Society of Graduate Students (SOGS)
Your Graduate Student Advocacy Organization and Government at Western University
SOGS Update, the official monthly electronic newsletter from SOGS, keeps you up to date on issues and events affecting graduate students at Western University.
Between editions of the newsletter, you’ll find updates on Facebook, Twitter, the IGSIC Facebook page and on our events calendar!
Continue reading “Annual General Meeting / February 2019 Council Summary”
On January 17, 2019, Merrilee Fullerton, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities, announced a series of proposed changes to OSAP funding, university tuition fees, and student ancillary fees.
This announcement included:
News coverage:
SOGS membership dues fund:
SOGS also provides students with:
If you DO NOT agree with the recent changes to Ontario university education funding, join the cause and sign the CFS-ON letter being sent to Premier Doug Ford, MPP Dr. Merrilee Fullerton (Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities), and your local MPP.
In addition, consider signing the March For Students Rights postcards and letter to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario available in the SOGS office (MC room 8).
Opinion Pieces and Editorials:
Press Releases:
Resources:
VP of Finance Motion: The motion to approve the 2019-2020 SOGS and Grad Club budgets was passed by council. The full budget breakdown can be found in the council report appendix here. In light of the Ford government’s January 17th announcement regarding student fees, councillors are encouraged to speak to fellow members about what SOGS is and provides, the awards they can apply for, the events they can attend, and the causes they can support.
Finance Committee Motion: The motion to accept the updated Finance Committee policy was passed by council. This update more accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities of the Finance Committee, acting as a useful template for future policy documents.
SOGS President Motion: The motion to strike an ad hoc committee to study SOGS’s structure and that of other graduate student societies in Canada, and for that ad hoc committee to maintain an arms-length relationship with the current executive while adopting the terms of reference outlined in the report, was passed by council. The committee shall have a maximum of eight voting members, elected from the SOGS membership by SOGS Council at the February 2019 Council. The SOGS Ombudsperson will act as ex-officio, non-voting member, and a committee chair will be elected amongst its members.
VP of Advocacy Motions: Two motions from the VP of Advocacy were passed. The first motion regarded writing a letter to the President, Provost, and Chair of the Board of Governors of Western in support of the project to development a general space for Indigenous graduate students. It is important for SOGS to take action and support the needs of Indigenous students, who should have a safe space on campus. The second motion regarded updating the Commissioner Bylaws, so Commissioners report twice per academic term, as well as report to the VP Advocacy prior to the Council package report submission date. This motion is to improve our current reporting methodology, keeping everyone in the process accountable.
Bylaws Committee Motion: The motion to include new Bylaws regarding Presidential nominations was passed. The Bylaws now reflect, In the event that a second nomination period is required for the presidential election, the online polling shall be conducted by the CRO, with assistance from the DCRO, no later than the third full week in March. No access shall be granted to the results of the on-line polling during the election, by any member or employee of the Society, with the exception of the CRO and the DCRO. The CRO and DCRO must verify daily that the on-line polling station remains operational, with the CRO taking ultimate responsibility.
This summary is provided to increase transparency, and to support Councillors in completing their obligations under Bylaw 2.3.5; “shall regularly communicate with his or her constituents concerning the activities, programs, and decisions of the Society”. If you have any questions, please contact our Communications Administrator (sogs.communications@uwo.ca) or the Speaker (speaker@sogs.ca).
As always, check out our website (www.sogs.ca) and follow us on Facebook (@Western.SOGS) and Twitter (@WesternSOGS) for communications, updates, and information about upcoming events!
SOGS Update, the official monthly electronic newsletter from SOGS, keeps you up to date on issues and events affecting graduate students at Western University.
Between editions of the newsletter, you’ll find updates on Facebook, Twitter, the IGSIC Facebook page and on our events calendar!
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Congratulations, Jina Kum! She will take on her new role as President of SOGS on May 1, 2019.
SOGS thanks both Wesam AbdElhamid Mohamed and Jina Kum for their robust and thoughtful campaigns.
Tuesday, February 5th (until 8pm) is the LAST day to vote for the next SOGS president.
Each year SOGS hosts its Annual General Meeting (AGM). This is the council session where all SOGS members are welcome to attend, and will learn about what SOGS has been up to in the past year and what will be happening in the coming months. Additionally, the SOGS annual budget is voted on during the AGM.
If you want to attend, bring your UWO student ID with you to be signed in/verified as a SOGS member.
