Past Council Summaries

January 2024 Council Summary

For the full January Council package, with appendices, see here.
 
Announcements
    • The next Council Meeting will take place February 15th in person (NCB113) (ZOOM link will still be provided to those who request it from the Speaker). 
    • The Annual General Meeting will take place on February 29th in person (NCB113) and through Zoom. 
    • Department Grants are ready to pick up in the SOGS Office (Middlesex College, Room 8)
 
Elections
    • Sahib Singh Chana (schana2@uwo.ca) acclaimed as Accessibility Commissioner
    • Rohan Borate (rborate@uwo.ca) elected Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner
       
Upcoming Elections:
Nominations for SOGS President will open on February 5, 2024
 
Committee Member Ratification: 
No new Committee members were ratified in January 2024
 
Motions: 
    • Council approved the proposed changes to the Society’s Constitution and governance structure for the creation of a Board of Directors, and recommended them for membership approval at the Annual General Meeting. Council further approved the proposed changes to the Society’s Bylaws and Policies outlining the creation of a Board of Directors.
    • Council approved the creation of an Executive Director position. 
    • Council approved the moving of February’s Council meeting to February 15th in order to schedule the Annual General Meeting on February 29th. 
    • Council approved the following changes to Bylaw 2.5.4: 
      • 2.5.4.3 A Councillor running for an Executive or Non-Executive Officer position is prohibited from voting in that election.

      • 2.5.4.3.1 If a member serving as Councillor chooses to vacate their Council seat prior to or while running in an Executive or Non-Executive Officer election within the same Council cycle, that member will be prohibited from reclaiming their Council seat until the beginning of the subsequent Council year, at the discretion of the Speaker. 

 
New Business: 

No new business. 

 

Read More HERE

November 2023 Council Summary

For the full November Council package, see here.

The next Council Meeting will take place January 25th in person (MC108) (ZOOM link will still be provided to those who request it from the Speaker). 

Elections

  • Kevin Moore (kmoor49@uwo.ca) elected Chief Returning Officer
  • Matheus Sanita Lima (msanital@uwo.ca) elected International Commissioner
  • Jasmine Proctor (jproct6@uwo.ca) elected Pride Commissioner
  • Elvira Shah appointed to Western’s Parking Appeals Committee

Upcoming Elections:

  • SOGS President will be elected in the Winter Term

Committee Member Ratification: 

  • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at November Council here.
Motions: 
  • Council approved an increase to the Speaker’s budget line. 

New Business: 

  • No new business. 

October 2023 Council & Elections Meeting Summary

For the full October Council package, see here.

For the October Elections Meeting package, see here. 

The next Council Meeting will take place November 30th in person (MC108) (ZOOM link will still be provided to those who request it from the Speaker). 

Elections:
 Upcoming Elections:
  • Pride Commissioner (December – April)
  • International Commissioner (December – April)
  • Chief Returning Officer (January – April) 
Committee Member Ratification: 
  • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at October Council here.
Motions: 
  • Council approved the SOGS and Grad Club audit statements to be published for member review. 
  • Council approved the SOGS Strategic Plan. 
  • Council approved transitioning the International Graduate Student Issues Committee into an International Commission and creating the International Commissioner. 
  • SOGS approved the creation of an ad hoc Board of Directors Steering Committee. 
  • Council approved updates to SOGS’ VP Finance bylaws regarding audit requirements. 
New Business: 
  • The SOGS President is working on creating a letter to go to Western administration regarding increases to ancillary fees. 

September 2023 Council Summary

For the full September Council package, see here.
 
The next Council Meeting will take place October 19th in person (MC108) (ZOOM link will still be provided to those who request it from the Speaker). 
 
Elections:
  • No elections took place in September 2023.
Upcoming Elections:
  • Accessibility Commissioner (November – April)
  • Gender Concerns Commissioner (November – April)
  • Pride Commission (November – April)
  • Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner (November – April)
  • Sustainability Coordinator (November – April)
NOTE: These positions will be elected at a separate elections meeting, held October 26th in person (MC108) and through ZOOM. 
 
Committee Member Ratification: 
    • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at September Council here.
Motions: 
  • Council rejected a motion mandating that further information and apologies be given regarding the Grad Club closures in August. 
  • Council approved updates to the Ombudsperson position. 
  • Council approved the addition of another meeting in October to accommodate for Commissioner and Coordinator elections. 
New Business: 
  • Council Nominations are due October 20th. 
For the full August Council package, see here.
 
The next Council Meeting will take place September 28th in person (Room TBD) (ZOOM link will still be provided to those who request it from the Speaker). 
 
Elections
  • No elections took place in August 2023. 
Upcoming Elections:
  • No elections in September. 
Committee Member Ratification: 
  • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at August Council here. 
Motions: 
  • Council rejected a motion mandating that the Executive Committee initiate a process of mediation with the PSAC 610 Executive. 
  • Council approved the move back to in-person Council beginning in September 2023, with remote accommodations being provided at the Speaker’s discretion. 
​**Quorum lost after Motion 2**
 
New Business: 
  • Keep an eye on your emails, as information regarding the next Council year will be coming in the next week or two. 

