematicsupervisors.SFickomentionedthatthislatteraspectwasstillindevelopment.ANajarrepeatedthathisunderstandingoftheCollectiveAgreementwasthatgraduatestudentsaredefinedasnon-workers.SFickorespondedthatthisunderstandingwasnotentirelytrueandthatTeachingAssistantshipsandResearchAssistantshipswereconsideredemploymentunlikeGraduateResearchAssistantFellowships,whichwerenotconsideredemployment.ALewisexpressedthatmanystudentsinherdepartment(MedicalGenetics)werealsohavingissuesnotingthataspertheCollectiveAgreementtheywerenotemployeesandthattheycouldobtainemploymentoutsideofgraduateschoolbutthiswasstronglydiscouragedintheirdepartment.SvanderKleinexplainedthatifgraduatestudentsreceivedfundingandthatthere
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wasnomentionofrestrictionregardingoutsideworkintheirfundinglettersstudentcouldnotbestoppedfromworkingoutsideoftheirprogram.ALewisrespondedthattherewasnosuchmentioninthelettersbutthatitwastheculturewithinthedepartmentwhichcreatedanuncomfortablesituation.SpeakerdirectedCouncilbacktotheStrategicWorkPlan.KKvasnotedthatoneoftheproblemswasthatevenifgraduatestudentswereexplicitlydefined,theyarestillsubjecttothePost-SecondaryLearningActratherthantotheLabourRelationsCode.Headdedthatgraduatestudentswerenotfullydefinedaslabourers.Heindicatedthat,intheGraduateStudentAssistantshipCollectiveAgreement,fundingwasdividedintoanawardandasalaryportionandthat,inhisexperience,thishadbeenextremelydeceptiveintermsofwhatfundingastudentwasbeingallocated.Henotedthatthiscreatedmisunderstandingonwhatportionofthestipendwasfromemploymentandwhatwasfromscholarship.Speakersoughttoclarifyifhewasaskingaquestion.KKvasrespondedthatthedefinitionofgraduatestudentswasnotsufficientandthathewasofferingacomment/criticalfeedbackratherthanaskingaquestion.DSmirnowthankedtheGSABoardforputtingthePlantogetherandcommentedthatitseemedwellthoughtoutandinvolvedalotofwork.Sheaskedwhatwerethenextsteps.SFickorespondedthatshewouldsitdownwiththeGSAVice-Presidentstopickoutspecificthingstofocusonandtodecideonhowtoreportback.Shenotedthatthereportwouldlikelyconsistinsomecombinationofatoptenanddashboard,snapshot,ormaybeevenavlog.SheaddedthatprogresswouldbepresentedmonthlyinreportstoCouncilbutthatitwouldalsobehighlightedspecificallyforCouncil.CMorepointedoutthatthePlanstatesthattheGSABoardwouldmaintaintheGSAstanceinoppositionofacrosstheboardtuitionincrease.HerecalledthatpreviouslytheGSAwasagainsttuitionincreasesthatwentaboveConsumerPriceIndex(CPI)andencouragedtheGSABoardtomaintainthis.SFickothankedCMoreforpointingthisout;thiswasaneditorialmistakeinthedocument.ShenotedthattheintentionwastoremainagainsttuitionincreaseaboveCPI,notagainstanytuitionincrease.
MOTION:ThatGSACouncil,ontheunanimousrecommendationoftheGSABoard,RECEIVEFORINFORMATIONtheGSABoard2016-2017StrategicWorkPlan,asattached.SFickoMOVED.ARadilSECONDED.
MotionPASSEDunanimously.
ElectionsNoneatthistimeForDiscussionNoneatthistimeReports
8. Presidenti. President’sReport:
Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.Inaddition,SFickostatedthatthepreviousWednesdaythegovernmentannouncedafreezeondomesticstudentstuitionfor2017-2018.Thegovernmentalsoannouncedatuitionreviewtoinformthedevelopmentofpolicyoptionsrelatedtotuitionandmandatorynon-instructionalfees.ThegovernmentwouldbecollectingwrittensubmissionfromstakeholdersuntilNovember30.Shealsoaddedthatab-GPACwouldsendawrittensubmissiontothegovernment.SFickoalsoreportedthattheUniversity,followingthelaunchofitsstrategicplan,‘ForthePublicGood’,wasworkingondevelopingotherstrategicworkplansfocusingonspecificareassuchasthepreventionofsexualviolenceandsupportforthoseaffected,sustainability,andhealthycampuses.Shenotedthatstudentscouldhelpshapetheconversationforsomeoftheseastherewillbeconsultations.SheaddedthatforthestrategicplanonhealthycampusestheUniversityofAlbertacommunitywasinvitedtosubmitfeedbackbyvisitinghttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VTZ2F3T.
ii. GSABoardMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.
iii. BudgetandFinanceCommitteeMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.
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iv. GSAGovernanceCommittee
Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.
9. GSANominatingCommitteeMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.Inaddition,RBartastatedthattheEarlyCallforTalentandTrainingprogram,aprogramdesignedforgraduatestudentsinterestedinthepositionsofDirectly-electedOfficersandCouncil-ElectedOfficers,wouldstartwiththeGet-to-KnowDinneronOctober26.RBartanotedthatthereweretwovacanciesforgraduatestudentsontheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeandfiveontheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard.RBartaalsonotedthat,aftertheSeptemberGSACouncilmeeting,theGSANominatingCommittee(GSANoC)receivedcommentsfromGSACouncillors.HeaddedthattheGSANoCmetinperson(andinvitedtheSpeakertojointhem)todiscussthesecomments.HereportedthattheGSANoCdecidedtoaddontoelectionsitemsashortdescriptionofthecommittee’smandateandtoincludeinthismonthreporttoGSACouncilashortsummaryofGSANoCprocesses.HefurthernotedthatforoneofthecommentsreceivedregardingthepossibilityforGSACouncillorstoaskfollow-upquestionstonomineesaddressingGSACouncilforaposition,theGSANoCwouldliketohearCouncil’sfeedback.ItwasnotedthatTNabetheGSACouncillorfromMBAmadethiscomment.NPrathernotedthatitcouldbeimportanttoallowthisfollow-upquestionstohelpCouncilcasttheirvote.GLittlenotedthatitwasagoodideabutthathisconcernwastoensurethefairnessoftheprocessandthatthisexercisecouldleadtoabiasedprocessifdifferentcandidateswereaskeddifferentquestions.NPratherfollowedupbyindicatingthatCouncilcouldensurethatallcandidateswereaskedthesamequestions.CMorenotedthathethoughtitwasaninterestingideabutthathewouldsuggestpracticingcautionasitcouldbecomecomplicatedtomanage.Headdedthatinhisexperienceonhiringcommitteesaskingeveryonethesamequestion(s)canbelimitingbecausepeople,andwhattheyoffer,aredifferent-hencedifferentquestions.DSmirnownotedthatshewasunsureofwhatkindofquestionscouldbeaskedasCouncilwasalreadyprovidedwiththebioandresumeofthenominees.RBartanotedthathisunderstandingofTrent’ssuggestionwastoclarifypointsthatthenomineesmadeduringtheirreplytothemainquestionaskedbytheGSANoC.SFenichelemphasizedthattheideawastoonlyallowforfollow-upquestionsdirectlyrelatedtowhatthenomineesaddressedinordertoavoidbias.DSmirnowsuggestedtotrythisideaandtoreconsideritafter.ItwasnotedthattheGSANoCwoulddiscussthefeedbackreceived.
10. Vice-PresidentAcademici. Vice-PresidentAcademic’sReport:
Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.Inaddition,FKhodayaridiscussedtheco-curricularreportallowingstudentstoreceiveareportonskillsandexperiencegainedbythestudentsoutsideofacademicieareportonexperiencesachievedbythestudentthatarenotshownontheirtranscript.Headdedthatitwaseasytocreateaprofileonlineandthatifastudentmetthecriteriatheywouldreceivetheco-curricularreport.Headdedthatthiswasacommonpracticeinotheruniversities.FKhodayarinotedthattheFacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)wasdiscussingchangestheFGSRpolicyonleaveofabsence.Henotedthatthemostimportantchangewastheadditionofanewcategoryofleavetothethreecurrentlyexistingcategories(Medical,Parental,andCompassionate)andthatthisnewcategorywascalledProfessionalDevelopment(orProfessionalExperience)(PD)leave.HespecifiedthattheauthoritytograntmedicalandparentalleavesresidedwithinthedepartmentandthataleaveofabsenceforcompassionatereasonsorPDmayonlybegrantedbytheDeanofFGSR.HespecifiedthathisreportstatedthatchangeshadbeenapprovedbyFGSRCouncilbutthatwasincorrectandthatchangeswouldbefurtherconsideratthenextmeetingofFGSRCouncil.PVermanotedthatthisnewcategoryshouldincludeentrepreneurshipandthathispreviousinstitutionallowedforuptotwoyearsofleaveforentrepreneurship.FKhodayarinotedthatthisleavewastobeusedtoenrichgraduatestudents’curriculum.
11. Vice-PresidentExternal
i. Vice-PresidentExternal’sReportMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.Inaddition,MKhademistatedthatthedeadlineforthe2016AlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAwards(AGCA)had
PreparedbyJTanguayandFRobertsonfortheCouncilMeetingof24October2016MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:FirstMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item3-MinutesGSACouncil24October2016.docx
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passed,thattheGSAAwardsandSelectionCommittee(GSAASC)hadmeetforatrainingsession,andthattheywouldstartadjudicationintheupcomingdays.MKhademinotedthattherentofUniversityresidenceswasincreasingby3%for2017-2018.MKhademi,followingaquestionaboutthisincreasebyCReynolds,repliedthatthisincreasewasexplainedbyCPIandanadditionalincreasetoallowforrenovation.CReynoldsnotedthatstudentsconsideredresidencepricesveryhighandthatitcouldbedifficultforstudentscomingfromoutofthecountrytofindaplacetoliveoutsideofresidence.Headdedthattherentpriceswerenotalignedwithrentpricesinthearea.ATalaeinotedthatthereweresomeamenitiesofferedtostudentslivinginresidencessuchassecurityandstudyroomsandthattheUniversitydidnotderiveanyrevenuefromresidences.ANdemAholanotedthat,asthe2015-2016VPExternal,heservedonresidencecommitteesandthattherewassomesecurityproblemsespeciallyinHUBresidence.HeaddedthattherewereacertainnumberofproblemswithMichenerPark.MKhademinotedthattheUniversitywasawareoftheproblemsfacingMichenerParkandthattheywereplanningchanges.MKhademiaddedthat,followingaquestionbyCReynoldsregardingtheUniversityResidencebudget,theUniversityprovidedabreakdownoftheircostandthattherenttheyreceivedonlyallowedtheUniversitytorecovertheircosts.MKhademinotedthathewouldconsultwiththeUniversitytothepossibilityofsharingthisbreakdownwithGSACouncil.FElianaskedabouttheadjudicationprocessfortheAGCAandMKhademirespondedthattheGSAASCadjudicatedtheawardsandthensentthe20(withamaximumof4internationalstudents)highestrankedapplicationstothegovernment.FRobertsonnotedthattheGSAwouldemailalltheapplicantswithanunofficialnoticeastheofficialnoticewouldcomefromthegovernmentinDecember.
ii. GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee’sReportMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.
12. Vice-PresidentLabouri. Vice-PresidentLabour’sReport
Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.Inaddition,SvanderKleinstatedthattheSexualViolencePolicywouldprobablybefinalizedbyMarchnextyear.
ii. GSANegotiatingCommittee
Nomeetingsthisreportingperiod.
iii. GSALabourRelationsCommitteeNomeetingsthisreportingperiod.
13. Vice-PresidentStudentServicesi. Vice-PresidentStudentServices’Report
Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.Inaddition,ATalaeireportedthatStudentcarestartedthephonesurveyontheGSAHealthandDentalPlanandthattheGSABoardwaspreparingforthenextsteps.ATalaeinotedthattheScholarlyWritingSupportCommitteewasaimingtoconductanextensivereviewoftheavailablewritingresourceoncampusandtogroupthemunderthesameumbrellainawaythatwouldbecomprehensibleforstudents.ATalaeiaddedthatthiscommitteewouldbeconductingTownHallsandheinvitedstudentstocontacthimiftheyhadanyfeedbackregardingwritingresourcesneedsbygraduatestudentsorontheresourcescurrentlyavailableoncampus.
ii. GSAStudentAffairsAdvisoryCommittee
Nomeetingsthisreportingperiod.
14. Senatori. Senator’sReport
Nowrittenreportatthistime.
15. Speakeri. Speaker’sReport
Nowrittenreportatthistime.SFenichelnotedthatsheencouragedGSACouncillorstoreachouttoherbuttopleasedosoonherGSAemailaddress([email protected]).
PreparedbyJTanguayandFRobertsonfortheCouncilMeetingof24October2016MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:FirstMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item3-MinutesGSACouncil24October2016.docx
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16. ChiefReturningOfficer
i. ChiefReturningOfficer’sReportMembershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.
17. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteei. GSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeReport
Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.Inaddition,ChairofERCLSpanner,statedthattheproposedchangeswouldbeincludedinthefirstmailingfortheNovemberGSACouncilmeetingandthatanysubstantivechangeswouldbehighlightedinyellowtofacilitatereadingoftheproposals.CMorenotedthatthefirstbulletaddressingofficeresourcesavailabletocurrentDirectly-ElectedOfficersre-runningforofficeorwishingtoendorsecandidateswasanadditionthatshouldhavebeendonealongtimeagobutseemedtoreplaceagreyareawithanother.HeaskedifLSpannercouldexpandonthis.LSpannedexplainedthatrestrictingofficeresourceswasanattempttoleveltheplayingfieldbetweencandidatesforexamplebynotaskingtheGSAExecutiveCoordinatortoschedulecampaigningevent.ShenotedthattheproposedchangesalsospecifiedthatcurrentDirectly-ElectedOfficerswishingtoendorsecandidatescoulddosobutnotwhileactingintheirofficialcapacity.
18. GSAManagementi. ExecutiveDirector’sReport
Membershadbeforethemawrittenreport,whichhadbeenpreviouslydistributedon21October2016.Thereportstoodassubmitted.Inaddition,CThomasstatedthatifGSACouncillorsoranystudentstheyknowwereinterestedinlearningmoreabouttheGSAorrunningforaDirectly-ElectedOfficerspositionstheEarlyCallforTalentandTrainingProgramwasstartingshortlyandtoinvitethemtoRSVPwiththeGSANominatingCommitteeCoordinatoratgsanomco@ualberta.ca.QuestionPeriod
19. WrittenQuestionsNoneatthistime.
20. OralQuestionsAdjournmentThemeetingwasadjournedat7:27pm.
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To: GSACouncilFrom: SarahFickoDate: November10,2016Re:2016-2017QuarterlyGSABudgetReportDearAll,FollowingtheGSABudgetandFinanceCommittee(GSABFC)andGSABoard’sreviewofourfinancialstatementsfromthesecondquarterofourfiscalyear(attached),afewpointstohighlightinclude:
• First,andmostimportantly,thelatestQuarterlyReportshowsthattheGSAcontinuestobeinexcellentfinancialshapeduetoprudentandresponsiblespending.Whilesomebudgetlineswillbeoverspendandothersunderspent,thereisanoverallpositivebalanceatthebottomline.Wepredictapositivebalanceattheendofthe2016-2017fiscalyear.
• Therewassomepredictedexpenditureinthelegalexpensesline.ThiswasduetoseekingadviceregardingcontractualnegotiationsrelatedtotheExecutiveDirector’sappointmentandseekinglegalfeedbackontheGSA’srenegotiatedagreementwithTDIMMinthelastquarter.Thepreviousfive-yearagreementwithTDIMMprovidedtheGSAwith$4,000/yearinsponsorshiprevenueandthenewagreement(expiresin2021)providesfor$12,000/yearforeventsandengagementactivities–thisisgreatnewsfortheGSA!
• InadditiontotheincreasedfundingprovidedbyTDIMM(whichwillappearinthe2017-2018operatingbudget),theGSAsuccessfullysecuredanotherUnwindYourMindgranttoallowthecontinuedprovisionofGSACoffeeBreaksinthecurrentterm–thisappearsunderthe“OtherRevenue”line.
• Insurance,asreportedintheprevioussetoffinancialstatements,isunderspent.ThisisbecausewemovedtoonebrokerforbothGeneralLiabilityandDirectorsandOfficersInsuranceandachievedincreasedcoverageforbothpolicieswhilereducingexpenditure.Wewillbeexploringtheneedforadditionalinsuranceregardingemploymentissuesandpossiblealcoholliability.
• Asreportedinthelastfinancialstatements,thisyearwehadaconsultantonsiteforseveralmonthsbringingourITinfrastructureupto
Universityminimalstandards(animportantmeasureforourorganizationalhealth).TherewasalsosomeexpenditureintheContingencylinefornewiMACsforofficestaff,aspartoftheITreviewandsubsequentimprovements–wehavealsodevelopedamulti-yearevergreeningplanandarecurrentlyexploringthecreationofaserviceagreementwithISTtoprovideforadhocITsupportandregularreviewsofourinfrastructure.
TheFinancialTeamandIarekeepingawatchfuleyeongraduateenrolmentnumbers(ourprimaryrevenuestream)andwillcontinuetoworkcloselywiththeGSABFCandGSABoardwithrespecttothedevelopmentofthe2017-2018budget,whichwillbepresentedtoGSACouncilinFebruary.MythankstothemembersoftheGSA’sFinancialTeam(GSAExecutiveDirectorCourtneyThomas,GSAAccountantShirleyBall,GSAFinancialManagerDorteSheikh,andGSADirectorofOperationsHeatherHogg),aswellasDirector-at-LargeandformerExecutiveDirectorEllenSchoeckfortheirconstantvigilanceandadviceonallbudgetarymatters.
I,alongwiththeFinancialTeam,amhappytoansweranyquestionswhenwemeetonNovember21.
SarahFickoGSAPresidentandChairoftheGSABFC
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PreparedbyCThomasandJTanguayforGSACouncil21November2016MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:FirstMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item6a-OutlineofIssueQuarterlyFinancialReport.docx
OutlineofIssue(GSACOUNCIL)GSA2016-2017BudgetandExpenditure(Quarterly)Report
SuggestedMotionforGSACouncil: ThattheGSACouncilRECEIVEFORINFORMATIONtheGSA2016-2017BudgetandExpenditure(Quarterly)Report.Note:AtitsmeetingofOctober26,2016theGSABFCreceivedforinformationandforwardedtotheGSABoardtheGSA2016-2017BudgetandExpenditure(Quarterly)Report.AtthemeetingofNovember9,2016,theGSABoardreceivedforinformationandforwardedtoGSACounciltheGSA2016-2017BudgetandExpenditure(Quarterly)Report.MembersoftheGSABFChavebeeninvitedtoattendtheNovember21,2016meetingofGSACouncil.Background:Thequarterlyfinancialreportshavebeencreatedtobuildyear-over-yeartrackingandmonitoringintotheGSA’sfinancialsystems,andallowgreatercontroloverbudget.Inadditiontoyearlycomparisons,regularquarterlyreportingallowsforbetterforwardplanningandillustratestheGSAyearlyfinancialcycle.GSAPresidentandGSABFCChairSarahFickosetsoutadditionalbackgroundintheattachedcoverletter.Jurisdiction:SectionK:Finances,GSAPolicy,BudgetPrinciples,Practices,andProcedures,SectionK.POL.5.4.a:“TheGSAAccountantandtheGSAFinancialManagerwillprepareaBudgetandExpenditureQuarterlyReportwhichwillfirstbesubmittedtotheExecutiveDirector(ED),thentheGSAPresidentandthentotheGSABFC,theGSAB,andtoGSACouncilforinformation.Itissuggestedthatthesereportsbeorganizedbybudgetdivisionsandlines,withthefollowinginformationineasy-to-followcolumns:currentbudget;actualyear-to-dateexpenditure,forecasttotheyearend,totalforecast,balanceremaining,percentremaining,informativecommentonanyvarianceorapprovedreallocation,andcommentonsignificantcomparisonsfrompreviousyears.AllsuchreportswillbecompliantwithAlberta’sPersonalInformationPrivacyActandotherapplicablelaws.”RoleoftheGSABFC:SectionK:Finances,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSABudgetandFinanceCommittee,SectionK.POL.3.3:“TheGSABFCwillreceiveforinformationandforwardtotheGSABquarterlyreportsonexpensesandrevenues;thesereportswillpresentcomparativeinformationfrompreviousyearsinawaythatshows,intransparentfashion,thepercentoftheannualbudgetspentineachquarter,bybudgetdivision.”RoleoftheGSABoard:AsnotedinSectionK:Finances,GSAPolicy,BudgetPrinciples,Practices,andProcedures,SectionK.POL.5.4.a(above),theGSABoardreceivesthequarterlyreportsforinformation.
TheGSAFinancialTeammembersfollow:
• GSAExecutiveDirectorCourtneyThomas• GSAAccountantShirleyBall• GSAFinancialManagerDorteSheikh• GSADirectorofOperationsHeatherHogg
TheFinancialTeamagreesthattheGSA’sbudgetisontrackattheendofthesecondquarterof2016-2017.
TheGraduateStudents'AssociationoftheUniversityofAlberta2016-2017GSAOperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)BudgetandExpenditureReport2ndUpdate,ApriltoSeptember2016actualsandOctober2016toMarch2017forecast
CURRENTYEAR PRIORYEARApril1,2016toMarch31,2017 Comparative
2016-2017 Actual Forecast Total Variance Ref# %Variance Actual TotalActual
ApprovedBudget Apr2016toSep2016
Oct2016toMar2017
Apr2015toSep2015
Apr2015toMarch2016
REVENUE
GSAFeesRevenue 1,080,467 432,176 648,291 1,080,467 - 0% 456,818 1,069,695
InvestmentRevenue 25,000 16,587 8,413 25,000 - 1 0% 54,443 64,055
FundingfromOthers 15,980 13,690 6,480 20,170 4,190 2 26% 21,380 23,380
ChoppedLeaf(PAWCentre)Revenue 42,171 18,806 20,081 38,887 (3,284) 3 -8% 5,690 25,500
OtherRevenue 1,266 1,697 - 1,697 431 34% 4,500 7,552
TotalRevenue 1,164,884 482,956 683,265 1,166,221 1,337 0% 542,831 1,190,182
EXPENSES
Governance 203,792 95,569 102,200 197,769 6,023 4 3% 92,429 186,057
Advocacy 25,131 13,002 12,129 25,131 - 0% 4,646 16,894
HumanResources 725,093 338,531 356,873 695,404 29,689 5 4% 336,622 725,389
OfficeAdministration 29,647 11,132 15,271 26,403 3,244 11% 10,067 26,277
Professional 61,545 32,163 29,382 61,545 - 0% 16,819 62,406
ServicesExpenses 61,750 29,007 31,466 60,473 1,277 6 2% 20,495 37,795
Operating/ContingencyFund 15,575 7,217 8,358 15,575 - 0% 420 3,845TotalExpenses 1,122,533 526,621 555,679 1,082,300 40,233 4% 481,498 1,058,663
42,351 (43,665) 127,586 83,921 41,570 98% 61,333 131,519
Explanatorynotes:Underthevariancecolumnhigh-lightedrednumbersinbracketsindicatesrevenueshortfall,oranexpenseoverexpenditure.Underthevariancecolumnblacknumbersindicatesmorerevenuereceivedthanbudgeted,oranexpensesavings.ProjectedsurplusfundswillbeappliedtotheFinancialStabIlizationFund.Forfurtherreference,seetheattachednarrative.
2.FundingfromOthersvarianceisduetoincreasedfundingprovidedbyFGSR.
4.GSABoardandOtherCommitteeExpensesaswellasElectedOfficers'Expenseshavecomeinlowerthanbudgetedresultinginasurplus.
5.ChangeofExecutiveDirectorresultedinsalarysavings.
BALANCE
1.In2015-16thesecondquarterinvestmentrevenuewashigherthanthe2016-2017quarterastheUnitizedEndowmentPoolinterestpaymentwasreceivedfromtheUniversityeachMay.WhentheUEPwascashedoutinJuly2015theGSArealizedagainof$42,215whichresultedinhigherrevenuethanforecast.In2016-2017theinvestmentrevenuefromtheATBinvestmentsisaccruedmonthly.Fortheprevioussixmonthstheinvestmentrevenuewasre-investedandnotcashedout.
3.ChoppedLeafrevenuecommencedinAugust2015andwasmovedfromRestrictedRevenuetoOperatingRevenuein2016-2017.Duringthe2015-2016externalaudititwasdeterminedthattheGSAshouldnotreceiveGSTrevenuefromtheChoppedLeafrentalandtheprojectedrevenueshavebeenadjustedaccordinglyandwillbelessthantheoriginalbudget.
6.ThecategoryofServicesExpenseshadabudgetincreasein2015-2016duetotheadditionoftwonewexpenselinesofAnnualStrategicPlanInitaitivesandOrientation/DepartmentalLiaison.HoweverthefundsintheOrientation/DLIlinewerenotfullyspentin2015-2016butanincreaseinspendingisanticipatedin2016-2017intheDLIline.AdditionallytheFoodBankcontributionwasnotmadein2015-2016.
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TheGraduateStudents'AssociationoftheUniversityofAlberta2016-2017GSARestrictedandOtherFundingBudgetandExpenditureReport2ndUpdate,ApriltoSeptember2016actualsandOctober2016toMarch2017forecast
CURRENTYEAR PRIORYEARApril1,2016toMarch31,2017 Comparative
2016-2017 Actual Forecast Total Variance Ref# %Variance Actual TotalActualApprovedBudget Apr2016toSep
2016Oct2016toMar2017
Apr2015toSep2015
Apr2015toMarch2016
FundraisedActivity
GSAAgenda/Handbook 11,000 8,795 - 8,795 (2,205) 1 -20% 10,590 10,590
GraduateStudentSupportFund(GSSF)Projects(RestrictedRevenue)
GSARecognitionAwards 18,000 - 18,000 18,000 - 0% - 18,500GSAChildCareGrants 249,000 157,000 92,000 249,000 - 0% 146,125 277,000GSAEmergencyBursaries 137,500 17,621 119,879 137,500 - 0% 61,621 130,770GSAAcademicTravelAwards 384,500 189,522 194,978 384,500 - 0%
173,950 306,336789,000 364,143 424,857 789,000 - 0% 381,696 732,606
OtherRestrictedFunding
ab-GPAC 7,361 - 7,361 7,361 - 0% - 13,983CJSRFeesCollected-$1.00perstudentgoestotheradiooperation 14,722 - 14,722 14,722 - 0% - 14,189GSAP(GraduateStudentAssistanceProgram)FeesCollected 66,163 - 66,163 66,163 - 0% 31,290 64,838HealthPlanRevenue 1,315,120 - 1,315,120 1,315,120 - 0% - 1,344,025DentalPlanRevenue 982,943 - 982,943 982,943 - 0% - 903,918
2,386,309 - 2,386,309 2,386,309 - 0% 31,290 2,340,953
BALANCE 3,186,309 372,938 2,811,166 3,184,104 (2,205) 0% 423,576 3,084,149
Explanatorynotes:0%meansnovarianceatthispoint,budgetisontarget.Underthevariancecolumnhighlightedrednumbersinbracketsindicatesrevenueshortfall,oranexpenseoverexpenditure.Forfurtherreference,seetheattachednarrative.
1. 2016-2017adrevenueof$8,795waslessthantheprojected$11,000soexpensesforproducingtheAgenda/Handbookwerekepttothatlevel.
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GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.4
AccountNameandBudget
BriefDescription NarrativeandVariance
GSAREVENUE GSAFees
GSAFees(annualmembershipfee)$1,080,467budget
• TheGraduateStudents’Association(GSA)issupportedbygraduatestudentannualmembershipfeeswhichareleviedbyGSACouncilandcollectedbytheUniversity.Thefeesreceivedarebasedonthenumberoffull-timeandpart-timegraduatestudentsattendingtheUniversity.FollowingapprovalofthefeeamountbyGSACounciltheannualfeesaresubmittedtotheUniversityBoardofGovernorstoprovideforcollection.
• Basedonthethree-yearfundingagreementsignedbetweentheGSAandtheUniversityonMarch2,2016,theGSAwillreceive:
o 40%advanceinMaybasedontheprojectedfall/winterenrollment
o 90%(offalltermfees)inOctoberbasedontheassessedfeesforthefall/winterterms,aftertheFallterm100%withdrawaldeadlineinOctober
o 90%(ofwintertermfees)inFebruarybasedontheassessedfeesforthefall/winterterms,aftertheWinterterm100%withdrawaldeadlineinFebruary
o FinalpaymentinApril(nextfiscalyear)aftertheactualgraduatestudentenrollmentisreconciled.
• For2016-2017,theprojectedGSArevenueis$1,080,467.Thisisbasedonfunding5,825full-timegraduatestudents(5,825@$160.66pergraduatestudent)and1,200part-timegraduatestudents(1,200@$120.50pergraduatestudent).
• ActualApriltoSeptember:$432,176• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$648,291• The2015-2016actualwas$1,069,695
InvestmentRevenue EndowmentFundNobudget
• TheUnitizedEndowmentPool(UEP)consistedofaninitialamountof$265,000whichprovidedforannualpaymentstotheGSAbytheUniversity.(In1997theGSAcouldnotpaythePowerPlantleasesotheUniversityboughtthehardgoodsinthisfacilityandtherevenuewentintotheUEP.)
• InJune2015theUniversityadvisedthattheycouldnolongerretaintheGSA’sshareintheUEP.
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.5
AccountNameandBudget
BriefDescription NarrativeandVariance
• AttheendofMarch31,2015theshareintheUEPhadamarketvalueof$394,922.InJuly2015cashproceedsof$437,137weredepositedintheGSAbankaccount.Thisresultedinagainof$42,215(437,137-394,922=42,215).
• FundsinvestedwithAlbertaTreasuryBranchasofMay2016.InterestandInvestmentIncome$25,000budget
• Interestoninvestmentsandbankaccounts.• Aninvestmentstrategyforthesefundshasbeenestablished.ATB
InvestmentManagementInc.ismanagingtheinvestmentportfolio.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$16,587• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$8,413• The2015-2016actualwas$10,191
FundingfromOthers FundingfromtheDeanofStudentsandtheDeanofFGSR$7,500budget
• ThisfundingisdescribedinlettersfromtheDeanofFGSRandDeanofStudentsandcovers,forinstance,theexpensesoftheGSA-hostedfallandwinterorientationevents,othergraduatestudentengagementeventsandprofessionaldevelopmenteventsforgraduatestudents.
• FGSRprovidedadditionalone-timefundingin2016-2017whichhasresultedinasurplus.Fundingmustberequestedeachyear.
• Anticipatedsurplus:$4,190• ActualApriltoSeptember:$11,690• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$0.00• The2015-2016actualwas$14,190
TemporaryFundingfromStudentcare$4,480budget
• Studentcareprovides$5,190peryeartotheGSAtobeusedforthebenefitofgraduatestudentsentirelyatthediscretionoftheGSA(additionaltofundsprovidedfortheiryearlyadintheGSAAgenda/HandbookandsponsorshipofAwardsNight).
• Thecommitmentisfor5yearsstartingin2015-2016.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$4,480• The2015-2016actualwas$5,190
TemporaryFundingfromTDIMM$4,000budget
• TDInsuranceMelocheMonnexprovidesthisfundingforvariouseventsandinitiativesorganizedbytheGSA,suchasAwardsNightandOrientation.SeeMOUfordetails.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$2,000• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,000• The2015-2016actualwas$4,000
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.6
RevenuefromCommercialActivities(ChoppedLeaf)
ChoppedLeaf(InPhysicalActivityandWellness(PAW)Centre)Revenue$42,171budget
• TheGSAhasafinancialarrangement,inasub-lease,withtheStudents’UniontoreceiverentalrevenuefromtheChoppedLeaffoodoutlet.
• RevenuescommencedinAugust2015.• Revenuewillbe$2,205underthebudgetprojectionastheexternal
auditoridentifiedthattheGSAshouldnotbereceivingtheGSTportionoftherevenue.GSTpaidtodatehasbeenrepaidtotheStudents’Union.
• Inthe2015-16budgetthisitemwasmovedfromtheRestrictedandOtherFundingBudgettotheOperatingBudget.
• ActualApriltoSeptember:$18,806• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$20,081• The2015-2016actualwas$25,500
OtherRevenue OtherRevenue$1,266budget
• Thisaccountisusedtorecordrevenuethatmayarisefromothersourcesorone-timefundingopportunities.