If you can’t attend, but want voting rights, each person in attendance can act as proxy for two (2) absent SOGS members.
Review the SOGS 2019 AGM package here. (Note: the proxy form is on the last page of the package. Fill it out and have your proxy bring it with them on the 12th.)
Don’t have a car? Don’t worry – you can get to Boler Mountain on the London city bus! Quick route from Natural Science: https://goo.gl/maps/Ac5F2KvEGM22. For more information about bus routes, please visit: londontransit.ca
Notes: Helmets are provided. Dress appropriately. Make your own way to Boler via car or bus. Hot chocolate provided after tubing. Must be a minimum of 42 inches in height to ride. More information: https://www.bolermountain.com/tubing/.
Get your tickets at the SOGS office – Middlesex College, room 8. Cash only, please.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Want to publish non-academic writing and art? Consider getting in touch with PRISM: Western’s Queer Arts Magazine, which highlights queer expression. More information: https://www.facebook.com/prismUWO.
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Visit the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences website to register or renew your membership today: https://csmb-scbm.ca/membership/.
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Graduate Students! There is still time to submit an application to the 2019 CAGS Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentorship.
Outstanding mentors inspire their graduate students to be creative in their thinking, to push their research in new directions, and to make a positive impact on the future.
This award recognizes graduate faculty members with a record of excellent mentorship of graduate students under their supervision. A total of twelve (12) outstanding mentors will be profiled in this year’s competition, with the winner receiving a special prize package!
If a mentor has made a difference in your graduate student community, please consider nominating them today.
For more information regarding the prize, eligibility, and the nomination process, please visit our website: https://cags.ca/outstanding-graduate-mentorship/.
NOTE: Competition closes 5:00 PM (EST), 15 February 2019!
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Interested in learning what Zotero can do? The FIMS Graduate Library is hosting a Zotero workshop on Tuesday, February 12th from 12:00pm – 1:00pm! Come to the FIMS Graduate Resource Library to sign up!
More information here.
Download the SOGS Emergency Loan application for here.
Download the application form here. More information on our website.
No pressure, just support. Come and hang with us in a stress-free, judgement-free space.
If you are a part-time graduate student, this award might apply to you. More information: http://sogs.ca/awards/.
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Have a wellness event you want to plan for your department? We can help! Find out more here.
Want to learn more about the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS)? (FYI: SOGS is local 57.) Need an International Student Identity Card (ISIC)? Want to get more active in the political climate affecting students? Join CFS at the Grad Club on February 12 & 13!
Special Coffee House event at the Grad Club in the evening of the 13th. Express yourself. Eat snacks. Get involved with the student movement.
More information here.
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Your PSAC 610 local women’s committee will be hosting a town-hall-style meet and greet on February 6th from 7 PM – 10 PM at the GRAD CLUB. Come out to socialize, snack, and drink with your fellow TAs and postdocs, and to learn more about your rights and the opportunities available to you through Western. There will also be prizes and raffles available! Win tickets to a local Paint Night and Western’s own production of The Vagina Monologues!
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Date: Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Location: International and Graduate Affairs Building | Room: Chu Centre, 2nd floor | Cost: Free
This IESC workshop will review immigration regulations that are related to international students which may allow you to work while you study in Canada. We will discuss on-campus and off-campus work, Co-op Work Permits, Post-Graduation Work Permits, and Open Work Permits for spouses of International Students. Information will be presented by an RCIC. | Register here!
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International Graduate Students, are you interested in learning more about becoming a permanent resident of Canada? Join the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) and the International and Exchange Student Centre (IESC) for this FREE Immigration Seminar. During this seminar you will learn more about the Express Entry system, Canada’s economic immigration programs, and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Please register early as seating is limited! Register here.
Join amateur silkscreening master Megan Arnold at Good Sport on Saturday, February 9th between 12-4pm for a drop-in vegan-friendly edible screen-printed valentine workshop. Valentine design and all materials will be provided. Participation by donation, suggested $5 per valentine sheet. More information here.
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Free Family Fun NightFree Family Fun Night is an opportunity for all families to engage in hands-on learning and exploration at the London Children’s Museum. Exhibits and programs allow families to explore history, science, art and culture in a safe and inclusive environment.
Enjoy an evening of free admission. Spend quality time together as a family, learn something new, and of course, play!
DATES: February 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 5:00-8:00pm. More information here.
The Office of Human Research Ethics has an open door policy! Through online resources and office hours, they are available to help. At any stage of your project, don’t hesitate to reach out and discuss your questions.