August Council Summary

For the full August Council package, see here.
 
The next Council Meeting will take place September 28th in person (Room TBD) (ZOOM link will still be provided to those who request it from the Speaker). 
 
Elections
  • No elections took place in August 2023. 
 
Upcoming Elections:
  • No elections in September. 
Committee Member Ratification: 
  • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at August Council here. 
Motions: 
  • Council rejected a motion mandating that the Executive Committee initiate a process of mediation with the PSAC 610 Executive. 
  • Council approved the move back to in-person Council beginning in September 2023, with remote accommodations being provided at the Speaker’s discretion. 
​**Quorum lost after Motion 2**
 
New Business: 
  • Keep an eye on your emails, as information regarding the next Council year will be coming in the next week or two. 

July 2023 Council Summary

For the full July Council package, see here.
 
The next Council Meeting will take place August 31st on ZOOM. 
 

Elections

  • Accessibility Commissioner (August – September): Chloee Godin-Jacques (cgodinja@uwo.ca)
  • Ombudsperson (August – April): Chirantan Mukherjee (cmukher@uwo.ca)

Upcoming Elections:

  • No elections in August
 

Committee Member Ratification: 

  • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at July Council here.

Motions: 

  • Council approved changes to Bylaw 2.10.6 regarding Council Observerships (consent agenda motion).
  • Council approved the spending of approximately $21,588.83 from the SOGS Surplus to compensate Grad Club Staff during the three-week closure for refurbishment. 
  • Council tabled a motion regarding policy changes to the Ombudsperson position. 
  • Council approved changes to the electoral bylaws and policies, including the removal of the Deputy Chief Returning Officer position. 
​**Quorum lost after Motion 3**

New Business: 

  • PSAC are in the process of bargaining and if any members have proposals for bargaining or any feedback for negotiations, they should reach out to the Executive or Chief Stewards of their divisions.
  • Western University is looking for a graduate student Councillor to serve on the Parking Appeals Committee. If interested, please contactsogs.governance@uwo.ca.

June 2023 Council Summary

For the full June Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place July 27th on ZOOM. 
 

Elections:

  • Speaker: Anemily Machina
  • Deputy Speaker: Jillian Warman

Upcoming Elections:

  • Ombudsperson (July – April)

Committee Member Ratification: 

    • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at June Council here.

Motions: 

  • Council rejected the overturning of an Executive Committee vote (which limits the SOGS Executive from working with the PSAC Executive until a formal apology is issued by the PSAC President for previous defamation of SOGS).

New Business: 

  • No new business

May 2023 Council Summary

For the full May Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place June 30th on ZOOM. 
 

Elections:

  • Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner: Hannah Litchfield

Upcoming Elections:

  • Speaker (June – April)
  • Deputy Speaker (June – April)
 

Committee Member Ratification: 

    • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at May Council here.

Motions: 

  • Council approved the expenditure of $100,000 to refresh the Grad Club in consultation with the VP Advocacy and Accessibility Commissioner
  • Council approved the disbandment of the Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • Council approved the following Outgoing Vice-President Transition Honoraria: 
    • Kevin Moore (Academic) – $500
    • Yousuf Hasan (Advocacy) – $500

New Business: 

  • Please fill out the Strategic Plan Leadership Consultation form by June 16th! 

April 2023 Council Summary

For the full April Council package, see here.
 
The next Council Meeting will take place May 25th on ZOOM. 
 
Announcements:
 

Thank you to the outgoing Executive team for all of your hard work and dedication to SOGS!

Elections:
  • VP Academic: Elizabeth Mohler 
  • VP Advocacy: Cherin Chung
  • VP Finance: Sai Gajavelli
  • VP Student Services: Kesavi Kanagasabai
Upcoming Elections:
 

By-election: Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner (June – September)

Committee Member Ratification: 

See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at April Council here

Motions: 
  • Council supported the adoption of the 2023 SOGS Personnel Policy, effective May 1, 2023
  • Council approved the following Committee Chair honouraria: 
    • Erind Alushaj (Academic) – $500
    • Amalie Hutchinson (GradCast) – $500
    • Ashka Thaker (IGSIC) – $250
    • Deeplina Bannerjee (IGSIC) – $250
    • Nazia Rasiwal (Sustainability) – $167
    • Julia Hammer (Sustainability) – $167
    • Katarina Kukolj (Sustainability) – $167
    • Vivienne Hang (Finance) – $500
    • Azmat Jehan (Grad Club) – $500
    • Brad Bork (Subsidies) – $500
    • Wendy Blunt (Graduate Peer Support) – $500
    • Joshua Ahn (Health Plan) – $500
    • Jenica Kakadia (OSC) – $250
    • Casey Boettinger (OSC) – $250

March 2023 Council Summary

For the full March Council package, see here.
 