• Sofarin2016-2017thisrevenuehascomefromagrantfromUniversityWellnessServices,andrevenuedistributionchequefromWorker’sCompensationBoard.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,697• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$0.00• The2015-2016actualwas$7,552
GSAGOVERNANCE Directly-ElectedOfficersStipends
Directly-ElectedOfficersStipends$161,978budget
• TheDirectly-ElectedOfficersincludesthePresident,theVPAcademic,theVPStudentServices,theVPExternal,andtheVPLabour.In2016-2017,thePresidentreceivesanannualstipendof$38,566andthefourVPpositionseachreceive$30,853.AnychangesinthestipendsabovetheConsumerPriceIndexaresubjecttoexplicitapprovalbyGSACouncil(SectionD:GSAOfficers,GSABylaw,GSAOfficers,SectionDBYL.2.3.b)
• NotethatthestipendsaregrossstipendsandincludetaxandCPP.RemittancesaremadeonbehalfofDirectly-ElectedOfficersfromtheirstipendtotals.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$80,776• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$80,989• The2015-2016actualwas$159,141
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.7
Directly-ElectedOfficersBenefits
GSAHealthandDentalPlan$2,250budget
• Theratecurrentlyis$492.95pergraduatestudentperannum.ThisinvoiceispaidinSeptember.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$2,465• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$0.00• The2015-2016actualwas$2,143
U-Pass$2,125budget
• TheU-Passissetat$141.67eachterm.ThisamountisreimbursedinMay,September,andJanuary.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,385• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$708• The2015-2016actualwas$2,000
EmployerContributions
EmployerCPPContributions$7,338budget
• ThisistheGSA’scontributionfortheCanadaPensionPlanwhichisatarateof1.0timestheemployee’scontribution.CPPiscalculatedatarateof4.95%ofsalaryuptothemaximumannualpremium.Thislineshowstheemployer’scontributiononly(nottheemployeecontribution).
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$3,634• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$3,611• The2015-2016actualwas$7,077
EmployerEIContributions$4,405budget
• ThisistheGSA’scontributionforEmploymentInsurancewhichisatarateof1.4timestheemployee’scontribution.EIiscalculatedatarateof1.88%ofsalaryuptothemaximumannualpremium.Thislineshowstheemployer’scontributiononly(nottheemployeecontribution).
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$2,126• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,132• The2015-2016actualwas$4,188
ElectedOfficers-OtherExpenses
Insurance$2,025budget
• DirectorsandOfficersLiabilityInsurance.PaidannuallyinJanuary.• NewinsurancebrokerretainedinJanuary2016whichhasresultedin
apolicyratesavings.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$1,215• The2015-2016actualwas$1,215
Transition/EarlyCallforTalent$4,697budget
• MaybeusedtofundtheEarlyCallforTalentandTraininginthefall.• TransitionactivitytypicallyoccursinMarchandApril.• Majorityof2016-2017transitionexpenseshaveoccurredinApril
andMay2016,ratherthanMarchsoanoverexpenditureisforecast.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$2,324• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,373• The2015-2016actualwas$1,188
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.8
ElectedOfficers’Expenses$2,336budget
• Expensesrelatedtohosting/food/conferencestopursueGSAgoalsorinitiatives.E.g.oneononemeetingswithgraduatestudentstodiscusstheroleoftheGSAinthelivesofgraduatestudents.
• Anticipatedsurplus:$1,487• ActualApriltoSeptember:$249• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$600• The2015-2016actualwas$692
GSABoardandOtherCommitteeExpenses$5,411budget
• Thecostestimateisbasedon52GSABoardmeetingsperyearat$104permeetingandoccasionalmeetingsofothercommittees.
• Theprimaryexpenseistheprovisionofalunch.Costsarebeingcontainedbytheuseofmoreeconomicalfrozenfoodswhicharepreparedin-house.
• Anticipatedsurplus:$2,685• ActualApriltoSeptember:$626• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,100• The2015-2016actualwas$2,632
GSACouncilExpenses
GSACouncil/Food/OtherExpense$3,513budget
• Theestimateisbasedon12meetingsperyearat$292permeeting.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,234• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$1,920• The2015-2016actualwas$2,647
ElectionExpenses$2,360budget
• ThisisusedtocoverexpensesassociatedwiththeGSAGeneralElectionthattakesplaceinMarch.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,360• The2015-2016actualwas$69
GSACouncilSpeakerHonorarium$2,272budget
• SpeakerispaidanhonorariumforchairingeachGSACouncilmeeting($150permeetingfromApriltoSeptemberand$185permeetingthereafter).
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$750• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$1,110• The2015-2016actualwas$1,500
ChiefReturningOfficerHonorarium$1,082budget
• ChiefReturningOfficerispaidanhonorariumformanagingtheGSAGeneralElection,includinganyby-electionsandreferenda.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$1,082• The2015-2016actualwas$1,065
OtherHonoraria$2,000budget
• Thispoolofmoneymaybeusedtopayanhonorariumtoanindividual(s)forsignificantandhigh-levelworksimilartothatdonebytheSpeakerorCRO.
• Example,DROneedstofillinforCROforasignificantperiod.• Pre-approvalbytwosigningauthoritiesisneeded.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,000• The2015-2016actualwas$500
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.9
GSAADVOCACY GovernmentandExternalRelations$16,239budget
• Relationship-building,withafocusonadvocacy,betweentheGSA,governmentandotherorganizations.Usuallyintheformoftravelexpenses,hosting,ormeetingsrelatedtoadvocacy.
• InitsStrategicWorkPlan(SWP),theGSABoardidentifiedtheneedforastrongvoiceatthetablewithgovernment(Albertagovernmentinparticular)andotherdecision-makingandinfluentialgroupsatthenationallevelinordertopromotethebestinterestsofgraduatestudents.Asastrong,stable,rebuiltorganization,theGSAanditsleadersarenowinanexcellentpositiontotakeonintensive,integratedadvocacyforandpresentationofgraduatestudentissues.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$6,975• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$9,264• The2015-2016actualwas$8,490
UniversityRelations$1,080budget
• ExpensesrelatedtothebuildingandmaintenanceofrelationshipsbetweentheGSAandUniversityunits.Usuallyintheformofhosting/meetingexpenses.
• Pre-approvalbytwosigningauthoritiesneeded.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$105• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$975• The2015-2016actualwas$715
ab-GPAC$7,812budget
• In2013,theAlbertaGraduateCouncil(AGC)closeditsoperations.AnewProvincialGraduateStudentAdvocacygroup(ab-GPAC)wasformedundertheSocietiesActinOctober2014.ThemandateistolobbytotheAlbertagovernmentandpromotetheinterestsandconcernsofgraduatestudents.
• Feesforthenewab-GPAChavebeensetat$3.00pergraduatestudentperyear,effectiveSeptember2015.
• PreviouslythefeesforAGCwere$2.00peryear,coveredinpartbyadedicatedfeeof$0.50assessedpergraduatestudentpertermthatwasimplementedbyareferendumin2000.Theremaining$0.50pergraduatestudentpertermispaidoutoftheGSAoperatingbudgetasthe“GSAcontribution.”InthetimeperiodbetweenthedisbandingofAGCandthestart-upofab-GPACthededicatedfeescollectedwereheldinreserve.Thisreservewillbedrawndownthisyeartocoverthe$1.00differenceinfees.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$5,923• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$1,889• The2015-2016actualwas$7,689
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.10
GSAOffice–HumanResources
StaffRepresentedbyNASA
StaffRepresentedbyNASA-Salaries$187,000budget
• Notethatthesalariesaregrosssalariesincludingtax,employeeEIandCPP,anduniondues–remittancesaremadeonbehalfofemployeesfromtheirsalarytotals.
• Thisistoincludeapprovedcostoflivingincreasesandone-timepayments(e.g.responsibilitypay).
• The2016-2017budgetisunderstatedby$58,000duetoavacantstaffposition.
• Overspentinsecondquarterduetostaffrealignments.
• Overspentby$4,353• ActualApriltoSeptember:$95,689• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$95,664• The2015-2016actualwas$198,418
StaffRepresentedbyNASA–Benefits$19,530budget
• TheGSAisprovidinglumpsumpaymentsinlieuofbenefitstosupplementsalariesforcontinuingstaff.Thebudgetof$19,530wascalculatedonthebasisof8%(asastartingpoint)ofthesalariesofcontinuingstaffeventhoughtheUniversity’sbenefitpackageis20%ofsalary(includinghealthanddental).
• Underspentby$6,725• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$12,805• The2015-2016actualwas$12,461
StaffRepresentedbyNASA–GSAHealthandDentalPlanandGSAP$1,900budget
• Therateiscurrently$492.95perannumperstaff.• TheGraduateStudentAssistancePlanis$21perannumperstaff.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,479• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$0.00• The2015-2016actualwas$1,286
StaffRepresentedbyNASA–EmployerCPPContributions$10,000budget
• ThisistheGSA’scontributionfortheCanadaPensionPlanwhichisatarateof1.0timestheemployee’scontribution.CPPiscalculatedatarateof4.95%ofsalaryuptothemaximumannualpremium.Thislineshowstheemployer’scontributiononly(nottheemployeecontribution).
• Anticipatedsurplus:$1,048• ActualApriltoSeptember:$4,477• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$4,475• The2015-2016actualwas$8,281
StaffRepresentedbyNASA–EmployerEIContributions$5,348budget
• ThisistheGSA’scontributionforEmploymentInsurancewhichisatarateof1.4timestheemployee’scontribution.EIiscalculatedatarateof1.88%ofsalaryuptothemaximumannualpremium.Thislineshowstheemployer’scontributiononly(nottheemployeecontribution).
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$2,374• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,518• The2015-2016actualwas$4,513
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.11
StaffDevelopment(NEW)$2,400budget
• ThestaffNASAcontractprovidesforsupportof$800.00perstaffforcoursesrelatedtostaffdevelopment.
• Newbudgetlinefor2016-2017.• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$80.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,320
Management
Management-Salaries$384,000budget
• SeveralmanagementpositionswereexternallybenchmarkedandapprovedunanimouslybyGSACouncilin2010,alongwithasuccessionplantoensurestabilitylongterm.ThesepositionsarestillevolvingastheGSAfinishesarebuildingeffortbegunin2010.
• TheExecutiveDirectorsalaryandotheremploymentrelatedexpensesareestablishedinacontractualagreement.TheExecutiveDirectorchangedinSeptember2016andresultedinsalarysavingsinthe2016-2017fiscalyear.
• TheDirectorofOperations/LabourProfessionalworksthreedaysaweek(reducedin2013fromfourdays).
• Afull-timemanagementpositionwascreatedin2013,benchmarkedagainstaUniversityAPO’ssalary,aspartoftheabove-mentionedsuccessionplan.Thispositioniscurrentlyvacant.
• Thelastpositionasenvisionedintheabove-mentionedsuccessionplan,istheAssociateDirector,whichwasfilledin2014.
• Anticipatedsurplus:$21,173• ActualApriltoSeptember:$183,943• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$178,884• The2015-2016actualwas$393,739
Management-MeritPay/ContractualforManagement$30,062budget
• InaccordancewiththeExecutiveDirector’scontractasof2016-2017,theEDhastheopportunitytoreceivemeritpayandothercontractualexpenses(beingpaidmonthly).TheformerEDdeclinedtohavemeritpaybuiltintohersalary.ThecurrentEDusesthisfundprimarilytoprovidemeritpaytomanagers.
• UnspentfundsfromthislinemaybeusedtoaugmentRRSPpaymentsorothermanagementbenefitstotakeintoaccounttherealitiesofthecompetitivemarket(e.g.theGSAdoesnothaveapensionplan).
• Anticipatedsurplus:$1,589• ActualApriltoSeptember:$4,985• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$23,488• The2015-2016actualwas$29,624
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.12
Management-Benefits$28,285budget
• In2013theGSAbegantoprovidebenefitcompensationformanagement.Thebudgetwascalculatedonthebasisof8%(asastartingpoint)ofsalaryeventhoughtheUniversity’sbenefitpackageis20%ofsalary(includinghealthanddental).
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$13,500• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$13,800• The2015-2016actualwas$27,038
Management-RRSP$17,678budget
• InaccordancewiththecontractoftheformerExecutiveDirector,sheisentitledtoanRRSPpaymentof$5,000(madeinmonthlyincrements).
• OthermanagementalsoreceiveRRSPpayments.• Thebudgetwascalculatedonthebasisof5%ofsalary.
• Anticipatedsurplus:$1,196• ActualApriltoSeptember:$8,142• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$8,340• The2015-2016actualwas$16,278
Management-GSAHealthandDentalPlanandGSAP$2,500budget
• Theratecurrentlyis$492.95perannumpermanagementstaff.• TheGraduateStudentAssistancePlanis$21perannumper
managementstaff.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$2,465• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$493• The2015-2016actualwas$2,143
Management-EmployerCPPContributions$11,500budget
• ThisistheGSA’scontributionfortheCanadaPensionPlanwhichisatarateof1.0timestheemployee’scontribution.CPPiscalculatedatarateof4.95%ofsalaryuptothemaximumannualpremium.Thislineshowstheemployer’scontributiononly(nottheemployeecontribution).
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$5,455• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$5,900• The2015-2016actualwas$12,863
Management-EmployerEIContributions$6,375budget
• ThisistheGSA’scontributionforEmploymentInsurancewhichisatarateof1.4timestheemployee’scontribution.EIiscalculatedatarateof1.88%ofsalaryuptothemaximumannualpremium.Thislineshowstheemployer’scontributiononly(nottheemployeecontribution).
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$2,892• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$3,442• The2015-2016actualwas$6,830
OtherHRExpenses
Parental/OtherDiscretionaryLeave$0.00budget
• AParental/OtherDiscretionaryLeaveFundof$60,000hasbeenestablishedoutsideoftheOperatingBudgetandispostedintheauditedfinancialstatements.
• Thisfundingisforparentalandotherdiscretionaryleave.ThisiscontractualaspertheGSAstaffagreementwithNASAandisalsoavailabletomanagers.
• Thislinewillnotbeincludedinnextyear’sbudget.
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.13
OfficeRecognition$2,811budget
• ThispoolofmoneyisusedforrecognitionofGSAstaffmembers(e.g.whenastaffmemberleavesorreachessignificantbenchmarks).
• Anticipatedsurplus:$1,038• ActualApriltoSeptember:$120• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$1,653• The2015-2016actualwas$528
VacationPayout$5,244budget
• Contractualarrangement(toAugust31,2016)withtheExecutiveDirectorforvacationpayout,forvacationpayoutforNASA-representedstaffinaccordwiththeirCollectiveAgreement,andformanagersattheED’sdiscretion.
• UnspentfundsfromthislinemaybeusedtoaugmentRRSPpayments,orprofessionaldevelopment.
• Anticipatedsurplus:$1,738• ActualApriltoSeptember:$$1,506• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,000• The2015-2016actualwas$4,417
ProfessionalExpenseAllowance$6,292budget
• ContractualarrangementwiththeExecutiveDirector.Budgetalsousedforothermanagementpositionsandprofessionaldevelopment.In2016-2017theformerDirectorofServicesandGovernanceattendedtheUniversityManagementcourseinMay2016,foraone-timeexpenseofapproximately$4,900,whichhascausedthislinetobeoverspent.
• UnspentfundsmaybeusedforothermanagementbenefitsatthediscretionoftheED.
• Estimatedtobeoverspentby$3,097• ActualApriltoSeptember:$9,389• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$0.00• The2015-2016actualwas$3,948
Workers’Compensation$2,000budget
• WCB-Albertaisdisabilityinsuranceforworkersagainsttheimpactofworkplaceinjuries.OurinsuranceprovidersstronglyrecommendedthattheGSAenrolinWorkers’Compensation.
• WCwasacquiredonApril7,2014.• WCB-Albertarequiresanannualreturnbefiledbythelastdayof
Februaryeachyear.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,195• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$300• The2015-2016actualwas$1,581
Parking$2,166budget
• ContractualarrangementforformerExecutiveDirector/Director-at-Large(untilNovember2016,thenpendingreassessment).
• Otheroccasionalparkingforelectedofficers,staff,andmanagement.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$840• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$790• The2015-2016actualwas$1,441
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.14
GSAOfficeAdministrationandOperationalCosts
Capitalitems$6,292budget
• ThisbudgetlinereferstopurchasesofmajorassetsthattheGSAwillneedandispartofafive-yearplanestablishedin2010.In2015wehadanexternalITreviewandhiredanITexperttobringtheGSAuptominimumuniversityITstandards.Thiswillinvolvesomeone-timecostsin2016and2017andanewmulti-yearplanhasbeendeveloped.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,959• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$4,333• The2015-2016actualwas$8,775
Telephone&Cable$4,195budget
• Billedmonthly.• Thenumberofphoneswasreducedfrom15to7in2011and
reducedto6in2015.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,704• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$1,588• The2015-2016actualwas$3,442
OfficeSupplies$5,490budget
• Generalofficeexpensesincludingofficesupplies,postage,swagpurchases,printing,andmiscellaneousofficeexpenses.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$763• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$4,057• The2015-2016actualwas$2,632
RepairandMaintenance$2,003budget
• Contingencyfundforrepairandmaintenanceofofficefurniture,appliances,computers,andequipment.
• IncludesmonthlyfeesforAdobeCreativeCloud.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,050• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$950• The2015-2016actualwas$1,031
PayrollandBankingServiceCharges$1,678budget
• ThepayrollprocessingchargestoCERIDIAN(payrollserviceprovider).
• BusinessbankingplanfeesandCorporateMasterCardannualfees.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,092• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$586• The2015-2016actualwas$1,169
PhotocopierLease(Office)$5,000budget
• TheGSAleasestwophotocopiersforofficeuse.Billingoccursmonthly.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$2,012• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,012• The2015-2016actualwas$4,777
PhotocopierMeter(Office)$3,500budget
• Billedmonthly. • Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,715• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$1,495• The2015-2016actualwas$3,291
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.15
PhotocopierPaper(Office)$839budget
• Purchasedmonthly. • Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$301• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$250• The2015-2016actualwas$545
GeneralLiabilityInsurance(Office)$650budget
• Generalliabilityofficeinsurance,whichwasdoubledin2013.• NewinsurancebrokerretainedinJanuary2016whichhasresultedin
apolicyratesavings.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$535• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$0.00• The2015-2016actualwas$615
GSAProfessional
FinancialAuditing$10,770budget
• GSAhasanannualauditperformedbyCollinsBarrow.• RequiredbyPost-SecondaryLearningActandsubmittedtothe
UniversityBoardofGovernors.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$11,025• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$0.00• The2015-2016actualwas$9,660
Consultants$20,800budget
• HiredITconsultantinAprilandMay.BudgetallowsforfurtherITconsultingasneeded.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$6,732• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$14,068• The2015-2016actualwas$32,247
InvestmentAdvisor(NEW)$9,000budget
• InvestmentadvisorfeesforATBInvestmentManagementInc. • Newfor2016-2017.• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,656• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$7,344
LegalFees-General$20,975budget
• Legaladviceonsignificantoperationalissues,PAWCentrecontractreview,newExecutiveDirectorcontract,andreviewofTDInsuranceagreement.
• Iftherearemoniesremainingatyear-endthesefundsareaddedtocontinuebuild-upofahealthyLegalDefenseFund,onadvicefromourauditor.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$12,750• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$7,970• The2015-2016actualwas$20,499
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.16
GSAServiceExpenses
GrantsandSubsidiesExpenses
AcademicWorkshopSubsidies$5,711budget
• TheGSABoard,GSACouncilandtheGSABudgetandFinanceCommitteehaveapprovedthecontinuationofthesesubsidiesasgraduatestudents’reviews(reviewedregularlybytheGSABoard)oftheworkshopsareoutstanding.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$5,500• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$0.00• The2015-2016actualwas$5,500
ExternalGrants$2,324budget
• FundsrequestforexternalgrantssuchasagrantfortheLongNightAgainstProcrastinationeventandInternationalWeeksponsorship.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,324• The2015-2016actualwas$1,550
GraduateStudentGroups
CouncilRemunerationStudentGroups$5,192budget
• GSAfundingprogramforeligibledepartmentalgraduatestudentgroupsbasedontheattendanceoftheirdepartmentcouncillorovertheGSACouncilyear.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$4,600• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$592• The2015-2016actualwas$4,475
Academically-RelatedStudentGroupAwards$15,575budget
• TheGSAprovidesagrantprogram,ongoingthroughtheyear,fordepartmentalacademically-relatedgraduatestudentgroupsto:
§ Bringinspecialguestlecturersorhostacademic-styleevents.
§ Supporttheacademicactivitiesofgraduatestudentsatthedepartmentallevel.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$7,375• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$8,200• The2015-2016actualwas$14,981
OtherExpenses
AnnualStrategicPlanInitiatives$8,480budget
• Anynewstrategicplanninginitiativesmaybefundedfromthisaccount.
• Fundingforthisaccountlinecomesfromthe$4,480fundingfromStudentcare.networksandthe$4,000fromTDIMM.
• Arentalchargeforoneofthe2015—2016PDeventswasnotcashed
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$-799.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$7,000• The2015-2016actualwas$8,788
GSA2016-2017OperatingBudget(includingCapitalBudget)Narrative6.17
bytheUniversitysothechequebecamestale-datedandthefundswerereturnedtothisaccount,inthisfiscalyear.
OrientationsandDepartmentalLiaison$7,500budget
• Combinedfundingof$7,500isreceivedfromtheDeanofStudentsandtheDeanofFGSR.
• ThisfundingisdescribedinlettersfromtheDeanofFGSRandDeanofStudentsandcovers,forinstance,theexpensesoftheGSA-hostedfallandwinterorientationeventsfornewgraduatestudents,othergraduatestudentengagementevents,andprofessionaldevelopmenteventsforgraduatestudents.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$3,020• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,200• The2015-2016actualwas$1,287
AMICCUS-CMembership$700budget
• MembershiptoAMICCUS(AssociationofManagersinCanadianCollegesandUniversityStudentCenters).
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$650• The2015-2016actualwas$650
FoodBankMemorandumofUnderstanding$9,000budget
• ContributionwillbemadeinquarterlyinstallmentstotheCampusFoodBank(whichwasfoundedbytheGSA).
• GSABoarddidnotdisbursefundstotheFoodBankin2015-2016.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$4,500• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$4,500• The2015-2016actualwas$0.00
AwardsNight$7,268budget
• ExpensesfortheannualGSAAwardsNight(normallyinMarch).• In2015-2016AwardsNightfellonApril1,2016soexpensesincurred
sofarthisyearareforthatevent.• Overexpenditureisforecastas2016-2017expenseswillbeincurred
inMarch2017.
• Overspentby$3,543• ActualApriltoSeptember:$4,811• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$6,000• The2015-2016actualwas$564
GSAOperating/ContingencyFund
Operating/ContingencyFund$15,575budget
• Acontingencyfundisafundsetasidetohandleunexpectedandunanticipatedexpensesthatareoutsidetherangeoftheoperatingbudget.UseofcontingencyisuponrecommendationofthePresident.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$7,217• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$8,358• The2015-2016actualwas$3,845
GSA2016-2017RestrictedandOtherFundingBudget(Narrative)
6.18AccountNameandBudget
BriefDescription Narrative
RestrictedandOtherFunding FundraisedActivity
GSAAgenda/Handbook$11,000budget
• TheGSAsellsadvertisingspaceintheyearlygraduatestudentagenda/handbooktocovertheprintingcosts.
• 2016-2017adrevenueof$8,795waslessthantheprojected$11,000soexpenseswerekepttothatlevel.
• ActualApriltoSeptember:$8,795• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$0.00• The2015-2016actualwas$10,590
GraduateStudentSupportFund(GSSF)Projects(RestrictedRevenue)TheMemorandumofSettlementprovidedfortotalfundsof$789,000fortheGSSFfor2016-2017.IndividualbudgetshavebeensetforthecomponentsofGraduateStudentRecognitionAwards,ChildCareGrants,EmergencyBursaries,andAcademicTravelAwards.
GSARecognitionAwards$18,000budget
• FundsprovideforvariousawardspresentedattheannualAwardsNight.• RevenueisreceivedintheformofGSSFfundswhentheCollectiveAgreementis
approvedinthespring/summer.• ExpensesfortheAwardsNightareprocessedinthefollowingMarch.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$18,000• The2015-2016actualwas$18,000
GSAChildCareGrants$249,000budget
• GraduatestudentscanapplyforthisGranttooffsetthecostofchildcare.• RevenueisreceivedintheformofGSSFfundswhentheCollectiveAgreementis
approvedinthespring/summer.• Expensesareprocessedthroughouttheyear.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$157,000• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$92,000• The2015-2016actualwas$277,000
GSAEmergencyBursaries$137,500budget
• EmergencyBursariesareanon-repayablebursaryforgraduatestudentswhoneedassistanceduetoanunanticipatedemergency.
• RevenueisreceivedintheformofGSSFfundswhentheCollectiveAgreementisapprovedinthespring/summer.
• Expensesareprocessedthroughouttheyear.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$17,621• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$119,879• The2015-2016actualwas$130,770
GSAAcademicTravelAwards$384,500budget
• Graduatestudentscanapplyforthisawardtoparticipateinacademicactivitiessuchasconferencesandresearchtrips.
• RevenueisreceivedintheformofGSSFfundswhentheCollectiveAgreementisapprovedinthespring/summer.
• Expensesareprocessedthroughouttheyear.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$189,522• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$194,978• The2015-2016actualwas$306,336
ab-GPAC$7,361budget
• In2013,theAlbertaGraduateCouncil(AGC)closeditsoperations.AnewProvincialGraduateStudentAdvocacygroup(ab-GPAC)wasformedundertheSocietiesActinOctober2014.ThemandateistolobbywiththeAlbertagovernmentinpromotingthe
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$7,361
GSA2016-2017RestrictedandOtherFundingBudget(Narrative)
6.19AccountNameandBudget
BriefDescription Narrative
interestsandconcernsofgraduatestudents.• Feesforthenewab-GPAChavebeensetat$3.00pergraduatestudentperyear,effective
September2015.• PreviouslythefeesforAGCwere$2.00peryear,coveredinpartbyadedicatedfeeof
$0.50assessedpergraduatestudentpertermthatwasimplementedbyareferendumin2000.Theremaining$0.50pergraduatestudentpertermispaidoutoftheGSAoperatingbudgetasthe“GSAcontribution.”InthetimeperiodbetweenthedisbandingofAGCandthestart-upofab-GPACthededicatedfeescollectedwereheldinreserve.Thisreservewillbedrawndownthisyeartocoverthe$1.00differenceinfees.
• The2015-2016actualwas$13,983
CJSRFees$14,722budget
• TheUofAcampusradiostation(CJSR)receives$1.00pergraduatestudentperterm.Thisisadedicatedfeethatwasimplementedbyareferendumin1999.
• RevenueandtherelatedexpensesareprocessedinOctoberandFebruary.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$14,722• The2015-2016actualwas$14,189
GSAP(GraduateStudentsAssistanceProgram)$66,163budget
• TheGraduateStudentsAssistancePlanbeganinSeptember2009,andisfundedinpartbya$12pergraduatestudentperyeardedicatedfeethatwasimplementedbyareferendumin2009.The$12issplitupas$4perfallterm,and$8perwinterterm.
• RevenueandtherelatedexpensesareprocessedinOctoberandFebruary.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$66,163• The2015-2016actualwas$64,838
HealthPlan$1,315,120budget
• ThisisthefeethatischargedtograduatestudentsforthehealthpartoftheGSAHealthandDentalplan.
• The2016-2017feeis$280.70pergraduatestudentperyear.• RevenueandtherelatedexpensesareprocessedinOctober,February,andMarch.• ThereisaGSAHealthandDentalPlanReserveFundwhichwasestablishedtoensurethat
adequatefundsareavailableintheeventtheGSAHealthandDentalPlancostsexceedtheamountscollectedinfees.Thefundwillbedrawndownin2016-2017.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:
$1,315,120• The2015-2016actualwas$1,344,025
DentalPlan$982,943budget
• ThisisthefeethatischargedtograduatestudentsforthedentalpartoftheGSAHealthandDentalplan.
• The2016-2017feeis$212.25pergraduatestudentperyear.• RevenueandtherelatedexpensesareprocessedinOctober,February,andMarch.• ThereisaGSAHealthandDentalPlanReserveFundwhichwasestablishedtoensurethat
adequatefundsareavailableintheeventtheGSAHealthandDentalPlancostsexceedtheamountscollectedinfees.Thefundwillbedrawndownin2016-2017.
• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$982,943• The2015-2016actualwas$903,918
7.0
To: GSACouncilFrom: LeighSpannerDate: November10,2016DearCouncilColleagues,AsIreportedtoyoulastmonth(accompaniedbytheoffertoreceiveanyfeedbackorquestionsyoumayhave),theGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(GSAERC)hasmetmultipletimesthisfalltoengageinadetailedreviewofGSABylawandPolicyonElectionsandReferendainadvanceoftheGSAGeneralElection2017,aswellasanupcomingreferendumconcerningthecontinuationoftheU-Passprogram.Thecommitteehasworkedhard,andhadverydetaileddiscussions,inordertogeneratetherecommendedproposedchangesthatarenowbeforeyouforconsideration.Pleasenotethatthesubstantivechangeshavebeenhighlightedintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentsand,inbrief,themajorrecommendedchangesinclude:
• EnablingDEOsnotrunninginanelectiontoendorsecandidates,iftheywish,asindividualsratherthanasGSAOfficersbutspecifythattheymaynotusetheGSAofficeoranyGSAofficeresources;
• ClarifyingthatDEOs(aselectedrepresentatives)maytakeapositiononreferendaquestionswithoutformallyregisteringeithera‘yes’or‘no’campaign;
• MakingchangestoReferendaBylawandPolicytoparallelalreadyapprovedchangestoGSABylawandPolicyonElections(egallowingcampaigningduringthevotingperiodofareferendum);
• DistinguishingbetweencampaigningconductedonUniversityphysicalorelectronicresourcesandcampaigningconductedoff-campus,usingnon-Universityphysicalorelectronicresources;
• AdjustmentstothescopeofresponsibilitiesoftheCROandDROresultingfromtheawarenessthatvariousformsofcampaignmaterials(suchascampaigningdonethroughsocialmediaorface-to-faceinteractions)cannotnecessarilybedirectlyoverseenbytheCROorDRO;
• ChangestolimitationsplacedoncandidatesinanelectionandCampaignRepresentativesinareferendumwithrespecttousingmailinglists(ieprohibitingtheuseofmailinglistsmoderatedbyUniversityemployeesandusedtosendofficialUniversitycommunications,andpermittingtheuseofmailinglistsmoderatedbygraduatestudentgroupsanddepartmentalGSAs);
• ProvisionforcampaignmaterialsinlanguagesotherthanEnglishtobeaccompaniedbyanEnglishtranslationwhensubmittedtotheCROforapprovalandnotingthattheCROisnotresponsiblefortheaccuracyoftranslations;
• Reorganizationandeliminationofcurrent“do”and“don’t”liststoplaceindividualitemswithalreadyexistingsections;and
• ToparallelpreviouslyapprovedchangestotheOfficerPortfoliosforCROandDROandthemandateoftheGSAERC,multipleprovisionsforthemtoconsultwiththeGSAERCduringthecourseofanelectionorreferendumwereadded.
IlookforwardtopresentingthesechangestoyouinNovemberandwelcomeanyquestionsyoumayhave.Sincerely, LeighSpanner,ChairoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee
7.1
PreparedbyCThomasandJTanguayforGSAB9November2016MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:FirstMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item7a-OutlineofIssueGSABylawandPolicyonElectionsandReferenda.docx
OutlineofIssue(GSA Council)
ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonElectionsandReferendaSuggestedMotionforGSACouncil:
ThattheGSACouncil,ontherecommendationoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee,APPROVEtheproposedchangestoGSABylawandPolicyonElectionsandReferenda,asshownintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentsandeffectiveuponthesecondreadingbyGSACouncilinthecaseofGSABylawandtheapprovalofGSACouncilinthecaseofGSAPolicy.
