Newsletter March 2025

March 2025

GSA Awards 2025 Announcement

Visit GALA 2025 website to learn more.

GSA Council Meeting

We wish to remind GSA Council members that our next council meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2025. The GSA Council will be discussing elections and other important information regarding the association.

GSA Elections 2025/26 | Call for Nominations

As the 2024/25 GSA Executive term comes to an end, we are gearing up for a new academic year—and a new leadership team! This is your opportunity to step up, represent your peers, and make a difference in the graduate student community.

Do you have the vision and passion to lead? Or do you know someone who does? The GSA is calling for nominations for its upcoming elections!

Election Schedule: (See attached document for details)
Nomination Period: March 28, 2025 - April 4, 2025

Available Positions:

  • President
  • VP Finance and Operations
  • VP Academic and Student Affairs
  • VP External Affairs
  • VP Indigenous Engagement

Beyond the Professoriate | Virtual Workshops for PhDs & Postdocs

Did you know that as a USask PhD student or postdoc, you have access to free virtual workshops offered by Beyond the Professoriate? Beyond the Professoriate's mission is to empower PhDs to build impact careers and engaged lives, wherever smart people are needed.

Register for two upcoming workshops now:

What PhDs Need to Know About the Academic Job Market | April 2, 2025

Using AI in Your Job Search | April 16, 2025

Exciting News Ahead | CGPS PhD Mentorship Program is launching soon!

Unlock invaluable insights and guidance from seasoned mentors ready to help you thrive.

Check CGPS' website for PD opportunities: cgps.usask.ca/grad-life/student-resources/professional-development

24-hour/7-days Mental Health Support for Graduate Students

The GSA encourages all graduate students to take care of their mental health. A graduate student needing urgent support can contact the GSA's 24-hour/7-day mental heatlh support service, Empower Me, covered at no additional cost under the Health and Dental Plan.

USask Student Travel Awards

Are you planning to attend a conference this summer? Graduate students can apply for the USask Student Travel Award. GSA contributes funds to this program annually, and we encourage graduate students wishing to attend conferences, workshops, or other professional development opportunities to apply. Please note, you must apply at least one month in advance of your travel. Find more information here.

Resources for Student Experiencing Financial Hardship

If you are experiencing a significant financial crisis, GSA contributes annually to the University of Saskatchewan's Crisis Financial Aid program, which you may eligible to apply for. Crisis financial aid is designed to help students through an unexpected, temporary financial crisis. This program provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in aid each year.

If you are facing food insecurity, GSA contributes to the USSU Food Bank, which graduate students are eligible to receive goods from. It is located in Place Riel. There are also programs which provide free breakfast (Good Breakfast) and lunch (Soup and Bannock) throughout the week.

Kids Clothing & Toy Distribution

Are you a graduate student with a child aged 0-8 years, or do you know another student in need of clothing and toys for their child? The GSA, in collaboration with Lecia Ellis from the Admissions Office, is offering free items for both boys and girls. Visit the GSA Office from April 7th to April 14th between 11:00AM to 4:00PM, select what you need at no cost.

GSA Commons

GSA Commons is located in the Emmanuel & St. Chad Chapel at 1337 College Drive. The GSA Commons offers a warm study environment with available computers for public use and free tea and coffee. The current GSA Commons hours are 10:00AM to 4:00PM Monday to Friday, except when closed for special events. If you have questions/concerns, please contact any of the GSA Executives via email:

Stay up-to-date with GSA Services and upcoming events in the GSA Commons by visiting the GSA website.

Questions about your health and dental, vision, or travel coverage benefits?

You can access the provider online at Student Care or by calling their Care Centre toll-free at 1-877-795-4428, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Studentcare also maintains an on-campus office in Place Riel.

Follow us on Facebook (@USASKGSA), LinkedIn, Instagram (gsa_usask), X (@GSA_USask) and visit our website at gsa.usask.ca.

This email is being sent by the GSA to all graduate students through the PAWS Announcement System. It is not a message from or endorsed by the University of Saskatchewan.