The next Council Meeting will take place April 27th on ZOOM. 
 
Announcements
  • President-Elect Waliu Alaka took SOGS Oath of Office 
Elections
  • No elections took place in March 2023. 
Upcoming Elections:
Committee Member Ratification: 
  • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at March Council here.
Motions: 
  • Council approved the creation of two part-time Front Office Support Staff positions to take effect May 1, 2023.
  • Council approved the payment of a $500 honoraria to the ARC Representative for their role in investigations on behalf of the SOGS Ombudsperson.
  • Council approved the spending of up to $25,000 from the Surplus Reserve Fund to update the SOGS workspaces. 

2023 SOGS AGM Summary

 
For the full AGM package, see here.
 
Announcements
    • Next Council Meeting is March 30, 2023
Presentation
    • StudentCare Legal Care Program
      • 80% of SOGS membership (unofficially) supported program.
    • ONCA Update
Motions: 
    • The Membership approved the creation of a dedicated Board of Directors for the Society, which will take effect in May 2024. 
    • The Membership approved Valente CPAs LLP as the Society’s Auditor for the 23/24 fiscal year. 
    • The Membership approved the 23/24 SOGS Office Operating Budget
    • The Membership approved the 23/24 Grad Club Operating Budget
    • The Membership approved the creation of a pilot program at the Grad Club which will provide a 10% discount for graduate students in an effort to collect data on Grad Club usage

February 2023 Council Summary

 
For the full February Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place March 30th on ZOOM. 
 
Announcements
    • Seeking membership to the Gender Based Sexual Violence Advisory Committee – please contact the VP Advocacy if interested.  
Elections
    • No elections at February 2023 Council 
Upcoming Elections:
    • No elections at March 2023 Council
    • VP Elections in April 2023 
Committee Member Ratification: 
    • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at February Council here.
Motions: 
    • Council approved the shift to the Society appointing its third-party auditor on an annual basis at the AGM in accordance with ONCA legislation. 
    • Council approved the amendment to Bylaw 3.3.4.2.2.1, allowing for confidence votes in the instance of elections with one candidate running unopposed. 
    • Council referred a motion to restructure Council and department grants back to the Executive and Policy Committee. 
    • Council approved and recommended the 2023/24 SOGS Office & Grad Club budgets for AGM approval.

January 2023 Council Summary

For the full January Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place February 23rd on ZOOM. 
 
The Annual General Meeting will take place March 9th on ZOOM.
 
Announcements
  • No announcements
Elections
  • Chief Returning Officer: Michael Faegan acclaimed Chief Returning Officer by a confidence vote of 47-0-2
  • Appeals Review Commission: Sarika Singodia; Anemily Sippola
    • Still not enough members to form Committee
Upcoming Elections:
  • Appeals Review Commission: Nominations due to Speaker through to February Council (February 23, 2023)
  • President: Nominations due to SOGS Office until Friday, February 17 at 4:00pm. 
Committee Member Ratification: 
    • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at January Council here.
Presentation:
Motions: 
  • Council endorsed the scheduling of the 2023 AGM for March 9, 2023, as well as a change to the Unified Documents that allows for the AGM to take place in February or March annually. 
  • Council approved the honorariums of Alyssa Moore and Azmat Jehan ($250 each) for their service as Co-Chairs of the Grad Club Committee during the 2021/2022 fiscal year.
  • Council approved the presented audit statements to be published for member review. 
  • Council approved the re-alignment of SOGS elected leadership positions (with the exception of Councillors) to the SOGS fiscal year, beginning in the next election cycle. With this change, SOGS positions that are elected between May 2023 and April 2024 will be for partial terms, ending in April 2024. 

November 2022 Council Summary

For the full November Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place January 26th on ZOOM. 
 
Announcements
  • No announcements 
Elections
  • Chief Returning Officer: Amrutha Elanko acclaimed Chief Returning Officer by a confidence vote of 50-0-2
  • Appeals Review Commission: No nominations received 
Upcoming Elections:
  • Appeals Review Commission: Nominations due through to January Council (January 26, 2023) 
Committee Member Ratification: 
  • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at November Council here.  
Motions: 
  • Council endorsed (37-1) the Sustainability Coordinator’s Statement on the Ontario Government’s Bill 23 “More Homes Built Faster Action Plan”.
  • Council voted (36-1-1) to dissolve the Equity Committee and award Cherin Chung a $500 honorarium for her service as Equity Committee Chair.
  • Council voted (41-0) to split the Deputy Speaker and Policy Committee Chair into two (2) separate positions beginning following the completion of the current Deputy Speaker cycle (June 30, 2023).
  • Council voted (32-0) to remove Committee Policy Documents and Speaker’s Rulings from the Unified Documents, shift Committee Policies to Committee Manuals maintained by the Committees, and have both sets of documents publicly accessible online. 

October 2022 Council Summary

For the full October Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place November 24th on ZOOM. 

Announcements

  • Welcome to the 2022/23 Council year!

