1. 2016-2017 1

2. GSA Executive Board of Directors 2016 – 2017 Yangyang Fang – VP External Abubaker (Abu) Abdelhafiz – VP Academic Sam Hossack – President Arash Afshar – VP Finance & Services Adrianne Offenbecker - VP Student Life 2

3. Advocacy 3 University of Calgary Board of Governors University Senate Faculty of Graduate Studies Graduate Faculties Council Municipal External Relations Standing Commitee (ERSC) Transit routes Housing laws Provincial Alberta Graduate Provincial Advocacy Council (ab-GPAC) Labour regulations Sustainable government funding National GU15 International student policies Mental health initiatives

4. DGAs 4 Each Department has their own student leaders Host social/academic events Sit on department committees Represent your department at GRC GRC: Graduate Representatives Council Monthly meetings Voting on important issues Post-meeting socials

5. 5 YOUR lounge Located above Mac Hall food court Social Events Pub Trivia Paint Nights Pool Table DGA discounts

6. Awards & Bursaries (Fall) 6 Alberta Citizenship Award (Open right now until Oct 15) $2,000 Open to all, not just citizens Focused on volunteer work Academic Progress Support (deadline Nov 7) previously known as PDG $750 for individuals $1,500 for groups Essentially for anything outside degree requirements Attending a conference, workshop, contest Hosting a conference, workshop, contest Taking a not for credit course (see ToR)

7. Awards & Bursaries (Fall) 7 Bursaries (Opens last week of October until Nov 15) $1,000 individuals $2,000 families Assist with financial strain Emergency bursaries (next slide) Quality Money (Deadline October 30) For a significant project that affects graduate students Can receive high amounts (e.g. $30,000)

8. Awards & Bursaries (Winter) 8 Excellence awards, amount varies Teaching Assistant Excellence Newcomers Excellence Award Leadership Academic Progress Support Similar to the Fall case Bursaries Similar to the Fall case

9. Awards & Bursaries 9 On a rolling basis Emergency Bursaries $1,500

10. Health & Dental Plan 10 Managed by the GSA Download: studentcare app submit claims electronically All full-time students are automatically enrolled Add family members (Opt In) or Opt out if you have private insurance Deadline: Sept 2 – 30 Did you know? Recall exams, teeth cleaning, filling -> 100% covered! Prescription drugs -> Up to 80% covered $150 off your eyeglasses and contact lenses

11. Collective Agreement (CA) 11 Types of Graduate Assistantship covered by CA Graduate Assistant Teaching Assistants (GAT) Graduate Assistant Research (GAR) Graduate Assistant Non-Teaching (GANT) Defines Remuneration (Salary + Scholarship) Rights and responsibilities Hours of work Leaves (medical leave, parental leave, special leaves) If your rights are violated Please contact GSA

12. Student Experience 12 Events Pub trivia, paint nights, board games Rafting, hiking, snowshoeing Holiday events GradFest (September 28 @LDL) Discounted ticket sales Illuminasia (on sale now) Ballet & Calgary Philharmonic Calgary Flames News & Views and GSA Website

13. Student Experience 13 Newcomers & International Students Committee Social event and workshops Advocacy (tuition fee differentials, PR) Mental Health & Wellness Committee Workshops geared toward grad students & events Resources document Residence & Family Housing Committee Events, engagement, advocacy Community Engagement Committee Group volunteer events Skills-based volunteering

14. 14 1.Mentorship is LIFELONG LEARNING 2.Understanding Canadian Business Practices can help you work during your degree and be better prepared for non-academic aspects of life in Canada 3.Everyone uses Social Media and you need to know how and how not to use it for academic and non-academic purposes 4.No matter your career path, you will use your Transferrable Skills throughout your degree and beyond Questions? Contact Julie Brown at: careers@gsa.ucalgary.ca.careers@gsa.ucalgary.ca What good will this do me during my course work? GSA Employer Liaison Why should I care about my “employability” in first year?

15. Follow the GSA 15 GSA website (gsa.ucalgary.ca) GSA News & Views Facebook GSACalgary Twitter (@GSACalgary) Instagram (gsacalgary)

16. Questions? 16 Updated info always available on GSA website Stop by and see us! MLT 214 (10am – 4:30pm M-F) Get involved! Many volunteer opportunities Contact VPSL@gsa.ucalgary.ca For general inquiries (ask@gsa.ucalgary.ca)