GSA Committees
Much of the work of any organisation is done at the committee level – and the GSA is no different. The GSA committee structure comprises several standing and permanent committees, plus the occasional ad-hoc committee. Contact the VP-Operations if you are interested in participating.
The terms of reference for each committee can be found in our policies section.
The terms of reference for each committee can be found in our policies section.
Graduate Academic Caucus
The number of grad students at Carleton has grown immensely over the past few years. While this is very exciting for graduate studies and research at Carleton, we, as students, must work to ensure that the quality of our academic programs is not compromised.
Each department and faculty at Carleton has a departmental and faculty board (respectively), and there are spaces for students on each of these boards. At this time, more than ever, it is important that we take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that students are represented at the discussion table.
Student representatives on departmental and faculty boards also serve on the Graduate Academic Caucus. The GAC is an exciting initiative of the GSA that seeks to draw together the student representatives from departmental and faculty boards to co-ordinate responses to the academic issues of our growing graduate student body. While there may be academic issues in your department that are seemingly small and individual, the discussions between departmental and faculty representatives at GAC could show that these issues are actually common to graduate students across the university. Individual GAC representatives are able to influence directly the quality of their education at Carleton, and serve as direct links between students, departments, and the GSA. In opening these lines of communication, the GSA will be able to respond more effectively to the academic concerns of grad students at Carleton.
If you already sit on your department's board, would be interested in doing that for the 2011-12 school year, or would like more information about GAC or graduate academic representation at Carleton, please email the GSA's VP Academic. Or, download a nomination form below, and return it to the GSA.
Each department and faculty at Carleton has a departmental and faculty board (respectively), and there are spaces for students on each of these boards. At this time, more than ever, it is important that we take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that students are represented at the discussion table.
Student representatives on departmental and faculty boards also serve on the Graduate Academic Caucus. The GAC is an exciting initiative of the GSA that seeks to draw together the student representatives from departmental and faculty boards to co-ordinate responses to the academic issues of our growing graduate student body. While there may be academic issues in your department that are seemingly small and individual, the discussions between departmental and faculty representatives at GAC could show that these issues are actually common to graduate students across the university. Individual GAC representatives are able to influence directly the quality of their education at Carleton, and serve as direct links between students, departments, and the GSA. In opening these lines of communication, the GSA will be able to respond more effectively to the academic concerns of grad students at Carleton.
If you already sit on your department's board, would be interested in doing that for the 2011-12 school year, or would like more information about GAC or graduate academic representation at Carleton, please email the GSA's VP Academic. Or, download a nomination form below, and return it to the GSA.
Political Advocacy Committee
The PAC is chaired by the VP External. It is responsible for selecting and championing campaigns which the GSA undertakes each year. The GSA works on behalf of all graduate students to bring attention to issues of importance, such as skyrocketing tuition fees, access to public transportation, and public funding for research. The committee meets on a regular basis determined by the committee.
Organizational Review Committee
The VP Operations chairs the Org Review Committee. This committee is concerned with the organisational strength of the GSA and GSA Carleton, Inc. It reviews existing and proposed policy, constitutional articles, and by-laws that are normally referred to it by council, and occasionally proposes new items as well. The committee meets as needed.
Scholarships and Awards Committee
The GSA hands out a number of awards and scholarships each year, and this committee has the difficult task of choosing from among the many candidates. Chaired by the VP Finance, the committee meets as necessary.
Accessibility Committee
The primary purpose of the Accessibility Fund Committee is to recommend the distribution of monies set aside in the Accessibility Fund. The fund is administered solely by the GSA and is used to help pay for attendant care for Carleton University graduate students with disabilities at GSA functions or at other academic events where such attendant care is not covered by other organisations, and to fund projects which will improve the accessibility of facilities at Carleton University used by graduate students. The Accessibility Committee is chaired by the VPFinance.
Graduate Residence Caucus
The GRC is made up of grads who live in Leeds Residence on campus. The committee provides and maintains services and facilities for grads in residence, and fosters a sense of community. Click here for more information on the Graduate Residence Caucus.