Newsletter June 2025
June 2025
GSA Newsletter - June 2025
By-Election for GSA President: Vote Now!
Voting is now open for the GSA by-election to choose our new GSA President! Before you cast your vote, learn more about the candidates here.
We encourage all graduate students to participate and vote via the elections channel in PAWS – this is your opportunity to choose your student leaders! Please note that as per our bylaws, a minimum participation level is required to ratify our results, so please do your part to keep our organization staffed.
Celebrating Pride
June is Pride Month, and we celebrate to acknowledge the the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community's history, ongoing struggles for equality, and the importance of diversity and acceptance. We strive to make GSA a place of support and inclusion for people of all identities, year-round.
GSA Council Meeting: June 18, 2025
The first GSA Council meeting for the 2025/2026 academic year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 5:00 pm via Zoom. Nominated council members are required to attend every GSA Council meeting unless they have a pre-authorized leave of absence, but regular members are welcome to attend any meeting. For more details, including the meeting agenda and virtual meeting link, please visit our website.
Call for 2025 Spring/Summer Term Need-Based Bursary Now Open
In collaboration with CGPS, GSA awards $110,000 in bursary funds to students in need each academic year. The Spring/Summer call for the GSA-CGPS Term Need-Based Bursary opened June 4, 2025. Please review the application requirements and submit your application before the deadline (June 25, 2025, 8:00 AM). Successful applicants will be notified by EOD July 14, 2025. To apply, please visit the GSA website and follow the application instructions.
Employment and Volunteer Opportunities at GSA
The GSA is seeking dedicated and organized Office Coordinators to support our day-to-day operations and events. See the posting for full details and how to apply.
The GSA is currently hiring a Vice Chair. This is a volunteer position. Those who are interested are encouraged to check the details about the role and how to apply here.
The GSA is also seeking volunteers to assist with office duties and with events including Orientation, Holiday Hangout, the Awards Gala, and more exciting opportunities. Graduate students can send their expression of interest to GSA President (gsa.pres@usask.ca) to include their name in the GSA volunteer database.
Bus Pass for Spring and Summer Terms
GSA’s current agreement with Sask Transit does not include a UPass for the Spring/Summer terms. The GSA Executives and Staff will continue discussions this year with Saskatoon Transit on the possibility of adding a Spring/Summer term option, and revising opt-out criteria.
However, Sask Transit does offer a discounted student rate for post-secondary students, as well as a reduced monthly rate depending on income, that some graduate students may qualify for.
Please note that these passes must be purchased directly from Sask Transit, not through GSA. You can find more information about reduced rate passes here:
https://transit.saskatoon.ca/fares-passes/fares-passes/student
https://transit.saskatoon.ca/fares-passes/low-income-bus-pass-programs
New-to-Canada GSA members may also seek assistance from the Open Door Society and Global Gathering Place.
Wildfires in Northern Saskatchewan
Our hearts break for the many communities in Northern Saskatchewan that have been affected by the ongoing wildfires. Natural disasters are deeply distressing, and we encourage graduate students to take care of their mental health during these difficult times. "Empower Me" is a mental health service available 24/7 and is free for students enrolled in the GSA Health and Dental Plan.
Message from the 2024/2025 Executive Team and GSA Staff
The newly elected Executive Team of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) extends our sincere gratitude to the outgoing executives and council members for their outstanding leadership over the past year. The incoming executives are honoured to step into these roles and look forward to serving our graduate student community.
Currently, three executive positions are filled:
- Vice President Finance and Operations – Lindsay Gray Carlson
- Vice President Student and Academic Affairs – Mandela Alema
- Vice President External Affairs – Biraj Saha Aronya
To ensure continuity and stable leadership, Council approved the appointment of 2024-2025 GSA President David Ohene-Amoako as Acting President until the by-election is completed.
Together, we look forward to a productive and inclusive year, advocating for and supporting the graduate student community.
Upcoming Events
June 13th Glitter and Glam: A Prom of Possibilities - A Night of Self-Expression, Queer History, and Celebration Featuring Stories of Dress, Identity, and Pride at Louis’ Loft
June 18th - GSA Council Meeting
June 22th - Saskatoon Pride Parade and Festival
August 27th SURE Symposium - Call for Graduate Student Judges - SURE: Student Undergraduate Research Experience
August 29th NEMESS - Conference on Nano/Micro Engineering, Molecular, and Environmentally Sustainable Systems (NEMESS 2025)
GSA Commons Summer Hours
Starting in June, the 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:
- Brenna Maxwell (gsa.admn@usask.ca)
- Lindsay Gray Carlson (gsa.fin@usask.ca)
- Mandela Alema (gsa.sa@usask.ca)
- Biraj Saha Aronya (gsa.external@usask.ca)
