gsa council meeting agenda - university of alberta€¦ · cover letter ii. outline of issue iii....

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.


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


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

PreparedbyJTanguayandFRobertsonfortheCouncilMeetingof24October2016MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:FirstMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item3-MinutesGSACouncil24October2016.docx

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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


3.1

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


3.2

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


3.3

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.


3.4

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


3.5

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]).


3.6

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.

6.0

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

6.1

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.

6.2

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.

6.3

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.


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.



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.



Directly-ElectedOfficersBenefits

GSAHealthandDentalPlan$2,250budget

• Theratecurrentlyis$492.95pergraduatestudentperannum.ThisinvoiceispaidinSeptember.


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).


EmployerEIContributions$4,405budget

• ThisistheGSA’scontributionforEmploymentInsurancewhichisatarateof1.4timestheemployee’scontribution.EIiscalculatedatarateof1.88%ofsalaryuptothemaximumannualpremium.Thislineshowstheemployer’scontributiononly(nottheemployeecontribution).


ElectedOfficers-OtherExpenses

Insurance$2,025budget

• DirectorsandOfficersLiabilityInsurance.PaidannuallyinJanuary.• NewinsurancebrokerretainedinJanuary2016whichhasresultedin

apolicyratesavings.


Transition/EarlyCallforTalent$4,697budget

• MaybeusedtofundtheEarlyCallforTalentandTraininginthefall.• TransitionactivitytypicallyoccursinMarchandApril.• Majorityof2016-2017transitionexpenseshaveoccurredinApril

andMay2016,ratherthanMarchsoanoverexpenditureisforecast.



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.


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.


OtherHonoraria$2,000budget

• Thispoolofmoneymaybeusedtopayanhonorariumtoanindividual(s)forsignificantandhigh-levelworksimilartothatdonebytheSpeakerorCRO.

• Example,DROneedstofillinforCROforasignificantperiod.• Pre-approvalbytwosigningauthoritiesisneeded.

• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$0.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$2,000• The2015-2016actualwas$500


GSAADVOCACY GovernmentandExternalRelations$16,239budget

• Relationship-building,withafocusonadvocacy,betweentheGSA,governmentandotherorganizations.Usuallyintheformoftravelexpenses,hosting,ormeetingsrelatedtoadvocacy.

• InitsStrategicWorkPlan(SWP),theGSABoardidentifiedtheneedforastrongvoiceatthetablewithgovernment(Albertagovernmentinparticular)andotherdecision-makingandinfluentialgroupsatthenationallevelinordertopromotethebestinterestsofgraduatestudents.Asastrong,stable,rebuiltorganization,theGSAanditsleadersarenowinanexcellentpositiontotakeonintensive,integratedadvocacyforandpresentationofgraduatestudentissues.


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.



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.


StaffRepresentedbyNASA–EmployerCPPContributions$10,000budget


• Anticipatedsurplus:$1,048• ActualApriltoSeptember:$4,477• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$4,475• The2015-2016actualwas$8,281

StaffRepresentedbyNASA–EmployerEIContributions$5,348budget




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.


Management-MeritPay/ContractualforManagement$30,062budget

• InaccordancewiththeExecutiveDirector’scontractasof2016-2017,theEDhastheopportunitytoreceivemeritpayandothercontractualexpenses(beingpaidmonthly).TheformerEDdeclinedtohavemeritpaybuiltintohersalary.ThecurrentEDusesthisfundprimarilytoprovidemeritpaytomanagers.

• UnspentfundsfromthislinemaybeusedtoaugmentRRSPpaymentsorothermanagementbenefitstotakeintoaccounttherealitiesofthecompetitivemarket(e.g.theGSAdoesnothaveapensionplan).



Management-Benefits$28,285budget

• In2013theGSAbegantoprovidebenefitcompensationformanagement.Thebudgetwascalculatedonthebasisof8%(asastartingpoint)ofsalaryeventhoughtheUniversity’sbenefitpackageis20%ofsalary(includinghealthanddental).


Management-RRSP$17,678budget

• InaccordancewiththecontractoftheformerExecutiveDirector,sheisentitledtoanRRSPpaymentof$5,000(madeinmonthlyincrements).