Elections

 
  • Commissioners
    • Accessibility Commissioner: Ashton Forrest (aforres@uwo.ca) elected by a vote of 30-2
    • Gender Concerns Commissioner: Cathy Huang (jhuan484@uwo.ca) acclaimed by a vote of 31-1
    • Pride Commissioner: Hanna Barnett acclaimed by a vote of 30-1-1
    • Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner: Cherin Chung elected by a vote of 31-0-1
  • Sustainability Coordinator: Brendon Samuels acclaimed by a vote of 32-0

Upcoming Elections:

  • Appeals Review Commission: Nominations due through to November Council (November 24, 2022)
  • Chief Returning Officer: Nominations due November 15, 2022 at 4:00pm

Committee Member Ratification: 

  • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at October Council here. 

Motions: 

  • Council approved the ceasing of Alternate Councillors (as per ONCA).

September 2022 Council Summary

For the full September Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place October 27th on ZOOM. 
 

Announcements

  • From the VPSS: We are looking for a Graduate Student at Large to sit on the Student Services Committee with SOGS and the USC. The role is to review services provided by Western to undergraduate and graduate students. We need a representative that can critique these services and to speak for 6,700 graduate students. The Committee meets once a month at most. Please contact services@sogs.ca with questions/nominations. 
  • Thank you for your service over the 2021/2022 Council year!

Elections

  • No elections took place at September Council. 

Upcoming Elections:

  • Councillors: Nominations due to sogs.governance@uwo.ca by Friday, October 14 at 4:00pm. 
  • Commissioners: Nominations due to sogs.governance@uwo.ca by Tuesday, October 18 at 4:00pm. 
    • Accessibility Commissioner
    • Gender Concerns Commissioner
    • Pride Commissioner
    • Racial Equity & Inclusivity Commissioner
  • Sustainability Coordinator: Nominations due to sogs.governance@uwo.ca by Tuesday, October 18 at 4:00pm.

Committee Member Ratification: 

  • See the members ratified to SOGS Committees at September Council here. 

Motions: 

  • Council approved the new Policy Committee document.
  • Council endorsed a statement of support on behalf of the Society for PSAC 610’s unionization drive for Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs) and Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs). See the letter here. 

August 2022 Council Summary

For the full August Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place September 29th on ZOOM. 
 
Announcements
  • Speaker’s Corner no longer being facilitated prior to Council Meetings. Any inquiries can be sent directly to the Speaker through email (speaker@sogs.ca)
 
Presentation
  • SOGS Governance Plan (presented by SOGS Governance). For the presentation, see here. 
 
Elections
  • Strategic Planning Committee: Anemily Sippola, Jevonne Peters, Hanna Barnett (acclaimed)
 
Upcoming Elections:
 
Committee Member Ratification: 
  • No members were ratified at August Council. 
 
Motions: 
  • Council approved the creation of an ad-hoc Strategic Planning Committee.
  • Council tabled a motion from the floor to approve the new Policy Committee document. 

July 2022 Council Summary

For the full July Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place August 25th on ZOOM. 
 
Announcements
  • Speaker’s Corner no longer being facilitated prior to Council Meetings. Any inquiries can be sent directly to the Speaker through email (speaker@sogs.ca)
Elections
  • Ombudsperson Election: Jake Collie (acclaimed)
Council Member Ratification: 
  • See members ratified at July Council here. 
Motions: 
  • Council approved the amalgamation of the Bylaws and Constitution and Policy Committees. 
  • Council approved the updates to the Orientation & Social Committee policy document.
  • Council approved the Grad Club paying the earned endowment fund back to SOGS to work towards paying down the Grad Club’s debt. 
  • Council approved the reallocation of uncollected committee vouchers to their respective committee’s team-building funds. 

June 2022 Council Summary

For the full June Council package, see here.
The next Council Meeting will take place July 28 on ZOOM. 
 
Announcements
  • Gender Based Violence Training for SOGS Leadership – Date TBD
Elections
  • Speaker Election: kirstyn seanor (acclaimed)
Upcoming Elections:
  • Ombudsperson: Nominations due to speaker@sogs.ca by Wednesday, July 20 at 4:00pm. 
Council Member Ratification: 
  • See members ratified at June Council here. 
Motions: 
  • Council approved the letter of support to be sent by the SOGS President to UWO President Shepard and Provost Strzelczyk in support of UWOFA. 
  • Council approved the implementation of a Consent Agenda to Council proceedings. 

April 2022 Council Summary

For the full April Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place May 26th on ZOOM.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or the Speaker’s Corner zoom information, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Announcements:

  • SOGS Orientation May 9-14

Elections:

  • Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner By-Election: Cherin Chung
  • Sustainability Coordinator By-Election: Brendon Samuels

 Congratulations to our new Vice President team for the 2022/2023 year! 

  • Vice President Academic: Kevin Moore
  • Vice President Advocacy: Yousuf Hasan
  • Vice President Finance: Becky Horst
  • Vice President Student Services: Kesavi Kanagasabai 
Upcoming Elections: 
 
  • Speaker By-election: Nominations due to president@sogs.ca by Wednesday, May 25th at 4:00pm. 