NOTE1:TheproposedchangesapplytoSectionI:ElectionsandSectionJ:ReferendaNOTE2:SubstantivechangesthatGSACouncilisaskedtoconsiderarehighlightedinyellowNOTE3:ThisisthefirstreadingofproposedchangestoGSABylaw,proposedchangestoGSAPolicyarepresentedforinformation.Background:Followingseveralmeetingsoverthefallof2016,membersoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteevotedtorecommendtheattachedproposedchangestoGSACouncilviaemailvoteonNovember1,2016.TheGSAGovernanceCommitteeapprovededitorialchangestoGSABylawandPolicyonelectionsandreferendaatameetingofOctober31,2016.Pleaseseetheattacheddraftcoverletterforadditionalinformation.Jurisdiction:SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.3.2.a“TheGSABisthesenioradministrativeauthorityoftheGSAasdelegatedtoitbyGSACouncil.”SectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee,SectionI.POL.20.3“TheGSAERCwillreviewGSAElectionsandReferendaBylawsandPoliciesannuallyandmakeanyrecommendationstoGSACouncilthroughtheGSABoard.”SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.4.2.a.iiTheGSAGCwill“makeanyroutineoreditorialchangestothegovernancedocumentsasdeemednecessarybytheCommittee.”
MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:FirstMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item7b-ElectionsDoubleColumn.docx
7.2
ElectionsProposedChangestoGSABylaw,Elections,andGSAPolicy,Elections
CurrentBylaw(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
Elections
I.BYL.1GuidingPrinciple Nochange.
1.BYL.1.1ThefundamentalprincipleunderlyingGSAelectionsisthattheyaretobefair,respectthewishesofvoters,andconductedinamannerthatreflectstheexcellent,positivereputationoftheGSA.
Nochange.
I.BYL.2 ElectionTimeline
Nochange.
I.BYL.2.1Electionswillconsistofanominationperiod,acampaignperiod,andavotingperiod.
Nochange.
I.BYL.2.2ThetimelineforelectionswillbesetoutinGSAPolicy.
Nochange.
I.BYL.3Nominations
Nochange.
I.BYL.3.1TherequirementsforthenominationformswillbesetoutinGSAPolicy.
Nochange.
I.BYL.3.2CandidatesforDirectly-ElectedOfficer(DEO)positionswillbegraduatestudentsingoodacademicstandingandwilldeclarewhethertheyarerunningasamemberofaslateorasanindividual.PlatformsandslatesarenotarequirementforrunninginaGSAGeneralElection.Whilecandidatesareabletocampaignasaslate,candidatescannotbeelectedasaslate.Eachpositionwillbeelectedonaperballotbasis.
AdditiontoaccordwithGSAPolicyonOfficerPortfolios,whichreferencesthematterofacademicstanding.
I.BYL.3.3Candidatesarenotallowedtorunformultiplepositions.
Nochange.
I.BYL.4Voting
Nochange.
I.BYL.4.1AllvotingintheGSAGeneralElectionandBy-Electionswillbedoneelectronically,exceptintheeventofafailureoftheelectronicsysteminuse.
Nochange.
I.BYL.5ConflictofInterestCampaignRestrictions Coversanumberofitemsnotrelatedtoconflictofinterestsothetitlehasbeenchangedaccordingly.
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7.3
CurrentBylaw(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
Elections
I.BYL.5.1IfaAnymemberindividualassociatedwithoftheGSAOofficeenvironment(whetherstandingasacandidateornot)isalsoacandidatestandingforelection,he/sheshallwillnotusetheGSAOofficeoranyGSAofficeresources(egemailaccountsand/orstaff)forcampaignpurposesonbehalfofanycandidate.ThisincludesanycurrentDirectly-ElectedOfficer(s)runninginaGeneralElectionorBy-Election.
Proposedchangetomakeexplicitthatthismeansnotjustthephysicaloffice,butalsoresources,suchasemailaccountsandstaff.Clarifythatthisappliestoanyoneinvolvedincampaigning(whetheracandidateoracampaignmember).RemovementionofthisapplyingtocurrentDEOsasiscapturedatthebeginningofthesection.
I.BYL5.1I.BLY.5.2DEOsrunninginaGSAGeneralElectionorBy-Election(whetherstandingasacandidateornot)willnotcampaignonbehalfofanycandidateduringanyGSAorUniversitycommitteemeetingsoreventsatwhichtheyareactingaselectedrepresentativesoftheGSA.
Toprovideclaritythat,whileDEOs(whetherrunninginaGSAelectionornot)mustcontinuetoperformtheirdutiesinthecampaignperiod,theyarenotpermittedtocampaignforanycandidateduringmeetingsoratevents.Renumbering.
I.BYL.5.2I.BYL.5.3IfacurrentDirectly-ElectedOfficernotstandingforelectionchoosestoendorseacandidate(s)orslate,he/sheshallnotusetheGSAOffice,resources(egGSAemailaccounts),DEOsmayendorsecandidatesprovidedtheydonotdosointheircapacityaselectedrepresentativesoftheGSA,andshalltheydonotspeakfortheGSAasanorganization.
ClarifythatDEOsmayendorsecandidatesbutnotasrepresentativesoftheGSAandrecommendedremovaloflanguagenowcapturedinSectionsI.BYL.5.1andI.BYL.5.2.Renumbering.
I.BYL.5.3I.BYL.5.4TheChiefReturningOfficer(CRO),DeputyReturningOfficer,Speaker,DeputySpeaker,membersoftheGSANominatingCommittee,membersoftheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,andmembersoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteewillremainneutralandnotcampaignfororendorseanycandidatewhatsoever.
RecommendedadditiontoemphasizetheneutralityrequiredinthesepositionsduringaGSAGeneralElectionorReferendum.
I.BYL.6By-Elections
Nochange.
I.BYL.6.1TheproceduresgoverningaBy-Electionshallbethesameasthosegoverningregularelections,exceptthedatesofnominations,campaigning,andvotingperiodsshallbedeterminedbytheCRO.
MovedtoSectionI.POL.17,below.
I.BYL.6.2I.BYL.6.2IntheeventthataDEOpositionorCouncillor-at-Large(CAL)positionisnotfilledbytheendoftheGeneralElection(ienocandidatesrunforapositionor“NoneoftheCandidates”iselected),oraDEOpositionorCALpositionisvacatedanytimepriortoDecember1(orthenextworkingday),theCROandGSACouncilwillfollowGSAPolicyonBy-Elections(seeSectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections).
Renumbering.
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7.4
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
I.POL.7GeneralPrinciplesandRulesofConductforElections
RecommendedchangetomoveupelementsofexistingSectionI.POL.12andtoamendthesectiontitletoreflectthat.
I.POL.7.1“ThefundamentalprincipleunderlyingGSAelectionsisthattheyaretobefair,respectthewishesofvoters,andconductedinamannerthatreflectstheexcellent,positivereputationoftheGSA”(SectionI:Elections,GSABylaw,Elections,SectionI.BYL.1.1).
Nochange.
I.POL.7.2CandidateswillabidebyGSABylawandPolicyconcerningelections,andanyotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws,andwillensurethatcampaignvolunteersdothesame.ItistheresponsibilityofcandidatestofamiliarizethemselveswithGSAElectionsBylawandPolicy.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionsI.POL.12.1.b,I.POL.12.1.d(above),andI.POL.12.1.e.v(below).
I.POL.7.3CandidateswilltreattheCRO,DRO,GSAOfficers,management,staff,andfellowcandidateswithrespect.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy,movedfromcurrentSectionI.POL.12.1.e.iii,below.
I.POL.8NominationForms
Nochange.
I.POL.8.1NominationformswillbemadeavailabletograduatestudentsinhardcopyattheGSAoffice.ExceptionsmaybemadeatthediscretionoftheChiefReturningOfficer(CRO).TheCROandDeputyReturningOfficer(DRO),inconsultationwiththeGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(GSAERC),willhavethediscretiontodeterminetheformandlayoutofthenominationforms.
TheCROwillconsultwiththeGSAERCmembersonasmanyaspectsofanelectionaspossible,asstipulatedelsewhereincurrentlyexistingPolicy.
I.POL.8.2OntheDirectly-ElectedOfficer(DEO)nominationforms,candidateswillincludeaminimumoffive(5)signaturesfromcurrentlyregisteredgraduatestudents.Thepurposeofthesignaturesistoattestthatthenominators,intheirview,believethecandidatehastheabilityand/orexperiencefortheofficeforwhichtheyarerunning.
Nochange.
I.POL.8.3Councillor-at-Large(CAL)candidatesarenotrequiredtoincludesignaturesintheirnominationforms.
Nochange.
I.POL.8.4WrittennominationsforDEOorCALpositionswillbesubmittedtotheGSAofficetobereviewedandsignedbytheCROorDROinordertoverifybothcompletenessandthatthenominationformhasbeensubmittedontime.TheoriginalwillbefiledintheGSAofficeandonecopyprovidedtothecandidate,normallyelectronically.Ifanominationformisincompleteorlate,theCROorDROwillnotacceptthenominationform.Candidatescannotappealthisdecision.
InpracticeforthepastfewyearstheCROhasbeenprovidinganelectroniccopyofacandidate’snominationform.
I.POL.8.5Candidatescanchangethepositiontheywishtorunfor,butmustdosobeforethecloseofnominations.Ifacandidatechangesthepositiontheyarerunningfor,thecandidatewillberequiredto
Nochange.
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7.5
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
filloutandsubmitanewnominationformforthenewpositionpriortothenominationdeadlineandmustmeettherequirementsassetoutinSectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.8.4,above.I.POL.8.6OncetheCROorDROverifiesnominationforms,thenamesofcandidateswhohavesubmittedtheirnominationformswillbeprovisionallylistedontheGSAwebsiteandinhardcopyattheGSAoffice.
IncasetheGSAwebsiteistemporarilyunoperational,ahardcopylistwillbekeptattheGSAoffice.Inpractice,duringthe2014-2015and2015-2016GSAGeneralElection,anup-to-datelistwaskeptinhardcopyattheGSAOffice(theCROapprovedthislist).
I.POL.8.7ThefollowingwillbeattachedtothenominationformfortheGSAGeneralElectionandanysubsequentBy-Elections:
Nochange.
I.POL.8.7.aPreamble Nochange.
I.POL.8.7.a.iTheGSACouncilhasapprovedGeneralPrinciplesandRulesofConductgoverningtheGSAGeneralElectionandanysubsequentBy-Elections.TheGSAhasElectionsBylawandPolicypostedinfullontheGSAwebsite.
Nochange.
I.POL.8.7.bDefinitions Nochange.
I.POL.8.7.b.i“CRO”meansCROorDROoranypersonCouncildesignatesorelectsasActingCROorActingDRO.
RedundantasthisiscoveredinGSAPolicyonGSAOfficerPortfoliosandGSABylawonGSAOfficers–recommendremoval.
I.POL.8.7.b.iii“WorkingDay”meansadaytheGSAofficeisopen. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.8.7.cGSAElectionsBylawandPolicyandAcknowledgementbyCandidates
Nochange.
I.POL.8.7.c.iTheGSACouncilhasapprovedBylawandPolicyrelatedtotheGSAGeneralElectionandanysubsequentBy-Elections.Bysigningthenominationform,allcandidatesacknowledgethattheyhavereadandagreetoabidebyGSAElectionsBylawandPolicywhicharepostedinfullontheGSAwebsite.
Nochange.
I.POL.8.7.c.iiBysigningthenominationform,candidatesALSOacknowledgethattheyhavereadandareawareofthetermsofanappealwithintheGSAofanydecisionsonissues/breachesofGSABylawandPolicy,includingthefactthattheCRO,inconsultationwiththeGSAERC,decidesonpenalties,remedialactions,andor/referralsforanyissues/breachesandthattheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(GSAACB)decidesonanyappeals.AnyconcernswithpotentialbiasonthepartoftheCRO,theDRO,andmembersoftheGSAERCinmakingsuchdecisions,andmembersoftheGSAACBinmakingsuchdecisionsonappeals,willbefiledwithnominationforms.
IncludeCRO,DRO,GSAERC,andGSAACBmembersinthefilingofbiasconsideringtheirroleinmakingdecisionsandhearingappeals.
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7.6
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
I.POL.8.7.c.iiiThecurrentCRO,DRO,membersoftheGSAERC,andmembersoftheGSAACBwillbeupdatedeachyearonthenominationforms.
Seerationaleabove.
I.POL.8.7.c.ivAnychangestothesenameswillbeemailedtocandidateswhowillhavetwenty-four(24)hourstofileanyobjectionswiththeGSASpeaker.
Nochange.
I.POL.8.7.c.vThedeadlinetofileanyconcernsofbiasonthepartofmembersoftheGSAACBinshallbeupdatedeachyearonthenominationforms.
ConflictswithSectionI.POL.8.7.c.ii
I.POL.9Timeline
Nochange.
I.POL.9.1 Except as specified below, the timeline for elections is at the discretion of the CRO, inconsultationwiththeGSAERC.
TheCROwillconsultwiththeGSAERCmembersonasmanyaspectsofanelectionaspossible,asstipulatedelsewhereincurrentlyexistingPolicy.
I.POL.9.2“Electionsconsistofanominationperiod,acampaignperiod,andavotingperiod”(SectionI:Elections,GSABylaw,Elections,SectionI.BYL.2.1).
Nochange.
I.POL.9.3NominationsfortheGSAGeneralElectionwillopenonoraboutJanuary30.
Nochange.
I.POL.9.4Thenominationperiodwilllastatleastfourteen(14)calendardays.Thenominationperiodwillendonaworkingday.
Nochange.
I.POL.9.5Withintwenty-four(24)hoursafterthecloseofthenominationperiod,theCROwillholdtheAll-Candidates’MeetingasdescribedinSectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.10.
Nochange.
I.POL.9.6Thecampaignperiodwilllastatleastseven(7)calendardaysandwillbeginnoearlierthanthedayfollowingtheAll-Candidates’Meeting.
Nochange.
I.POL.9.7Voting:
Nochange.
I.POL.9.7.aCampaigningispermittedduringthevotingperiod.
Nochange.
I.POL.9.7.bTheCROwillensurethatthevotingperiodstartsonaworkingdayandlastsatleastforty-eight(48)hours.
Nochange.
I.POL.9.8VotingwillbecompletednolaterthanApril15,orthenextworkingday. Nochange.
I.POL.10All-Candidates’Meeting
Nochange.
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7.7
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
I.POL.10.1TheCROisresponsiblefororganizingameetingofallcandidatesrunninginanelectiontoprovidethemwithanoverviewofGSAElectionsBylawandPolicy.
Nochange.
I.POL.10.2FailurebyacandidatetoattendtheAll-Candidates’MeetingwithoutadequatepriornotificationtotheCROisgroundsfordisqualificationfromthecurrentelection.‘Adequatepriornotification’isdefinedasnoticecommunicatedelectronicallytotheCROatleastone(1)hourinadvanceofthemeeting.IfacandidatemissestheAll-Candidates’Meetingduetounforeseenandexceptionalcircumstances,suchasalast-minuteemergency,anyconsequencesmaybewaivedatthediscretionoftheCRO,followingconsultationwiththeGSAERC.Thereisnoappealofthisdecision.
TheCROwillconsultwiththeGSAERCmembersonasmanyaspectsofanelectionaspossible,asstipulatedelsewhereincurrentlyexistingPolicy.
I.POL.10.3AtthemeetingdescribedinSectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.10.1,above,theCROwillprovideeachcandidatewithinformationconcerningcampaigning,theGeneralPrinciplesandRulesofConductforElections,andtheGSAACBPolicy.
Nochange.
I.POL.11Campaigning
Nochange.
I.POL.11.1“Thecampaignperiodwilllastatleastseven(7)calendardaysandwillbeginnoearlierthanthedayfollowingtheAll-Candidates’Meeting”(SectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.9.6).
Nochange.
I.POL.11.2Candidatesareresponsibleforremovingallcampaignmaterialsaftervotinghasclosed.
Proposedchangetoreorderthesectionsothatdefinitionsofcampaigningcomefirst,followedbyinformationaboutcampaignmaterialsandCROapprovalprocesses,followedbyinformationaboutthelengthofthecampaignperiod,and,finally,thecampaignspendinglimit.Contentstruckthroughhasbeenmovedbelow,startingatSectionI.POL.11.12.
I.POL.11.3Candidatesareauthorizedtospendupto$150oncampaignmaterialoverthecourseoftheelection.Ifcandidatesarerunningaspartofaslate,thecostofjointcampaignmaterialsshallnormallybedividedequallyamongstallofthecandidatesintheslate.Candidatesrunningaspartofaslateareabletodistributeindividualcampaignmaterials,solongascandidatesdonotexceedtheirtotalspendinglimitof$150percandidate.Campaigncostsarenotreimbursed.
Proposedchangetoreorderthesectionsothatdefinitionsofcampaigningcomefirst,followedbyinformationaboutcampaignmaterialsandCROapprovalprocesses,followedbyinformationaboutthelengthofthecampaignperiod,and,finally,thecampaignspendinglimit.Contentstruckthroughhasbeenmovedbelow,startingatSectionI.POL.11.12.
I.POL.11.4CandidatesshallreporttotheCROallcampaign-relatedexpenses,andsubmitreceiptsnolaterthanthecloseofthecampaignperiod.
Proposedchangetoreorderthesectionsothatdefinitionsofcampaigningcomefirst,followedbyinformationaboutcampaignmaterialsandCROapprovalprocesses,followedbyinformationaboutthelengthofthecampaignperiod,and,finally,thecampaignspendinglimit.Contentstruckthroughhasbeenmovedbelow,startingatSectionI.POL.11.12.
I.POL.11.5Exceedingthespendinglimitorfailuretoreportandsubmitcampaignexpensesandreceipts Proposedchangetoreorderthesectionsothatdefinitionsofcampaigningcomefirst,
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7.8
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
constitutegroundsfordisqualificationfromthecurrentelection.
followedbyinformationaboutcampaignmaterialsandCROapprovalprocesses,followedbyinformationaboutthelengthofthecampaignperiod,and,finally,thecampaignspendinglimit.Contentstruckthroughhasbeenmovedbelow,startingatSectionI.POL.11.12.
I.POL.11.6I.POL.11.2Campaigningisdefinedasanyformofpromotionofanindividualorslate.Thisincludesallverbal,electronic,andvisualformsofcommunication.Allcampaignmaterials,includingbutnotlimitedtoposters,websites,e-mailstomoderatedgraduatestudentmailinglists,orotherprintedorelectronicmaterial(includingbutnotlimitedtoallformsofsocialmedia)shallbereviewedbytheCROpriortotheirdistribution.
ElementsofthelastpartofsectionhavebeenmovedbelowtoproposedSectionI.POL.11.3.Renumbering.
I.POL.11.6.a.TheCROwillreviewcampaignmaterialstoensuretheydonotconflictwithElectionsBylawsandPoliciesanddonotcontainanyfactuallyincorrectinformation(egregardingtheelectionproceduresortimeline).TheCROisnotresponsibleforreviewingtheeditorialcontentofcampaignmaterials(eggrammar,punctuation).
Sectionhasbeenmovedbelow.
I.POL.11.7.Allformsofcampaigning(verbal,electronic,andvisual)shallnotcontainmisinformation,slander,inappropriate,discriminatorycontent,oradhominemattacksofindividualsorslates.
SectionhasbeenmovedbelowtoproposedSectionI.POL.11.2.a.
I.POL.11.8.Candidatesshallnotuseunmoderatedmailinglistsforcampaigning,includingbutnotlimitedtodepartmentalmailinglists.
Recommendedremovalasnowcoveredinothersections.
I.POL.11.2.aNoformofcampaigning(verbal,electronic,andvisual)willcontainmisinformation,slander,inappropriate,discriminatorycontent,oradhominemattacksofindividualsorslates.
ReorderedSectionI.POL.11.7,above–rewordedslightlytoprovidegreaterclarity.
I.POL.11.2.bCandidateswillensureallcampaignplans,materials,and/oradvertisementsconformwithallUniversityofAlbertapoliciesandregulationsandallmunicipal,provincial,andfederallaws.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionI.POL.12.1.e.i,below.
I.POL.11.3CampaignmaterialsincludeboththosepostedorcirculatedonUniversityphysicalorelectronicproperty,includingbutnotlimitedtocommunicationssenttomailinglistsmoderatedbygraduatestudentgroupsanddepartmentalGSAs,andthosepostedorcirculatedonnon-Universityphysicalorelectronicproperty,includinganyelections-relatedmaterialssharedonpersonalsocialmediaaccountsorotheronlineplatforms.
NewsectionthatincorporateselementsofnewSectionI.POL.11.2,asproposedabove,andmakesadistinctionbetweenvariousformsofcampaignmaterialinformedbytheawarenessthatcampaigningoftenhappensspeedilyonsocialmediathatcannotnecessarilybedirectlyoverseenbytheCRO.
I.POL.11.4TheCROwillapprovecampaignmaterialspostedorcirculatedonUniversityphysicalorelectronicpropertypriortotheirdistribution.TheCROwillreviewsuchmaterialstoensuretheycomplywithSectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.11.2.a,above,andanyrelevantGSABylawandPolicy.TheCROisnotresponsibleforreviewingtheeditorialcontentofsuchcampaignmaterials(eggrammar,punctuation).
NewsectionthatincorporateselementsofcurrentSectionI.POL.11.6.a,andrewordedtomakeconsonantwithproposedSectionI.POL.11.3(ie,distinguishingbetweenvariousformsofcampaignmaterialsandtheassociatedapproval/oversightofsaidmaterials).
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
I.POL.11.4.aSuchcampaignmaterialspreparedinalanguageotherthanEnglishwillbeaccompaniedbyanEnglishtranslationwhensubmittedtotheCROforapproval.TheCROisnotresponsiblefortheaccuracyoftranslations.
NewsectiontoaddresscampaignmaterialsinlanguagesotherthanEnglishandtofacilitateCROapprovalofsaidmaterials.
I.POL.11.4.bTheturnaroundforapprovingcampaignmaterialswillbeapproximatelyone(1)workingday.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionI.POL.12.1.e.iv,below.
I.POL.11.5TheCROwillbeprovidedaccesstocampaignmaterialspostedorcirculatedonnon-Universityphysicalorelectronicproperty,andreservestherighttopenalizecandidatesforanyviolationsassociatedwithSectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.11.2.a,above,andanyrelevantGSABylawandPolicy.
NewsectionthatincorporateselementsofpreviousSectionI.POL.11.6.a,andrewordedtomakeconsonantwithnewSectionI.POL.11.3(ie,distinguishingbetweenvariousformsofcampaignmaterialsandtheassociatedapproval/oversightofsaidmaterials).
I.POL.11.6CandidatesmayutilizemailinglistsmoderatedbygraduatestudentgroupsanddepartmentalGSAstodistributeCROapprovedcampaignmaterials.CandidateswillnotutilizemailinglistsmoderatedbyUniversityemployeesandregularlyusedtodistributecommunicationfromtheUniversity.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionsI.POL.12.1.e.viandI.POL.12.1.e.xiv,below.CandidatesmayusemailinglistsmoderatedbydepartmentalGSAsbutwillnotcontactUniversityadministratorstodistributecampaignmaterials.
I.POL.11.7Candidateswillgetpermission,whereappropriate,tocampaignininstructionalspaces,suchasclassrooms,lecturehalls,andofficespaces.Candidateswillnotcampaigninunsafespacesthatrequirepermissiontoaccessandpropersafetyequipment.TheCROwilltalkaboutsafetyissues,includingcampaigninginlabs,attheAll-Candidates’Meeting.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionsI.POL.12.1.e.viiiandI.POL.12.1.e.xvi,below.Recommendedchangestoensurecandidatesarrangeinadvance,whereappropriate,toenterspacessuchasclassroomsandotherareasnotopentothegeneralpublic,andchangestodealwithissuesinpreviousyearswherecandidateshavegoneintoChemistrylabs,forexample,withoutpermission.
I.POL.11.8Candidatesmaynotuseresourcesforcampaigningthatarenotpubliclyaccessibletoallcandidate(s)andslates(s).Forexample,donotuseDepartmentalorSupervisorphotocopierstoprintcampaignmaterials.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionI.POL.12.1.e.x,belowandslightlyreworded.
I.POL.11.9CandidateswillnotusetheUniversityorGSAlogosonanyphysicalorelectroniccampaignmaterials.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionI.POL.12.1.e.xii,below.
I.POL.11.10Candidateswillnotacceptgiftsofmoney,giftsinkind,orequivalents(egcampaignpostersorafriendsandfamilydiscountforprinting)fromstudentgroupsorcolleagues.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionI.POL.12.1.e.xviii,below.
I.POL.11.11CandidatesareencouragedtoasktheCRO,beforeacting,iftheyhaveanyquestionsaboutparticularGSAElectionsBylaworPolicy(includingquestionsrelatedtothedevelopmentofcampaignmaterialsandtheplanningofcampaignevents),andtoreportanybreachesofGSAElectionsBylaworPolicytotheCRO.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionI.POL.12.1.e.xi,below.
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7.10
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
I.POL.11.12Candidatesareresponsibleforremovingallcampaignmaterialsaftervotinghasclosed.
MovedfromcurrentSectionI.POL.11.2,above.
I.POL.11.13CampaignSpendingLimit
Newsubsectiontoaddressspecificallycampaignspending.
I.POL.11.13.aIndividualcandidatesareauthorizedtospendnomorethan$150oncampaignmaterialoverthecourseoftheelection.Ifcandidatesarerunningaspartofaslate,thecostofjointcampaignmaterialswillnormallybedividedequallyamongstallofthecandidatesintheslate.Candidatesrunningaspartofaslateareabletodistributeindividualcampaignmaterials,solongascandidatesdonotexceedtheirtotalspendinglimitof$150percandidate.Inordertoencouragecandidatestothink,inadvance,aboutcampaignexpenditures,awritteninformalplanforcampaignexpenditureswillbesubmittedtotheCRObeforetheAll-Candidates’Meeting(eitherelectronicallyorinhardcopy).
IncorporateselementsofcurrentSectionI.POL.11.3,above.Statementrenon-reimbursementofcampaigncostsisnowSectionI.POL.11.13.dbelow.Recommendedchangetoencouragecandidatestothinkproactivelyaboutcampaignplansandcosts.
I.POL.11.13.bCandidateswillreporttotheCROallcampaign-relatedexpenses,andsubmitreceipts(eitherelectronicallyorinhardcopy)nolaterthantwo(2)hoursafterthecloseofthevotingperiod.
IncorporateselementsofcurrentSectionI.POL.11.4,above.Proposedchangetoensurereceiptsaresubmittedinatimelyfashionandclarificationthatcampaigningisallowedduringthevotingperiod.
I.POL.11.13.cExceedingthespendinglimitorfailuretoreportandsubmitcampaignexpensesandreceiptsconstitutegroundsfordisqualificationfromthecurrentelection.
MovedfromcurrentSectionI.POL.11.5,above.
I.POL.11.13.dCampaigncostsarenotreimbursed.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;partofcurrentSectionI.POL.11.3.a,above.Recommendincludingasaseparatestatement.
I.POL.12PrinciplesandRulesofConductforElections
ElementsthissectionmovedtoSectionI.POL.7,aboveandrecommendedremovalofthe“do”and“don’t”lists–seenextlineforrationale.
I.POL.12.1Preamble Recommendedremovalofthe“do”and“don’t”listsbecausetheydonotnecessarilycontainallrelevantregulationsandthuscanbeconfusing.Iflistsareremovedpreambleisunnecessary.
I.POL.12.1.aCandidateswillconductthemselvesinamannerthatupholdsthefundamentalprinciplesofunderlyingGSAelections–“thattheyaretobefair,respectthewishesofvoters,andconductedinamannerthatreflectstheexcellent,positivereputationoftheGSA”(GSABylaws,PartVII,Elections,GeneralPrinciple).
OtherelementsthissectionmovedtoSectionI.POL.7,above.RecommendeddeletionofthisasrepetitiveinthecontextoftheproposedSectionI.POL.7,above.
I.POL.12.1.bCandidateswillabidebyGSABylawsandPoliciesconcerningelections. MovedtoproposedSectionI.POL.7,above.
I.POL.12.1.cAsperGSAPolicy(OfficerPortfolios,ChiefReturningOfficer),“theChiefReturningOfficer(CRO),withadvicefromtheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(GSAERC),overseesGSA
OtherelementsthissectionmovedtoSectionI.POL.7,above.RecommendeddeletionofthisasrepetitiveinthecontextoftheproposedSectionI.POL.7,above.
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
Elections,By-Elections,andReferendaprocessesFurthermore,theCROisresponsibleformonitoringcandidateactivitiesandisauthorizedtodisciplinecandidatesforviolationsofGSAElectionsandReferendaBylawsandPoliciesasprovidedforintheGSAElectionsandReferendaBylawsandPolicies”(SectionD:GSAOfficers,GSAPolicy,GSAOfficerPortfolios,SectionD.POL.11.1.a).I.POL.12.1.dItistheresponsibilityofthecandidatestofamiliarizethemselveswiththeGSAElectionsBylawandPolicy.
MovedtoproposedSectionI.POL.7,below.
I.POL.12.1.eThefollowingareaseriesofprinciplesandrulesconcerningcandidateconductduringGeneralElectionsandBy-Elections.Theseexamplesarenon-exhaustiveandincludebutarenotlimitedtothefollowingprinciplesandrules:
Recommendedremovalofthe“do”and“don’t”listsbecausetheydonotnecessarilycontainallrelevantregulationsandthuscanbeconfusing.Iflistsareremovedthissectionisunnecessary.
I.POL.12.1.e.iDoensureallcampaignplans,materials,and/oradvertisementsconformwithallUniversityofAlbertapoliciesandregulationsandallmunicipal,provincial,andfederallaws.
MovedtoSectionI.POL.11.4.b,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.iiDorunacleancampaignandwhenrunninginaslate,encouragegoodbehaviourforallslatemembers.
RecommendedremovalasalreadycapturedinSectionsI.POL.7andI.POL.7,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.iiiDotreattheCRO,DRO,electedofficials,management,staff,andfellowcandidateswithrespect.
MovedtoproposedSectionI.POL.7,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.ivDorespecttheCROandDRO’stime.Theturnaroundforapprovingcampaignmaterialswillbeapproximatelyone(1)workingday.
MovedtoproposedSectionI.POL.11.6.b,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.vDoensureanyelectionvolunteersorcolleaguescomply,atalltimes,withtheGSAElectionsBylawsandPoliciesandotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws.
MovedtoproposedSectionI.POL.7,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.viDousemoderatedgraduatestudentmailingliststodistributeCROapprovedcampaignmaterials.
MovedtoproposedSectionI.POL.11.8,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.viiDoensureanyelectionplatformsalignwiththeGSA’smultiplerolesunderthePost-SecondaryLearningAct(PSLA).
RecommendedremovalascoveredbyproposedSectionI.POL.11.2.a(specificallycampaignmaterialcannotcontainmisinformation).
I.POL.12.1.e.viiiDogetpermissionfromProfessorsorInstructorstocampaigninanyclassrooms.
MovedtoSectionI.POL.11.9,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.ixDomonitoryourelectroniccampaignmaterials(egFacebookpages)foradhominemattacksfromothergraduatestudentsorindividualsagainstothercandidate(s)orslate(s).Ifyouencountersuchattacks,reportthemimmediatelytotheCRO.
RecommendedremovalascoveredbyproposedSectionsI.POL.11.2.aandI.POL.7,above.
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
I.POL.12.1.e.xDouseresourcesforcampaigningthatarepubliclyaccessibletoallcandidate(s)andslates(s).Forexample,donotuseDepartmentalorSupervisorphotocopierstoprintcampaignmaterials.
MovedtoSectionI.POL.11.10,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.xiDoasktheCRO,beforeacting,ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutparticularElectionsBylawsandPolicies.
MovedtoSectionI.POL.11.13,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.xiiDon’tusetheUniversityorGSAlogosonanyphysicalorelectroniccampaignmaterials.
MovedtoSectionI.POL.11.11,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.xiiiAsdenotedinSection5.7“Allformsofcampaigning(verbal,electronic,andvisual)shallnotcontainmisinformation,slander,inappropriate,discriminatorycontent,oradhominemattacksofindividualsorslates.”
RecommendedremovalascoveredinproposedSectionI.POL.11.2.a,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.xivDon’tuseanunmoderatedmailinglist.
MovedtoSectionI.POL.11.8above.
I.POL.12.1.e.xvDon’ttolerate,ask,orencouragecampaignvolunteersorfellowgraduatestudentstoviolateanyGSAElectionsBylawsandPolicies(egdistributingmaterialstounmoderatedmailinglistsonyourbehalf),orotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws.
RecommendedremovalascoveredinvariousportionsofSectionI.POL.11,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.xviDon’tcampaigninunsafespacesthatrequirepropersafetyequipmentsuchaslaboratories.