• OthermanagementalsoreceiveRRSPpayments.• Thebudgetwascalculatedonthebasisof5%ofsalary.


Management-GSAHealthandDentalPlanandGSAP$2,500budget

• Theratecurrentlyis$492.95perannumpermanagementstaff.• TheGraduateStudentAssistancePlanis$21perannumper

managementstaff.


Management-EmployerCPPContributions$11,500budget



Management-EmployerEIContributions$6,375budget



OtherHRExpenses

Parental/OtherDiscretionaryLeave$0.00budget

• AParental/OtherDiscretionaryLeaveFundof$60,000hasbeenestablishedoutsideoftheOperatingBudgetandispostedintheauditedfinancialstatements.

• Thisfundingisforparentalandotherdiscretionaryleave.ThisiscontractualaspertheGSAstaffagreementwithNASAandisalsoavailabletomanagers.

• Thislinewillnotbeincludedinnextyear’sbudget.


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.


Parking$2,166budget

• ContractualarrangementforformerExecutiveDirector/Director-at-Large(untilNovember2016,thenpendingreassessment).

• Otheroccasionalparkingforelectedofficers,staff,andmanagement.

• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$840• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$790• The2015-2016actualwas$1,441


GSAOfficeAdministrationandOperationalCosts

Capitalitems$6,292budget

• ThisbudgetlinereferstopurchasesofmajorassetsthattheGSAwillneedandispartofafive-yearplanestablishedin2010.In2015wehadanexternalITreviewandhiredanITexperttobringtheGSAuptominimumuniversityITstandards.Thiswillinvolvesomeone-timecostsin2016and2017andanewmulti-yearplanhasbeendeveloped.


Telephone&Cable$4,195budget

• Billedmonthly.• Thenumberofphoneswasreducedfrom15to7in2011and

reducedto6in2015.


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.


PayrollandBankingServiceCharges$1,678budget

• ThepayrollprocessingchargestoCERIDIAN(payrollserviceprovider).

• BusinessbankingplanfeesandCorporateMasterCardannualfees.


PhotocopierLease(Office)$5,000budget

• TheGSAleasestwophotocopiersforofficeuse.Billingoccursmonthly.


PhotocopierMeter(Office)$3,500budget

• Billedmonthly. • Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$1,715• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$1,495• The2015-2016actualwas$3,291


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.


Consultants$20,800budget

• HiredITconsultantinAprilandMay.BudgetallowsforfurtherITconsultingasneeded.


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.



GSAServiceExpenses

GrantsandSubsidiesExpenses

AcademicWorkshopSubsidies$5,711budget

• TheGSABoard,GSACouncilandtheGSABudgetandFinanceCommitteehaveapprovedthecontinuationofthesesubsidiesasgraduatestudents’reviews(reviewedregularlybytheGSABoard)oftheworkshopsareoutstanding.


ExternalGrants$2,324budget

• FundsrequestforexternalgrantssuchasagrantfortheLongNightAgainstProcrastinationeventandInternationalWeeksponsorship.


GraduateStudentGroups

CouncilRemunerationStudentGroups$5,192budget

• GSAfundingprogramforeligibledepartmentalgraduatestudentgroupsbasedontheattendanceoftheirdepartmentcouncillorovertheGSACouncilyear.


Academically-RelatedStudentGroupAwards$15,575budget

• TheGSAprovidesagrantprogram,ongoingthroughtheyear,fordepartmentalacademically-relatedgraduatestudentgroupsto:

§ Bringinspecialguestlecturersorhostacademic-styleevents.

§ Supporttheacademicactivitiesofgraduatestudentsatthedepartmentallevel.


OtherExpenses

AnnualStrategicPlanInitiatives$8,480budget

• Anynewstrategicplanninginitiativesmaybefundedfromthisaccount.

• Fundingforthisaccountlinecomesfromthe$4,480fundingfromStudentcare.networksandthe$4,000fromTDIMM.