Motions:

  • Council approved SOGS continuing to use a portion of the SOGS Health Plan reserve to fund StudentCare’s Empower Me service for the 2022/2023 year.

  • Council approved the honourarium for various Committee Chairs for the 2021/2022 year. 

March 2022 Summary

For the full March Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place April 28th on ZOOM.

Speaker’s Corner:

Speaker’s Corner takes place between 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or the Speaker’s Corner zoom information, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  • Congratulations to our newly elected President, Danica Facca
  • Beers & Peers and Board Game Night on April 20th, 2022
  • SOGS Orientation May 9-15, 2022
Academic Supports
  • Western Research Forum, March 15 & 16 2022 – Conference Dates: WRF registration details will be released by the Academic Committee soon! The WRF is free for all Western graduate students and faculty to attend.
  • Writing (Blog) Opportunity – Western’s Global Health Equity (GHE) Hub→ For further information on submission guidelines visit the GHE’s website
  • “Developing Your Definition of Success in Grad School” (SE) – Monday, February 14, 2022 12PM → To register, log-in through your Western Connect account and select this session under the Events Calendar.
  • “Working in Community” – Student Experience (SE) – February 7/14/21, 2022 @ 1-3pm: → To register, log-in through your Western Connect account and select this session under the Events Calendar.

  • “Interviewing for Teaching-Centered Positions” – Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) – February 7-25, 2022 → For more information and registration guidelines, visit the program’s landing page.

UPCOMING Elections
  • Vice President Elections – Nominations due April 19th, 2022 at 5:00PM to speaker@sogs.ca. All Vice Presidents will be elected on April 28th, 2022 and will serve for a 12 month term starting May 1st, 2022. Please send nomination letter to speaker@sogs.ca  
  • Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner By-Election – Nominations due April 19th, 2022 at 5:00PM to speaker@sogs.ca. The Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner will be elected on April 28th, 2022 and serve until October 31st, 2022. Please send nomination letter to speaker@sogs.ca  

  • Sustainability Coordinator By-Election – Nominations due April 19th, 2022 at 5:00PM to speaker@sogs.ca. The Sustainability Coordinator will be elected on April 28th, 2022 and serve until October 31st, 2022.

Motions
  • Council renamed the Bursaries and Subsidies Committee to the Subsidies Committee.
  • Council voted to allow any Officer to be the Official Liaison for a committee.
  • Council created four new commissions (committees): Gender Concerns, Accessibility, Pride, and Racial Equity & Inclusivity. 
  • Council created a new Non-Executive Officer position, the Sustainability Coordinator.
  • Council approved implementing a part-time job for the role of Communications and Media Assistant
  • Council approved updates to the Elections Policy to reflect the new timeline provided by the University Secretariat, and the use of Ranked Ballots.
  • Council encourages the use of ranked ballots for committees
  • Council requested the Policy Committee to review the proposal for the use of confidence votes.
  • Council amended the Minutes Writing Policy for committees to remove the reference to recording proxies
  • Council endorses the use of a standard Committee year

February 2022 AGM Summary

For the full February AGM package, see here. The next Council meeting will take place March 31st on ZOOM.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or the Speaker’s Corner zoom information, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events:
  • Fresh Air Friday – Friday, March 11, 2022 @ 1:00PM, Grad Club
  • IGSIC: Free Intl Grad Student Lunch – Monday, February 28, 2022 at 11:30AM @ GradClub
  • IGSIC goes to GLOBAL CAFE – Thursday, March 3, 2022 @ 3:00PM
  • Board Game Night – Wednesday, March 16, 2022 @ 7:00PM, location TBD
  • IGSIC Workshop for International Graduate Students – Study Permit Extensions, Thursday February 17, 2022 @ 5PM via zoom
  • IGSIC: Tax Workshop for International Graduate Students, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 @ 4:30PM, on Zoom
  • Immigration Seminar with Elizabeth Long – Thursday, March 10, 2022 @ 5:00PM, on Zoom
Academic Supports
  • Western Research Forum, March 15 & 16 2022 – Conference Dates: WRF registration details will be released by the Academic Committee soon! The WRF is free for all Western graduate students and faculty to attend.
  • Writing (Blog) Opportunity – Western’s Global Health Equity (GHE) Hub→ For further information on submission guidelines visit the GHE’s website
  • “Developing Your Definition of Success in Grad School” (SE) – Monday, February 14, 2022 12PM → To register, log-in through your Western Connect account and select this session under the Events Calendar.
  • “Working in Community” – Student Experience (SE) – February 7/14/21, 2022 @ 1-3pm: → To register, log-in through your Western Connect account and select this session under the Events Calendar.

  • “Interviewing for Teaching-Centered Positions” – Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) – February 7-25, 2022 → For more information and registration guidelines, visit the program’s landing page.