MovedtoSectionI.POL.11.9above.
I.POL.12.1.e.xviiDon’tplacecampaignmaterialsbehindlockeddoorsthatonlycertaincandidateshaveaccesstothroughakeyorswipecard.
Proposedremovalofthisrestriction,asitisdifficulttoenforce.
I.POL.12.1.e.xviiiDon’tacceptgiftsofmoney,giftsinkind,orequivalents(egcampaignpostersorafriendsandfamilydiscountforprinting)fromstudentgroupsorcolleagues.
MovedtoSectionI.POL.11.12,above.
I.POL.12.1.e.xixDon’tviolateanyotherGSABylawsorPolicyiesorotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws.
Recommendedremovalascoveredinvarioussectionsabove.
I.POL.13I.POL.12CRO’sDecisiononPenalties,RemedialAction,andReferrals
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.1I.POL.12.1TheCROwillnormallyreachadecisiononallegedbreacheswithinseventy-two(72)hours.Ifmoretimeisrequiredtoreachadecision,theCROwillconsultwiththeGSAERCregardingextensions.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2I.POL.12.2WhentheCRObecomesawareofanissueorbreachofGSAElectionsBylaworPolicy,orotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws,orathirdpartycomplainstotheCROaboutanallegedissue
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
orbreachofGSAElectionsBylaworPolicy,theCROwillconsult,wherereasonable,withtheDRO,availablemember(s)oftheGSAERC,andtheExecutiveDirector(ED)ordelegate,concerningdeadlinesandotherrelatedmatters(asnotedinSectionD:GSAOfficers,GSAPolicy,GSAOfficerPortfolios,ChiefReturningOfficerandDeputyReturningOfficer)andwill:I.POL.13.2.aI.POL.12.2.aDecidewhetherinformalresolutionshouldbeattemptedand,ifso,contactthecomplainantandcandidate(s)orslate(s).
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.bI.POL.12.2.bEmailanywrittencomplainttothecandidate(s)orslate(s),oremailthecandidate(s)orslate(s)thedetailsoftheissue/breachinwriting,andrequestawrittenresponse,settingadeadlineofatleasteight(8)hours.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.cI.POL.12.2.cUponreachingadecisiontheCROwillinformthecandidate(s)orslate(s)oftheirdecisiononpenalties,remedialactions,orreferrals,theirreasonsforthedecision,andwillstatewhetherthecandidate(s)orslate(s)cancontinuetocampaign.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.dI.POL.12.2.dTheCROmayimposethefollowingpenalties,remedialactions,ormakereferrals:
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.d.iI.POL.12.2.d.iVerbalorwrittenreprimands.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.d.iiI.POL.12.2.d.iiReductionofspendinglimits. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.d.iiiI.POL.12.2.d.iiiDisqualificationfromthecurrentelection. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.d.ivI.POL.12.2.d.ivAnyotherpenaltyorremedialaction. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.d.vI.POL.12.2.d.vAnyreferrals. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.eI.POL.12.2.eTheEDordelegatewillbecopiedontheemailsdescribedabove. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.fI.POL.12.2.fIfapersonprovidesinformationonananonymousbasis,thatinformationandtherequestforanonymitywillbeassessedonacase-by-casebasis.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.13.2.gI.POL.12.2.gTheCROwilladvisethecandidate(s)orslate(s)thattheyhavetwenty-four(24)hoursfromthetimetheCRO’semailisdeemeddelivered(seeSectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,SectionH.POL.7.3,foradefinitionof“DeemedDelivered”)foranemailedappealtobereceivedbytheChairoftheGSAACB,asdenotedinSectionH:
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,SectionH.POL.16.2.b.I.POL.13.3I.POL.12.3Ifadisqualifiedcandidateisamemberofaslate,theslatewillaltertheircampaignmaterialssothatthematerialsnolongerreferencethedisqualifiedcandidate.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.12.4AlldecisionsoftheCROwillbereportedtotheGSAERCassoonastheyarereached.Subjecttoprivacylegislation,theGSAERCandCROwilldecidewhetheradecisionshouldbepostedontheGSAwebsiteandwilltakeintoconsiderationthenatureandseverityoftheissuesofbreachandbalanceinrelationtopublicinterest.Posteddecisionsshouldinclude:I.POL.12.4.aAsummaryoftheallegedissueorbreach.I.POL.12.4.bAlistofpartiestotheallegedissueorbreach(unlessanonymitywasgranted,seeSectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.12.2.f,above).I.POL.12.4.cAsummaryofthereasonsforthedecisionandtheprocessbywhichitwasreached.I.POL.12.4.dAlistingofallapplicableGSABylawandPolicy.I.POL.12.4.eThedecideduponpenalties,remedialactions,and/orreferrals.I.POL.12.4.fThetimelimitfortheappeal.
GSAERCtodecideinconsultationwiththeCROwhethertopostdecisionsandrecommendedadditionwithrespecttotheelementsaformallyposteddecisionshouldcontain.
I.POL.13.4I.POL.12.5UnlessotherwisestatedinGSAElectionsBylaworPolicy,decisionsoftheCROaresubjecttoappealtotheGSAACB.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14I.POL.13Voting
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14.1I.POL.13.1“AllvotingintheGSAGeneralElectionandBy-Electionswillbedoneelectronically,exceptintheeventofafailureoftheelectronicsysteminuse”(SectionI:Elections,GSABylaw,Elections,SectionI.BYL.4.1).
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14.2I.POL.13.2TheCROwillcommunicatetograduatestudentsthemembersofeachslateandallindividualcandidates.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14.3I.POL.13.3Candidateswillbedisplayedinrandomalphabeticalorderonaper-ballotbasis.Theelectionsoftwaredeterminestherandomorderofcandidatesonaballot.
Placing“NoneoftheCandidates”inrandomordermeansthatsometimesitappearsinthemiddleofalistofcandidates.Renumbering.
I.POL.14.4I.POL.13.4“NoneoftheCandidates”willbedisplayedinrandomorderfollowingthelistofcandidatesonaper-ballotbasis.
Placing“NoneoftheCandidates”inrandomordermeansthatsometimesitappearsinthemiddleofalistofcandidates.
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
Renumbering.
I.POL.14.5I.POL.13.5Onballots,voterswillmarktheirchoiceofcandidate(s)foreachrace.Votersmayabstainbysigningintovotebutthennotvotinginaparticularrace.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14.6I.POL.13.6Ballotswillbecountedelectronicallyaccordingtothefollowingprocedures. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14.6.aI.POL.13.6.aThenumberofvotesforeachcandidatewillbecounted. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14.6.bI.POL.13.6.bThecandidate(s)withthehighestnumber(s)ofvoteswillbesuccessful,inaccordwiththenumberofpositionsavailable.Inacasewhere“NoneoftheCandidates”receivedmorevotesthansomeoftheothercandidates,onlycandidate(s)receivingmorevotesthan“NoneoftheCandidates”willbeconsideredsuccessful.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14.6.cI.POL.13.6.cIntheeventofatiedvote,theCROwilldrawanamefromahatinthepresenceoftwo(2)neutralwitnesses,andthenamedrawnfromahatwillbethecandidatethatiseliminated.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14.7I.POL.13.7Candidateswhoreceivefewervotesthan“NoneoftheCandidates”intheGSAGeneralElectioncannotrunforthesamepositioninanyrelatedsubsequentGSACouncilBy-Elections(SectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.17,below).
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.14.8I.POL.13.8Individualshavetwenty-four(24)hoursafterthereleaseofprovisionalresultstolodgeacomplaintwiththeCROaboutanallegedbreachofGSABylaworPolicy.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.15I.POL.14Results
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.15.1I.POL.14.1Uponcompletionoftheballotcount,theCROwillannounceprovisionalresults,ieresultsthataresubjecttoappealfortwenty-four(24)hoursfromthetimetheprovisionalresultsarereleasedandwhichmay,inaddition,beaffectedbecauseofearliercomplaintsnotyetresolved.ResultswillbemadeofficialonlywhentheGSA’sprocessofdealingwithallegedbreachesofGSAElectionsBylaworPolicyandanyappealswithinthatprocessareexhausted.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.15.2I.POL.14.2Inthecasewheretheelectronicvotingsystemfailsandpaperballotswereused,thepaperballotswillbedestroyedone(1)monthfollowingthereleaseoftheofficialresults.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.16I.POL.15Reporting
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.16.1I.POL.15.1TheCROwilldraftaproceduralreportfollowingeachGSAGeneralElectionorBy- Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
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CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/BackgroundElections
Election.Thisreportwilloutlinemajordecisions,processes,issues,andrecommendationsforthefollowingyear.ThisreportwillbeprovidedtothenextCROandDRO,andtheGSAERC,theGSABoard,andGSACouncil.
I.POL.17I.POL.16By-Elections
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.17.1I.POL.16.1IntheeventthataDEOpositionisnotfilledbytheendoftheGSAGeneralElection(ienocandidatesrunforapositionor“NoneoftheCandidates”iselected),orifapositionisvacatedatanytimepriortoDecember1(orthenextworkingday)aBy-Electionwilltakeplaceassoonaspossible.TheproceduresgoverningthisBy-Electionwillbethesameasthosegoverningregularelections,exceptthedatesofnominations,campaigning,andvotingperiodswillbedeterminedbytheCRO.
PartofcurrentlyexistingPolicy,movedfromcurrentSectionI.BYL.6.1.Renumbering.
I.POL.17.2I.POL.16.2IntheeventthattheDEOpositionisvacatedafterDecember1(orthenextworkingday)andbeforethenextGSAGeneralElection,theGSANoCwilldecideonproceduresandthenprovideoneormorenamestoGSACouncilforconsideration.GSACouncilwillelectanindividualtofillthepositiononaninterimbasis.IfthematterisdeemedurgentbytheCRO,GSACouncilcanholdthiselectionelectronically.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
I.POL.17.3I.POL.16.3IntheeventthatanyCALpositionsarenotfilledbytheendoftheGSAGeneralElection,oraCALpositionisvacatedpriortoDecember1(orthenextworkingday)GSACouncilwillberesponsibleforelectinganyremainingCALs.WhenelectinganyremainingCALs,theGSACouncilwillaimtoelectgraduatestudentsfromasbroadarangeofdisciplinesaspossible.TheGSANoCwilldecideonproceduresandthenprovideoneormorenamestoGSACouncilforconsideration,exceptthattheGSANoCmaynotwaiveadvertising.NotethatthelegislatedGSANoCprocessallowsforCouncillorstomakeadditionalnominations.Ifthematterisurgent,GSACouncilcanholdthiselectionelectronically.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
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ReferendaProposedChangestoGSABylaw,Referenda,andGSAPolicy,Referenda
CurrentBylaw(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
Referenda
J.BYL.1GeneralGuidingPrinciple
ToalignwithGSABylaw,Elections.
J.BYL.1.1ThefundamentalprincipleunderlyingGSAreferendaisthattheyaretobefair,respectthewishesofvoters,andconductedinamannerthatreflectstheexcellent,positivereputationoftheGSA.
Nochange.
J.BYL.2Initiation
Nochange.
J.BYL.2.1Areferendumonaclearlyworded‘Yes’or‘No’questionregardinganydedicated,on-goingfeeforaservice,facility,orlobbyingeffortcanbeinitiatedbytheGSABoard(GSAB)subjecttoasimplemajorityvoteatanymeetingofGSACouncil.NormallyareferendumwillbeheldinconjunctionwiththeGSAGeneralElection,unlessaquestionisdeterminedtobeofanurgentnaturebytheGSAB.[SeealsoGSABoardPolicy,Section15,Non-BindingConsultativeReferenda].
Nochange.
J.BYL.2.2TherequiredstepsforapersonactingonbehalfofanexternalorganizationoragraduatestudentwishingtoinitiateareferendumwillbeoutlinedinSectionJ:Referenda,GSAPolicy,Referenda.
Nochange.
J.BYL.2.3Notwithstandingtheprocessbywhichareferendumisinitiated,aclearlywordedreferendumquestionwillbedevelopedinconsultationwiththeChiefReturningOfficer(CRO),GSAB,andGSACouncil.GSACouncilwillapprovetheholdingofareferendumandthewordingofareferendumquestion.
Nochange.
3.BYL.3ReferendumTimeline
Nochange.
J.BYL.3.1ReferendaquestionswillbesubmittedtoGSACouncilforapprovalnolaterthanthefirstmailingfortheNovemberGSACouncilmeeting,unlessareferendumisdeterminedtobeurgentbytheGSABasdenotedinSectionJ:Referenda,GSABylaw,Referenda,SectionJ.BYL.2.1.
Nochange.
J.BYL.3.2Referendawillconsistofaregistrationperiod,acampaignperiod,andavotingperiod.
Nochange.
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J.BYL.3.3ThetimelineforreferendawillbesetoutinGSAPolicy. Nochange.
J.BYL.4Registrationsof‘Yes’or‘No’Campaigns RecommendedchangetomovecurrentSection5upandtoexpanditinordertoparallelGSABylaw,Elections.
J.BYL.4.1Therequirementsfortheregistrationformsofa‘Yes’or‘No’campaignwillbesetoutinGSAPolicy.
RecommendedchangetomovecurrentSection5upandtoexpanditinordertoparallelGSABylaw,Elections.
J.BYL.4.2Onlycurrentlyregisteredgraduatestudentscanregistera‘Yes’or‘No’campaignduringareferendum.
RecommendedchangetomovecurrentSection5upandtoexpanditinordertoparallelGSABylaw,Elections.
J.BYL.4.3CurrentDirectly-ElectedOfficersarenotrequiredtoregisteracampaigninareferendumandmaytakepositions.
AdditionofclarificationthatregistrationrequirementsdonotapplytoDEOs,whoareexpectedtotakepositionsbasedontheirfiduciarydutytorepresentgraduatestudents.
J.BYL.4J.BYL.5Voting
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.BYL.4.1J.BYL.5.1Allreferendavotingwillbedoneelectronically,exceptintheeventofafailureoftheelectronicsysteminuse.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.BYL.5Registrationofa‘Yes’or‘No’CampaignJ.BYL.6CampaignRestrictions CurrentSection5hasbeenmovedup(seeabove)andrecommendedadditionofasectionaddressingcampaignrestrictionstoparallelGSABylaw,Elections.
J.BYL.5.1Onlycurrentlyregisteredgraduatestudentscanregistera‘Yes’or‘No’Campaignduringareferendum.
CurrentSection5hasbeenmovedup(seeabove)andexpanded.
J.BYL.6.1TheCRO,DeputyReturningOfficer,Speaker,DeputySpeaker,membersoftheGSANominatingCommittee,membersoftheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,andmembersoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteewillremainneutralandnotcampaignfororendorseany‘Yes’or‘No’campaignwhatsoever.
ToparallelGSABylaw,Elections.
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined)
Rationale/Background
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Referenda
J.POL.6J.POL.7GeneralPrinciplesandRulesofConductforReferenda RecommendedchangetomoveupelementsofexistingSectionJ.POL.13andtoamendthesectiontitletoreflectthat.Renumbering.
J.POL.6J.POL.7.1“ThefundamentalprincipleunderlyingGSAreferendaisthattheyaretobefair,respectthewishesofvoters,andconductedinamannerthatreflectstheexcellent,positivereputationoftheGSA”(SectionJ:Referenda,GSABylaw,Referenda,SectionJ.BYL.1.1).
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.7.2CampaignRepresentativeswillabidebyGSABylawandPolicyconcerningreferenda,andanyotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws,andwillensurethatcampaignvolunteersdothesame.ItistheresponsibilityofcandidatestofamiliarizethemselveswithGSAReferendaBylawandPolicy.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy;movedfromcurrentSectionsJ.POL.13.1.b,J.POL.13.1.d(above),andI.POL.13.1.e.v(below).
J.POL.7.3CampaignRepresentativeswilltreattheCRO,DRO,GSAOfficers,management,staff,andfellowCampaignRepresentativeswithrespect.
CurrentlyexistingPolicy,movedfromcurrentSectionJ.POL.13.1.e.iii,below.
J.POL.8Definitions
Definitionshavebeenmovedtoaproposednewsection,whereastheywerepreviouslyscatteredthroughoutthePolicy.
J.POL.8.1“Referendumquestion”meansaclearlyworded‘Yes’or‘No’questionregardinganydedicated,on-goingfeeforaservice,facility,orlobbyingeffort.
Definitionshavebeenmovedtoaproposednewsection,whereastheywerepreviouslyscatteredthroughoutthePolicy.
J.POL.8.2“Asker”meansthepersonactingonbehalfofanexternalorganizationoragraduatestudentwhowishestoinitiateareferendum.
Definitionshavebeenmovedtoaproposednewsection,whereastheywerepreviouslyscatteredthroughoutthePolicy.
J.POL.8.3“CampaignRepresentative”meansagraduatestudentrunningeithera‘Yes’campaignora‘No’campaign.
Definitionshavebeenmovedtoaproposednewsection,whereastheywerepreviouslyscatteredthroughoutthePolicy.
J.POL.8.4“WorkingDay”meansadaytheGSAofficeisopen.
Definitionshavebeenmovedtoaproposednewsection,whereastheywerepreviouslyscatteredthroughoutthePolicy.
J.POL.7J.POL.9InitiatingaReferendum Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.7.1J.POL.9.1IfanAskerapersonactingonbehalfofanexternalorganizationoragraduatestudentwishestoinitiateareferendum,theywillcontacttheChiefReturningOfficer(CRO).
Definitionshavebeenmovedtoaproposednewsection,whereastheywerepreviouslyscatteredthroughoutthePolicy.
J.POL.7.2J.POL.9.2TheCROwillextendaninvitationtopresenttotheGSABoard(GSAB).The‘asker’Askermuststatehowtheirorganizationorproposedreferendumquestionrelatestothe
ReflectsnewproposeddefinitionssectionandstatementmovedtoaproposedSection9.3,below.
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GSAand/orgraduatestudents.The‘asker’AskerwillprovidetheGSABwithrelevantdocumentssuchasaconstitution,missionstatement,visionstatement,auditedfinancialstatements,etc.TheCROand‘asker’shallworktogethertodraftareferendumquestion,whichwillbesubjecttochangeafterinputfromGSABoardandGSACouncil;J.POL.7.2.aJ.POL.9.2.aAclearlywordedreferendumquestionwilladdressthefollowingcriteria(ifapplicable):descriptionofanydedicatedon-goingfee,amountoffee,howlongafeewillbecollected,effectivedate(whenafeewillstartbeingcollected),procedureforchangingafee,whetherthefeecanberescinded,andaccountabilityforthemoneycollected.Thecriteriaprovidedarenon-exhaustiveandadditionalcriteriamayberequiredtodraftaclearlywordedreferendumquestion.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.9.3TheCROandAskerwillworktogethertodraftareferendumquestion,whichwillbesubjecttochangeafterinputfromtheGSABandGSACouncil.
MovedfromrenumberedSection9.2(currentSection7.2)above.
J.POL.7.3J.POL.9.4FollowingthepresentationtotheGSABbythe‘asker’Asker,theGSABwilleitherdecidetoextendthe‘asker’AskeraninvitationtoGSACounciltomakeapresentation(normallyfifteen(15)minuteswithanextensionifGSACouncilsodesiresfollowedbyquestionsfromGSACouncil),or,iftheGSABdoesnotextendaninvitationtoGSACouncil,the‘asker’AskercanfindaCouncillortoplacethematterontheGSACouncilAgendaasdenotedintheStandingOrdersofGSACouncil.
Reflectsnewproposeddefinitionssectionandrenumbering.
J.POL.7.4J.POL.9.5IftheGSABhasinvitedthe‘asker’AskertopresentatGSACouncil,atthatpointtheCROandthe‘asker’Askerwillworktogethertofinalizethewordingofthequestion(subjecttochangeifGSACouncilhasconcernswiththewording)andthe‘asker’AskerthenpresentstoGSACouncil.
Reflectsnewproposeddefinitionssectionandrenumbering.
J.POL.7.5J.POL.9.6GSACouncilwillapproveornotapprovetheholdingofareferendumandthewordingofthequestion.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.7.6J.POL.9.7IfGSACouncilapprovestheholdingofareferendumandthewordingofthequestion,areferendumisthenheldinaccordancewithGSAReferendaBylawandPolicy.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.9.8TheCROwillprovideanelectronicdescriptionorbriefingofthebackground,purpose,andrelevantdetailsofanyGSACouncilapprovedreferendumquestionpriortoreferendumvoting.NormallythisdescriptionwillbepostedontheGSAwebsite.
MovedfromcurrentSectionJ.POL.12.11,below.
J.POL.8J.POL.10RegistrationForms Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
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J.POL.10.1RegistrationformswillbemadeavailabletograduatestudentsinhardcopyattheGSAoffice.ExceptionsmaybemadeatthediscretionoftheCRO.TheCROandDeputyReturningOfficer(DRO),inconsultationwiththeGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(GSAERC),willhavethediscretiontodeterminetheformandlayoutoftheregistrationforms.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.10.2Inordertoregisteracampaign,aminimumoffive(5)signaturesfromcurrentlyregisteredgraduatestudentsmustbeprovidedtotheCRObeforetheendoftheregistrationperiod,aswellasthenameandcontactinformationoftheCampaignRepresentative.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections(includingfrommovingtotentofivesignatories),andmovedfromthecurrentSectionJ.POL.10.1,below.
J.POL.10.3WrittenregistrationformswillbesubmittedtotheGSAofficetobereviewedandsignedbytheCROorDROinordertoverifybothcompletenessandthattheregistrationformhasbeensubmittedontime.TheoriginalwillbefiledintheGSAofficeandonecopyprovidedtotheCampaignRepresentative,normallyelectronically.Ifaregistrationformisincompleteorlate,theCROorDROwillnotaccepttheregistrationform.CampaignRepresentativescannotappealthisdecision.
ToparallelGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.8.1J.POL.10.4Thefollowingwillbeattachedtotheregistrationformfora‘Yes’or‘No’campaignforareferendum.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.8.1.aJ.POL.10.4.aPreamble Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.8.1.a.iJ.POL.10.4.a.iTheGSACouncilhasapprovedGeneralPrinciplesandRulesofConductgoverningReferenda.TheGSAhasReferendaBylawandPolicypostedinfullontheGSAwebsite.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.8.1.bDefinitions Movedtodefinitionssection.
J.POL.8.1.b.i“CRO”meansCROorDROoranypersonCouncildesignatesorelectsasActingCROorActingDRO.
Redundant–recommendremoval.
J.POL.8.1.b.ii“WorkingDay”meansadaytheGSAofficeisopen. Movedtodefinitionssection.
J.POL.8.1.cJ.POL.10.4.bGSAReferendaBylawandPolicyandAcknowledgementbyCampaignRepresentatives.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.8.1.c.iJ.POL.10.4.b.iTheGSACouncilhasapprovedBylawandPolicyrelatedtoReferenda. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
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Bysigningtheregistrationform,allCampaignRepresentativesacknowledgethattheyhavereadandagreetoabidebyGSAReferendaBylawandPolicy,whicharepostedinfullontheGSAwebsite.J.POL.8.1.c.iiJ.POL.10.4.b.iiBysigningtheregistrationform,CampaignRepresentativesALSOacknowledgethattheyhavereadandareawareofthetermsofanappealwithintheGSAofanydecisionsonissues/breachesofGSABylawandPolicy,includingthefactthattheCRO,inconsultationwiththeGSAERC,decidesonpenalties,remedialactions,andor/referralsforanyissues/breachesandthattheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(GSAACB)decidesonanyappeals.AnyconcernswithpotentialbiasonthepartoftheCRO,DRO,andmembersoftheGSAERCinmakingsuchdecisions,andmembersoftheGSAACBinmakingdecisionsonappealswillbefiledwithregistrationforms.
IncludeCRO,DRO,GSAERC,andGSAACBmembersinthefilingofbiasconsideringtheirroleinmakingdecisionsandhearingappeals;changestomakeparallelwithGSAPolicy,Elections.Renumbering.
J.POL.8.1.c.iiiJ.POL.10.4.b.iiiThecurrentCRO,DRO,membersoftheGSAERC,andmembersoftheGSAACBwillbeupdatedeachyearontheregistrationforms.
Seerationaleabove.Renumbering.
J.POL.8.1.c.ivJ.POL.10.4.b.ivAnychangestothesenameswillbeemailedtocandidateswhowillhavetwenty-four(24)hourstofileanyobjectionswiththeGSASpeaker.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.10.1.c.vThedeadlinetofileanyconcernsofbiasonthepartofmembersoftheGSAACBinshallbeupdatedeachyearontheregistrationforms.
CoveredinotherpartsoftherenumberedSection10.4.b.,above.
J.POL.9J.POL.11Timeline Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.9.1J.POL.11.1Exceptasspecifiedbelow,thetimelineforreferendumisatthediscretionoftheCRO,inconsultationwiththeGSAERC.
TheCROwillconsultwiththeGSAERCmembersonasmanyaspectsofareferendumaspossible,asstipulatedelsewhereincurrentlyexistingPolicy.Renumbering.
J.POL.9.2 J.POL.11.2“Referendawill consistofa registrationperiod,acampaignperiod,andavotingperiod”(SectionJ:Referenda,GSABylaw,Referenda,SectionJ.BYL.3.2).
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.9.3J.POL.11.3Theregistrationperiodwilllastatleastfourteen(14)calendardaysandonlya‘Yes’ora‘No’campaigncanberegistered.Theregistrationperiodwillendonaworkingday.Intheeventthatnoregistrationsarereceivedfromeithercampaign,thereferendumwillproceedregardless.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.Renumbering.
J.POL.9.4J.POL.11.4Withintwenty-four(24)hoursafterthecloseoftheregistrationperiod,the Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
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CROwillholdtheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentativesasdescribedinSectionJ:Referenda,GSAPolicy,Referenda,SectionJ.POL.12.J.POL.9.5J.POL.11.5Thecampaignperiodwilllastatleastseven(7)calendardaysandwillbeginnoearlierthanthedayfollowingtheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentatives.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.9.6J.POL.11.6Voting:shallbeginontheworkingdayfollowingthelastdayofthecampaignperiodandshalllastatleastforty-eight(48)hours.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.Renumbering.
J.POL.11.6.aCampaigningispermittedduringthevotingperiod.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.11.6.bTheCROwillensurethatthevotingperiodstartsonaworkingdayandlastsatleastforty-eight(48)hours.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.10RegistrationPeriod MovedtorevisedandrenumberedSection10,RegistrationForms,above,toparallelGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.10.1TheCROshallproviderequirementsforregisteringacampaignforeithersideofareferendumquestion(a‘Yes’campaignora‘No’campaign.Onlycurrentlyregisteredgraduatestudentscanregistera‘Yes’Campaignora‘No’Campaign.Inordertoregisteracampaign,thesignaturesoften(10)registeredgraduatestudentsmustbeprovidedtotheCRObeforetheendoftheregistrationperiod,aswellasallofthenamesandcontactinformationofthegraduatestudentsrunningthecampaign.
MovedtorevisedandrenumberedSection10,RegistrationForms,above,toparallelGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.11J.POL.12MeetingoftheCampaignRepresentativesofthe‘Yes’and/or‘No’Campaigns
Editorialandrenumbering
J.POL.11.1J.POL.12.1TheCROisresponsiblefororganizingameetingwithallCampaignRepresentativestoprovideanoverviewofGSAReferendaBylawandPolicy.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.11.2J.POL.12.2FailuretoattendtheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentativesbyaCampaignRepresentativeordelegatewithoutadequatepriornotificationtotheCROisgroundsfordisqualificationoftheircampaign.‘Adequatepriornotification’isdefinedasnoticecommunicatedelectronicallytotheCROatleastone(1)hourinadvanceofthemeeting.IfaCampaignRepresentativeordelegatemissesthismeetingduetounforeseenandexceptionalcircumstances,suchasalast-minuteemergency,anyconsequencesmaybewaivedatthediscretionoftheCRO,followingconsultationwiththeGSAERC.Thereisnoappealofthis
TheCROwillconsultwiththeGSAERCmembersonasmanyaspectsofareferendumaspossible,asstipulatedelsewhereincurrentlyexistingPolicy.Renumbering.
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decision.J.POL.11.3J.POL.12.3AtthemeetingdescribedinSectionJ:Referenda,GSAPolicy,Referenda,SectionJ.POL.12.1,above,theCROwillprovideCampaignRepresentativeswithinformationconcerningcampaigning,theGeneralPrinciplesandRulesofConductforReferendaandtheGSAACBPolicy.
Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.12J.POL.13Campaigning Nochangeexceptrenumbering.
J.POL.12.1Onlya‘Yes’andor‘No’campaigncanberegistered.
Removalofarepetition,seerenumberedSection11.3,above.
J.POL.12.2Intheeventthatnoregistrationsarereceivedforeithercampaignthereferendumshallproceedregardless.
Removalofarepetition,seerenumberedSection11.3,above.
J.POL.12.3Slatesarenon-existentforthepurposesofreferenda.
RecommendedremovalasunnecessarygiventhatslatesaredefinedinGSAPolicy,ElectionsandnotmentionedatanyotherpointinGSAPolicyonReferenda.
J.POL.13.1“Thecampaignperiodwilllastatleastseven(7)calendardaysandwillbeginnoearlierthanthedayfollowingtheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentatives”(SectionJ:Referenda,GSAPolicy,Referenda,SectionJ.POL.11.5).
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.12.4Campaignmembersareauthorizedtospendupto$150oncampaignmaterialoverthecourseofareferendum.Campaigncostsarenotreimbursed.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections
J.POL.12.5CampaignmembersshallreporttotheCROallcampaign-relatedexpenses,andsubmitreceiptsnolaterthanthecloseofthecampaignperiod.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.12.6ExceedingthespendinglimitinSectionJ.POL.12.4constitutesgroundsfordisqualificationforthecampaign.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.12.7J.POL.13.2Campaigningisdefinedasanyformofpromotionofa‘Yes’or‘No’campaign.Thisincludesallverbal,electronic,andvisualformsofcommunication.Allcampaignmaterials,includingbutnotlimitedtoposters,websites,e-mailstomoderatedgraduatestudentmailinglists,orotherprintedorelectronicmaterials(includingbutnotlimitedtoallformsofsocialmedia)shallbereviewedbytheCROpriortotheirdistribution.
ElementsofthelastpartofsectionhavebeenmovedbelowtoproposedSection13.4.
J.POL.12.8TheCROwillreviewcampaignmaterialstoensuretheydonotconflictwith SectionhasbeenmovedbelowtoproposedSection13.4.
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ReferendaBylawsandPolicyiesanddonotcontainanyfactuallyincorrectinformation(egregardingthereferendumproceduresortimeline).TheCROisnotresponsibleforreviewingtheeditorialcontentofcampaignmaterials(eggrammar,punctuation).
J.POL.12.9Allformsofcampaigning(verbal,electronic,andvisual)shallnotcontainmisinformation,slander,inappropriate,discriminatorycontent,oradhominemattacksofcampaignmember(s).
SectionhasbeenmovedbelowtoproposedSection13.2.a.
J.POL.12.10Campaignmembersshallnotuseunmoderatedmailinglistsforcampaigning,includingbutnotlimitedtodepartmentalmailinglists.
Recommendedremovalasnowcoveredinothersections.
J.POL.12.11TheCROshallprovideanelectronicdescriptionorbriefingofthebackground,purpose,andrelevantdetailsofanyGSACouncilapprovedreferendumquestionpriortoreferendumvoting.NormallythisdescriptionshallbepostedontheGSAwebsite.
MovedabovetoproposedSection9.8.
J.POL.12.12Afterthecampaignperiodhasclosed,campaignmembersmaydistributecommunicationsencouragingstudentstovoteonaReferendumquestion.Campaignmembersshallnotcampaignafterthecampaignperiodhasclosed.AsdenotedinSection7.7,“campaigningisdefinedasanyformofpromotionofa‘Yes’or‘No’campaign.”Allcampaignmaterials(includingbutnotlimitedtoposters,Facebookpages,websites,etc)shallberemovedbeforethecloseofthecampaignperiod.
Campaigningisallowedduringvoting.
J.POL.13.2.aNoformofcampaigning(verbal,electronic,andvisual)willcontainmisinformation,slander,inappropriate,discriminatorycontent,oradhominemattacksofindividuals.
ReorderedSection12.9,above–rewordedslightlytoprovidegreaterclarity.
J.POL.13.2.bCampaignRepresentativeswillensureallcampaignplans,materials,and/oradvertisementsconformwithallUniversityofAlbertapoliciesandregulationsandallmunicipal,provincial,andfederallaws.
