Newsletter August 2025

August 2025

GSA Newsletter August 2025

Free Food and T-shirts – Join us for Orientation September 10, 2025

Orientation will look a little different this year. Drop in to the GSA Commons on September 10th, anytime between 11:00 am - 2:00 pm for free food and USask t-shirts. 

Visit booths to collect swag and learn more about GSA and services we offer and get help accessing your Health and Dental Plan, Canadian Federation of Students Membership, and Transit Pass. Representatives from other campus organizations such as CGPS, ISSAC, and Student Wellness Services will be available to answer any questions you may have, and help get you settled in at USask. New graduate students are especially encouraged to attend, but all graduate students are welcome to attend, network, and socialize with peers.

GSA Research Feature Series – We want to feature you!

We are thrilled to launch the GSA Research Feature Series, a new initiative to showcase the incredible work and stories of graduate students at the University of Saskatchewan.

In each session, we’ll interview one graduate student about:

  • Their life and experiences as a graduate student
  • The research they are passionate about
  • The impact their work aims to create

This is your chance to highlight your research to a wider audience, inspire your peers, and build your professional profile. If you would like to be featured, email gsa.external@usask.ca and include your name, program, and a short description of your research (in 150-words or less).

Registration reminder

Please don’t forget to register for Fall and Winter Terms (either in courses for course-based, or 99 courses for thesis-based programs). If you do not register prior to the start of the term, you will not be automatically granted access to GSA services such as the Health & Dental plan and U-Pass on Sept 1.

Fall U-Pass dates

August 25: Eligible students can load U-Pass onto their mobile devices. The opt-out application form opens for students meeting opt-out criteria (see website for more details) and opt-out application link.

September 1: U-Passes will become active for use, valid through December 31.

September 16:  U-Pass opt-out deadline (4:30 pm, non-negotiable).

Health and Dental Plan for 2025-2026

Our health and dental plan administrator (Studentcare) is in the process of changing its name to Alumo. Please be advised that you may see the Alumo name on promotional materials, but our insurance company (Securian) has not changed. The website, plan office, and claims process also remain the same. The change of coverage period when you can opt-out or enrol dependents will be Aug 30 - Oct 1. Please make plan changes before this deadline.

Call for Academic Council and Social Club Ratifications

A call for the ratification of Academic Councils and Social Clubs will be issued at the beginning of September. Please note that ratification is valid from September to August of each academic year. All Academic Councils and Social Clubs must re-ratify annually to remain active. For more information, please visit our website.

USSU Graduate Opportunities Workshop: Volunteer as a mentor!

USSU is hosting a Graduate Opportunities Workshop designed to provide undergraduate students with essential insights into graduate studies at the University of Saskatchewan. The workshop will feature Peer Mentorship Roundtables where current graduate students will share their experiences and insights on graduate research, application tips, pros and cons of graduate education, and more. We are seeking volunteers to serve as mentors for the roundtable portion of the event.

The workshop is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you are interested in participating, please email gsa.as@usask.ca. 

We’re Hiring! GSA Recording Secretary Position Open

The GSA is seeking applicants for the Recording Secretary position. We would prefer someone who will be enrolled/able to serve through Fall 2026, at minimum. This is a paid position (hourly rate, with hour cap to claim per meeting as per bylaws). For more information and to apply, visit: GSA jobs

 

You're Invited: GSA Summer Council Meeting & BBQ!

The GSA is hosting its Summer Council Meeting in person, and you're invited to join us for a BBQ social right after! 🍔🌭

Date: August 13th, 2025
Time: 5-8 PM
Location: GSA Commons

Please RSVP using this form. Deadline to RSVP: August 10, at 11:59 PM

Let’s meet, discuss, and enjoy some good food together! We look forward to seeing you there.

Upcoming Events

August 18th Grad HUB | Virtual Tour with CPGS - Register Here

August 27th SURE Symposium - Call for Graduate Student Judges | SURE: Student Undergraduate Research Experience

August 29th NEMESS 2025 | https://ieee.usask.ca/nemess-2025.php

GSA Commons Summer Hours

Through August, GSA Commons hours will be 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday-Thursday, except when closed for special events. If you have questions/concerns, please contact the Operations Manager or any of the GSA Executives via email:

 

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