GSA Elections 2026: Vacant Positions (Second Round)

Why Are We Holding a Second Round?

During our initial election period, several essential student representative positions remained vacant. To ensure that graduate students have a strong and effective voice across all levels of university governance, we are launching a second round of elections. We are actively seeking dedicated candidates to step forward and fill open roles on the GSA Board, University Senate, Graduate Council, and FPGA Faculty Board Committees.

Description for GSA Board:

Board members serve as directors of the GSA under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and are responsible for governance, not day-to-day operations. Their role is to act in the best interest of the organization, exercise due care in decision-making, and provide oversight on finances, risk, and compliance. They approve policies and strategic direction, hold the Executive accountable, and ensure the long-term stability of the GSA.

Time and Commitment

A director is expected to commit the necessary time required to fulfill Board and committee responsibilities, including preparation for and attendance at Board meetings and assigned committee meetings, as well as attendance at the Corporation’s public events when possible.

Description for University Senate:

Governance at Carleton is a shared responsibility in which Senate is the highest academic body and the Board of Governors is the highest corporate body. As the academic authority on campus, the Senate makes decisions of significant importance to students and faculty. Regular work of the Senate includes awarding degrees and scholarships, approving new programs and revised curricula, and establishing regulations concerning students’ academic work.

Description for Graduate Council:

Graduate Council’s primary function is to advise the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) regarding matters related to Graduate Studies at Carleton. Graduate Council is responsible for developing and recommending academic regulations and policies pertaining to graduate studies at Carleton University. Additionally, Graduate Council serves as a forum for planning, information sharing, and advocacy regarding graduate studies to ensure the continued excellence of graduate education at Carleton.

Description for FPGA Faculty Board Committees:

1. Graduate Representative on Faculty Board Executive:  the committee conducts business primarily by email. The committee’s main role is to approve agendas for 4 Faculty Board meetings a year. The time commitment is minimal. Attendance at Faculty Board meetings is encouraged but not required.
2. Student Representative on Graduate Curriculum Committee: the committee meets in-person 3 times per term for one hour. The committee’s main role is to approve program and curriculum changes.  

One person may fill both positions.