MovedfromcurrentSection13.1.e.i,below.
J.POL.13.3CampaignmaterialsincludeboththosepostedorcirculatedonUniversityphysicalorelectronicproperty,includingbutnotlimitedtocommunicationssenttomailinglistsmoderatedbygraduatestudentgroupsanddepartmentalGSAs,andthosepostedorcirculatedonnon-Universityphysicalorelectronicproperty,includinganyelections-relatedmaterialssharedonpersonalsocialmediaaccountsorotheronlineplatforms.
ProposedsectionthatincorporateselementsofproposedSection13.2,above,andmakesadistinctionbetweenvariousformsofcampaignmaterialinformedbytheawarenessthatcampaigningoftenhappensspeedilyonsocialmediathatcannotnecessarilybedirectlyoverseenbytheCRO.
J.POL.13.4TheCROwillapprovecampaignmaterialspostedorcirculatedonUniversityphysicalorelectronicpropertypriortotheirdistribution.TheCROwillreviewsuchmaterialstoensuretheycomplywithSectionJ:Referenda,GSAPolicy,Referenda,SectionJ.POL.13.4.a,above,and
ProposedsectionthatincorporateselementsofcurrentSection12.8,andrewordedtomakeconsonantwithproposedSection13.3(ie,distinguishingbetweenvariousformsofcampaignmaterialsandtheassociatedapproval/oversightofsaidmaterials).
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anyrelevantGSABylawandPolicy.TheCROisnotresponsibleforreviewingtheeditorialcontentofsuchcampaignmaterials(eggrammar,punctuation).J.POL.13.4.aSuchcampaignmaterialspreparedinalanguageotherthanEnglishwillbeaccompaniedbyanEnglishtranslationwhensubmittedtotheCROforapproval.TheCROisnotresponsiblefortheaccuracyoftranslations.
ProposedsectiontoaddresscampaignmaterialsinlanguagesotherthanEnglishandtofacilitateCROapprovalofsaidmaterials.
J.POL.13.4.bTheturnaroundforapprovingcampaignmaterialswillbeapproximatelyone(1)workingday.
MovedfromcurrentSection13.1.e.iv,below.
J.POL.13.5TheCROwillbeprovidedaccesstocampaignmaterialspostedorcirculatedonnon-Universityphysicalorelectronicproperty,andreservestherighttopenalizecandidatesforanyviolationsassociatedwithSectionJ:Referenda,GSAPolicy,Referenda,SectionJ.POL.13.4.a,above,andanyrelevantGSABylawandPolicy.
ProposedsectionthatincorporateselementsofcurrentSection12.8,andrewordedtomakeconsonantwithproposedSection13.3(ie,distinguishingbetweenvariousformsofcampaignmaterialsandtheassociatedapproval/oversightofsaidmaterials).
J.POL.13.6CampaignRepresentativesmayutilizemailinglistsmoderatedbygraduatestudentgroupsanddepartmentalGSAstodistributeCROapprovedcampaignmaterials.CampaignRepresentativeswillnotutilizemailinglistsmoderatedbyUniversityemployeesandregularlyusedtodistributecommunicationfromtheUniversity.
MovedfromcurrentSections13.1.e.viand13.1.e.xiii,below.CandidatesmayusemailinglistsmoderatedbydepartmentalGSAsbutwillnotcontactUniversityadministratorstodistributecampaignmaterials.
J.POL.13.7CampaignRepresentativeswillgetpermission,whereappropriate,tocampaignininstructionalspaces,suchasclassrooms,lecturehalls,andofficespaces.CampaignRepresentativeswillnotcampaigninunsafespacesthatrequirepermissiontoaccessandpropersafetyequipment.TheCROwilltalkaboutsafetyissues,includingcampaigninginlabs,attheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentatives.
MovedfromcurrentSections13.1.e.viiand13.1.e.xv,below.Recommendedchangestoensurecandidatesarrangeinadvance,whereappropriate,toenterspacessuchasclassroomsandotherareasnotopentothegeneralpublic,andchangestodealwithissuesinpreviousyearswherecandidateshavegoneintoChemistrylabs,forexample,withoutpermission.
J.POL.13.8CampaignRepresentativesmaynotuseresourcesforcampaigningthatarenotpubliclyaccessibletoallCampaignRepresentatives.Forexample,donotuseDepartmentalorSupervisorphotocopierstoprintcampaignmaterials.
MovedfromcurrentSection13.1.e.ix,below,andslightlyreworded.
J.POL.13.9CampaignRepresentativeswillnotusetheUniversityorGSAlogosonanyphysicalorelectroniccampaignmaterials.
MovedfromcurrentSection13.1.e.xi,below.
J.POL.13.10CampaignRepresentativeswillnotacceptgiftsofmoney,giftsinkind,orequivalents(egcampaignpostersorafriendsandfamilydiscountforprinting)fromstudentgroupsorcolleagues.
MovedfromcurrentSection13.1.e.xvii,below.
J.POL.13.11CampaignRepresentativesareencouragedtoasktheCRO,beforeacting,ifthey MovedfromcurrentSection13.1.e.x,below.
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haveanyquestionsaboutparticularGSAReferendaBylaworPolicy(includingquestionsrelatedtothedevelopmentofcampaignmaterialsandtheplanningofcampaignevents),andtoreportanybreachesofGSAReferendaBylaworPolicytotheCRO.J.POL.13.12CampaignRepresentativesareresponsibleforremovingallcampaignmaterialsaftervotinghasclosed.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.13.13CampaignSpendingLimit ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.13.13.aCampaignRepresentativesareauthorizedtospendnomorethan$150oncampaignmaterialoverthecourseofareferendum.InordertoencourageCampaignRepresentativestothink,inadvance,aboutcampaignexpenditures,awritteninformalplanforcampaignexpenditureswillbesubmittedtotheCRObeforetheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentatives(eitherelectronicallyorinhardcopy).
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.13.13.bCampaignRepresentativeswillreporttotheCROallcampaign-relatedexpenses,andsubmitreceipts(eitherelectronicallyorinhardcopy)nolaterthantwo(2)hoursafterthecloseofthevotingperiod.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.13.13.cExceedingthespendinglimitorfailuretoreportandsubmitcampaignexpensesandreceiptsconstitutesgroundsfordisqualificationforthecampaign.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.13.13.dCampaigncostsarenotreimbursed.
AdditiontoparallelGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.13PrinciplesandRulesofConductforReferendaCampaigning
MovedtoSectionJ.POL.7,aboveandrecommendedremovalofthe“do”and“don’t”lists–seenextlineforrationale.
J.POL.13.1Preamble Recommendedremovalofthe“do”and“don’t”listsbecausetheydonotnecessarilycontainallrelevantregulationsandthuscanbeconfusing.Iflistsareremovedpreambleisunnecessary.
J.POL.13.1.aCampaignmemberswillconductthemselvesinamannerthatupholdsthefundamentalprinciplesofunderlyingGSAreferenda–“thattheyaretobefair,respectthewishesofvoters,andconductedinamannerthatreflectstheexcellent,positivereputationoftheGSA”(GSABylaws,PartVIII,Referenda,Section1.1).
OtherelementsthissectionmovedtoSectionJ.POL.7,above.RecommendeddeletionofthisasrepetitiveinthecontextoftheproposedSectionJ.POL.7,above.
J.POL.13.1.bCampaignmemberswillabidebyGSABylawsandPoliciesconcerningreferenda. MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.7,above.
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J.POL.13.1.cAsperGSAPolicy(OfficerPortfolios,ChiefReturningOfficer),“theCROisresponsiblefiradministrationofGSA[…]referendapursuanttotheGSAReferendaBylawsandPolicies.”Furthermore,“theCROisresponsibleformonitoringcandidateactivitiesandisauthorizedtodisciplinecandidatesforviolationsofGSA[…]ReferendaBylawsandPoliciesasprovidedforintheGSA[…]ReferendaBylawsandPolicies”.
MovedtoproposedSection14.1,below.
J.POL.13.1.dItistheresponsibilityofthecandidatestofamiliarizethemselveswiththeGSAReferendaBylawsandPolicies.
OtherelementsthissectionmovedtoSectionJ.POL.7,above.RecommendeddeletionofthisasrepetitiveinthecontextoftheproposedSectionJ.POL.7,above.
J.POL.13.1.eThefollowingareaseriesofprinciplesandrulesconcerningtheconductofthoseindividualsrunninga‘Yes’or‘No’duringaReferendum.Theseexamplesarenon-exhaustiveandincludebutarenotlimitedtothefollowingprinciplesandrules:
Recommendedremovalofthe“do”and“don’t”listsbecausetheydonotnecessarilycontainallrelevantregulationsandthuscanbeconfusing.Iflistsareremovedthissectionisunnecessary.
J.POL.13.1.e.iDoensureallcampaignplans,materials,and/oradvertisementsconformwithallUniversityofAlbertapoliciesandregulationsandallmunicipal,provincial,andlaws.
MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.13.2.b,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.iiDorunacleancampaign.
RecommendedremovalasalreadycapturedinproposedSectionJ.POL.7,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.iiiDotreattheCRO,DRO,electedofficials,management,staff,andfellowcampaignmemberswithrespect.
ElementsmovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.7,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.ivDorespecttheCROandDRO’stime.Theturnaroundforapprovingcampaignmaterialswillbeapproximatelyone(1)workingday.
MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.13.4.b,above.
J.POL.1.e.vDoensureanycampaignvolunteersorcolleaguescomply,atalltimes,withtheGSAElectionsBylawsandPoliciesandotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws.
MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.7,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.viDousemoderatedgraduatestudentmailingliststodistributeCROapprovedcampaignmaterials.
MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.13.6,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.viiDogetpermissionfromProfessorsorInstructorstocampaigninanyclassrooms.
MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.13.7,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.viiiDomonitoryourelectroniccampaignmaterials(egFacebookpages)foradhominemattacksfromothergraduatestudentsorindividualsagainstcampaignmembers.Ifyouencountersuchattacks,reportthemimmediatelytotheCRO.
RecommendedremovalascoveredbyproposedSectionsJ.POL.13.2.aandJ.POL.7,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.ixDouseresourcesforcampaigningthatarepubliclyaccessibletoallcampaign MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.13.8,above.
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members.Forexample,donotuseDepartmentalorSupervisorphotocopierstoprintcampaignmaterials.
J.POL.13.1.e.xDoasktheCRO,beforeacting,ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutparticularElectionsBylawsandPolicies.
MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.13.11,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.xiDon’tusetheUniversityorGSAlogosonanyphysicalorelectroniccampaignmaterials.
MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.13.9,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.xiiAsdenotedinSection7.9“Allformsofcampaigning(verbal,electronic,andvisual)shallnotcontainmisinformation,slander,inappropriate,discriminatorycontent,oradhominemattacksofcampaignmember(s).”
RecommendedremovalascoveredinproposedSectionJ.POL.13.2.a,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.xiiiDon’tuseanunmoderatedmailinglist.
MovedtoSectionproposedJ.POL.13.6above.
J.POL.13.1.e.xivDon’ttolerate,ask,orencouragecampaignvolunteersorfellowgraduatestudentstoviolateanyGSAElectionsBylawsandPolicies(egdistributingmaterialstounmoderatedmailinglistsonyourbehalf),orotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws.
RecommendedremovalascoveredinvariousportionsofproposedSectionJ.POL.7,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.xvDon’tcampaigninunsafespacesthatrequirepropersafetyequipmentsuchaslaboratories.
MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.13.7above.
J.POL.13.1.e.xviDon’tplacecampaignmaterialsbehindlockeddoorsthatonlycertaincampaignmembershaveaccesstothroughakeyorswipecard.
Proposedremovalofthisrestriction,asitisdifficulttoenforce.
J.POL.13.1.e.xviiDon’tacceptgiftsofmoney,giftsinkind,orequivalents(egcampaignpostersorafriendsandfamilydiscountforprinting)fromstudentgroupsorcolleagues.
MovedtoproposedSectionJ.POL.13.10,above.
J.POL.13.1.e.xviiiDon’tviolateanyotherGSABylawsorPolicyiesorotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws.
Recommendedremovalascoveredinvarioussectionsabove.
J.POL.14CRO’sDecisiononPenalties,RemedialAction,andReferrals Nochange.
J.POL.14.1TheCROwillnormallyreachadecisiononallegedbreacheswithinseventy-two(72)hours.Ifmoretimeisrequiredtoreachadecision,theCROwillconsultwiththeGSAERCregardingextensions.
Nochange.
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J.POL.14.2WhentheCRObecomesawareofanissueorbreachofGSAReferendaBylaworPolicy,orotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws,orathirdpartycomplainstotheCROaboutanallegedissueorbreachofGSAReferendaBylaworPolicy,theCROwillconsult,wherereasonable,withtheDRO,availablemember(s)oftheGSAERC,andtheExecutiveDirector(ED)ordelegate,concerningdeadlinesandotherrelatedmatters(asnotedinSectionD:GSAOfficers,GSAPolicy,GSAOfficerPortfolios,ChiefReturningOfficerandDeputyReturningOfficer)andwill:
Nochange.
J.POL.14.2.aDecidewhetherinformalresolutionshouldbeattemptedand,ifso,contactthecomplainantandCampaignRepresentative.
Nochange.
J.POL.14.2.bEmailanywrittencomplainttotheCampaignRepresentative,oremailtheCampaignRepresentativethedetailsoftheissue/breachinwriting,andrequestawrittenresponse,settingadeadlineofatleasteight(8)hours.
Nochange.
J.POL.14.2.cUponreachingadecisiontheCROwillinformtheCampaignRepresentativeoftheirdecisiononpenalties,remedialactions,orreferrals,theirreasonsforthedecision,andwillstatewhetherthecampaigncancontinue
Nochange.
J.POL.14.2.dTheCROmayimposethefollowingpenalties,remedialactions,ormakereferrals:
Nochange.
J.POL.14.2.d.iVerbalorwrittenreprimands.
Nochange.
J.POL14.2.d.iiReductionofspendinglimits.
Nochange.
J.POL14.2.d.iiiDisqualificationofthecampaignfromthecurrentreferendum.
Nochange.
J.POL14.2.d.ivAnyotherpenaltyorremedialaction.
Nochange.
J.POL14.2.d.vAnyreferrals. Nochange.
J.POL14.2.eTheEDordelegatewillbecopiedontheemailsdescribedabove. Nochange.
J.POL14.2.fIfapersonprovidesinformationonananonymousbasis,thatinformationandtherequestforanonymitywillbeassessedonacase-by-casebasis.
Nochange.
J.POL14.2.gTheCROwilladvisetheCampaignRepresentativethattheyhavetwenty-four(24)hoursfromthetimetheCRO’semailisdeemeddelivered(seeSectionH:Performance,Conduct,
Nochange.
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Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,SectionH.POL.7.3,foradefinitionof“DeemedDelivered”)foranemailedappealtobereceivedbytheChairoftheGSAACB,asdenotedinSectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,SectionH.POL.16.2.b.J.POL.14.3AlldecisionsoftheCROwillbereportedtotheGSAERCassoonastheyarereached.Subjecttoprivacylegislation,theGSAERCandCROwilldecidewhetheradecisionshouldbepostedontheGSAwebsiteandwilltakeintoconsiderationthenatureandseverityoftheissuesofbreachandbalanceinrelationtopublicinterest.Posteddecisionsshouldinclude:J.POL.14.3.aAsummaryoftheallegedissueorbreach.J.POL.14.3.bAlistofpartiestotheallegedissueorbreach(unlessanonymitywasgranted,seeSectionJ:Referenda,GSAPolicy,Referenda,SectionJ.POL.14.2.f,above).J.POL.14.3.cAsummaryofthereasonsforthedecisionandtheprocessbywhichitwasreached.J.POL.14.3.dAlistingofallapplicableGSABylawandPolicy.J.POL.14.3.eThedecideduponpenalties,remedialactions,and/orreferrals.J.POL.14.3.fThetimelimitfortheappeal.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.GSAERCtodecideinconsultationwiththeCROwhethertopostdecisionsandrecommendedadditionwithrespecttotheelementsaformallyposteddecisionshouldcontain.
J.POL.14.4UnlessotherwisestatedinGSAReferendaBylawandPolicy,decisionsoftheCROaresubjecttoappealtotheGSAACB.
Nochange.
J.POL.15Voting
Nochange.
J.POL.15.1“Allreferendavotingwillbedoneelectronically,exceptintheeventofafailureoftheelectronicsysteminuse”(SectionJ:Referenda,GSABylaw,Referenda,SectionJ.BYL.4.1J.BYL.5.1).
Renumbering.
J.POL.15.2Intheeventofatievote,GSACouncilwilldecidewhethertore-runareferendum.
ToparallelGSAPolicyonElections,recommendedinsertionconcerningatievote.
J.POL.15.2Allreferendaquestionsmustbeonaclearlyworded‘Yes’or‘No’questionasdenotedinGSABylaws,PartVIII,Referenda,Section2.1.
Doesnotrelatetovotingandalreadynoted.
J.POL.16Results
Nochange.
J.POL.16.1Uponcompletionoftheballotcount,theCROwilldistributetheofficialresultsassoonaspossibleannouncetheprovisionalresults,ieresultsthataresubjecttoappealfor
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
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twenty-four(24)hoursfromthetimetheprovisionalresultsarereleasedandwhichmay,inaddition,beaffectedbecauseofearliercomplaintsnotyetresolved.ResultswillbemadeofficialonlywhentheGSA’sprocessofdealingwithallegedbreachesofGSAReferendaBylawandPolicyandanyappealswithinthatprocessareexhausted.
J.POL.16.2Inthecasewheretheelectronicvotingsystemfailsandpaperballotswereused,thepaperballotswillbedestroyedone(1)monthfollowingthereleaseoftheofficialresults.
ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.
J.POL.17Reporting
Nochange.
J.POL.17.1TheCROwilldraftaproceduralreportfollowingeachreferendum.Thisreportwilloutlinemajordecisions,asummaryofdiscussionsandconsultationswiththeGSAERC,processes,issues,andrecommendationsforanyfuturereferendum.ThisreportwillbeprovidedtothenextCROandDRO,theGSAERC,theGSAB,andGSACouncil.
Nochange.
8.0
To: GSACouncilFrom: SarahFickoDate: November10,2016DearCouncilColleagues
IwritetoyouastheChairoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)andacurrentmemberoftheGSANominatingCommittee(GSANoC)tointroducetheattachedproposalregardingchangestothecompositionoftheGSANoC.
Thismatter,specificallytheremovalofmyselfandtheGSAExecutiveDirector(ED)asvotingmembersofthecommittee,wasdiscussedbytheGSANoCoverthesummerof2016andbelowIofferexcerptsfromtwolettersaddressingthismatter–thefirstfromtheformerGSAED,EllenSchoeck,andthesecondfromtheformerAdministrativeChair(andcurrentvotingmember)oftheGSANoC,MicheleDuVal.
Followingthepreparationofthisproposalinresponsetothetwolettersquotedbelow,itwascirculatedtomembersoftheGSANoConOctober18,2016forfeedback,recommendedtoGSACouncilbytheGSAGConOctober31,2016,andpresentedtotheGSABoardforinformationandonwardtransmissiontoGSACouncilonNovember9,2016.ShouldGSACouncilvotetoapprovethisrecommendedchangetoGSAPolicyontheGSANoC,thetwovacanciescreatedbyremovingthePresidentandEDasvotingmemberswillbeadvertised.
ExcerptFromFormerEDEllenSchoeck’sLetter:
“IamwritingtosignaltoCouncilthattherewillbeaproposalcomingtoCouncilinthefallthattheExecutiveDirector(ED)andPresidentswitchfromvotingmembersoftheGSANoCtonon-votingmembers.
WhenIcametotheGSAin2010wedidnothaveaNominatingCommitteeand,asonefacultycolleaguetoldme,“theGSAvoiceisnotatthetable.”ThenPresidentRoyCoulthardandIdecidedtoproposeaNominatingCommitteetoCouncilwithamandatetomakethebestmatchbetweengraduatestudentsandvariouscommittees.Wedecidedweshouldproposethatwebothbevotingmembersbecauseweweregettingmultiplecallsweeklyforgraduatestudentstoserveoncommitteeswith(normally)oneday’snoticetofindastudent.Wehadestablishedabankofnameswithresumesandbiosonfile,andthetwoofuswouldwaiveadvertisingwhenthetimelinewassotight.Inaddition,theGSAwasinrockyshapeandRoywantedtobeabletoparticipateactivelyattheoutset.
TimeshavechangedandtheGSANoCisworkingwelland,mostoften,wearegettingadequatenoticetofillvacancies.
Aproposalwillbeforthcomingwiththefollowingfeatures;
• AddtwograduatestudentstotheGSANoCtoreplacethePresidentandEDasvotingmembers.ThecompositionwouldbethreeCouncillorsoralternatesandtwograduatewhomay/maynotbeCouncillorsoralternates.ToserveontheGSABoard,aswell,nomineeswouldhavetobeCouncillorsoralternates.
• PresidentandEDwouldbecomenon-votingmembers.• TheChairwouldreplacetheAdministrativeChairandwouldbeelectedbytheGSANoCitself.”
ExcerptFromFormerGSANoCAdministrativeChairMicheleDuVal’sLetter:
“ChangethepositionsoftheGSAPresidentandGSAExecutiveDirectorfromvotingmemberstonon-voting,advisorymembers.
8.1
a. Rationaletoremovevotingpowers:ThePresidentservesonnumerousUniversitybodiesandasaGSAelectedofficial,thePresident’spositionisaninherentlypoliticalone.ThusthereisasignificantpossibilityofbiasorperceivedbiaswhenvotingtofillgraduatestudentseatsonUniversitybodiesandtofillvacancieswithintheGSAStandingCommittees.TheEDisanemployeeoftheGSA,andassuchtheremayalsobeaconflictofinterest.[NOTEFROMGSAMANAGEMENT:Becauseofthereasoningdevelopedabove,thePresidentandEDhave,inthepast,onlyvotedininstancesinwhichatieneedstobebrokenandhaveabstainedfromvotinginallotherinstances–seealsopoint“a”underthenextheading].ItismoreappropriateforGSAmembers(iegraduatestudents)todecidewhorepresentsgraduatestudentsonvariousbodies.ThehistoryoftheGSANoCandfurtherrationaleonthechangeintheED’sroleontheGSANoCmaybefoundinaletterwrittenbyEllenSchoeck[seeabove].
b. Rationalefornon-votingadvisoryroles:ThePresidentandEDhavethefull-timerolesofengagingtheUniversityCentralAdministration,theprovincialgovernment,otherGSAsacrossthecountry,andtheUofAgraduatestudentbodyasawholeonmanybroadissues.Throughthiswork,thesetwomembershaveinstitutionalknowledgeandcontextsthatarevaluablefortheGSANoC,whichothermembersotherwisewouldnothaveaccessto.Thusasnon-votingadvisorymembers,thePresidentandtheEDcanprovidecontextthatassistsGSANoCmemberstosearchforandidentifythemostappropriatenominees.
Maintainthetotalnumberofvotingmembersatfive(5),byaddingtwopositionsforgraduatestudentmembers.
a. Rationale:IfthevotingpowersofthePresidentandEDwereremoved,thenumberofvotingmemberswouldbereducedtothree.Inpractice,thePresidentandEDhaveabstainedfromvoting,orinthecaseoftheED,haveexpressedthattheyfeelitisinappropriatefortheirstobethedecidingvoteintheeventofatie.Functionally,thesesituationsthenbecameavoteamongthreemembers,anumberthat,intheopinionofcurrentandformerGSANoCmembersshouldbeincreased.Addingtwopositionsforgraduatestudentswouldbringthecurrentcompositiontofive(5)votingmemberswhoaregraduatestudents,withthePresidentandEDasnon-votingadvisorymembers.ItistheopinionoftheGSANoCthatfive(5)votingmemberswouldbeabletofunctionbettershouldamemberbeunabletovote,andwouldstillbeanappropriatenumbertocontinueconductingGSANoCbusinessoveremailinatimelymanner.
b. Currentlythree(3)GSACouncillorsarevotingmembersontheGSANoC.ToincreasethediversityofvoicesontheGSANoC,itistheopinionoftheformerGSANoCAdministrativeChair(MicheleDuVal)thatthesetwonewpositionsbefilledbygraduatestudentswhomayormaynotbemembersofGSACouncil(ievacancieswillbeadvertisedtoallgraduatestudents).”
Asalways,IamhappytoansweranyquestionsyouhaveandlookforwardtodiscussingthisatthenextGSACouncilmeeting.Sincerely,
SarahFickoGSAPresidentandChairoftheGSAGovernanceCommitteeccGSANoCmembersFormerGSAED(andcurrentDirector-at-Large),EllenSchoeck
8.2
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OutlineofIssue(GSA Council)
ProposedChangestoGSAPolicyontheCompositionoftheGSANominatingCommitteeSuggestedMotionfortheGSACouncil:
ThattheGSACouncil,ontherecommendationofGSAGovernanceCommittee,APPROVEtheproposedchangestoGSAPolicyonthecompositionoftheGSANominatingCommittee,asshownintheattacheddoublecolumndocumentandeffectiveimmediately.
NOTE1:TheproposedchangesapplytoSectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSANominatingCommitteeNOTE2:SubstantivechangesthatGSACouncilisaskedtoconsiderarehighlightedinyellowBackground:TheattachedproposalregardingchangestothecompositionoftheGSANominatingCommittee(GSANoC)wasproposedbytheformerAdministrativeChairoftheGSANoC,MicheleDuVal,andtheformerExecutiveDirector(ED),EllenSchoeck.Thismatter,specificallytheremovaloftheGSAPresidentandtheGSAEDasvotingmembersofthecommittee,wasdiscussedandendorsedbytheGSANoCattheirmeetingonOctober18,2016.TheGSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)voted,atameetingonOctober31,2016,torecommendtheproposedchangestoGSACouncil.TheGSAGCalsoapprovededitorialchangestoGSAPolicyontheGSANominatingCommitteeatthesamemeeting.Pleaseseetheattacheddraftcoverletterforadditionalinformation.Jurisdiction:SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.3.2.a“TheGSABisthesenioradministrativeauthorityoftheGSAasdelegatedtoitbyGSACouncil.”SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.4.2.a.iTheGCwill“adviseGSACouncilontheGSABylaws,mattersofpolicynotinthepurviewofanyotherStandingCommittee,orothergoverningissuesandprovideareportonrecommendedchangesatthenextscheduledGSACouncilmeeting.”SectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.4.2.a.iiTheGSAGCwill“makeanyroutineoreditorialchangestothegovernancedocumentsasdeemednecessarybytheCommittee.”
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8.3
GSANominatingCommittee
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/Background SectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSANominatingCommittee Nochange.
E.POL.7Composition Nochange.
E.POL.7.1ThePresident,ordesignate,willchairtheGSANominatingCommittee(GSANoC). ProposedchangetostandardizethestructureofGSAPolicyonStandingCommittees(long-term
goaltorestructureallsectionsonGSAStandingCommitteestoinclude“Composition,”then“Eligibility,”then“Mandate,”then“Meetings,”andforthechairsofeachcommitteetobelistedattheendofthe“Composition”section).RemovalofthePresidentasavotingmemberontherecommendationoftheformerGSAED,theformerGSANoCAdministrativeChair,thePresident,andotherGSANoCmembers(seebelowandattachedcoverlettertoGSACouncil).RemovaloftheEDasavotingmemberontherecommendationofGSANoCmembers;thePresidentandEDretainedasnon-votingmembers.
E.POL.7.2E.POL.7.1GSACouncilmayelectuptothree(3)Three(3)votingmembers,includingalternates,ofGSACouncilelectedbyGSACounciltotheGSANoC,normallyincludingthethree(3)membersappointedbyGSACounciltotheGSABGSABoardandtwo(2)additionalmembersoftheGSAvotinggraduatestudentmemberselectedbyGSACouncilasvotingmembers.
ProposedchangetostandardizelanguagethroughoutGSAPolicyonStandingCommittees(seeabove)andreplacethePresidentandEDasvotingmemberswithmembersofGSACouncil.Renumbering.
E.POL.7.3TheGSAPresidentwillappointanAdministrativeChairfromamongstthethree(3)memberselectedbyGSACouncil,ormayputforwardanadditionalgraduatestudenttoGSACouncilforelectionasAdministrativeChair.E.POL.7.2Twomembers(2)fromamongstthefive(5)votingmembersoftheGSANoCwillbeelectedbytheGSANoCtoserveasChairandVice-ChairforthedurationoftheirtimeontheGSANoCoruntiltheyresigntheirpositionsasChairandVice-Chair.ThepersonselectedwillbereportedtoGSACouncil.
AnAdministrativeChairisnolongerneededifthePresidentnolongerchairstheGSANoC(asthissetofchangesproposes);rather,provisionismadefortheelectionofaChairandVice-Chair.IFAPPROVED,ALLOFGSABYLAWANDPOLICYWILLBECHECKEDFORREFERENCESTOTHE“ADMINISTRATIVECHAIR”ANDAMENDEDTO“CHAIR;”LIKEWISE,THESECTIONOFGSAADDRESSINGTHEPRESIDENT’SPORTFOLIOWILLBEAMENDED.
E.POL.7.4E.POL.7.3ThePresidentandtheExecutiveDirectorordesignatewillbeamemberoftheGSANoC,asnon-votingmembers.
Seeabove.Renumbering.
E.POL.8Eligibility Nochange.
E.POL.8.1AllmembersoftheGSACouncilareeligibletoserveontheGSANoCunlesstheyintendtorunintheGSAGeneralElectionorBy-Election,intendtosupportapositioninanupcomingreferendum,ortheyhaveruninthepreviousGSAGeneralElectionorBy-Electionorsupportedapositioninthelastreferendum.IfstandingforelectiontotheGSANoC,GSANoCcandidates
MembersoftheGSANoCwillnotexclusivelybemembersoftheGSACouncil,seeE.POL.7.1above.
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8.4
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/Background agreenottocampaignfororendorseanyindividualrunningintheGSAGeneralElectionorBy-Election,andnottocampaignfororendorseanyreferendumcampaign.E.POL.8.2IfaGSANoCmemberintendstoruninaGSAGeneralElectionorBy-Election,campaigninanupcomingreferendum,campaignfororendorseanyindividualrunningintheGSAGeneralElectionorBy-Election,orendorseanyreferendumcampaigntheyshallresignfromtheGSANoC.
Nochange.
E.POL.9Mandate Nochange.
E.POL.9.1TheGSANoCisresponsiblefortheselectionandreplenishmentofgraduatestudentrepresentativestocouncils,committees,andbodiesrequiringsuchrepresentationotherthanexofficiorepresentationbythePresidentandVice-Presidents(VPs).
Nochange.
E.POL.9.2TheGSANoCleadsanannualinitiativeeachOctobercalledtheEarlyCallforTalentandTraining.Duringthis“EarlyCall”anygraduatestudentinterestedinrunningforelectedofficeisinvitedtoaget-to-knowdinnerandisencouragedtoparticipateinaseriesoftrainingsessionsonsuchtopicsasUniversitygovernance,GSA101,budgetandauditbasics,collectivebargaining,majorGSAservices,andmore.InformationisprovidedaboutthePresident’sandVPs’portfoliosandthetimecommitmentsinvolved.ThesesessionsprovideabasicsetofinformationthattheGSAseesasessentialfortheeffectiveleadershipofitscorporationandforthecarryingoutofitsfiduciaryduties.
Nochange.
E.POL.9.3Inthecaseofaresignationorothervacancy(asdeterminedbytheGSAERC)intheChiefReturningOfficer(CRO)orDeputyReturningOfficer(DRO)positionsduringanyGSAElection,By-Election,Referendum,oranyotherassociatedelectionorreferendamatter,theGSANoCmaytakenecessaryactiontofillthevacancy,includingdirectappointments,orappointmentsofformerCROs,toensureanActingorInterimCROand/orDROisappointed.
Nochange.
E.POL.9.4ThebusinessoftheGSANoCwillbeconductedaccordingtotheGSANominatingPolicy.
Nochange.
E.POL.10Meetings Nochange.
E.POL.10.1NotwithstandingSectionF:GSAStandingCommittees,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,SectionF.POL.2.1,“Unlessotherwisespecified,quorumofGSAStandingCommitteeswillbefour(4)membersofthatcommittee”,qQuorumforanin-personmeetingisoftheGSANoCistheChair(orAdministrativeChair)andtwo(2)additionalthree(3)membersincludingeithertheChairorVice-Chair.