• Arentalchargeforoneofthe2015—2016PDeventswasnotcashed

• Ontarget• ActualApriltoSeptember:$-799.00• ForecastOctobertoMarch:$7,000• The2015-2016actualwas$8,788


bytheUniversitysothechequebecamestale-datedandthefundswerereturnedtothisaccount,inthisfiscalyear.

OrientationsandDepartmentalLiaison$7,500budget

• Combinedfundingof$7,500isreceivedfromtheDeanofStudentsandtheDeanofFGSR.

• ThisfundingisdescribedinlettersfromtheDeanofFGSRandDeanofStudentsandcovers,forinstance,theexpensesoftheGSA-hostedfallandwinterorientationeventsfornewgraduatestudents,othergraduatestudentengagementevents,andprofessionaldevelopmenteventsforgraduatestudents.


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.


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.


GSAChildCareGrants$249,000budget

• GraduatestudentscanapplyforthisGranttooffsetthecostofchildcare.• RevenueisreceivedintheformofGSSFfundswhentheCollectiveAgreementis

approvedinthespring/summer.• Expensesareprocessedthroughouttheyear.


GSAEmergencyBursaries$137,500budget

• EmergencyBursariesareanon-repayablebursaryforgraduatestudentswhoneedassistanceduetoanunanticipatedemergency.

• RevenueisreceivedintheformofGSSFfundswhentheCollectiveAgreementisapprovedinthespring/summer.

• Expensesareprocessedthroughouttheyear.


GSAAcademicTravelAwards$384,500budget

• Graduatestudentscanapplyforthisawardtoparticipateinacademicactivitiessuchasconferencesandresearchtrips.

• RevenueisreceivedintheformofGSSFfundswhentheCollectiveAgreementisapprovedinthespring/summer.

• Expensesareprocessedthroughouttheyear.


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.


GSAP(GraduateStudentsAssistanceProgram)$66,163budget

• TheGraduateStudentsAssistancePlanbeganinSeptember2009,andisfundedinpartbya$12pergraduatestudentperyeardedicatedfeethatwasimplementedbyareferendumin2009.The$12issplitupas$4perfallterm,and$8perwinterterm.

• RevenueandtherelatedexpensesareprocessedinOctoberandFebruary.


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.


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.


7.3



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.


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.


7.5


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.


7.6


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.


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.


7.7


I.POL.10.1TheCROisresponsiblefororganizingameetingofallcandidatesrunninginanelectiontoprovidethemwithanoverviewofGSAElectionsBylawandPolicy.

Nochange.

I.POL.10.2FailurebyacandidatetoattendtheAll-Candidates’MeetingwithoutadequatepriornotificationtotheCROisgroundsfordisqualificationfromthecurrentelection.‘Adequatepriornotification’isdefinedasnoticecommunicatedelectronicallytotheCROatleastone(1)hourinadvanceofthemeeting.IfacandidatemissestheAll-Candidates’Meetingduetounforeseenandexceptionalcircumstances,suchasalast-minuteemergency,anyconsequencesmaybewaivedatthediscretionoftheCRO,followingconsultationwiththeGSAERC.Thereisnoappealofthisdecision.


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.


I.POL.11.4CandidatesshallreporttotheCROallcampaign-relatedexpenses,andsubmitreceiptsnolaterthanthecloseofthecampaignperiod.


I.POL.11.5Exceedingthespendinglimitorfailuretoreportandsubmitcampaignexpensesandreceipts Proposedchangetoreorderthesectionsothatdefinitionsofcampaigningcomefirst,


7.8


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).


7.9


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.


7.10


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.


7.11


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.


7.12


I.POL.12.1.e.xDouseresourcesforcampaigningthatarepubliclyaccessibletoallcandidate(s)andslates(s).Forexample,donotuseDepartmentalorSupervisorphotocopierstoprintcampaignmaterials.


I.POL.12.1.e.xiDoasktheCRO,beforeacting,ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutparticularElectionsBylawsandPolicies.


I.POL.12.1.e.xiiDon’tusetheUniversityorGSAlogosonanyphysicalorelectroniccampaignmaterials.


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.


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.


I.POL.13.2I.POL.12.2WhentheCRObecomesawareofanissueorbreachofGSAElectionsBylaworPolicy,orotherapplicablepoliciesorlaws,orathirdpartycomplainstotheCROaboutanallegedissue



7.13


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).