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The Canadian Federation of Students negotiated with UFile.ca to offer students free online tax filing. Although the service starts at $15.95 per use, members of the Federation are provided with a code to access UFile.ca for free all year round.
Students can use UFile.ca to file taxes for their spouses, partners or dependents. The service is also available in French at impôtexpert.ca.
How to File
To file for free, members must:
(note: entering the code CFS1981 at check-out will not discount the tax file, the student must enter the code in the Special Offer section.)
For the full instructions, please direct members to www.ufilefree.ca or www.impotexpertgratuit.ca.
Grad Club Committee Coffee Survey: Results TBA.
Winners: If you won a prize for filling out the coffee survey, please come to the SOGS Office (MC, rm 8) and pick up your Grad Club vouchers.
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Graduate Student Issues survey:
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For more information about SOGS’ surveys, please visit our website.
January Trivia Winners:
Please come to the SOGS office with your student ID to pick up your Grad Club gift voucher!
Which Western stakeholder is SOGS partnering with to present the upcoming Immigration Seminar?
Email sogs.communications@uwo.ca your answer.
SOGS Update, the official monthly electronic newsletter from SOGS, keeps you up to date on issues and events affecting graduate students at Western University.
Between editions of the newsletter, you’ll find updates on Facebook, Twitter, the IGSIC Facebook page and on our events calendar!
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If you are a student who has a new WesternONE tap card (made fall 2016 onwards), please disregard this bus pass distribution schedule.
If you are a student with an OLD Western student ID or are a visiting student, please come to the SOGS office (MC room 8) to pick up your paper pass. Visiting students will fill out a form and pay a cash fee for the term pass.
Health Plan Opt-In/Opt-out deadline this term is January 31, 2019. For more information about the SOGS health plan, visit our website or Studentcare’s website.
If you are a new, full-time graduate student and you would like to opt-in family members (spouse and/or children) to the plan or you’d like to opt-out of the plan (because you already have an equivalent policy from a spouse, parent or employer), do so here.
If you are a new part-time student or post-doctoral scholar/fellow, and you would like to opt-in to the SOGS health plan, you must submit this form to the SOGS office with payment by January 31, 2019.
Love to dance? Want a cheap night out? The SOGS Orientation & Social committee is hosting the Snowball Dance at the Grad Club on Friday, January 18, 2019. Dance music from 8-11pm. FREE event for all. Some snacks and appetizers will be provided. More information here.
Bring your crafts and art projects to the Grad Club on January 14, 2019. Meet new friends and finish that creative project you’ve been working on (for far too long). Event is free. More information about the BYOC schedule here.
Join us at the Grad Club every Tuesday evening for weekly trivia. Winning teams get Grad Club vouchers as prizes! Come early to get a good seat.
Learn more about the annual Western Research Forum here. If you are interested in presenting a poster or a short talk about your graduate-level research, sign-up here.
Do you know an amazing TA that went above and beyond in the fall 2018 term? If so, consider nominating them for a Graduate Student Teaching Award. Winners are selected in the Spring 2019 term, and are awarded a $500 cash prize. Students, staff, and faculty may nominate graduate student teaching assistants. More information here. Fill out our nomination survey here. Nomination survey closes January 15, 11:59pm.
The Graduate Student Internship Program is a new experiential learning initiative that allows students in research-based graduate programs to enhance their employability, expand their networks, and explore potential careers through paid internships. Western is one of the few universities in Ontario that offers a Graduate Student Internship Program specifically for research-based graduate students.
To be eligible, students must be domestic students registered in a research-based program which does not include a mandatory internship, co-op, practicum, or placement component. Applicants must submit a signed Document of Support along with each application.
Questions? You can connect with us:
REMINDER!
Are you a PhD student/candidate at Western? If so, consider helping Dr. Natalia Lapshina, Faculty of Education (nlapshin@uwo.ca) by filling out this survey. The goal is to better understand PhD-supervisor relationships at Western and gather critical data to help future PhDs on campus. Your information and responses are anonymous and confidential. Raw data will NOT be shared with or released to university administration or departments.
Attention Western University graduate students!
Inspiring Diversity in STEM is looking for motivated and passionate advocates for diversity in STEM to lead the 3rd biennial Inspiring Diversity in STEM Conference in March 2020!
