Questions
The Board of Directors is responsible for the operations of the GSA and is accountable to the graduate students of the University of Waterloo. For information please view Board of Directors, the Association’s governance webpage, and By-Laws (By-Law#5).
Comments, concerns, and questions should be directed to the Chief Returning Officer at gsa-cro@uwaterloo.ca.
Nominees for 2023 Directorships
Introducing your candidates for the 2023 Board of Director Elections!
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Click on their profile to read their candidacy statement.
Please note that emails of the candidates are provided on their profile. We strongly encourage you to reach out to the candidates to ask them any questions you may have and engage in conversation prior to voting at the Annual General Meeting on April 11, 2023.
Visit the Annual General Meeting 2023 webpage to learn how to place your vote!
Email: r22panchal@uwaterloo.ca
Dear fellow graduate students,
I am excited to announce my candidacy for the board of directors of the Graduate Student Association at the University of Waterloo.
As a graduate student myself, I understand the unique challenges we face, including balancing academic workloads and personal commitments, financial constraints, and navigating complex university policies. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our association represents and advocates for the diverse needs and concerns of all graduate students.
In addition, I bring with me valuable leadership experience, having served in various capacities in student organizations and volunteer groups. I am committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration within the board and with other stakeholders.
If given the opportunity to serve on the board, I will prioritize fostering a supportive and inclusive community that empowers all graduate students to succeed academically and personally.
Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to earn your vote.
Email: nesma.hassan@uwaterloo.ca
Nesma is a PhD student and sessional lecturer at the Faculty of Environment. She has served on boards for youth development in the Middle East. She is passionate about improving the graduate students’ quality of life on campus, especially addressing social, financial, and psychological issues. Having been at the University of Waterloo for four years, Nesma has first-hand experience of the graduate experience here.
Email: n3sardana@uwaterloo.ca
Dear fellow graduate students at the University of Waterloo,
I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Board of Directors of the Graduate Students Association. As a graduate student myself, I understand firsthand the challenges we face and am committed to advocating for your needs and concerns.
If elected, I will work tirelessly to enhance the graduate student experience at the University of Waterloo. My top priorities will be to:
Promote academic and professional development opportunities that prepare graduate students for success in their future careers.
Improve mental health resources and support services on campus to ensure that graduate students have access to the care they need to thrive.
Advocate for affordable and accessible housing options that meet the diverse needs of graduate students.
Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community that celebrates our differences and encourages collaboration.
I believe my experience as a graduate student and my passion for advocacy make me the ideal candidate to represent your interests on the Board of Directors. As a member of the board, I am committed to being transparent and accountable, and I will actively seek out and listen to your feedback and ideas.
I am eager to work with you and the rest of the Graduate Students Association to make meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to us. I am honored to have your support in this election and promise to work tirelessly to make the University of Waterloo a better place for all graduate students.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Nimish
Email: mohammadchalaki@uwaterloo.ca
I am Mohammad Chalaki, a Ph.D. student in the ECE department willing to serve as a member of GSA’s board of directors. My goals to be a volunteer are mainly oriented toward the idea of paying back to my community by contributing to the running efforts for bettering the graduate student experience at UW. While my earlier experiences as an organizer make me confident of my capability to do so, they also assure me of precious opportunities I will be given along the way for my personal growth. I hope GSA members’ trust would allow me to serve our community and become a better organizer.
Nominations
The GSA-UW is now accepting nominations for the upcoming Board of Directors election to fill Six (6) vacant positions. University of Waterloo graduate students are invited to put forward their application and run as a candidate in the Board of Directors election. Official notice is hereby served for the election to fill the vacancies of the GSA Board of Directors.
The directorships terms of office are:
• Six (6) directorships beginning May 1, 2023, and ending April 30, 2025.
Description of Director Position:
The GSA-UW Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing corporate interests of the Graduate Student Association. Directors are elected by graduate students each year at the GSA Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in the Winter term.
The Board of Directors have monthly regular meetings, and operates according to the Carver Policy Governance framework, meaning that the Board focuses on strategy and oversight, and delegates day-to-day management to staff. Directors are expected to dedicate 15-20 hours of time commitment per month.
We are seeking people with not-for-profit experience. A background in accounting and auditing, budgeting, insurance and lobbying, marketing, privacy management, or risk and controls knowledge is desirable but is not necessary. A technical description of the position can be found in our Policy Registry, and in GSA Bylaw #5.
The GSA Board of Directors are involved in significant conversations and decisions directly related to student life at UW, and this dialogue is strengthened when the Board of Directors is comprised of students with diverse backgrounds, identities, challenges and experiences. The GSA Board of Directors is responsible for identifying and removing structural barriers and enacting policies and practices of inclusions so that all graduate students have equal access to and can benefit from the programs and services offered. The GSA welcomes and encourages applications from qualified individuals who are Black persons, Indigenous persons, and persons of colour, persons with disabilities and/or accessibility needs, all religions and ethnicities, and all gender identities, gender expressions and sexual orientations.
Nomination Period & Form:
- Nomination forms can be downloaded here (PDF version) or here (Word version)
- Nominees can either use single form or multiple copies of the form to collect all 5 signatures from members nominating them. Digital signatures on nomination form are also allowed.
- Nomination forms must be submitted to the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) at gsa-cro@uwaterloo.ca before the posted deadline.
- Nominees will receive a confirmation of receipt from the GSA Chief Returning Officer (CRO) within three business days of submission.
Campaigning & Voting Period
- Campaigning begins on April 5, 2023 (business hours) and closes on April 6, 2023 (business hours)
- Candidates may provide a photo and a brief statement to be posted on the GSA website and social media. (Maximum 150 words)
- Online voting BEFORE the AGM: Starts on April 7, 2023 at 10:00 AM EST and closes on April 11, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST. A notice will be sent to all eligible graduate students and they may vote once during this period.
- Online via electronic ballot at the AGM: April 11, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST.