Newsletter November 2025

Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.

USSU/GSA Anti-Racism Symposium – November 19

Join us at the USSU/GSA Anti-Racism Symposium on November 19 for a day filled with insightful discussions, workshops, and presentations aimed at combating racism in our community. This in-person event will bring together students, faculty, and community members to engage in meaningful conversations and work towards creating a more inclusive environment for all. If you’ve experienced or witnessed racism on campus and want to share your story or learn how to address these kinds of behaviors, we welcome you to join us. Please RSVP for this free event, which will be held at the GSA Commons.

From Algae to the Brain: Jinnath Rehana Ritu’s Journey as a Vanier Scholar

Vanier Scholar Jinnath Rehana Ritu, a PhD student in Biology at the University of Saskatchewan, is exploring how an algal neurotoxin known as BMAA affects learning and memory using zebrafish as a model. Her research connects aquatic ecology to neuroscience, offering insight into how environmental toxins can influence brain health. Beyond her academic excellence, Jinnath’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and inspiration for students pursuing higher studies abroad. Read her inspiring journey by clicking here.

The Graduate Voices series celebrates the diverse journeys of graduate students and highlights their unique contributions to our community. Interested in being featured? Email gsa.external@usask.ca with cc to gsa.pres@usask.ca and gsa.admn@usask.ca with a short paragraph showing your interest, and we’ll contact you to learn more.

Call for Applications: Council Chair & Vice-Chair


We are currently accepting applications for the positions of GSA Council Chair and GSA Council Vice-Chair. These roles are open to all the graduate students who are not currently serving on Council, Executive, or as GSA staff. The Council Chair and Vice-Chair preside over Council and General Meetings, liaise with GSA Executives and Councilors, and must be familiar with governing documents and rules of order procedures.

If you are interested in supporting governance and ensuring effective Council operations, we encourage you to apply. The chair role is paid monthly, but the vice-chair role is volunteer. Please find more details of job duties and compensation here.

Deadline to apply: Monday, November 17, 2025
View full job posting & application details here.

Introducing the New GSA News Article Submission Portal

To make sharing updates easier and more accessible, GSA has launched a new News Article Submission system through the GSA website. We often receive requests from students, staff, and social clubs to promote their events, surveys, and announcements, and this new platform provides a more official and organized way to do so. Now, any student, staff member, social group, or council can publish their news directly through the GSA platform. All social groups and councils are also encouraged to contribute an article for each event they host.

The GSA News Article Submission link can be found here.

New web portal for GSA Commons Booking

GSA Commons booking has now moved to an automated online application through the GSA website. Effective immediately, GSA will no longer accept booking requests via email. All reservations must be submitted using the new online form available on the GSA website. While bookings are now automated, payments will continue to be handled through phone calls or in person. This update aims to make the booking process faster, easier, and more efficient for everyone. Please ensure all future GSA Commons bookings are made through the new online application system.

The GSA Commons Booking Form can be found here.

Travel Abroad for Research with Mitacs Globalink

University of Saskatchewan graduate students are encouraged to apply for the Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA), a valuable opportunity to conduct research abroad and build international experience. The program offers $6,000 to $12,000 in funding for one project of 12 to 48 weeks or two shorter projects of 12 to 24 weeks each. Eligible applicants include full-time senior undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in any discipline.

To confirm eligibility and receive application details, contact the USask International Office at international.office@usask.ca or Zsuzsa at Mitacs (zpapp@mitacs.ca) by November 25. The application deadline is January 2026.

Learn more: Expand Your Research Globally – Mitacs Globalink Research Award

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is excited to announce its November 2025 Professional Development Series! Find the related RSVP links here.

  • Mentorship Cohort 2 – Call for Applications

Kickstart your growth journey with Mentorship Cohort 2 and gain expert guidance, community support, and new opportunities. Master’s and PhD students are invited to apply through the CGPS Professional Development page.

  • Beyond the Professoriate Webinars

Join upcoming PhD webinars this November:

  • Nov 5, 10:00–10:45 PM: Overqualified or Underqualified?
  • Nov 19, 10:00–10:45 PM: Job Searching During Uncertain Times
  • Workshops
  • Thesis event: 12th November, 2025, 9 AM - 12:30 PM, RM 213, Arts Building. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required.
  • Writing retreat: 13th November, 2025, 9 A.M - 4:00 P.M, RM 1430, Leslie and Irene Dubé Health Sciences Library. Sometimes writing gets lonely. Why not come and write next to someone? Registration is required. Resume & CV Writing: Nov 13 (1–4 PM, Virtual) & Nov 25 (10 AM–12 PM, Virtual)
  • Individual Development Plan Workshop: Nov 27 (10 AM–2 PM, Room C280)
  • Visit the CGPS website for details and registration links. LevelUP your career preparation with CGPS, your future begins here!

Upcoming Events

Nov 10 – GSA Fall Bursary - Successful Applicants Notified

Nov 19 –  USSU/GSA Anti Racism Symposium  (RSVP Required)

Dec 5 –  Bridges International Student Christmas Supper Come experience a free traditional Christmas supper with Christmas Carols and a white elephant gift exchange. (RSVP Required)

GSA Commons Fall Hours

The GSA Commons is located in the Emmanuel & St. Chad Chapel at 1337 College Drive. Commons fall term hours will be 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, closed all statutory holidays & occasionally for private events. During regular hours, the GSA Commons offers a quiet study environment with computers for student use and a free coffee and tea bar.

If you have questions/concerns, please contact the Operations Manager or any of the GSA Executives via email:

Follow Us on Social Media

 Facebook LinkedIn  X(Twitter)  Instagram  Discord