Elections
  • Ombudsperson Nomination forms – March 21, 2022 at 4:00PM ET and be sent to speaker@sogs.ca. The Ombudsperson will be elected on March 31, 2022
  • Presidential Election:
  • Results posted: March 14, 2022  

  • Balloting opens March 10, 2022 @ 8AM and closes: March 11, 2022 @ 8Pm

Motions
  • General Membership approved the SOGS and Grad Club budgets for 2022-2023 proposed budget. 
  • General Membership approved the use of ranked ballots to replace the first-past-the-post system to ensure that the winning candidate or option has the majority of members’ support
  • General Membership approved that ByLaw 2.6.2. Be changed to “Presidential By-Election.”
  • General Membership referred a motion to BCC to revisit the recommendation of changing “PSAC 610” name to the broader “Teaching Assistant Union” phrase to be more representative of the future of the organization.
  • General Membership approved the amendment Article 1.6.3.1 in the Constitution to include all SOGS Non-Executive Officer position titles  

  • General Membership approved the amendment Article 1.6.2 in the Constitution to read as “Executive Officers” instead of “The Executive”

February 2022 Council Summary

For the full February Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place March 31st on ZOOM.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or the Speaker’s Corner zoom information, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events:
  • SOGS Annual General Meeting – Thursday, February 24th via zoom
  • Sexy Trivia – Monday, February 14, 2022 @ 7:00PM on Zoom
  • Virtual board game night – Wednesday February 16, 2022 @ 7:00PM on the Discord
  • Black History Month: Film screening of “Moonlight” – Thursday, February 17, 2022 @ 7PM via zoom
  • Fresh Air Friday – Friday, March 11, 2022 @ 1:00PM, Grad Club
  • IGSIC: Free International Grad Student Lunch – Monday, February 28, 2022 at 11:30AM @ GradClub
  • IGSIC goes to GLOBAL CAFE – Thursday, March 3, 2022 @ 3:00PM
  • Board Game Night – Wednesday, March 16, 2022 @ 7:00PM, location TBD
  • IGSIC Workshop for International Graduate Students – Study Permit Extensions, Thursday February 17, 2022 @ 5PM via zoom
  • IGSIC: Tax Workshop for International Graduate Students, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 @ 4:30PM, on Zoom

  • Immigration Seminar with Elizabeth Long – Thursday, March 10, 2022 @ 5:00PM, on Zoom

Academic Supports
  • “Making the Most of the Writing Process” – Own Your Future (OYF) / Writing Support Centre (WSC) – Thursday, February 24 2022, 2:30pm: → To register, log-in through your Western Connect account and select this session under the Events Calendar.
  • Western Research Forum, March 15 & 16 2022 – Conference Dates: WRF registration details will be released by the Academic Committee soon! The WRF is free for all Western graduate students and faculty to attend.
  • Writing (Blog) Opportunity – Western’s Global Health Equity (GHE) Hub→ For further information on submission guidelines visit the GHE’s website
  • “Developing Your Definition of Success in Grad School” (SE) – Monday, February 14, 2022 12PM → To register, log-in through your Western Connect account and select this session under the Events Calendar.
  • “Working in Community” – Student Experience (SE) – February 7/14/21, 2022 @ 1-3pm: → To register, log-in through your Western Connect account and select this session under the Events Calendar.

  • “Interviewing for Teaching-Centered Positions” – Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) -February 7-25, 2022 → For more information and registration guidelines, visit the program’s landing page.

Elections

  • Presidential Election: Nomination forms are due to the SOGS office by close February 21, 2022 at 4:00PM ET and be sent to cro@sogs.ca

Motions
  • Council referred a motion (which designates the Bylaws and Constitution Committee (BCC), Policy Committee, and Finance Committee as Oversight Committees and limits Oversight Committee membership) to the BCC and Governance and Policy Administrator to submit a motion on this topic by August Council 2022.
  • Council referred a motion to (restrict committee participation for Appeals Review Commission (ARC) members) to the ARC. 

  • Council approved the SOGS and Grad Club budgets for 2022-2023, and recommended them to the AGM.

 

January 2022 Council Summary

January 2022 Council Package (PDF)

Included below are the actionable items/reminders from the January 2022Council Meeting. 

Motions:

  • Motion 1: Council recommends scheduling February 2022 Council meeting for 10 February 2022 and the Annual General Meeting for 24 February 2022.
  • Motion 2: Council recommends amendment to add “and Western associated groups serving SOGS members” to the Social Fund Application Form.
  • Motion 3: Council postpones indefinitely the idea to create a new standing committee called the Review and Accountability Board (RAB).
  • Motion 4: Withdrawn from the floor
  • Motion 5: Council recommends limit on SOGS general members’ abilities to serve on more than three (3) committees at a time and to chair more than one (1) committee at a time, and to abandon practice of allowing proxy votes.
  • Motions 6–7: Unfinished business for next Council meeting.