The IDSTEM Conference was started to engage, empower, and inspire students who wish to pursue academic or industry careers in a STEM-related field. Our past conferences have seen upwards of 200 attendees, and feature keynote speakers, an expert panel, an undergraduate poster competition, a graduate student research expo, and an industry expo with Ontario companies looking to hire STEM degree holders.
We’re looking for a new team to lead our 2020 conference. Students at all degree stages are welcome to apply. Applications are now open and will close on January 18, 2019. All open positions are described in the application form.
Email the IDSTEM team at inspiringdiversityinstem@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Sincerely, Ramina Adam, Nicolette Noonan, and Avital Sternin, Inspiring Diversity in STEM Co-chairs
If DO NOT have a TAship this year and are food insecure at the moment, think about applying to the SOGS Food Bank Program. If you are a TA and are food insecure please refer to the PSAC 610 website here. SOGS members are eligible to apply once per semester and receive up to $75 per applicant PLUS $25 for each dependant. Fill out the application form and bring it into the SOGS office or email sogs.accounting@uwo.ca.
Have a wellness-focused event you’d like to plan for your department or graduate association? Apply to the Wellness Joint Fund today! This program offers funding for wellness events subsidized/paid for by SOGS, SGPS, and Western Student Experience. Email your application to advocacy@sogs.ca.
The SOGS Emergency Loan Program is designed to help SOGS members who are experiencing a short-term financial insecurity. Small, interest free loans up to $1000 can be provided to SOGS members. Note: Your Graduate Program Coordinator, supervisor or Department Chair will have to sign-off on the form AND you are required to provide SOGS with post-dated cheques before the loan is released. Please talk to the SOGS office staff if you have questions or need help.
Are you a graduate student enrolled in PART-TIME studies, and are balancing family commitments and community involvement? If that’s you, consider applying. Write an essay (250 words maximum) that outlines how you deal with the school-work-life balance and email it to academic@sogs.ca by February 12, 2019 by 11:59PM. (There is no application for this award.)
Value: 2 at $1000 each, based on the essay
Visit the SOGS website for more information about our bursaries and subsidies and awards. please visit the SOGS website here.
For more information about the SOGS bursaries, visit our website. Apply to the bursary via the SGPS graduate student portal.
SOGS Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) Bursary – valued at $1500 each. These bursaries are awarded to students from Ontario with demonstrated financial need.
SOGS Out of Province/Country (OOP) Bursary – valued at $1500 each. These bursaries are awarded to students from outside Ontario with demonstrated financial need.
Weldon Library wants your feedback regarding the upcoming renovation. Do you want a say in how the Western’s main library is designed? If so, fill out this survey and enter to win prizes! Fill out the survey here.
Western’s Ideas for Sustainability and the Environment (WISE) Competition was established in 2014 to foster innovative and high-impact ideas that reduce or eliminate today’s most pressing environmental concerns. The aim of the competition is to generate ideas and initiatives among Western’s students around the topic of sustainability, and officially recognize the winning ideas.
Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee, and finalists within each competition will be invited to pitch their idea to the committee in a brief oral presentation. The competition is open to individuals and teams of two or three. The grand prize for the winning proposal within each competition will be $1,500.
Submit your great idea to WISE here. Submission deadline: January 13, 2019.
More information here.
Want to practice your English? Join the IESC for their English Conversation Program. English Conversation sessions last 2 hours, once per week, for 8 weeks each term. Circles are held at various locations on campus. Participants are matched in circles of 4 – 9 people based on the session time they register for. More information here. Register here.
If you are an international student, consider attending the IESC’s winter tern Potluck dinner THIS Friday, January 11, 2019. More information. Register here.
Didn’t get a chance to listen to Gradcast before the holidays?
Gradcast December episodes (available here)
Ep195: Knockin’ on Truth’s Door – Marie Gueguen discusses opposing ideas in science, and how to arrive at informed decisions with hosts Roger and Greg.
If you want to share your graduate research with the Western community and beyond, get in touch with Gradcast.
December Trivia Winners: Victoria Jaremek | Farzin Sarvaramini | Sarah Babcock
Please come to the SOGS office with your student ID to pick up your Grad Club gift voucher!
January trivia question: What is the name of the person associated with the SOGS memorial award listed in this month’s newsletter?
Email sogs.communications@uwo.ca your answer.
If you are a graduate student who has an OLD Western ID card (i.e., made prior to fall 2016) or you are an visiting/exchange graduate student, you can pick-up your Winter term bus pass at the SOGS office (MC, room 8).