I.POL.13.2.bI.POL.12.2.bEmailanywrittencomplainttothecandidate(s)orslate(s),oremailthecandidate(s)orslate(s)thedetailsoftheissue/breachinwriting,andrequestawrittenresponse,settingadeadlineofatleasteight(8)hours.


I.POL.13.2.cI.POL.12.2.cUponreachingadecisiontheCROwillinformthecandidate(s)orslate(s)oftheirdecisiononpenalties,remedialactions,orreferrals,theirreasonsforthedecision,andwillstatewhetherthecandidate(s)orslate(s)cancontinuetocampaign.


I.POL.13.2.dI.POL.12.2.dTheCROmayimposethefollowingpenalties,remedialactions,ormakereferrals:


I.POL.13.2.d.iI.POL.12.2.d.iVerbalorwrittenreprimands.


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.


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:



7.14


Performance,Conduct,Responsibilities,andAttendance,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintBoard,GSAPolicy,GSAStandingCommittees,GSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,SectionH.POL.16.2.b.I.POL.13.3I.POL.12.3Ifadisqualifiedcandidateisamemberofaslate,theslatewillaltertheircampaignmaterialssothatthematerialsnolongerreferencethedisqualifiedcandidate.


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.


I.POL.14I.POL.13Voting


I.POL.14.1I.POL.13.1“AllvotingintheGSAGeneralElectionandBy-Electionswillbedoneelectronically,exceptintheeventofafailureoftheelectronicsysteminuse”(SectionI:Elections,GSABylaw,Elections,SectionI.BYL.4.1).


I.POL.14.2I.POL.13.2TheCROwillcommunicatetograduatestudentsthemembersofeachslateandallindividualcandidates.


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.


7.15


Renumbering.

I.POL.14.5I.POL.13.5Onballots,voterswillmarktheirchoiceofcandidate(s)foreachrace.Votersmayabstainbysigningintovotebutthennotvotinginaparticularrace.


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.


I.POL.14.6.cI.POL.13.6.cIntheeventofatiedvote,theCROwilldrawanamefromahatinthepresenceoftwo(2)neutralwitnesses,andthenamedrawnfromahatwillbethecandidatethatiseliminated.


I.POL.14.7I.POL.13.7Candidateswhoreceivefewervotesthan“NoneoftheCandidates”intheGSAGeneralElectioncannotrunforthesamepositioninanyrelatedsubsequentGSACouncilBy-Elections(SectionI:Elections,GSAPolicy,Elections,SectionI.POL.17,below).


I.POL.14.8I.POL.13.8Individualshavetwenty-four(24)hoursafterthereleaseofprovisionalresultstolodgeacomplaintwiththeCROaboutanallegedbreachofGSABylaworPolicy.


I.POL.15I.POL.14Results


I.POL.15.1I.POL.14.1Uponcompletionoftheballotcount,theCROwillannounceprovisionalresults,ieresultsthataresubjecttoappealfortwenty-four(24)hoursfromthetimetheprovisionalresultsarereleasedandwhichmay,inaddition,beaffectedbecauseofearliercomplaintsnotyetresolved.ResultswillbemadeofficialonlywhentheGSA’sprocessofdealingwithallegedbreachesofGSAElectionsBylaworPolicyandanyappealswithinthatprocessareexhausted.


I.POL.15.2I.POL.14.2Inthecasewheretheelectronicvotingsystemfailsandpaperballotswereused,thepaperballotswillbedestroyedone(1)monthfollowingthereleaseoftheofficialresults.


I.POL.16I.POL.15Reporting


I.POL.16.1I.POL.15.1TheCROwilldraftaproceduralreportfollowingeachGSAGeneralElectionorBy- Nochangeexceptrenumbering.


7.16


Election.Thisreportwilloutlinemajordecisions,processes,issues,andrecommendationsforthefollowingyear.ThisreportwillbeprovidedtothenextCROandDRO,andtheGSAERC,theGSABoard,andGSACouncil.

I.POL.17I.POL.16By-Elections


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.