ProposedchangetostandardizelanguagethroughoutGSAPolicyonStandingCommittees(seeabove)andremovalofreferencetotheAdministrativeChair.
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8.5
CurrentPolicy(deletionsnotedbyastrikethrough)andProposedChanges(additionsunderlined) Rationale/Background E.POL.10.1.aUnderurgentcircumstances,intheabsenceoftwo(2)members(egbymeansofillness,fieldtrips,etc),quorumwillbetheChair(orAdministrativeChair)andone(1)othermemberistwo(2)membersincludingeithertheChairorVice-Chair.
ProposedchangetostandardizelanguagethroughoutGSAPolicyonStandingCommittees(seeabove)andremovalofreferencetotheAdministrativeChair.
E.POL.10.2NotwithstandingSectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSANominatingCommittee,SectionsE.POL.10.1andE.POL.10.1a,anytwo(2)membersoftheGSANoCmayagreeonacandidatetofillavacantpositionforwhichtheGSA’srulesandregulationsareotherwisesilent.
Nochange.
E.POL.10.3MostbusinessoftheGSANoCwillnormallybeconductedviaphoneore-mail.
Nochange.
9.0
MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item9-NomineeforGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee.docx
GSANOMINATINGCOMMITTEE(GSANoC)GSAELECTIONSANDREFERENDACOMMITTEE(GSAERC)(2POSITIONS):1NOMINEE
SuggestedMotionforGSACouncil:
ThatGSACouncilDECLAREELECTEDtotheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteethegraduatestudentbelow:
RunzhiXu(ChemicalandMaterialsEngineering)
NOTE:ThebioandresumeforthisgraduatestudentwascirculatedtoGSACouncilwiththecallforadditionalnominationsonNovember10,2016.
GSAMembersStayingtheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee:LeighSpanner(PoliticalScience),SarahPrescott(ResourceEconomicsandEnvironmentalSociology),JenniferBertrand(PhysicalEducationandRecreation),KurtisBroda(MechanicalEngineering),CarolynGibson(RenewableResources),AhmedNajar(RenewableResources)
GSACouncilMembersLeavingontheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee:AxelPerezTrujillo(ModernLanguagesandCulturalStudies) Background:IntheOctober28,2016GSANewsletter,theGSANominatingCommitteeadvertisedfortwo(2)vacantpositionsontheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(GSAERC).ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasNovember7,2016andone(1)nominationwasreceived.AcallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonNovember10,2016.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasNovember16,2016at12:00PMandnoadditionalnominationswerereceived.TheremainingvacancywillbeadvertisedagaininJanuary.ThemandateoftheGSAERC(asperGSABylawandPolicy,SectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee)includes:consultingwiththeChiefReturningOfficer(CRO)onallmatterspertainingtoGSAElections,By-Elections,andReferenda;meetingatleastonemonthpriortotheopeningofnominationsfortheGSAGeneralElectiontoassisttheCROintheplanningofelectionevents;andreviewingGSAElectionsandReferendaBylawsandPoliciesannuallyandmakinganyrecommendationsforchangetoGSACouncil.
Jurisdiction:GSABylawandGSAPolicy,SectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,StandingCommittees,GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee,SectionI.POL.18.2.c.ThecompositionoftheGSAERCis“atotalofeight(8)graduatestudentmembers,includingatleastone(1)Councillor,electedbyGSACouncil.”
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GSANOMINATINGCOMMITTEE(GSANoC)GSAAWARDSSELECTIONCOMMITTEE(GSAASC)(5POSITIONS):4NOMINEES
SuggestedMotionforGSACouncil:
ThatGSACouncilDECLAREELECTEDtotheGSAAwardsSelectionCommitteethegraduatestudentsbelow:
HoneyBhatia(CivilEngineering)AlixClarke(DentalHygiene)BahadorRashidi(ElectricalandComputerEngineering)MostafaTawfeek(CivilEngineering)
NOTE:ThebiosandresumesforthesegraduatestudentswerecirculatedtoGSACouncilwiththecallforadditionalnominationsonNovember10,2016.
GSACouncilMembersStayingtheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee:GrantNorman(Neuroscience),KristaMcFadyen(EducationalPolicyStudies/Law),MargotChallborn(PoliticalScience),NafisaAbdulhamid(PoliticalScience),RebeccaHorne(HumanEcology)
GSACouncilMembersLeavingontheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee:AfshanAmjad(ElementaryEducation) Background:IntheOctober28,2016GSANewsletter,theGSANominatingCommitteeadvertisedforfive(5)vacantpositionsontheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee(GSAASC).ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasNovember7,2016andfour(4)nominationswerereceived.AcallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonNovember10,2016.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasNovember16,2016at12:00PMandnoadditionalnominationswerereceived.TheremainingvacancieswillbeadvertisedagaininJanuary.
ThemandateoftheGSAASC(asperGSABylawandPolicy,SectionP:Grants,Awards,andBursaries,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee,SectionsO.POL.5.1andO.POL.5.1.a)includes:selectingtherecipientsofGSARecognitionAwardsandtheGovernmentofAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAwardandreviewingGSABylawandPolicyregardingGSARecognitionAwards..
Jurisdiction:GSABylawandPolicy,SectionP:Grants,Awards,andBursaries,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee,SectionsO.POL.3.1.cThecompositionoftheGSAASCis“uptotwelve(12)graduatestudents,electedbyGSACouncil.”
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GSANOMINATINGCOMMITTEE(GSANoC)GSAAPPEALSANDCOMPLAINTSBOARD(GSAACB)(12POSITIONS:4positionsforGSADepartmentalCouncillors,
AlternatesorRecentFormerDepartmentalCouncillors,and8positionsforGraduateStudents):7NOMINEES
IntheOctober28,2016GSANewsletter,theGSANoCadvertisedforfive(5)vacantpositionsontheGSAACB.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasNovember7,2016andtwo(2)nominationswerereceived.Thetwo(2)nomineesweretheninterviewedbyGSANoCAdministrativeChairRadimBartaandrecentformerAdministrativeChairMicheleDuVal,bothofwhomhavebeentrainedinproceduralfairnessbytheGSAandhavearecordofdemonstratingimpartialitythroughtheirworkontheGSANoC.Duringtheinterview,nomineeswereaskedaseriesofquestionsaimedatassessingnominees’awarenessofthebasictenetsofproceduralfairnessandtheirabilitytoadjudicatepotentialcasesinaccordwiththosetenets(noteaswellthatallindividualselectedtotheGSAACBwillreceivetraininginproceduralfairness).Followingtheseinterviewsandensuingdiscussion,theGSANoCagreedtoforwardbothnomineestoGSACouncilwiththecallforadditionalnominations.ThecallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonNovember11,2016.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasNovember16,2016at12:00PM(noon)andnoadditionalnominationswerereceived.Also,asreportedinOctober,onOctober13theGSANoCcontactedallcurrentmembersoftheGSAACBtoinquirewhethertheywishedtocontinuetheirserviceontheGSAACB.AsperGSAPolicy,GSACouncilisaskedtovoteonboththenewly-approvednomineesandmembersseekinganadditionalterm.
TherewillbeapaperballotvoteheldattheNovember21,2016GSACouncilmeeting.
IfyouandyouralternateareunabletoattendtheNovember21,2016,meetingofGSACouncilandwouldliketocastanelectronicvoteforthisposition,youmustcontacttheGSANominatingCommitteeCoordinator
([email protected])BEFORE3:00PMonMondayNovember21,2016,inordertocastyourvoteinadvanceoftheGSACouncilmeeting.
GSAACBElectionbyGSACouncil:GSANominatingCommitteeProcedures
TheBallot
• Therewillbeoneballotwithcandidateslistedinreversealphabeticalorder.• Foreachcandidate,therewillbea“yes”boxanda“no”box.
Voting
• Thevoterticksoneboxpercandidate,orabstainsbynotvotingforaparticularcandidate(bothboxesareleftempty).Counting
• Ifacandidatehasmore“no”votesthan“yes”votes,thecandidateiseliminated.• Ifaftertheeliminationround,therearefewercandidate(s)oranequalnumberofcandidatesastherearepositions,
thecandidate(s)withatleastone“yes”voteis/aresuccessful.• Ifaftertheeliminationround,therearemorecandidatesthanpositions,thecandidateswiththehighestnumberof
“yes”votes,equivalenttothenumberofpositions,arethesuccessfulcandidates.• Ifaftertheeliminationround,thereisatieforlastplaceinthenumberof“yes”votes,thecandidatewiththefewest
numberof“no”voteissuccessful.Ifthetiedvotehasthesamenumberofboth“yes”and“no”votes,theSpeakerwilldrawonenamefromahat.
Thenamesandbiographiesreceived(seven(7)nominees)areBELOWonpages9.3–9.7.Biographiesarepresentedasreceived(ienotedited).
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BiographiesandResumesofNominees(Nomineeswillbelistedinreversealphabeticalorderontheballot)
GSACouncillors(4Nominees)1. RadimBartaRadimBarta’sBio:IwasborninCzechRepublicandhavespentmostofmylifeinBritishColumbia.IcompletedundergraduatestudiesatUBCobtainingaBScinPhysicsandMathematicsin2014.Iparticipatedinthephysicssociety(physsoc)atUBCandspentayearaspartoftheelectedboard.AttheUoA,whereIamcompletinganMScinMedicalPhysics,IhavegotteninvolvedwiththeGSAandenjoygivingmytimetohelpgraduatestudents.IliketoparticipateindifferenteventsaroundEdmontonsuchastheEdmontonRegionalScienceFairandtheReadingWeekwhereindividualsreadtoandsharetheircareerwithelementaryschoolclasses.Ienjoyreadingandwritingforpleasureinadditiontodoingsoforclassesandresearch.Ialsoenjoyswimmingandplayingcomputergames,whichusuallyfillsthebulkofanyfreetimeIfind.RadimBarta’sResume:IthinkIwouldbewellsuitedfortheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoardbecauseofmypastexperienceservingontheboard.IhaveservedontheboardforayearandIhavereceivedthetrainingsessionsonappealprocedures,decisionwriting,andhowtoensureafairhearing.IbelieveIamabletoactandthinkinanimpartialmanner,andIamcapableofidentifyingpossiblebias.IhavedevelopedtheseabilitiesbysittingontheNominatingCommitteewhereeveryweeknumerousdecisionshavetobemadeonwhichnomineesarethebestfitforthemanygraduatestudentpositionthatwefill.Iampracticedinmakinginformeddecisionsbasedonsubmittedinformation,removingpersonalleaningsfromdecisionmaking,andabstainingfromthedecisionprocesswhenIrecognizemyownbias.Ihavealsohadtheopportunitytojudgeprojectsatthreeseparatesciencefairs,wherenotonlydidIjudgeprojectsbasedonthepresentations,butIalsogavefeedback,focusingongivingitinawaythatwashonest,whileatthesametimebeingrespectful,constructive,andclear.ThisIbelievewillhelpwithwritingACBdecisions.Mypersonalresearchisthedevelopmentofradiologicallytransparentmagneticresonancedetectors,whichcanbeusedinacombinationradiationtherapy(linac)andMRIunit(linac-mr).IamconductingmyresearchintheDepartmentofOncologyaspartoftheMedicalPhysicsMSc/PhDprogram,withthecareergoalofbecomingamedicalphysicistwhenIcompletemydegreeprogram.Iamenjoyingmycurrentbalanceofresearchandvolunteering,IknowIhavethetimenecessaryforthiscommitteehavingservedonitforayear.IalsoknowIwillbeinEdmontonduringtheelections,whentimesensitivedecisionsneedtobemade.Ihopeyouwillconsidermeforthiscommittee.RadimBartacurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:GSANOC,GSABoard2. AntonioBruniAntonioBruni’sBio:AsaresidentofNorthernOntario,IcompletedmyundergraduatestudiesatLakeSuperiorStateUniversity,whereIreceivedaBachelorofSciencedegreeinBiologywithaminorinChemistry(2006---CumLaude).WhileattendingLSSU,Iservedasatutorattheschool’sLearningCenter,aswellasaSupplementalInstructorforthefirstyearBiologycourse.Inmyfinaltwoyearsofstudy,IservedasCo-PresidentofthePre-ProfessionalSocietyandwasamemberoftheStudent’sCouncilFinanceCommittee.WithinthecommunityofSaultSte.Marie,IvolunteeredwithnumerousorganizationsincludingProgramRead,anon-profitorganizationaimedtoimproveliteracyinadultswithinthecommunity,andwasanactivementorwithBigBrothersSaultSte.Mariefortwoyears.In2007,IrelocatedtoLondon,Ontario.WhileinLondon,IwasactivelyinvolvedwiththeBoysandGirlsClubwhereIservedasatutorandmentorintheafter-schoolMyActionPlanforSuccessprogram.AsanemployeeofSernovaCorp,Ispearheadedthecompany’scorporatevolunteerinvolvementintheTelusJuvenileDiabetesResearchFoundation
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(JDRF)WalkfortheCureasFundraiserTeamCaptainfortwoconsecutiveyears.InSeptember2013,ImovedtoEdmontontoinitiateGraduatestudiesattheUniversityofAlberta.AsidefromservingastheDepartmentofSurgery’sGSACouncilor,Ihavealsobecomeinvolvedwithvariousacademicandcommunityprograms,includingtheDepartmentofSurgery’sResearchCommittee(GraduateStudentRepresentative),theFGSRGraduateStudentProfessionalDevelopment.Committee,amemberofStemCellTalksEdmontonOrganizingCommittee,aswellasamemberofNextGenEdmonton’sIGNITEOrganizingCommittee.AntonioBruni’sResume:AsaGraduatestudentwithintheDepartmentofSurgery,IhavetheprivilegeofpursuingdiabetesandislettransplantationresearchinDr.JamesShapiro’slaboratory.MypassionfordiabetesresearchwasignitedinmypreviouscareeropportunitywithSernovaCorpinLondon,Ontario.ItwastherethatIbecameinvolvedinthepreclinicaldevelopmentoftheCellPouch™,amedicaldevicethatwouldserveasanalternativesiteforislettransplantation.AsaneffectivememberofSernova’sResearch&Developementteam,Ihadtheuniqueopportunitytoimmersemyselfinaninnovativeresearchenvironmentthatfosteredstrongscientific,communicationandprojectmanagementskills,paramountintransitioningtheCellPouchtoaHealthCanada---approvedclinicaltrialattheUniversityofAlberta.Subsequenttomyendeavoursinindustry,IsecuredtheAlbertaDiabetesInsititute(ADI)GraduateStudentshiptoinititatemystudiesintheShapiroLaboratoryundertakingresearchaimedtoimproveislettransplantationoutcomesindiabeticrecipients.Thusfar,Ihavesecurednumerousstudentshipsandtravelawardsandhavehadtheprivilegeofsharingmyresearchatlocal,provincial,NationalandInternationalconferences.InFebruary2014,IbecameaninauguralAcademicTraineeintheCanadianNationalTransplantResearchProgram,andrecentlytransferredintothePhDstreamaftersecuringaPhDRecruitmentScholarshiponbehalfoftheDepartmentofSurgery.Ibelievemypreviousandcurrentexperiencesimmenselycontributetomygrowthasanindividual.Asayoungscientist,Ihavedevelopedtransferableskillstothinkcriticallyandindependently,andtoutilizeknowledgeacquiredtomakeimpartial,informeddecisions.TheseskillsareimperativewhenservingonacommitteesuchastheAppealsandComplaintsBoard.IhopethatthisopportunityprovidesmewithanotheropportunitytogrowasanindividualwhileservingtheGraduatestudentbodyhereattheUniversityofAlberta.AntonioBrunicurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:•DepartmentofSurgeryGraduateResearchCommittee•FGSRGraduateStudentProfessionalDevelopmentCommittee•GSADepartmentofSurgeryCouncilor•NextGenIGNITECommittee(externalToUofA)3. JustinLeifsoJustinLeifso’sBio:IwasbornandraisedinSouthernSaskatchewan.IreceivedmyBAHonoursinPoliticalScience(2006)fromtheUniversityofRegina,afterwhichIbeganacareerintheSaskatchewanpublicservice.Ispent2007/08teachingEnglishinKorea,receivedmyMAinPoliticalScienceattheUniversityofAlberta(2011)and,in2013,returnedtoEdmontontopursuemyPhD.IhaveservedontheboardoftheSaskatchewanFestivalofWords,theexecutiveofthePoliticalScienceGraduateStudentUnion,andvolunteeredwithanumberoforganizationsincludingtheEdmontonChristmasBureau.Inadditiontomycurrentroleasvice-chairoftheAppealsandComplaintsBoard(ACB),IhaveservedtheGSAasamemberoftheDeanofArtsReviewCommittee,DeanofStudentsSearchCommittee,ElectionsandReferendaCommittee(ERC),theGeneralFacultyCouncil(GFC)amcurrentlyamemberoftheGSA’sGovernanceCommittee.
JustinLeifso’sResume:IamnowafourthyearPhDstudentintheDepartmentofPoliticalScience,currentlydevelopingmydissertationproposal.BeforemovingtoEdmontontopursuemyPhD,IwasaManagerofPerformanceAuditsintheOfficeoftheProvincialAuditorofSaskatchewanandaSeniorPolicyAnalystintheSaskatchewanMinistryofHealth.TheAppealsandComplaintsBoard(ACB)servesasacrucialpieceoftheGSA’sgovernancestructure.Astheexistingvice-chairofthecommittee,Ibelievemyexperiencemakesmeasuitablecandidatefortheposition.
JustinLeifsocurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:
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GSACouncil,AppealsandComplaintsBoard(Vice-Chair)4. SarahPrendergastSarahPrendergast’sBio:IamfromcentralAlbertaandmovedtoEdmontonthreeyearsago.IfinishedmyBScinBiologicalSciencesandEconomicsandreturnedthisyearasagraduatestudentattheAlbertaSchoolofBusiness.IhavevolunteerexperienceworkingprimarilywithImmigrantAssociationssuchasCAIWA(CentralAlbertaWomen'sImmigrantAssociation)inRedDeerandEISA(EdmontonImmigrantServicesAssociation)inEdmonton.IwasalsoinvolvedwiththeNeighborhoodPlacecommunitycharityinBlackfalds,AlbertaandcentralAlbertaAdoptaFamily program.SarahPrendergast’sResume:IamafirstyearMastersstudentattheAlbertaSchoolofBusiness.PreviouslyIworkedintheCellBiologyDepartmentattheUniversityofAlbertainDr.Simmondslabstudyingchangesingeneexpressionincommonbreastcancerpathways.PriortoreturningtofulltimestudiesinUniversityIwasinvolvedinavarietyofdifferentworkplacesandhaveearnedanarrayofpracticalskillsets.Notably,Ihaveextensiveexperienceinsalesandmanagement,aswellastraininginmotivation,objectionhandling,andleadershipskills.IaminterestedintheAppealsandComplaintsBoardbecauseconflictresolutionisofconsiderableinteresttome.Itisanexcellentopportunityforadditionaltrainingandpracticetohoneskillsparticularlyusefulforinconflictresolutionfromapublicpolicyorgovernanceperspective.Ihaveaschedulethatisflexibleenoughtoaccommodatetrainingrequirementsandpotentialissuesthatmayrequirethecommitteesattention.SarahPrendergastcurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:NoneCouncillors,Alternates,and/orrecentformerCouncillors(3Nominees):1. HajarAmidianHajarAmidian’sBio:
MylifehasmostlyinvolvedalotoftravelingfromoneprovincetoanotherinIran,whereIwasborn,ortoothercountries.Thishasgivenmetheopportunitytomeetandsocializewithpeoplefromdiversebackgroundsandpickupontheirlanguages,likeFarsi,English,andsomeFrenchandArabic.I’vebeenalwaysastonishedbymeetingpeoplefromaroundtheworldandseeingthecommonthreatthatrelatesusalltogether.ThisledmetobecomeactivelyinvolvedwiththeUnitedNationsthroughthe6thUNESCOyouthprograminParisasanelectedrepresentative,whereIpresentedasummaryofarticlesonyouthandsocialmediaandhelpedachieveacomprehensivereportoftheconferencefortheSecretaryGeneral.LaterIbecameinvolvedwiththeUNESCOofficeinTehranwhereasamemberofayouthgroupwetriedtoestablishayouthdesk.Also,hereattheUofAIvolunteeredattheInternationalCenterandassistedintutoringprogramsandotheractivitieslikethelongnightagainstprocrastinationforstudents.IhavealsobeenamemberoftheFGSRAcademicAppealsCommitteesince2012.HajarAmidian’sResume:
IamaPhDcandidateinpoliticalscienceintheareasofinternationalrelationsandCanadianpoliticsattheUniversityofAlberta.Theworkingtitleofmythesisis:“RentierStateandAuthoritarianism:ACriticalStudyofPost-RevolutionaryIran”,whichattemptstoadvancetheunderstandingofthecorrelationbetweenauthoritarianismandrentiertheoryinpost-revolutionaryIran.IholdaM.AinNorthAmericanStudiesandaB.AinEnglishLanguageandLiteraturefromtheUniversityofTehran.Ihaveextensiveteachingandresearchexperienceintheareasofinternationalrelations,internationalorganizations,Canadianpolitics,NorthAmericanStudies,andenergypolicies.IhavefullprofessionalproficiencyofEnglishandFarsi,alimitedworkingproficiencyofFrench,andelementaryproficiencyofArabic.Iaminterestedtobere-electedforoneyearasamemberoftheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,becauseIwanttostepbeyondthemereacademicexperiencethatIcangainbycompletingaprogramattheUofAandlearnwhatmakesthisUniversitymaintainthehighstandingthatitdoes.Inaddition,whileIexperiencedsittinginatanappeal’smeetingasa
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graduatestudentrepresentative,IrealizedthattheprocessinvolvedindecisionmakingsissomewhatrelatedtowhatIdoinmyfieldofstudy.HenceIwanttolearnmoreaboutthisprocess.IamcurrentlyfocusingoncompletingmyPhDthesis.Therefore,Iamoncampusandavailablemostdaysoftheweekandhaveaveryflexibleschedule.Icanbereachedatmycellphone,(780)902-0981orbyemailatamidian@ualberta.ca.Thankyouforyourtimeandconsideration.HajarAmidiancurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:FGSRAcademicAppealsCommittee2. SarangGumfekarSarangGumfekar’sBio:IwasborninIndiaandcompletedmyBachelorofEngineeringdegreeattheUniversityofPune,Indiain2009.Duringmyundergraduatestudies,Ibecameastudentheadofthetechnicalactivitiesintheinstituteandcoordinatedtheorganizationofanannualtechnicalevent.Further,ImovedtoCanadatopursuemymaster’sdegree(MASc)inchemicalengineeringfromUniversityofWaterloo,OntariowhereIheldInternationalMastersStudentAwardfor2years.IalsoobtainedaCertificationinFundamentalsofUniversityTeachingfromtheUniversityofWaterloo.Currently,IamafourthyearPhDcandidateinChemicalandMaterialsEngineeringattheUniversityofAlberta,conductingresearchondevelopmentofflocculantstoreducetheenvironmentalfootprintofminingoperations.SarangGumfekar’sResume:Ihavebeenactivelyinvolvedinstudentgovernancesincemymaster’sstudies.DuringmystudyatWaterloo,IservedasaVicePresident-Finance,andHealthandSafetyrepresentativeofthedepartmentalgraduatestudentsassociation.IhavealsobeenastudentcouncilmemberofMITACSorganization.IntheUniversityofAlberta,IhavebeenactivelyinvolvedinstudentgovernanceandservedasaCouncillor-at-Large(CAL)GraduateStudentsAssociation,aFacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearch(FGSR)Councillor,amemberoftheInternationalActivityFund(IAF)AdjudicationCommitteeandamemberoftheInternationalStudentsAdvisoryCommittee(ISAC).Currently,IamservingasamemberofGFC-CampusLawReviewCommittee(CLRC)fortwoconsecutiveyears.Apartfromthegovernance,IwasinvolvedinorganizingtheABCampusCareerConference,whichtookplaceinMarch2015.IlookforwardtobeingapartofGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(GSAACB).SarangGumfekarcurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:• MemberofGFC-CampusLawReviewCommittee(2015-16and2016-17)3. LiamHeffernanLiamHeffernan’sBio:IwasborninIreland,andcompletedmyBachelorofScienceandMasterofScienceatUniversityCollegeCorkandUniversityCollegeDublin(bothIreland)respectively.ImovedtoEdmontonin2015toattendtheUniversityofAlberta,whereIamenrolledinaPhDprogramwithDr.DavidOlefeldtintheDepartmentofRenewableResources.MyBSc.andMSc.wereprimarilyfocusedinplantbiology,whereasnowmymainfocusofresearchissoilscience.IwasluckyenoughtohavetheopportunitytoconductundergraduateresearchinSchoolofBiological,EarthandEnvironmentalSciences,UniversityCollegeCork.FollowinggraduationIenteredintomyMScintheDepartmentofPlantBiology,UCD,whereIhadthepleasureofworkingonaMSc.thesiswithDr.Renou-Wilson.Ithenspent6monthsworkingintheEcologicalSystemsLaboratory,ÉcolePolytechniqueFédéraledeLausanne,Switzerland.InMay2015IbeganmyPhDinSoilScience.IaminvolvedwiththeDept.ofRenewableResourcesGSA,whereIamtheDirectorofSeminarEvents,runningbi-weeklygraduatestudentseminars.LiamHeffernan’sResume:Icomefromabackgroundinenvironmentalresearchwheremyprimaryfocuswasplantbiology.HoweverduetotheexperiencesIhavegainedthroughworkingwithsomeamazingscientistsIhavedivertedmyresearchfocustosoil.AssuchIamcurrentlyaPhDstudent.MyexperiencesduringmyPhDinCanadaandMSc.inIrelandhasgivenmeinsightonthecurrentissuesfacinggraduatestudents,suchproblemsfacedasaninternationalstudent,howtochangediscipline/researcharea,and
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howtodevelopandmaintainahealthystudent/supervisorrelationship.IamrunningforthepositionofGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(GSAACB)memberasIbelievethatmypastexperienceswillallowmetoobjectivelycompletethetasksassociatedwiththisposition.LiamHeffernancurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:RenewableResourcesGraduateStudents’Association,DirectorofSeminarEvents
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GSANOMINATINGCOMMITTEE(GSANoC)GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(GSAACB)ChairandVice-Chair
NOMINEESAssetoutinGSABylawandPolicy,SectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,SectionH.POL.8.3:
“GSACouncilwillelectone(1)memberoftheGSAACBasChairandone(1)memberoftheGSAACBasVice-ChairontherecommendationoftheGSANominatingCommittee(GSANoC),foratermofoffice,alsorecommendedbytheGSANoC,nottoexceedtwo(2)years.Membersmaystandforre-electionasChairorVice-Chair.”
Inrecommendingthesenominees,theGSANoCconsideredtheirpreviouslyconductedinterviews(asperGSABylawandPolicy,SectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,SectionH.POL.10.4),theirexperiencerelevanttothepositionofChairandVice-ChairoftheGSAACB,andtheirknowledgeoffairprocess.BothnomineesweremembersoftheGSAACBin2015-2016.AsperGSABylawandPolicy,SectionH:Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,SectionH.POL.6.1,themandateoftheGSAACBisasfollows:
“TheGSAACBisresponsibleforhearinganddecidingappealsofGSAChiefReturningOfficerdecisionsandcomplaintsaboutGSAOfficersasallowedbySection94(3)ofthePost-SecondaryLearningAct.”
TherewillbeapaperballotvoteheldattheMonday,November21,2016GSACouncilmeeting.
IfyouandyouralternateareunabletoattendtheMonday,November21,2016,meetingofGSACouncilandwouldliketo
castanelectronicvoteforthisposition,youmustcontacttheGSANominatingCommitteeCoordinator([email protected])BEFORE3:00PMonMonday,November21,2016,inordertocastyourvoteinadvanceofthe
GSACouncilmeeting.NomineesforChairoftheGSAACB:
1. AntonioBruni(Surgery)foraone(1)yearterm
NomineesforVice-ChairoftheGSAACB:
1. JustinLeifso(PoliticalScience)foranadditionalone(1)yearterm
PleasenotethattheresultsofthisvoterelyontheresultsofthepreviouslyheldGSAACBmembershipvote;thatis,ifthenomineeforChairorVice-ChairarenotvotedtoserveasmembersoftheGSAACB,theywillnotbeeligibletoserveasChairorVice-ChairandanewnomineeswillbesoughtbytheGSANoCfromamongstthemembersoftheGSAACBforGSACouncil’sconsideration.
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ThenamesandbiographiesreceivedofthenomineesareBELOWonpages9.9and9.10.Biographiesarepresentedasreceived(ienotedited).
BiographiesandResumesofNominees
NomineefortheChairoftheGSAACB:AntonioBruniAntonioBruni’sBio:AsaresidentofNorthernOntario,IcompletedmyundergraduatestudiesatLakeSuperiorStateUniversity,whereIreceivedaBachelorofSciencedegreeinBiologywithaminorinChemistry(2006---CumLaude).WhileattendingLSSU,Iservedasatutorattheschool’sLearningCenter,aswellasaSupplementalInstructorforthefirstyearBiologycourse.Inmyfinaltwoyearsofstudy,IservedasCo---PresidentofthePre---ProfessionalSocietyandwasamemberoftheStudent’sCouncilFinanceCommittee.WithinthecommunityofSaultSte.Marie,IvolunteeredwithnumerousorganizationsincludingProgramRead,anon---profitorganizationaimedtoimproveliteracyinadultswithinthecommunity,andwasanactivementorwithBigBrothersSaultSte.Mariefortwoyears.In2007,IrelocatedtoLondon,Ontario.WhileinLondon,IwasactivelyinvolvedwiththeBoysandGirlsClubwhereIservedasatutorandmentorintheafter---schoolMyActionPlanforSuccessprogram.AsanemployeeofSernovaCorp,Ispearheadedthecompany’scorporatevolunteerinvolvementintheTelusJuvenileDiabetesResearchFoundation(JDRF)WalkfortheCureasFundraiserTeamCaptainfortwoconsecutiveyears.
InSeptember2013,ImovedtoEdmontontoinitiateGraduatestudiesattheUniversityofAlberta.AsidefromservingastheDepartmentofSurgery’sGSACouncilor,IcurrentlyserveastheGraduateStudentRepresentativeontheDepartment’sGraduateResearchCommitteeandGraduateResearchAdvisoryCommittee,theFGSRGraduateStudentProfessionalDevelopmentCommittee(PD4Grads),theFacultyofMedicineandDentistryGraduateCoordinator’sCommittee,theFoMDGraduateStudentAdvisoryCommittee(Dept.ofSurgeryRep),theGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,aswellasamemberontheGSANominatingCommittee.IhaveservedastheGraduateStudentRepresentativeonSearchandSelectionCommitteesfortheChairoftwoDepartments,andwaselectedonbehalfoftheGSAastheGraduateStudentRepresentativeontheFoMDDeanSelectionCommittee.
AntonioBruni’sResume:AsaGraduatestudentwithintheDepartmentofSurgery,IhavetheprivilegeofpursuingdiabetesandislettransplantationresearchinDr.JamesShapiro’slaboratory.MypassionfordiabetesresearchwasignitedinmypreviouscareeropportunitywithSernovaCorpinLondon,Ontario.ItwastherethatIbecameinvolvedinthepreclinicaldevelopmentoftheCellPouch™,amedicaldevicethatwouldserveasanalternativesiteforislettransplantation.AsaneffectivememberofSernova’sResearch&Developementteam,Ihadtheuniqueopportunitytoimmersemyselfinaninnovativeresearchenvironmentthatfosteredstrongscientific,communication,projectmanagementandadministrativeskills,paramountintransitioningtheCellPouch™toaHealthCanada---approvedclinicaltrialattheUniversityofAlberta.Indeed,theseskillshavebeeninstrumentalinmytransitiontopursuinggraduatestudiesattheUofA,andfacilitatedmysuccessthroughoutmystudies.Ihavebeenfortunatetosecurenumerousstudentshipsandawards,aswellasopportunitiestosharemyresearchatlocal,provincial,nationalandinternationalconferences.