Elections:

  • Bylaws and Constitution Committee
  • Equity Committee
  • Graduate Peer Support
  • Graduate Student Issues Committee

Speaker: Kesavi Kanagasabai

 

November 2021 Council Package (PDF)

Included below are the actionable items/reminders from the November 2021 Council Meeting. 

Motions:

  • Motion 1: Council recommends that the Travel Subsidy and Placement Subsidy line items be combined for the remainder of the 2021–2022 fiscal year.
  • Motion 2: Council recommends that the Capital Purchases line item be increased by $1,500, funded from the SOGS reserve, for the purpose of purchasing computer equipment.
  • Motion 3: Council adopts the Finance Committee’s surplus recommendations, accepts that the remaining unused surplus be placed in the SOGS reserve for future use, and recommends that the Finance Committee acts as the Requisitioning Committee for surplus purchasing requests surpassing $5,000.
  • Motion 4: Council recommends the Finance Committee’s recommended choice of external auditor for the Society.
  • Motion 5: Council recommends that the Bursaries and Subsidies Committee be renamed as the Subsidies Committee and approves the updated Subsidies Committee Policy document.
  • Motion 6: Council recommends that the Thesis Completion Subsidy and the Non-TA UHIP Subsidy be moved from the last week of the first month of the term to the last week of the second month of each term.
  • Motion 7: Council recommends that SOGS sign onto the Graduate Students of Canada memorandum of understanding as a formal member.
  • Motion 8: Council accepts the updated International Graduate Student Issues Committee Policy Document

Elections:

  • Academic Committee – Western Research Forum
  • Anti-Racism Committee
  • Bursaries & Subsidies Committee
  • GradCast Committee
  • Graduate Peer Support
  • Health Plan Committee
  • International Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • Orientation & Social Committee
  • Policy Committee
  • Sustainability Committe

Chief Returning Officer: Esther Fagbemi

 
 

October 2021 Council Package (PDF | Word)

Included below are the actionable items/reminders from the October 2021 Council Meeting. 
 

Motions:

  • NONE
 

Elections:

  • Accessibility Commissioner: Elizabeth Mohler is acclaimed.
  • Gender Concerns Commissioner: Zara Diab is acclaimed.
  • The Indigenous Commissioner position remains vacant.
  • Pride Commissioner: Alessia Servin is acclaimed.
  • Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner: Jess Omorodion is elected.
 
 

September 2021 Council Package (PDF | Word)

Included below are the actionable items/reminders from the September 2021 Council Meeting. 
 

Announcements:

  • Presentation from Accel Labs: Seeking proposals for community health initiatives. Further information can be found at accellabs.ca or by emailing Mike at yding2023@meds.uwo.ca. 
  • Next Council Meeting is October 28th at 6:30pm. 

Motions:

  • Motion 1: Council approved the audited financial statements and documents for publication to represent the Society’s finances for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. These documents can be found HERE.
  • Motion 2: Council amended the wording of Bylaw 2.7.2.2. to include wording for the removal of a committee chair from SOGS committees
  • Motion 3: Council amended Bylaw 2.7.4.1. to include “committee chair” in the wording regarding recalling a SOGS executive and non-executive officer. 
  • Motion 4:  Council amended Bylaw 2.19.3.1.1. to better outline the Ombudsperson’s sanction powers regarding written or verbal warnings.
  • Motion 5: Council amended Bylaw 2.19.3.2.2. to provide greater clarity regarding recall of a committee chair.
  • Motion 6: Council amended Bylaw 2.9.7. to include the proper names of SOGS committees.
  • Motion 7: Council approved the removal of reference to the Graduate Student Teaching Awards (GSTA) and GSTA Committee in the Bylaws (2.6.3.1.2.2., 2.9.5.2., 2.9.7., 5.11.).
  • Motion 8: Council amended Bylaw 5.7.5.2.3. to remove reference to the Graduate Student Teaching Awards committee.
  • Motion 9:  Council extended the timeline for the Bylaws and Constitution Committee’s to develop a ranked ballot system and report to January 2022.
  • Motion 10: Council approved the updates to the Bylaws and Constitution Committee policy document.
 
Elections:
  • Academic Committee – Western Research Forum
  • Anti-Racism Committee
  • Bursaries & Subsidies Committee
  • GradCast Committee
  • Graduate Peer Support
  • Health Plan Committee
  • International Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • Orientation & Social Committee
  • Policy Committee
  • Sustainability Committee
There were no individuals elected to new/returning roles.
 
Access the August 2021 Council Package (PDF | Word)
 
Included below are the actionable items/reminders from the August 2021 Council Meeting. 
 
Motions:
  • Motion 1 – Council approves updates to the Bursaries and Subsidies Policy Document
  • Motion 2 – Council approves the Research Completion Subsidy application form brought forth by the Bursaries and Subsidies Committee
  • Motion 3 – Council approves the allocation of $CAD 3000, split equally between two scholarships, to the Afzaal Memorial Scholarship funds from the unspent 2017-18 surplus
Elections:
  • Anti-Racism Committee (ad-hoc)
  • Finance Committee
  • Grad Club Committee
  • GradCast Committee
  • Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • Orientation & Social Committee
There were no individuals elected to new/returning roles.
 