I.POL.17.3I.POL.16.3IntheeventthatanyCALpositionsarenotfilledbytheendoftheGSAGeneralElection,oraCALpositionisvacatedpriortoDecember1(orthenextworkingday)GSACouncilwillberesponsibleforelectinganyremainingCALs.WhenelectinganyremainingCALs,theGSACouncilwillaimtoelectgraduatestudentsfromasbroadarangeofdisciplinesaspossible.TheGSANoCwilldecideonproceduresandthenprovideoneormorenamestoGSACouncilforconsideration,exceptthattheGSANoCmaynotwaiveadvertising.NotethatthelegislatedGSANoCprocessallowsforCouncillorstomakeadditionalnominations.Ifthematterisurgent,GSACouncilcanholdthiselectionelectronically.


MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:FirstMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item7c-ReferendaDoubleColumn.docx

7.17

ReferendaProposedChangestoGSABylaw,Referenda,andGSAPolicy,Referenda



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.


7.18

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


J.BYL.4.1J.BYL.5.1Allreferendavotingwillbedoneelectronically,exceptintheeventofafailureoftheelectronicsysteminuse.


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)



7.19

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).


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.


J.POL.8.2“Asker”meansthepersonactingonbehalfofanexternalorganizationoragraduatestudentwhowishestoinitiateareferendum.


J.POL.8.3“CampaignRepresentative”meansagraduatestudentrunningeithera‘Yes’campaignora‘No’campaign.


J.POL.8.4“WorkingDay”meansadaytheGSAofficeisopen.


J.POL.7J.POL.9InitiatingaReferendum Nochangeexceptrenumbering.

J.POL.7.1J.POL.9.1IfanAskerapersonactingonbehalfofanexternalorganizationoragraduatestudentwishestoinitiateareferendum,theywillcontacttheChiefReturningOfficer(CRO).


J.POL.7.2J.POL.9.2TheCROwillextendaninvitationtopresenttotheGSABoard(GSAB).The‘asker’Askermuststatehowtheirorganizationorproposedreferendumquestionrelatestothe

ReflectsnewproposeddefinitionssectionandstatementmovedtoaproposedSection9.3,below.


7.20



Referenda

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.


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.


J.POL.7.6J.POL.9.7IfGSACouncilapprovestheholdingofareferendumandthewordingofthequestion,areferendumisthenheldinaccordancewithGSAReferendaBylawandPolicy.


J.POL.9.8TheCROwillprovideanelectronicdescriptionorbriefingofthebackground,purpose,andrelevantdetailsofanyGSACouncilapprovedreferendumquestionpriortoreferendumvoting.NormallythisdescriptionwillbepostedontheGSAwebsite.

MovedfromcurrentSectionJ.POL.12.11,below.

J.POL.8J.POL.10RegistrationForms Nochangeexceptrenumbering.


7.21



Referenda

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.


J.POL.8.1.aJ.POL.10.4.aPreamble Nochangeexceptrenumbering.

J.POL.8.1.a.iJ.POL.10.4.a.iTheGSACouncilhasapprovedGeneralPrinciplesandRulesofConductgoverningReferenda.TheGSAhasReferendaBylawandPolicypostedinfullontheGSAwebsite.


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.


J.POL.8.1.c.iJ.POL.10.4.b.iTheGSACouncilhasapprovedBylawandPolicyrelatedtoReferenda. Nochangeexceptrenumbering.


7.22



Referenda

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.


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).


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.


7.23



Referenda

CROwillholdtheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentativesasdescribedinSectionJ:Referenda,GSAPolicy,Referenda,SectionJ.POL.12.J.POL.9.5J.POL.11.5Thecampaignperiodwilllastatleastseven(7)calendardaysandwillbeginnoearlierthanthedayfollowingtheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentatives.


J.POL.9.6J.POL.11.6Voting:shallbeginontheworkingdayfollowingthelastdayofthecampaignperiodandshalllastatleastforty-eight(48)hours.

ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.Renumbering.

J.POL.11.6.aCampaigningispermittedduringthevotingperiod.


J.POL.11.6.bTheCROwillensurethatthevotingperiodstartsonaworkingdayandlastsatleastforty-eight(48)hours.