In parallel tomy academic achievements, I have immersedmyself in numerousDepartmental---, Faculty--- and University---level Committees, serving as a conduit for the studentsinwhichIrepresent.Manyofthesepositionshaveprovidedmewiththeopportunitytohaveanunderstandingofthepolicieswithineachentityandhowthey impactthestudentbody. Ibelieve I have gained effective leadership and communication skillswhichwill be of benefit serving as amember of the
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Appeals and Complaints Board, and prospectively as its Chair. This is most notably highlighted through my recentinvolvementwithsuchcommittees including the President’sVisitingCommittee,anexternal committee that reviewedtheresearchactivitiesoftheFoMD,theGraduateStudentRepresentativeontheFoMDDeanSelectionCommittee,aswell as serving as the Graduate Student Representative for the Chair Search & Selection Committees of two separateDepartmentswithintheFoMD.Theseexperienceshaveprovidedmewithtangibleskillsdemonstratingtheabilitytomakeinformed,impartialdecisions.WithapassiontoservethestudentsattheUofA,Iamkeentobere---electedtoaoneyeartermtoserveasamemberoftheACB,anddiligentlyasitsChair,ifgrantedsupportbythemembersoftheGSA.
AntonioBrunicurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:
• Dept.ofSurgeryGraduateResearchCommittee• Dept.ofSurgeryGraduateResearchAdvisoryCommittee• Dept.ofAnesthesiologyandPainMedicine–ChairSearchandSelectionCommittee• FGSRGraduateStudentProfessionalDevelopmentCommittee(PD4Grads)• FacultyofMedicineandDentistry(FoMD)GraduateCoordinator’sCommittee–GradStudent
Representative• FoMDGraduateStudentAdvisoryCommittee–Dept.ofSurgeryRepresentative• GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard• GSADepartmentofSurgeryCouncilor• GSANominatingCommittee• NextGenIGNITECommittee(externaltoUofA)
NomineefortheVice-ChairoftheGSAACB:JustinLeifsoJustinLeifso’sBio:IwasbornandraisedinSouthernSaskatchewan.IreceivedmyBAHonoursinPoliticalScience(2006)fromtheUniversityofRegina,afterwhichIbeganacareerintheSaskatchewanpublicservice.Ispent2007/08teachingEnglishinKorea,receivedmyMAinPoliticalScienceattheUniversityofAlberta(2011)and,in2013,returnedtoEdmontontopursuemyPhD.IhaveservedontheboardoftheSaskatchewanFestivalofWords,theexecutiveofthePoliticalScienceGraduateStudentUnion,andvolunteeredwithanumberoforganizationsincludingtheEdmontonChristmasBureau.Inadditiontomycurrentroleasvice-chairoftheAppealsandComplaintsBoard(ACB),IhaveservedtheGSAasamemberoftheDeanofArtsReviewCommittee,DeanofStudentsSearchCommittee,ElectionsandReferendaCommittee(ERC),theGeneralFacultyCouncil(GFC)amcurrentlyamemberoftheGSA’sGovernanceCommittee.
JustinLeifso’sResume:IamnowafourthyearPhDstudentintheDepartmentofPoliticalScience,currentlydevelopingmydissertationproposal.BeforemovingtoEdmontontopursuemyPhD,IwasaManagerofPerformanceAuditsintheOfficeoftheProvincialAuditorofSaskatchewanandaSeniorPolicyAnalystintheSaskatchewanMinistryofHealth.TheAppealsandComplaintsBoard(ACB)servesasacrucialpieceoftheGSA’sgovernancestructure.Astheexistingvice-chairofthecommittee,Ibelievemyexperiencemakesmeasuitablecandidatefortheposition.JustinLeifsocurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:GSAGovernanceCommittee,GSACouncil,AppealsandComplaintsBoard(Vice-Chair)
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GSAPresidentReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To:GSACouncilFrom:SarahFickoDate:November18,2016DearCouncillorFriendsandColleagues,Aaaaandit’sNovemberalready.IhopeeveryonehadabitoftimetorelaxovertheFallReadingweek!Asyoucansee,I’veattendedalotofmeetingsthispastmonth,manyofwhicharetodowithpotentialchangesintuitionnextyear.LikeFirouz,themajorityofmymonthlyreportwillbeonthesechanges,essentiallyasabriefingnotetohelppreparefortheSpecialCouncilmeetingontuitiononDecember12.Asyoumayknoworremember,theProvostandVP(Academic)andtheVP(Finance&Administration)arenormallyinvitedtoattendourSeptembermeetingtopresentontuitionfortheupcomingacademicyear.Thisyear,thegovernmentwasveryslowtoannouncetheirplansfortuitionandfundingtotheuniversities,(whichwasannouncedasacontinuation,forathirdyear,ofthetuitionfreezefordomesticstudentsinlateOctober).Atthesametime,thegovernmentformallylaunchedareviewoftuitionandpost-secondaryfundingintheprovince.TheSpeaker,GSABoard,myself,andthemanagementteamdiscussedwhentoinvitetheProvosttospeaktoyouatlength,anddecideditwouldbebestforustohaveaspecialCouncilmeetingsuchthatthereissufficienttimeforeveryonetoaskalltheirquestionsastheNovemberCouncilalreadyhadaveryfullagenda.DomesticStudentTuitionFeeUpdateCurrently,domesticstudenttuitioninAlbertaisregulatedbytheGovernmentofAlbertaundertheTuitionFeesRegulation(TFR).TheTFRlimitsthetotalaverageoftuitionincreasesataninstitutiontotheConsumerPriceIndex(CPI),whichallowstheuniversitiestomaintainarelativelystablebudgetwithrespecttotuitionandfees(typically,approximately40%ofauniversity'sbudgetisdrawnfromtuitionandfees).CPIiscalculatedannuallybasedonfactorsincludingcostsforfood,shelter,clothing,transportation,healthcare,recreation,andalcoholicbeveragesandtobaccoproducts.Universitieshavedifferentmaindriversoftheircostsincludingthingslikeunion/associationnegotiatedfacultyandnon-academicstaffsalaries,benefits,andmeritpayandvariouscontractsassociatedwithinfrastructuremaintenancethathavebuiltinannualcostincreases.Increasesinthesecostsresultedintherecentlycoined‘academicpriceindex,’orAPI,andthisisthepercentageincreasecalculatedfortheMandatoryNon-InstructionalFeesfundingformula)andalsogenerallymeansthatannualincreasestotheUniversity’sexpensesaregreaterthanCPI.Duringtheinitialtwo-yearfreezeontuition(2015to2017),thegovernmentprovidedbackfillfundingtoeachuniversitytooffsetthelossofrevenuenormallyexpectedfromCPIincreases,mandatorynon-instructionalfees,andmarketmodifiers(thoughonlyforthefirstyearforthelattertwofees).However,thegovernmenthasnotyetcommittedtoprovidingbackfillfundingforthethirdyearofthetuitionfreeze,whichcouldmeanacutintheUniversity’sbudgetofupwardsof$4Mforthe2017/2018academicyear.InternationalStudentTuitionFeeChangesCurrently,tuitionforinternationalstudents(thosewhoarenotcitizensordonothavePermanentResidentstatu)isnotregulatedinAlberta.Assuch,universitiesareabletomakeindividualrecommendationsoninternationaltuition,whichappearsasaninternationaldifferentialfee(IDF),attheUofA,andmayormaynotbepaidbyagraduatestudent’ssupervisor,dependingontheirprogramofstudy.
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Therationaleforwhyinternationaltuitionfunctionsdifferentlythandomestictuitionisbasedontaxationprinciples:itisassumedthatdomesticstudents(and/ortheirparents/guardians)arepayingtaxesthatgotowardsupportingpubliceducation(mostofthefundingforAlberta’suniversitiescomesfromtheprovincialgovernment).Asinternationalstudentshavenotpaidintothepublicsystemthroughtaxes(andthereisnoguaranteetheywillstayandbegintodosouponcompletionoftheirdegrees),itisarguedthatinternationaltuitionmustmoreaccuratelyaccountforthetruecostofastudent’seducation.Inessence,internationaltuitionisthe“truetuition”whiledomestictuitionisconsideredtobesubsidizedthroughprovincialtaxation.GivencostsarecontinuingtoincreaseaboveCPI,andtuitionfordomesticprogramsisfrozen,alluniversitiesintheprovincehaveveryfewleverstopulltohelpoffsettheircosts,otherthancuttingpeopleorcomponentsofprograms(whichimpactsquality),increasingrevenuefromprofessionalprograms(severalofwhichhaveyettobecertifiedbythegovernment),orbyincreasinginternationalstudenttuitionfees.TheformerVP(Finance&Administration)(priortoretiring)madearecommendationthattuitionforinternationalstudentsshouldincreasebyasubstantialpercentageamountoverthenextthreeyearsfortheUniversity’sbudgettobalance,butthiswasvetoedbytheProvostwhorecognizedthatitwouldcausesignificantdistressandhardshipformost,ifnotall,internationalstudents.Instead,ithasbeenproposedthatinternationaltuitionforallinternationalstudents(graduateandundergraduate)willincreasebyAPI(or3.02%)forthe2017/2018academicyear,andlikelyfutureyearswillusethisformulaifthegovernmentleavesinternationaltuitionunregulatedaftertheirreview.WhileitishigherthanCPI,itdoesprovideamorepredictablemodelforfeesforinternationalstudentsonanannualbasis,andtheformulawasdevelopedwithstudentconsultation(thoughnotoriginallyforthispurpose).Ingeneral,thisisanapproximate$200-300increasethisyearperinternationalgraduatestudent(thoughitisapproximately$600-900forinternationalundergraduatestudentsastheirfeesaremuchhigher).Thesecondpartoftheproposaldirectlyaffectsinternationalgraduatestudents,intheformofan‘internationalgraduatestudentadjustmentfee,’whichwouldbetoadda$4,000stickerpriceincreasetointernationalgraduatestudenttuition(thoughitwouldbeanetzerocosttostudentsasitwouldbeimmediatelyrebated,atleastfor2017/2018).TheUniversityispushingtheideathatbecausetuitionforinternationalstudentsisthe14thlowestinCanadacomparedtoourmaincompetitors(theothertop15researchintensiveuniversitiesinCanada),itisnegativelyaffectingtheperceptionofthequalityofaUofAgraddegreeinothercountries.Idonotagreewiththispositionforseveralreasons.First,thisisaUniversity,withastrategicplancalled‘ForthePublicGood’,andthusIdonotsupportunilaterallyapplyingconsumeristpracticessuchasmarketingwisdomontoeducationalinstitutions.Second,inmyexperience,factorsprospectivegraduate(oftenthesis-based)studentsusetopicktheirprogramsincludeselectingauniversitythatoffersaprogramorhasasupervisordoingtheworkthatfitswiththeirinterests,thepresenceofasupervisorwillbeagoodmentor,whethertheuniversityhashighQS,THE,Macleans,orotherrankings,theexistenceoffundingpackagesthatallowareasonablestandardofliving,andthelocationoftheuniversity.Third,theUofAiscurrentlyrankedasthe4thbestCanadianUniversity(afterMcGill,UofT,andUBC)ininternationalrankings,ANDwecurrentlyhavethesecondhighestnumberofinternationalgraduatestudentsattheUofA,secondonlytoUSaskatchewanwhichwastheuniversitywithslightlylowertuitionfeesthanusforinternationalstudents.Myconcernswiththisproposalare1)lackofconsultationwithstudents(wewereinformedabouttheproposalintheTuitionandBudgetAdvisoryCommitteemeetings,butdidnothavesufficienttimetoreviewandconsultbeforeitwaspushedthroughthegovernanceprocesses),and2)aclearrationalewithquantifiableresearchdemonstratingthatthisschemewillindeedbolsterourperceptionofquality,andindeedattract‘better’students,ratherthanjustwealthierones,hasnotbeenprovided.Weareconcernedthisschemewillhavefurthernegativeimpactsonstudentfinancialsituations(e.g.iftherebateisnotautomaticallyapplied,oriftherebateisrescindedatafuturedateforcourse-basedmastersprograms.Any
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changeslikethiscouldhavesignificantnegativerepercussionsontheUofA’sreputationascurrentstudentswillnotspeakpositivelyaboutthesekindsofchangestotuitionduringtheirdegreeprogram.Atthispoint,theproposalpassedthroughtheGeneralFacultiesCouncilAcademicPlanningCommittee(despitestudentobjections),andwillmovetotheBoardFinanceandPropertyCommittee(BFPC)onNovember21,beforepassingtotheBoardofGovernorsforfinalapprovalonDecember16.Iwillcontinuetospeakstronglyagainsttheadjustmentfee,andwewillbedevelopingapetitiontocirculatenextweekiftheproposaldoespassthroughBFPC.Whenwesendthisout,Iwillencourageyoutosignitandpassitontoyourdepartmentalcolleagues.ProvincialTuitionandFundingReviewOverthenextfewdaysyouwillbereceivingasurveydevelopedbyab-GPAC(theprovinciallobbygrouptheUofAGSAbelongsto),aswedevelopasubmissiontothegovernmentaboutwhatgraduatestudentswantandneedintermsoftuitionandfunding.Istronglyencourageeveryonetofillitout,andpleasepassitouttoyourcolleaguesinyourdepartmentandencouragethemtocompletethesurveytoo.Thesurveyasksdetailedquestionsaboutyourfinancialsituation,butitwillremainanonymous,andwillhelpusadvocatemorestronglytothegovernmentonbehalfofourmembers.Ultimately,Ibelievethatthecreationofequitablefundingpackagesthatsupportasustainableandreasonablestandardoflivingalongwitheducationandawardopportunitiesshouldbethelongtermgoalofallpost-secondaryinstitutions.IftheUofAcandothisfirst,itwillmakeusarecognizedleaderingraduateeducation.Atthispoint,mycurrentrecommendationisthatallthesis-basedgraduatestudentsshouldreceiveatleast$30,000peryearthroughouttheirprograms.Toachievethatgoal,IcontinuetopushSeniorAdministrationtoconductareviewofgraduatestudentfundingoncampustoallowabetterunderstandingofthecurrentamountandrangeoffinancialsupportgraduatestudentsreceivethroughouttheirdegreeprograms,andtheamountthatislackingandrequireslobbyingforbettersupportfromtheprovincialgovernment,and/orrequiresare-allocationofmoneyoncampus.OtherhighlightsOnOctober28,AliandIattendedtheKillamLuncheon,whichhonouredsomeamazinggraduatestudents,postdocs,andprofessorsonourcampus.I’mcontinuallyinaweoftherangeandextentofprogramsandareasofresearchthatpeoplearedoingonthiscampus!FirouzandIattendedtheCanadianAssociationofGraduateStudies(CAGS)conferenceNovember2-4.ItwasagreatopportunitytomeetwithotherstudentleadersandinteractwithDeans,AssociateDeans,andadministratorsinvolvedingraduatestudiesandprogramsacrossthecountry.Afewhighlightsincludeakeynoteonhowtosupportandincludeindigenousstudentsingraduateprograms,adiscussionaroundtheutilityoftheComprehensive/CandidacyExam(manypeoplenolongerunderstandthevalueofitinitscurrentform),thevalueofaPhDprogram,andasessionwherethestudentleaderswereabletohighlighttheirconcernsandrecommendationstotheDeansoftheFacultyofGraduateStudies.IpresentedonbehalfofthestudentsalongwiththeDeanfromQueen’sUniversityanditmadeforalivelyandinterestingdiscussion!SashaandIpresentedtotheBoardHumanResourcesandCompensationCommitteeonNovember14th.Wefocusedontheissuesaroundsupervisionandfunding,anditwasagainwellreceived(similartotheoneColinMoreandIgavelastyear).Thecommitteehasagreedtospendtimeattheirnextmeetingdiscussinghowtosupportandimprovesupervisiononcampus.
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MasoudandIcontinuetositontheResidenceLifeTaskForce.WerecentlyselectedAcademicaasourproponenttoconductthesurveyonbehalfoftheTaskForce.Ifyouhavelivedinresidenceorworkedasaresidenceassistantoverthepast5years,youwilllikelyreceiveanemailaroundthestartofDecemberwithquestionsaboutyourthoughtsonyourexperiences.Finally,andasAlialsoreports,ourannualEarlyCallforTalentandTrainingprogramiscurrentlygoingon.Eachyear,asperGSAPolicy,theGSANominatingCommitteeischargedwiththeresponsibilityofactivelyseekingoutgraduatestudentsforthepositionsofGSAPresident,Vice-PresidentAcademic,Vice-PresidentLabour,Vice-PresidentStudentServices,andVice-PresidentExternal.TheEarlyCallforTalentandTrainingprogramisdesignedtoprovidetrainingandinformationtostudentsconsideringrunningforelectedoffice.Wehaveahandfulofstudentswhohavebeendiligentlyattendingthevarioussessions,andhopemorestudentswillexpressaninterestinlearningmoreaboutthesepositions!While Ididn’thave timetomakeavlog, Iwill leaveyouwithapictureofmeholdingapaintinga studentmadetoexpresstheirthanksfortheGSA’ssupportoverthelast6months!
Warmestregards,Sarah,GSAPresident
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PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenOctober24,2016andNovember21,2016.Themeetingswereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.
October25 MeetingwiththeProvostOctober25 MeetingwiththeRegistrarOctober25 ResidenceLifeTaskForceOctober26 GSABudgetandFinanceCommitteeOctober26 GeneralFacultiesCouncilAcademicPlanningCommitteeOctober26 EarlyCallDinnerOctober27 MeetingwiththeDeanoftheFacultyofGraduateStudiesResearchOctober27 MeetingwithaGeneralFacultiesCouncilMemberOctober27 GSA/FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearchPDInfoFairOctober27 MeetingwithStudents’UnionPresidentOctober27 TuitionBudgetAdvisoryCommitteeOctober28 MeetingwiththeDeanofStudentsOctober28 KillamLuncheonOctober31 MeetingwithaDepartmentOctober31 GSAGovernanceCommitteeOctober31 GeneralFacultiesCouncilExecutiveCommitteeOctober31 MeetingwithCSwindlehurstNovember1 MeetingwithGraduateStudentsNovember2-4 CanadianAssociationforGraduateStudies(CAGS)ConferenceNovember7 EarlyCallExternalAdvocacyNovember7 TuitionBudgetAdvisoryCommitteeNovember8 MeetingwiththeVice-President(Facilities&Operations)ASharmanNovember9 MandatoryNon-InstructionalFeesOversightCommitteeNovember10 MeetingwithGraduateStudentsNovember10 MeetingwithanAssociateDeanNovember14 PSLALabourConsultationNovember14 PresentationtotheBoardHumanResourcesandCompensationCommitteeNovember15 MeetingwiththeDeanoftheFacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearchNovember15 Multi-faithPrayerandMeditationSpaceMoUReviewNovember16 Equity,Diversity,andInclusionRoundtablewithGlobalAffairsNovember16 GeneralFacultiesCouncilAcademicPlanningCommitteeNovember16 BoardSafety,HealthandEnvironmentCommitteeNovember16 UAlbertaHonoraryDegreeandPhDRecipientsReceptionNovember17 MeetaBoardofGovernorsMemberNovember17 ResidenceLifeTaskForceNovember17 WelcomeReceptionforNewUofAVice-PresidentsNovember18 Meeting with the Non-Academic Staff Association President (and Board of
Governorsrepresentative)November18 MeetingwithGraduateStudentsNovember21 MeetingwiththeGraduateOmbudspersonNovember21 BoardFinanceandPropertyCommitteeNovember21 GeneralFacultiesCouncil
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10.5GSABoard(GSAB)
ReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: CourtneyThomas,ExecutiveDirectorandCoordinatoroftheGSABoard;HeatherHogg,DirectorofOperations;andJulieTanguay,
AssociateDirectorDate: November18,2016TheGSABoard(GSAB)reportsregularlytoGSACouncilbylistingitsagendaitems,Motions/agreements,andmainitemsofdiscussion.MotionsofAgendaapprovalandapprovaloftheMinutesarenotincludedunlesstherewereamendmentsmade.Closedsessionitemsarenotminuted.OpensessionMinutesareavailableuponrequest.ThePresident,Vice-Presidents,DirectorofOperations,DirectorofServicesandGovernance,andIwillbehappytoansweranyquestionsorprovidemoreinformationattheGSACouncilmeeting.AlsoseetheweeklyManagementReportstotheGSABinItem20(ExecutiveDirector’sReporttoGSACouncil)onpages20.1-20.3.26October2016GSABoardMeetingMainAgendaItems:InternationalWeek:RequestforanExternalGrant;GSAHealthandDentalPlan;PresentationonForthePublicGood(FPG):PerformanceIndicators
MotionsandAgreements:MOTION:ThattheGSABoardAPPROVEanexternalgrantof$800forInternationalWeek2016,asrequestedintheattachedletterfromtheDirector,GlobalEducation,UAI.SFMoved.ATSeconded.CARRIED.MembersAGREEDtoexplorethepossibilityofhavingaspecialmeetingatwhichtheProvostcouldpresentontuition.MembersAGREEDthattheaccidentallyremovedreferencetotuitionincreasesbeyondAlbertaCPIintheGSABoard’sSWPshouldbeaddedback.MembersAGREEDthattheysupportedNASA’spetitiontothegovernmenttoregulatedentalfeesinAlbertaandSFnotedthatshewouldwritetoNASAtothateffect.9November2016GSABoardMeetingMainAgendaItems:GSA2016-2017BudgetandExpenditure(Quarterly)Report;SpecialMeetingofGSACouncil:December12,2016;GSAHealthandDentalPlan:AnnualClaimsReport2015-2016andChangeofCoverageReportFall2016;ProposedChangestoGSABylawandPolicyonElectionsandReferenda:ForReviewandOnwardTransmissiontoGSACouncil;ProposedChangesGSAPolicyontheCompositionoftheGSANominatingCommittee:ForReviewandOnwardTransmissiontoGSACouncil;GSAHealthandDentalPlan
MotionsandAgreements:MOTION:ThattheGSABoardRECEIVEFORINFORMATIONANDFORWARDTOGSACOUNCIL(FORINFORMATION)theGSA2016-2017BudgetandExpenditure(Quarterly)Report.SFMOVED.SvKSeconded.CARRIED.MOTION:ThattheGSABoardREQUESTthattheGSASpeakercallforaspecialmeetingofGSACouncilonDecember12,2016forthepurposeofinvitingtheProvostandVice-President(Academic)andtheVice-President(FinanceandAdministration)todiscussgraduatetuitionfeesfor2017-2018.SFMOVED.ATSeconded.CARRIED.MOTION:ThattheGSABoardRECEIVEFORINFORMATIONtheattachedAnnualClaimsReport2015-2016andChangeofCoverageReportFall2016,aspreparedbyStudentcare.SFMOVED.SvKSeconded.CARRIED.16November2016GSABoardMeetingMainAgendaItems:GSAHealthandDentalPlan;GraduateStudentsTuition
MotionsandAgreements:NoMotionsatthistime.
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GSABudgetandFinanceCommittee(GSABFC)ReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: SarahFickoDate: November18,2016DearCouncilColleagues,OnOctober26,theGSABudgetandFinanceCommittee(GSABFC)mettoreviewtheGSA’squarterlyfinancialstatementsforthesecondquarterofourfiscalyear.TheyarebeforeyoufortheNovember21meetingandIencourageyoutoreadtheassociatedcoverletterandthestatementsthemselvesforadditionalinformation.TheGSABFCwillbemeetingnextonDecember13asitbeginstheprocessofdevelopingtheoperatingbudgetfornextyear.Iamhappytoansweranyquestions.Sincerely, SarahFicko,GSAPresidentandChairoftheGSABudgetandFinanceCommittee
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GSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)ReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: SarahFickoDate: November18,2016DearCouncilColleagues,TheGSAGovernanceCommittee(GSAGC)metonOctober31toreviewandapproved,asperitsmandate,editorialchangestoGSABylawandPolicy(includingincorrectpunctuation,typos,andmattersofnon-standardizednamingconventions).Specificchangesincludereplacing“shall”with“will”(“shall”beinggrammaticallyincorrectinthecontextofthirdpersonusage),adding“GSA”whereneededasaprecursortothenamesofstandingcommittee,etc,andensuringconsistencyofacronymusage.Atthatmeeting,theGSAGCalsoapprovedseveraleditorialchangestotheproposedchangestoGSABylawandPolicyonElectionsandReferendaandthecompositionoftheGSANominatingCommittee(currentlybeforeGSACouncil).Sincerely, SarahFicko,GSAPresidentandChairoftheGSAGovernanceCommittee
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GSANominatingCommittee(GSANoC)ReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: RadimBartaDate: November18,2016DearCouncilColleagues,ThereportfromtheGSANominatingCommittee(GSANoC)thismonthisasummaryofdiscussions/decisionstheGSANoChasmadesinceitslastreport,togetherwithalistofallvacanciesfilledandthosewhichwillbefilledshortly.GSAPolicygoverningtheGSANoCislocatedinSectionE:Nominating.AsprovidedforinitsTermsofReference,theGSANoChasbeenconductingbusinessviae-mailandalsometinpersononNovember2(seebelow).Sincerely,RadimBarta,AdministrativeChair,GSANominatingCommittee
EarlyCallforTalentandTrainingGSAPolicystates,“theGSANoCwillactivelyseekoutpotentialcandidatesforallGSADirectly-ElectedOfficersandCouncil-ElectedOfficerspositions"(SectionE:GSAPolicy:Nominating,SectionE.POL.6.4).Likewise,asperSectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSANominatingCommittee,SectionE.POL.9.2:
“TheGSANoCleadsanannualinitiativeeachOctobercalledtheEarlyCallforTalentandTraining.Duringthis“EarlyCall”anygraduatestudentinterestedinrunningforelectedofficeisinvitedtoaget-to-knowdinnerandisencouragedtoparticipateinaseriesoftrainingsessionsonsuchtopicsasUniversitygovernance,GSA101,budgetandauditbasics,collectivebargaining,majorGSAservices,andmore.InformationisprovidedaboutthePresident’sandVice-Presidents’portfoliosandthetimecommitmentsinvolved.ThesesessionsprovideabasicsetofinformationthattheGSAseesasessentialfortheeffectiveleadershipofitscorporationandforthecarryingoutofitsfiduciaryduties.”
Thetrainingprogram(withatotalof5differentsessions)iscurrentlyongoing.AsGSACouncilmembersareaware,engagementfromgraduatestudentsiskeytothesuccessoftheGSA,andsoIencourageallmembersofGSACounciltosharethisinformationwiththeircolleaguesandtopleasecontactgsanomco@ualberta.caifyouseekfurtherinformation.
GSAStandingCommittees1) GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(GSAACB)(5GraduateStudentPositions)IntheOctober28,2016GSANewsletter,theGSANoCadvertisedforfive(5)vacantpositionsontheGSAACB.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasNovember7,2016andtwo(2)nominationswerereceived.Thetwo(2)nomineesweretheninterviewedbyGSANoCAdministrativeChairRadimBartaandrecentformerAdministrativeChairMicheleDuVal,bothofwhomhavebeentrainedinproceduralfairnessbytheGSAandhavearecordofdemonstratingimpartialitythroughtheirworkontheGSANoC.Duringtheinterview,nomineeswereaskedaseriesofquestionsaimedatassessingnominees’awarenessofthebasictenetsofproceduralfairnessandtheirabilitytoadjudicatepotentialcasesinaccordwiththosetenets(noteaswellthatallindividualselectedtotheGSAACBwillreceivetraininginproceduralfairness).Followingtheseinterviewsandensuingdiscussion,theGSANoCagreedtoforwardbothnomineestoGSACouncilwiththecallforadditionalnominations.ThecallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonNovember11,2016.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasNovember16,2016at12:00PM(noon)andnoadditionalnominationswerereceived.
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Also,asreportedinOctober,onOctober13theGSANoCcontactedallcurrentmembersoftheGSAACBtoinquirewhethertheywishedtocontinuetheirserviceontheGSAACB.AsperGSAPolicy,GSACouncilisaskedtovoteonboththenewly-approvednomineesandmembersseekinganadditionalterm.TherewillalsobeavotetoelecttheChairandVice-ChairofGSAACB—theresultsofthisvotewillbedependentonGSACouncil’svoteontheGSAACBmembership.TheremainingvacancieswillbeadvertisedagaininJanuary.Seeitems9ciand9cii–NomineesforGSAACB.2) GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(GSAERC)(2GraduateStudentPositions)IntheOctober28,2016GSANewsletter,theGSANoCadvertisedfortwo(2)vacantpositionsontheGSAERC.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasNovember7,2016andone(1)nominationwasreceived.AcallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonNovember10,2016.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasNovember16,2016at12:00PMandnoadditionalnominationswerereceived.TheremainingvacancieswillbeadvertisedagaininJanuary.RunzhiXu(ChemicalEngineering)isdeclaredelectedtoserveontheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee.Seeitem9a–NomineesfortheGSAERC.3) GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee(GSAASC)(5GraduateStudentPositions)IntheOctober28,2016GSANewsletter,theGSANoCadvertisedforfive(5)vacantpositionsontheGSAASC.ThedeadlinetoreceivenominationswasNovember7,2016andfour(4)nominationswerereceived.AcallforadditionalnominationswasemailedtoGSACouncilonNovember10,2016.ThedeadlinetoreceiveadditionalnominationswasNovember16,2016at12:00PMandnoadditionalnominationswerereceived.TheremainingvacancieswillbeadvertisedagaininJanuary.HoneyBhatia(CivilEngineering),AlixClarke(DentalHygiene),BahadorRashidi(ElectricalandComputerEngineering),andMostafaTawfeek(CivilEngineering)aredeclaredelectedtoserveontheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee.Seeitem9b–NomineesfortheGSAASC.
BodiesExternaltotheGSAGSACouncilhasdelegatedtotheGSANoCtheresponsibilityoffillingpositionsonallcommitteesexternaltotheGSA.Normally,allvacanciesareadvertised.AccordingtoGSAPolicy,“advertisingmaybewaivedininstanceswhere,intheGSANoC’sview,itisurgenttofillavacancy”(SectionE:Nominating,GSAPolicy,Nominating,SectionE.POL.5.2).1) FacultyofArtsAcademicPlanWorkingCommittee(1FacultyofArtsGraduateStudent)ThispositionwasadvertisedintheGSANewsletteronOctober28,2016.ThedeadlinefornominationswasNovember1,2016.One(1)nominationwasreceived.DanikaJorgensen(WomenandGenderStudies)waselectedtoserveontheFacultyofArtsAcademicPlanWorkingCommittee.2) ONEcardStudentAdvisoryGroup(1GraduateStudent)ThispositionwasadvertisedintheGSANewsletteronOctober28,2016.ThedeadlinefornominationswasNovember4,2016.One(1)nominationwasreceived.AnthonyOwolabi(Business)waselectedtoserveontheONEcardStudentAdvisoryGroup.
CurrentVacanciesAsnotedabove,therearecurrentlyanumberofremainingvacanciesontheGSAERC,GSAASC,andGSAACB.ThesevacancieswillbeadvertisedinJanuary2017.
Addendum–AdministrationoftheGSANoCOnNovember2,2016,membersoftheGSANominatingCommitteemettodiscussfeedbackreceivedattheOctoberGSACouncilmeetingregardingaskingfollow-upquestionstonomineesaddressingGSACouncilforaposition.MembersdiscussedthelogisticsofimplementingthisideaandagreedthatitwouldbemoreappropriatetoinviteGSACouncilmembersonanongoingbasistosubmittotheGSANoCquestionstheywouldliketoseeaskedofthenominees.GSACouncilmembersareinvitedtosubmitquestionstogsanomco@ualberta.ca.
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GSAVice-PresidentAcademicReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: FirouzKhodayariDate: November18,2016
DearCouncilColleagues,
Wehavehadsucha“longkindfall”tillnow,let’shopethatitwillbefollowedbya“shortnicewinter”!AsGSAVice-PresidentAcademic,IhaveattendedseveralmeetingsandbeeninvolvedwithsomediscussionsduringthelastmonthwhichIwillsharethehighlightswithyouinthisreport.
TuitionBudgetAdvisoryCommittee
AsSarahreports,theUniversityProvostandVice-PresidentAcademicandpreviousVice-PresidentofFinanceandAdministrationhavedevelopedaproposaltoincreasethe2017-2018tuitionfeesforinternationalgraduatestudents(thegovernmenthasfrozendomestictuitionforthisperiod)andsomedetailsfollow:
• SeveralproposalswerediscussedinitiallyandtheGSAwasstronglyagainstthem.• Thecurrent,andpublic,proposalwhichwasthendevelopedproposedanincreaseof3.02%
basedonanAPI(AcademicPriceIndex)calculationmethodology.Thisisalsothenumberwhichisbeingappliedtomandatorynoninstructionalfees(MNIF)increases(althoughthesearealsofrozenfornextyearforallstudents).
