ankgoel@watmsg.waterloo.edu (anil k goel) (05/03/91)
Due to the volunteer efforts of members of the Board of Directors, the
past year has been extremely productive for the Graduate Student
Association (GSA). In February of 1991, the GSA hosted the Annual General
Meeting of the National Graduate Council which attracted delegates from
across Canada. The event was augmented by the cooperation and financial
support of the University but its success is attributable to the diligent
efforts of the Conference Co-ordinator, Angie Sauer.
Internally, the GSA witnessed much improvement;
- Due to the commitment of former Executive members, Jean Cloutier and
Annie Steinhauer, office expansion took place creating a working
environment which has greatly enhanced daily operations. This has been
complemented by streamlining the GSA's financial workings, in which past
Treasurer, Anil Goel, played a significant role and has meant an investment
of time by the two permanent staff members, Bill Halverson and Diana Swart.
- The not-so-old GSA International Graduate Students Committee has had an
active year and the newly formed Women's Issues Committee, an initiative of
past Board member, Susan Johnston, has been successful in holding workshops
in addition to creating other forums where issues of particular interest to
women in graduate studies were addressed.
- The Day Care Bursary Program under the directorship of past Vice
President, Annie Steinhauer, allocated $18,000 from the University
Incentive/ Challenge Fund to female graduate students as a means of
promoting women in graduate studies. In addition, due to the lobbying
efforts of Wendy O'Brien and Stephanie Mehta, the Waterloo Regional Council
extended eligibility for subsidized day care to graduate students.
- The GSA has had the first time privilege of awarding two graduate
students with Zehrs Scholarships, which was only made possible because of
the enterprising abilities of Office Manager, Diana Swart, and the
volunteer involvement of individuals throughout the University Community.
- Jean Cloutier, former Social/ Athletic Director, was responsible for the
popularity of the past year's social events, including a well received
September orientation, while Alex Duquette's energies went towards
organizing corecreational sports teams.
- Changes in Graduate House operations included a recycling program and an
extension of the area designated as non-smoking.
In addition to internal activities, other accomplishments have included:
- With no additional charge in premium levels, as of September 1 of the
current year, same-sex spouses of students will have full coverage under
the terms of the student health plan.
- The recently passed University Policy on graduate student support could
not have been achieved without the GSA Board of Directors giving meaningful
debate to the issue. In addition, the members of the Graduate Support
Committee, including both faculty and student representatives, Greg Donaghy
and John Tsoukatos, deserve recognition. Special thanks must be given to
the chair of the Committee, Jim Kalbfleisch (Associate Provost, Academic
Affairs), and to non-Committee members Sandra Burt (Associate Dean of
Graduate Studies, Faculty of Arts) and Jim Gardner (Dean of Graduate
Studies), for the keen interest shown.
The passage of the Policy Guidelines on Graduate Student Support is,
perhaps, the most impressive accomplishment of the past year in that
procedures have been established for the University to follow in dealing
with graduate students.
GOALS YET TO BE ACHIEVED
There is already much on the agenda for the newly-formed Board of
Directors. Areas to receive attention will include continued discussions
under the umbrella of graduate support, of parental leave, and minimum
level of support for graduate students. In addition, an acceptable dental
care package must be worked on, a proposal which has been delayed due to
the insurers of the Student Health Plan opting out of dental care coverage.
Efforts must also be made for funding day care for male grauate students
with children and for raising graduate students above the lowest priority
level as is the case with Regional Day Care subsidies.
Internally, the By-Law Review Committee, under the Chairmanship of V-P,
External, Darren Meister, will be presenting improved, up-to-date policies
for the GSA;
- amongst other things, the ad hoc committee on long range planning will be
preparing a statement of objectives for the GSA;
- a long-awaited Graduate House improvement will be completed this year,
that being an accessibility ramp, which is the result of the dedication
shown by Florence Thomlison, Co-ordinator, Disabled Services, and
substantial financial support of the University made possible through Bob
Elliott, Associate Provost, General Services.
Perhaps the most attractive feature of this year will be the rewards of
friendship and sense of accomplishment gained by graduate students serving
their fellow graduate students through teamwork.
- Nelson Joannette
President