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.


J.POL.11.2J.POL.12.2FailuretoattendtheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentativesbyaCampaignRepresentativeordelegatewithoutadequatepriornotificationtotheCROisgroundsfordisqualificationoftheircampaign.‘Adequatepriornotification’isdefinedasnoticecommunicatedelectronicallytotheCROatleastone(1)hourinadvanceofthemeeting.IfaCampaignRepresentativeordelegatemissesthismeetingduetounforeseenandexceptionalcircumstances,suchasalast-minuteemergency,anyconsequencesmaybewaivedatthediscretionoftheCRO,followingconsultationwiththeGSAERC.Thereisnoappealofthis

TheCROwillconsultwiththeGSAERCmembersonasmanyaspectsofareferendumaspossible,asstipulatedelsewhereincurrentlyexistingPolicy.Renumbering.


7.24



Referenda

decision.J.POL.11.3J.POL.12.3AtthemeetingdescribedinSectionJ:Referenda,GSAPolicy,Referenda,SectionJ.POL.12.1,above,theCROwillprovideCampaignRepresentativeswithinformationconcerningcampaigning,theGeneralPrinciplesandRulesofConductforReferendaandtheGSAACBPolicy.


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).


J.POL.12.4Campaignmembersareauthorizedtospendupto$150oncampaignmaterialoverthecourseofareferendum.Campaigncostsarenotreimbursed.

ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections

J.POL.12.5CampaignmembersshallreporttotheCROallcampaign-relatedexpenses,andsubmitreceiptsnolaterthanthecloseofthecampaignperiod.


J.POL.12.6ExceedingthespendinglimitinSectionJ.POL.12.4constitutesgroundsfordisqualificationforthecampaign.


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.


7.25



Referenda

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).


7.26



Referenda

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.


7.27



Referenda

haveanyquestionsaboutparticularGSAReferendaBylaworPolicy(includingquestionsrelatedtothedevelopmentofcampaignmaterialsandtheplanningofcampaignevents),andtoreportanybreachesofGSAReferendaBylaworPolicytotheCRO.J.POL.13.12CampaignRepresentativesareresponsibleforremovingallcampaignmaterialsaftervotinghasclosed.


J.POL.13.13CampaignSpendingLimit ToparallelthecorrespondingsectioninGSAPolicy,Elections.

J.POL.13.13.aCampaignRepresentativesareauthorizedtospendnomorethan$150oncampaignmaterialoverthecourseofareferendum.InordertoencourageCampaignRepresentativestothink,inadvance,aboutcampaignexpenditures,awritteninformalplanforcampaignexpenditureswillbesubmittedtotheCRObeforetheMeetingoftheCampaignRepresentatives(eitherelectronicallyorinhardcopy).


J.POL.13.13.bCampaignRepresentativeswillreporttotheCROallcampaign-relatedexpenses,andsubmitreceipts(eitherelectronicallyorinhardcopy)nolaterthantwo(2)hoursafterthecloseofthevotingperiod.


J.POL.13.13.cExceedingthespendinglimitorfailuretoreportandsubmitcampaignexpensesandreceiptsconstitutesgroundsfordisqualificationforthecampaign.


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.


7.28



Referenda

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.


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.


7.29



Referenda

members.Forexample,donotuseDepartmentalorSupervisorphotocopierstoprintcampaignmaterials.

J.POL.13.1.e.xDoasktheCRO,beforeacting,ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutparticularElectionsBylawsandPolicies.


J.POL.13.1.e.xiDon’tusetheUniversityorGSAlogosonanyphysicalorelectroniccampaignmaterials.


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.


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.


7.30



Referenda

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.


7.31



Referenda

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



7.32



Referenda

twenty-four(24)hoursfromthetimetheprovisionalresultsarereleasedandwhichmay,inaddition,beaffectedbecauseofearliercomplaintsnotyetresolved.ResultswillbemadeofficialonlywhentheGSA’sprocessofdealingwithallegedbreachesofGSAReferendaBylawandPolicyandanyappealswithinthatprocessareexhausted.

J.POL.16.2Inthecasewheretheelectronicvotingsystemfailsandpaperballotswereused,thepaperballotswillbedestroyedone(1)monthfollowingthereleaseoftheofficialresults.


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

PreparedbyCThomasandJTanguayforGSAB9November2016MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:FirstMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item8a-OutlineofIssueGSANominatingCommittee.docx

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.”

MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:FirstMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item8b-GSANominatingCommitteeDoubleColumn.docx

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.


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.


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.”

9.1

MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item9a-NomineeforGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee.docx

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.”

9.2

MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item9b-NomineesfortheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard.docx

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).

9.3


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

9.4


(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:

9.5


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

9.6


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

9.7


howtodevelopandmaintainahealthystudent/supervisorrelationship.IamrunningforthepositionofGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard(GSAACB)memberasIbelievethatmypastexperienceswillallowmetoobjectivelycompletethetasksassociatedwiththisposition.LiamHeffernancurrentlyservesonthefollowingcommittees:RenewableResourcesGraduateStudents’Association,DirectorofSeminarEvents

9.8

MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item9c-NomineesfortheChairandVice-ChairoftheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard.docx

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

9.10


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)

MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item10-President'sReporttoCouncil.docx

10.0

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.


10.1

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


10.2

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.


10.3

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


10.4

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

MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item10a-GSABoardReporttoCouncil.docx

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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10.6

GSABudgetandFinanceCommittee(GSABFC)ReporttoGSACouncilfortheNovember21,2016Meeting

To: GSACouncilFrom: SarahFickoDate: November18,2016DearCouncilColleagues,OnOctober26,theGSABudgetandFinanceCommittee(GSABFC)mettoreviewtheGSA’squarterlyfinancialstatementsforthesecondquarterofourfiscalyear.TheyarebeforeyoufortheNovember21meetingandIencourageyoutoreadtheassociatedcoverletterandthestatementsthemselvesforadditionalinformation.TheGSABFCwillbemeetingnextonDecember13asitbeginstheprocessofdevelopingtheoperatingbudgetfornextyear.Iamhappytoansweranyquestions.Sincerely, SarahFicko,GSAPresidentandChairoftheGSABudgetandFinanceCommittee

MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item10c-GSAGCReporttoCouncil.docx

10.7

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

MacintoshHD:Users:gsaad:GoogleDrive:320-Council:Meetings:2016-2017:November2016:SecondMailing:GSACouncil21November2016Item11-GSANoCReporttoCouncil.docx

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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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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


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


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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


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


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.




GSAB





EBs $100,625(noperiods) $87,504.00 0 8(0pendingprocessing)


• SupportingtheworkoftheGSANominatingCommittee(in-personmeeting,EarlyCallforTalentsessions,fillingavacancyontheFacultyofArtsAcademicPlanWorkingCommittee,etc).

• SupportingtheworkoftheGSAElectionsandReferendaCommitteeandtheGSAGovernanceCommittee.

• DeliveryoftheUnwindYourMindGSACoffeeBreaksandplanningfortheWinterOrientationandWinterMixer.

• AdjudicationofapplicationsfortheAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAwardandpreliminarypreparationfortheGSARecognitionAwards.

20.3


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.




GSAB





EBs $100,625(noperiods) $87,504.00(noperiods) 0 8(0pendingprocessing)(noperiods)


• SupportingtheworkoftheGSANominatingCommittee(EarlyCallforTalentsessions,fillingavacanciesontheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee,theGSAElectionsandReferendaCommittee,andtheGSAAppealsandComplaintsBoard,etc).

• DeliveryoftheUnwindYourMindGSACoffeeBreaksandplanningfortheWinterOrientationandGSA/AlumniWinterPDMixer.

• AdjudicationofapplicationsfortheAlbertaGraduateCitizenshipAward(namesforwardedtotheGovernmentofAlberta),preliminarypreparationfortheGSARecognitionAwards,andsupportfortheGSAAwardsSelectionCommittee.

• TroubleshootingissuesassociatedwithprocessingGSAgrantsandawardsinPeoplesoft.

gsa council meeting agenda - university of alberta€¦ · cover letter ii. outline of issue iii....

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