• Theproposalalsoincludesanincreaseof$4,000/yearforfulltime(FT)internationalgraduatestudents.Part-timeinternationalgraduatestudentswillpay50%oftheFTinternationalgraduatestudentincrease(or$2,000).Thiswillbeoffsetbyarebateof$4,000forFTinternationalgraduatestudentforthe2017-18academicyear($2000forpart-timeinternationalgraduatestudents).Thepurposeistocreateanetneutralcost‘stickerprice’increaseforinternationalgraduatestudenttuition.
• TheGSAisstronglyagainstthisproposalforseveralreasonsthatwecandiscussinGSACouncil.PleasenoteaswellthattheProvostwillattendaspecialGSACouncilmeetingonDecember12totakeyourquestionsandIencourageyoualltoattendandengagehimonthisimportantissue.
• Theirlogicforhavingsuchanincreaseistheirassumptionthatthereisacorrelationbetweenthequalityoftheuniversityandthetuitionfees.Thereisnodatatosupportthisargument.Wedidsomeresearchandcouldfindnosolidevidencetosupportthiscorrelation!
• Administrationalsosaysthatinternationalgraduatestudents,whenmakingadecisionaboutchoosingauniversity,lookatthetuitionfeesandconsidertheoneswithhighertuitionfeesashavingahigherquality.Wedisagreewiththisargument,particularlyasthereispublishedliteraturewhichshowsthattheimportantfactorsforinternationalstudentsinchoosingtheir
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destinationisthegoodreputationofprograms,theuniversity’sreputation/ranking,futureemploymentprospects,andclimateorlocationoftheuniversity.OurperspectiveisthatthecurrentrateoftuitionfeesattheUofA(whichislowerthanmostoftheothertopresearchintensiveuniversitiesinCanada)isoneofthemainreasonsthatcurrentlytheproportionofinternationalgraduatestudentsatUofAis34%(higherthantheproportionattheUniversityofToronto(15%),atMcGillUniversity(30%),andatUBC(32%)withhavebetterrankingsand,arguably,betterlocationsandclimates).
• TheGSAisagainstthisproposal,andwecandiscussfurtherinGSACouncil.PleasenoteaswellthattheProvostwillattendaspecialGSACouncilmeetingonDecember12totakeyourquestions.Iencourageyoualltoattendandengagehimonthisimportantissue.
WebelievethatthisproposalgoesagainstvaluesthattheInstitutionalStrategicPlan(ISP)hasbeenbuilton:“Wevaluediversity,inclusivity,andequityacrossandamongourpeople,campuses,anddisciplines”.Suchaproposalwillresultinlosingthediversitythatwecurrentlyhaveacrosscampus.ItisalsoagainsttheobjectivesoftheISP;“optimizeourinternationalrecruitingstrategiestoattractwell-qualifiedinternationalstudents”becausenotallwellqualifiedinternationalstudentsarerich!
Wecurrentlyhavemanyinternationalgraduatestudentsthatareusingfoodbankservicesandthistuitionincreasewilllikelyincreasethisnumber.Therearealreadymanygraduatestudentswhohavetoworkpart-timetobeabletolivehereinEdmontonandsuchaproposalwillincreasethenumbersofthesegraduatestudentsandthehoursthattheyhavetoworktobeabletopaytheirtuition,whichmeansthequalityoftheirresearchmaydecreaseandtheirtimetocompletionmaylengthen–neitherisinthebestinterest’softheUniversity’sreputation.
IlookforwardtoourdiscussionsaboutthisandthediscussionwiththeProvostonDecember12.
FGSRPolicyReviewCommittee
AfterlongdiscussionsurroundingthemedicalprovisionsatthelastFGSRCouncilmeeting,itwasdecidedtohaveonlythePolicyfortheProfessionalExperienceLeaveforapprovalatthenextFGSRCouncilmeeting.Thenewversionoftheotherleavecategories(includingmedicalleave)willbebroughtbackafterJanuarytoensurethatwehavetheProfessionalExperienceLeavePolicyapprovedfirstsograduatestudentscanuseitsooner.
Iamhappytoansweranyquestionsorcommentsthatyoumighthaveregardingthisreport.AlsoIwouldbemorethanhappyifyouwouldliketoshareyoursuggestionsorconcernsonanyacademicrelatedissuesoftheUniversity.
Thanks,
FirouzKhodayari,GSAVice-PresidentAcademic
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PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenOctober24,2016andNovember21,2016.Themeetingswereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.
October26 EarlyCallDinnerOctober27 GSACoffeeBreakOctober27 PD4GradsCommitteeOctober27 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearchPolicyReviewCommitteeOctober27 GSA/FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearchProfessionalDevelopmentInfoFairOctober27 MeetingwiththeStudents’UnionPresidentOctober27 TuitionBudgetAdvisoryCommitteeOctober28 PlasmaCarRallyOctober29 BreakfastwithCouncillorKnackOctober31 EarlyCallStrategicWorkPlanandHotTopicsNovember2-4 CanadianAssociationforGraduateStudiesConferenceNovember7 TuitionBudgetAdvisoryCommitteeNovember8 MeetingwithVice-President(Facilities&Operations)ASharmanNovember8 GSACoffeeBreakNovember9 MandatoryNon-InstructionalFeesOversightCommitteeNovember9 AcademicIntegrityCouncilNovember10 FallConvocationNovember16 DaysofActionNovember16 UAlbertaHonoraryDegreeandPhDRecipientsReceptionNovember17 GeneralFacultiesCouncilCaucusNovember21 FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearchCouncilCaucus
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GSAVice-PresidentExternalReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: MasoudKhademiDate: November18,2016DearCouncilColleagues,Hopeyouaredoingwellinallaspectsofyourlife.Usuallyatthistimeofyear,studentsareprettybusywiththeirmidterms.Forthoseofyouwhostillhavetotakemidterms,ortowaitfortheirexamsresults,Iwishyoualltheluck.AsreportedbySasha,inthepastmonth,justliketheinthepreviousmonth,theGSAhostedaseriesofcoffeebreaksinseveraldepartments.Inthesebreaks,Ihavehadtheopportunitytotalktomanygraduatestudentsabouttheiracademicandpersonallives,listentotheirconcerns,andupdatethemaboutGSAservices.Ifyouhavenothadachancetoattendanyofourcoffeebreaks,Isincerelyencourageyoutodoso.Duringthepastmonth,IalsoattendedtheResidenceBudgetaryAdvisoryCommittee(RBAC).ThemainissuesdiscussedweretheupcomingchangestothemealplanforstudentslivinginListerHallandfinalizingtheresidenceratesfortheupcomingyears.Ishouldmentionthattheformerissuemostlyaffectsundergraduatestudents.AtRBAC,theGSA,alongsidetheStudents’Union,triedtomakesurethatstudentvoiceswerealwaysbeingheardbytheUniversityAdministration.InOctober,IattendedtheDean’sAdvisoryCommittee.ThisnewcommitteewasestablishedattherequestofthenewDeanofStudents,AndreCostopoulos.Inthismeeting,besiderepresentativesfromtheSUandtheGSA,twentystudents-at-large(bothgradandundergrad)wereinvitedtoattendandtalkabouttheirdailyissues.ThemainsubjectofthefirstmeetingofthiscommitteewasintroducingtheservicesthatareprovidedorsupportedbytheOfficeoftheDeanofStudents(suchasmentalhealthresourcesandtheStudentSuccessCenter)andmakingtheseservicesmoreaccessibleforstudents.IhavealsoattendedsomeEarlyCallsessions.Inthosemeetings,asreportedbyAli,theGSAprovidestrainingandinformationsessionsforstudentsinterestedinparticipatingintheGeneralElectionandrunningforaDirectly-ElectedOfficerposition.IandotherDEOsmetwithAndrewSharman(Vice-President(Facility&Operations))andhisteam.InthatmeetingtheytriedtogiveusabriefoverviewoftheirorganizationandtheirroleswithintheUniversitystructure.Theyalsoaskedforourfeedbackregardingareasofimprovement.Inthepastweek,IchairedtheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee,whichmettofinalizethelistofstudentswhohavebeenselectedfortheAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAward.ThelistofsuccessfulapplicantswasfinalizedandsenttotheGovernmentofAlbertaforfinalapproval.Inthenextfewdays,beforetheGSACouncilmeeting,IwillattendsomeothermeetingssuchastheResidenceLifeTaskForce,andtheAlumniCouncil,whichIwillbereportingonatthemeeting.Atthe
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end,justlikeeveryothermonth,ifyouneedmoreinformationorhaveanyquestionsregardingthemeetingsIattendedthispastmonth,donothesitatetocontactme.Sincerely,MasoudKhademi,GSAVice-PresidentExternal
PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenOctober24,2016andNovember21,2016.Themeetingswereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.
October25 ResidenceBudgetaryAdvisoryCommitteeOctober25 AthleticsandRecreationFeePolicyAdvisoryCommitteeOctober26 AlumniCouncilOctober26 Dean’sAdvisoryCommitteeOctober26 EarlyCallDinnerOctober27 GSACoffeeBreakOctober27 GSA/FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearchProfessionalDevelopmentInfoFairOctober28 Post-SecondaryEducationTaskForceOctober29 BreakfastwithCouncillorKnackOctober31 EarlyCallStrategicWorkPlanandHotTopicsNovember7 EarlyCallExternalAdvocacyNovember8 ResidenceBudgetaryAdvisoryCommitteeNovember8 MeetingwithVice-President(Facilities&Operations)ASharmanNovember8 GSACoffeeBreakNovember8 ResidenceBudgetaryAdvisoryCommitteeNovember10 GSAAwardsSelectionCommitteeNovember16 FallConvocationNovember16 UAlbertaHonoraryDegreeandPhDRecipientsReceptionNovember17 ResidenceLifeTaskForceNovember19 AlumniCouncilMajorSession
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GSAAwardsSelectionCommittee(GSAASC)ReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: MasoudKhademiDate: November18,2016DearCouncilColleagues,TheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee(GSAASC)isresponsibleforadjudicatingapplicationsfortheGovernmentofAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAward(AGCA)onbehalfoftheprovince.Aswasreportedlastmonth,thedeadlinefortheGSAtoreceiveAGCAapplicationswasOctober15,2016.TheGSAreceived140applications,upfromthe123receivedin2015.ThemembersoftheGSAASCadjudicatedtheseapplicationsand,attheirmeetingofNovember10,2016,votedtorecommendtwentynomineestothegovernment.ThelistofnomineeswasprovidedtotheGovernmentofAlbertaonNovember10,2016.Thenamesforwardedtothegovernmentforthe2016AGCAare(notethatrecipientswillbeofficiallynotifiedbythegovernmentinDecember):
AisuluAbdykadyrova TyKimKelsieActon EllyKnight
EmanAldabbas AngelaMeyerEdrickAndrews JohnWesleyPaylorKelsiBarkway KylePottsTarraCarter DavidShoults
LauraCastrodelaGuardia RachelSkow
LindsayEales LeighSpannerSarahFicko AlirezaTalaeiRylanKafara BraydenWhitlock
CongratulationstothoselistedaboveandthankyoutoGSAASCmembersfortheirhardwork.Best,MasoudKhademi,GSAVice-PresidentExternalandChairoftheGSAAwardsandSelectionCommittee
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GSAVice-PresidentLabourReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: SashavanderKleinDate: November18,2016
DearCouncilColleagues,
It’salmostChristmas!Atleast,that’sthefeelingIgetwhenIwalkthroughstores.I’llbeflyingbacktothehomecountryfortheholidays,soIactuallydon’tmindbeingremindedthisearlyaboutthefactthatIgetsometimeoffsoon!Thismonth,Ihavecontinuedworkonacaseinvolvingdiscriminationandharassmentagainststudents.Therehavebeenseveraldevelopments,butitisnotyetagoodnewsstory,unfortunately.Onthepositivesidethismonthoneofthestudentsthatwehelpedpreviouslyconcerningsupervisoryissueshasconvocated.Additionally,acertaindepartmenthasnowstartedtobecompliantwiththeCollectiveAgreementandbegunhandingoutannualperformancereviews.Furthermore,wehelpedresolveafundingissue.Apparentlyinformationabouthowstudentsshouldbefundedandhowofferlettersshouldbeinterpretedisnotalwaysflowingeasilybetweendifferentadministrativelayers,evenwithinadepartment.RelatedtocompliancewiththeCollectiveAgreement,IpresentedthehighlightsoftheCollectiveAgreementthismonthtotheAssistantDeans,agoodaudienceastheyareoftendirectlyinvolvedwithgraduatestudentfunding.ConcerningtheSexualViolencePolicyCommittee,wehavefinalizedtheSexualViolencePolicyandProcedures,whichwillnowhavetogothroughthegovernancestructure.Iwillkeepyouupdatedabouttheapprovalprocess,but,asthehighergoverningbodiessometimestakeextensivetimetomakedecisions,itmighttakeawhile.RelatedtotheMentalHealthPortfolio,Ihaveattendedtwoofourcoffeebreaks(sponsoredbyanUnwindYourMindgrantaimedatwellnessprograming),quiteafewpeoplecameoutandtookabreak.Wearealwaysopenedtoreceivefeedbackabouttheseevents,sopleaseletusknowifyouhaveanysuggestions!IalsoattendedthefirstwebinarofHealthyCampusAlberta,acollaborativeinitiativebetweenthepost-secondaryinstitutionsinAlbertatocreateahealthycampusenvironmentforstudents.Anexampleofthisinitiativeisthe“Prethinkyourdrink”campaign,mostly,butnotexclusively,aimedatundergraduates.However,theinitiativealsoaddressesmentalhealthissuesandsuicideprevention,soduringthewebinarIstressedthetightsituationgraduatestudentscanbeinrelatedtoculturalbackgrounds,stressfullabenvironments,financialissues,and/orsupervisoryrelationships.AshowIperceiveit,agraduatedegreecannotbeobtainedifyourmentaland/orphysicalhealthissuffering.Thiscommentgotsomeearsduringthewebinar,soIlookforwardtoseehowcollaborationinthiscontextcanhelpusmoveforward.ThatwasNovember,hopeitwasasmuchaproductivemonthforyouasitwasforme!Letmeknowifyouhaveanyquestions,andfeelfreetocontactmeanytime.
Thanks,
SashavanderKlein,GSAVice-PresidentLabour
PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenOctober24,2016andNovember21,2016.Themeetingswereaccurateatthetimeofprinting.
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October26 GSABudgetandFinanceCommitteeOctober26 ACCESSGrantSteeringCommitteeOctober26 EarlyCallDinnerOctober27 GeneralFacultiesCouncilCampusLawReviewCommitteeOctober27 GSA/FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearchProfessionalDevelopmentInfoFairOctober28 PlasmaCarRallyOctober31 MeetingwithaGraduateStudentOctober31 GSAGovernanceCommitteeOctober31 EarlyCallStrategicWorkPlanandHotTopicsNovember1 MeetingwithGraduateStudentsNovember1 MeetingwithaDepartmentNovember2 MeetingreaGraduateStudentIssueNovember2 MeetingwithGraduateStudentsNovember3 CAPresentationtoAssistantDeansNovember3 MeetingwithaGraduateStudentNovember8 MeetingwithVice-President(FacilitiesandOperations)ASharmanNovember8 GSACoffeeBreakNovember9 CareerSymposiumKeynoteNovember10 GSAAwardsSelectionCommitteeNovember10 SexualAssaultPolicyDiscussionNovember14 PSLALabourConsultationNovember14 PresentationtotheBoardHumanResourcesandCompensationCommitteeNovember15 HealthyCampusWebinarNovember16 FallConvocationNovember16 Budget101November16 UAlbertaHonoraryDegreeandPhDRecipientsReceptionNovember17 Anti-HarassmentCampaignWorkingGroupNovember17 MeetingreGraduateStudentIssuesNovember21 GeneralFacultiesCouncil
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GSAVice-PresidentStudentServicesReporttoGSACouncilforNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: AliTalaeiDate: November18,2016DearCouncilColleagues,Hopeallisgoodandtheacademiclifeistreatingyouwell.Movingforwardduringthesemester,initiativesaregettingshapedintheGSAandthereisprogresstowardstheobjectivesoftheBoard’sSWP.Belowarethehighlightsofmyactivitiesinthepastfewweeks:TherehasbeensomeprogressregardingtheMichenerParktransitissue.Ihavebeentryingtoadvocateforitfromdifferentfronts(includingthroughcollaborationwiththeMPRA,negotiationwithuniversityadministrationandalso,sincerecently,throughCouncillorKnack’soffice).TheissueisverywellunderstoodbythedifferentpartiesandIamhopingtohavesomegoodnewsverysoon.TheUPassnegotiationisgettingtoitsfinalstagesandthedetailsofthenewagreement,whichIhavesharedpreviously,willbereleasedinanofficialannouncementonNovember24.Fornow,attheGSAoffice,wearegettingpreparedtohaveareferendumonthenewagreementearlyin2017.HavingservedontheChairSelectionCommitteefortheCampusFoodBankforthepastfewmonths,IamhappytoreportthatthenewCFBchairisnowappointedasofearlierthismonth.Theboardmemberstogetherwiththestaffandvolunteersareexcitedtocelebratethe25thanniversaryoftheCFBandwearebusyplanningeventsandcampaignsonthatfront.IwouldalsowanttotaketheopportunityandthankthoseofyouattendingtheEarlyCallsessionsandthegreatparticipationfromthegradstudentcommunity.AspecialthanktotheGSANoCandtheGSAmanagementandstafffororganizingtheseriesofevents.TheEarlyCallsessionsarecrucialforthosethinkingaboutrunningforDEOpositionstogettoknowtheorganizationandbecomepreparedforbeinggradstudentsrepresentatives.Asapointofinformation,theEarlyCallsessionsarestillongoingsoforthoseofyouwhoareinterested,youcanstillparticipate.
Sincerely,
AliTalaei,Vice-PresidentStudentServices
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PleasefindbelowalistofmeetingsIattendedbetweenOctober24,2016andNovember21,2016.
October25 MichenerParkTransitDiscussionOctober26 EarlyCallDinnerOctober27 GSA/FacultyofGraduateStudiesandResearchProfessionalDevelopmentInfoFairOctober28 KillamLuncheonOctober28 MeetingwiththeDeanofStudentsOctober29 BreakfastwithCouncillorKnackOctober31 EarlyCallStrategicWorkPlanandHotTopicsNovember1 PhysicalActivityandWellnessCentreStrategicOperatingCommitteeNovember2 PhysicalActivityandWellnessCentreLoungeDécorDiscussionNovember2 EarlyCallServices101November2 GeneralFacultiesCouncilCommitteeontheLearningEnvironmentNovember8 GSACoffeeBreakNovember8 MeetingwithVice-Presidentof(Facilities&Operations)ASharmanNovember9 U-PassAdvisoryCommitteeNovember16 MeetingwiththeCampusFoodBankChairNovember16 UAlbertaHonoraryDegreeandPhDRecipientsReceptionNovember17 U-PassAdminNovember17 EarlyCallServices101
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GSAVPStudentServicesReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: JaneTraynorDate: November18,2016DearCouncilColleagues,
IhavebeenplacedontheCommunityConnectionandEngagementandHonoraryDegreeSelectionCommitteesforthisyear.
OnNovember9,IattendedmyfirstCommunityConnectionandEngagementCommitteemeetingwherewediscussedpotentialcommunitiestofocusonreachingouttointhecomingyear.WegeneratedalisttosendtoChancellorStolleryandwillwaitforhisresponsetodeterminewhichcommunitiestoprioritizevisitsto.
FortheDecemberPlenarysessiontherewillbeadialogueonracism.Ifthisissomethingwhichyoufeelpassionatelyaboutorifthereisaperson,cause,ororganizationwhichdealswithracismthatyouthinkIshouldknowaboutinadvanceofPlenary,pleaseletmeknow!
IfyouhaveanyupcomingeventsthatyouwouldliketohaveSenaterepresentationatorhaveaninitiativeyoufeelshouldbebroughttotheattentionoftheSenate,pleasedonothesitatetocontactme.
JaneTraynor,GSASenator
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GSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(GSAERC)ReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: LeighSpannerDate: November18,2016DearCouncilColleagues,AsdiscussedinmyOctoberreporttoGSACouncil,theGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(GSAERC)metonOctober24tofinalizechangestoGSABylawandPolicyonelectionsandreferenda,whicharecurrentlybeforemembers.Followingthismeeting,theGSAERCvotedunanimously,viaemail,torecommendtheproposaltoGSACouncil.TheGSABoardreceivedtheproposalforinformationandonwardtransmissiontoGSACouncilattheirNovember9meeting.TheGSABoardmembersmadeasmallsuggestiontotheproposalwhichtheGSAERCagreedto,viaemail,onNovember10,2016.Additionalinformationcanbefoundinthecoverletterattachedtothisitem.Intheupcomingweeks,theGSAERCwillmeettodiscussthe2017GSAGeneralElection.Sincerely, LeighSpanner,ChairoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee
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GSAExecutiveDirectorReporttoGSACouncilforNovember21,2016Meeting
To: GSACouncilFrom: CourtneyThomas,GSAExecutiveDirectorDate: November18,2016DearGSACouncilMembers,
Aswasreportedlastmonth,theannualEarlyCallforTalentandTraining,leadbytheGSANominatingCommittee(GSANoC),recentlybegun.AspertheGSA’smandateinGSAPolicy:
“TheGSANoCleadsanannualinitiativeeachOctobercalledtheEarlyCallforTalentandTraining.Duringthis“EarlyCall”anygraduatestudentinterestedinrunningforelectedofficeisinvitedtoaget-to-knowdinnerandisencouragedtoparticipateinaseriesoftrainingsessionsonsuchtopicsasUniversitygovernance,GSA101,budgetandauditbasics,collectivebargaining,majorGSAservices,andmore.InformationisprovidedaboutthePresident’sandVPs’portfoliosandthetimecommitmentsinvolved.ThesesessionsprovideabasicsetofinformationthattheGSAseesasessentialfortheeffectiveleadershipofitscorporationandforthecarryingoutofitsfiduciaryduties.”
Thisyear’sEarlyCallisgoingwellandwehad21interestedgraduatestudentscometotheGet-to-KnowDinneronOctober26.Additionally,theparticipantsinthevarioustrainingsessionsofferedthusfarhavebeenengaged,inquisitive,andmotivatedtolearnasmuchastheycanabouttheGSA.
Asalways,thedetailedmanagementreportstotheBoardareenclosed.
Best,CourtneyThomas,GSAExecutiveDirector
20.1
MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item20-EDReporttoCouncil.docx
ManagementReporttotheGSABoard,October26,2016Thefollowingissueshavedominatedmanagement’sattentionintheweeksincethelastGSABoardmeetingonOctober19,2016:Strategic
• MainIssuesDealtWithinthePastWeek:PreparingforEarlyCall101sessions(Get-to-KnowdinnerisOctober26);budgetbuildingforthe2017-2018fiscalyear;quarterlyfinancialstatementsandameetingoftheGSABudgetandFinanceCommittee;actionarisingfromameetingoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee(andplanningforthenextmeeting);planningforanupcomingGSAGovernanceCommitteemeetingtorevieweditorialchangestoGSABylawandPolicy;planningforthefallPDevent(nowcollectingRSVPs–78receivedthusfar);ongoingdeliveryoftheUnwindYourMindGSACoffeeBreaks;supportfortheGSABoard’sreviewoftheGSAHealthandDentalPlan;adjudicationoftheAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAwards;lotsofdiscussionandthoughtconcerninggraduatestudentgroups;ab-GPACfees,PAWfeediscussions.
• BylawandPolicyReview:areviewofallBylawsandPoliciesforinconsistenciesanderrors(theGSAGovernanceCommitteewillmeettoconsideraseriesofeditorialamendments);ongoingreviewofGSABylawandPolicyonelectionsandreferendaassociatedwithGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteemeetings;reviewoftheGSANominatingCommitteeComposition(adrafthasbeenpreparedandtheGSAGovernanceCommitteewillnowconsiderrecommendingittoGSACouncil);reviewofBoardPoliciesonsuccessionfortheChairoftheGSABoardandforPresident(amendmentspending).
• GraduateStudentGroups:Lotsofthinkinganddiscussionofissuesrelatedtostudentgroups;ongoingrelationshipbuildingwithStudentGroupServices;discussionsconcerningSUinitiativesonstudentgroups.
GrantsandOperations
• TransferofcontenttoSitecore3(plannedtobecompletedbyNovemberbutmayneedtocarryforwardtoDecemberpendingofficeworkloads)andthepossiblecreationofapotentialserviceagreementwithIST(ISTwillbeprovidingacostquoteinthecomingweeks).
• Facebook=895likes(up6fromOctober19);uurFacebookpostsreached1,029usersthisweekandour“postengagement”countwas66.Twitter=672followers(up3fromOctober19);ourtweetsearned2,400“impressions”overthelastweek.
TotalAmountAvailableThisPeriod
TotalAmountRemainingThisPeriod(Post-Processing)
NumberofNewApplicationsSinceLast
GSAB
TotalNumberofApplicationsThisPeriod
ATAs $91,636.14 $53,470.23 21 76(23pendingprocessing)
CCGs $94,989.85 $23,989.85CLOSED 0 48(10pendingprocessing)
ASGAs $3,562.50 $2,062.5 0 1(1pendingprocessing)
EBs $100,625(noperiods) $87,504.00 0 8(0pendingprocessing)
WeekinReview–OfficeOperations:
• SupportingtheworkoftheGSANominatingCommittee(planningforEarlyCallandpreparationofrelatedmaterials,SurgeryGSAelection,etc).
• SupportingtheworkoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeandtheGSAGovernanceCommittee.
• DeliveryoftheUnwindYourMindGSACoffeeBreaksandplanningforthefallPDeventandWinterOrientation.
• ReceiptofapplicationsfortheAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAwardandassistancewithpreparingforadjudicationsbytheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee.
20.2
MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item20-EDReporttoCouncil.docx
ManagementReporttotheGSABoard,November9,2016Thefollowingissueshavedominatedmanagement’sattentioninthetwoweekssincethelastGSABoardmeetingonOctober26,2016:Strategic
• MainIssuesDealtWithinthePastTwoWeeks:EarlyCall101sessions(21participantsintheGet-to-KnowdinneronOctober26);discussionssurroundingtuitionforinternationalgraduatestudents;budgetbuildingforthe2017-2018fiscalyear;preparingfortheGSACouncilfirstmailingonNovember10;actionarisingfromaGSAGovernanceCommitteemeeting;humanresourcesdiscussionsandplanning;debriefingthefallPDevent(incommonwithpastPDevents,lowattendanceincomparisontothenumberofRSVPsreceived);ongoingdeliveryoftheUnwindYourMindGSACoffeeBreaks;adjudicationoftheAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAwards;preparingforameetingtodiscussnextstepsrePaMS;earlystageplanningforthenextPDeventinFebruaryandforGSAAwardsNightinMarch;forwardplanningfortheGSAGeneralElection;developingatimelinefortheopeningandadjudicationofGSArecognitionawards;makingarrangementsforaspecialmeetingofGSACouncil.
• BylawandPolicyReview:TheGSAGovernanceCommitteemetonOctober31andapprovedaseriesofeditorialamendmentstoGSABylawandPolicythatfocusedoncorrectingpunctuation,ensuringstandardizeduseofterminology,etc);reviewofBoardPoliciesonsuccessionfortheChairoftheGSABoardandforPresident(amendmentspending);preparingrecommendedchangesfromtheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeandtheGSAGovernanceCommitteetomoveforwardtoGSACouncilforconsideration.
• GraduateStudentGroups:Lotsofthinkinganddiscussionofissuesrelatedtostudentgroups;ongoingrelationshipbuildingwithStudentGroupServices;discussionsconcerningSUinitiativesonstudentgroups.
GrantsandOperations
• TransferofcontenttoSitecore3(willcarryforwardtoDecemberduetoofficeworkloads)andplanningtomeetwithISTtofurtherdiscussaserviceagreementwiththemafterreceiptofacostestimate.
• Facebook=897likes(up2fromOctober26);Facebookpostsreached915usersthisweekandour“postengagement”countwas86.Twitter=679followers(up7fromOctober26);ourtweetsearned828“impressions”overthelastweek.
TotalAmountAvailableThisPeriod
TotalAmountRemainingThisPeriod(Post-Processing)
NumberofNewApplicationsSinceLast
GSAB
TotalNumberofApplicationsThisPeriod
ATAs $91,636.14 $44,155.19 9 97(25pendingprocessing)
CCGs $94,989.85 $25,989.85CLOSED 0 47(3pendingprocessing)
ASGAs $3,562.50 $2,090.19 0 1(0pendingprocessing)
EBs $100,625(noperiods) $87,504.00 0 8(0pendingprocessing)
WeekinReview–OfficeOperations:
• SupportingtheworkoftheGSANominatingCommittee(in-personmeeting,EarlyCallforTalentsessions,fillingavacancyontheFacultyofArtsAcademicPlanWorkingCommittee,etc).
• SupportingtheworkoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeandtheGSAGovernanceCommittee.
• DeliveryoftheUnwindYourMindGSACoffeeBreaksandplanningfortheWinterOrientationandWinterMixer.
• AdjudicationofapplicationsfortheAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAwardandpreliminarypreparationfortheGSARecognitionAwards.
20.3
MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item20-EDReporttoCouncil.docx
ManagementReporttotheGSABoard,November16,2016Thefollowingissueshavedominatedmanagement’sattentionintheweeksincethelastGSABoardmeetingonNovember9,2016:Strategic
• MainIssuesDealtWithinthePastTwoWeeks:DecanalselectioncommitteeintheFacultyofNativeStudiesandworkingwithgraduatestudentsinthedepartmentwithrespecttorepresentationonthecommittee,discussionsandresearchsurroundingtuitionforinternationalgraduatestudents;earlyCall101sessions;budgetbuildingforthe2017-2018fiscalyear;Budget101session;preparingfortheGSACouncilmailingsonNovember10andNovember18;ongoingdeliveryoftheUnwindYourMindGSACoffeeBreaks(gettingadditionalcoffeefortheremainingevents);preparingforameetingtodiscussnextstepsrePaMS;earlystageplanningforthenextPDeventinFebruaryandforGSAAwardsNightinMarch;forwardplanningfortheGSAGeneralElection;developingatimelinefortheopeningandadjudicationofGSARecognitionAwards;troubleshootingissueswithgrantsprocessingrelatedtoPeoplesoft(workingwithHRS).
• BylawandPolicyReview:ReviewofBoardPoliciesonsuccessionfortheChairoftheGSABoardandforPresident(amendmentspending);ongoingreviewofseveralotherGSABylawsandPolicies(OfficerPortfolios,etc).
• GraduateStudentGroups:Ongoingstrategizingrelatedtostudentgroupsandresidenceassociations;relationshipbuildingwithStudentGroupServices;discussionsconcerningSUinitiativesonstudentgroups.
GrantsandOperations
• TransferofcontenttoSitecore3(willcarryforwardtoDecemberduetoofficeworkloads)andplanningtomeetwithISTtofurtherdiscussaserviceagreementwiththemafterreceiptofacostestimate.
• TroubleshootingsomeissueswithPeoplesoft(whichweusetoprocessATAsandCCGs).
• Facebook=901likes(up4fromNovember9);Facebookpostsreached1119usersthisweekandour“postengagement”countwas97.Twitter=683followers(up4fromNovember9);ourtweetsearned650“impressions”overthelastweek.
TotalAmountAvailableThisPeriod
TotalAmountRemainingThisPeriod(Post-Processing)
NumberofNewApplicationsSinceLast
GSAB
TotalNumberofApplicationsThisPeriod
ATAs $91,636.14 $40,981.59 7 104(32pendingprocessing)
CCGs $94,989.85 $25,989.85CLOSED 0 47(2pendingprocessing)
ASGAs $3,562.50 $2,090.19 0 1(0pendingprocessing)
EBs $100,625(noperiods) $87,504.00(noperiods) 0 8(0pendingprocessing)(noperiods)
WeekinReview–OfficeOperations:
• SupportingtheworkoftheGSANominatingCommittee(EarlyCallforTalentsessions,fillingavacanciesontheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee,theGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,etc).
• DeliveryoftheUnwindYourMindGSACoffeeBreaksandplanningfortheWinterOrientationandGSA/AlumniWinterPDMixer.
• AdjudicationofapplicationsfortheAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAward(namesforwardedtotheGovernmentofAlberta),preliminarypreparationfortheGSARecognitionAwards,andsupportfortheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee.
• TroubleshootingissuesassociatedwithprocessingGSAgrantsandawardsinPeoplesoft.