 
Access the July 2021 Council package package.

Motions:

  •  Motion 1: Council approves the Bursaries and Subsidies Policy Document as seen in Appendix A of the July Council Package
  • Motion 2: Council approves the Policy Committee Policy Document as seen in Appendix B of the July Council Package
  • Motion 3 and Motion 4, regarding SPEC honoraria, were approved for removal for this month’s agenda
  • Motion 5: Council approves the alignment of nomenclature between the Executive and Non-Executive sections in the unified documents
  • Motion 6: Council approves the specifications regarding a Chairperson’s responsibilities and access to corresponding remuneration
  • Motion 7: Council approves the establishment of a concrete rule outlining election campaigning parameters
  • Motion 8: Council approves the establishment of further parameters regarding election campaigning
  • Motion 9: Council approves the equal and fair treatment of candidates during election campaigning
  • Motion 10: Council approves the migration of bylaw/policy section covering ‘voting’ and ‘ballot counting’
  • Motion 11: Council approves a check and balance afforded to any individual wishing to contest the election results within reason
  • Motion 12: Council approves a process for the Chief Returning Officer to submit appeal/disqualifications

ELECTIONS:

The following committees had new members ratified:
  • Anti-Racism Committee (ad-hoc)
  • Equity Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Grad Cast Committee
  • Graduate Peer Support
  • Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • Health Plan Committee
  • International Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • Orientation & Social Committee
  • Policy Committee
  • Sustainability Committee

2021-22 Ombudsperson: Claire Tully (ctully3@uwo.ca) 

June 2021 Council Package (PDF | Word)

Motions:
  • Motion 1: Council recommends the $500 honorarium granted to Mohammed Ellakany for their work as Graduate Student Issues Committee Chair
  • Motion 2: Council recommends the one-time, one-month stipend to Deputy Speaker Mitchell Glover for his service as the Acting Speaker during the month of May 2021
  • Motion 3: Council recommends the amendment of Article 1.6.3.1. to include the words, “the Deputy Speaker…, the Coordinators, the Ombudsperson…” in the unified documents
  • Motion 4: Council recommends that ‘Article 2.5.1. General’ be created to house Articles 2.5.0.1. and 2.5.0.2. within the ‘2.5 Other Elections’ section of the unified documents
  • Motion 5: Council recommends the numbering of the first paragraph in Bylaw 2.6. Exceptional Circumstances of the unified documents
  • Motion 6: Council recommends the changes made to the specified policy documented created by the Orientation and Social Committee Policy
  • Motion 7: Council recommends changes to Bylaw 2.9.5.8.2. to include, “…Weeks (the week of the second Monday each term) and the addition of “2.9.5.8.5. Shall oversee the SOGS Social Fund and SOGS Clubs programs
  • Motion N01: Council recommends that the budget for the 2021-22 Capital Purchases lines be amended from $0 to $4000 to support the purchase of office equipment for the 4th SOGS office position
Elections:
The following committees had new members ratified:
  • GradCast Committee
  • Graduate Peer Support Committee
  • Orientation and Social Committee
  • Sustainability Committee  

Access the May 2021 Council package package.
 
Motions:
  • Motion 1 – Council recommends that the amendment to 1.6.1.8. of the Constitution put forth by the Bylaws and Constitution Committee be brought forth for vote at the next General Meeting.
  • Motion 2 – Council approves Bylaws and Constitution Committee motion to amend wording in 2.1.2.15.1., 2.9.5.2.3., 2.9.5.2.4., 5.11.2.1.1., and 5.13.5.3.4.2 of unified documents to read as “the Teaching Assistant Union” instead of “PSAC 610.”
  • Motions 3 – 14 – Council approves the recommended 2020-21 honoraria for committee chairs.
  • Motion 15 – Council approves the current draft of the Personnel Policy Document, which will now be sent to the Society’s legal counsel for further review.
  • Motion N01 – Council approves honorarium for Former VP Student Services for his service in training the incoming VP Student Services during the month of May, 2021.
  • Motion N02 – Council approves SOGS’ endorsement of the letter from Canadian Federation of Students of Ontario (CFS) that supports the Pivot the Clock Campaign.
Elections:
The following committees had new members ratified:
 
  • Academic Committee – Western Research Forum
  • Ad-Hoc Anti Racism Committee
  • Bursary and Subsidy Committee
  • Grad Club Committee
  • GradCast Committee
  • Graduate Peer Support Committee
  • Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • International Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • Policy Committee
Indigenous Commissioner: Eugene Victoria Bomberry
Speaker: Liam Clifford
 
Access the April 2021 Elections Meeting package and the Council package package.
 
Motions:
  • Motion N01: Approves the Governance & Policy Administrator position job description
  • Motions 1 – 12: Refers the motions for 2020-21 committee chair honoraria back to the Executive Committee for increased committee discussion
  • Motion 13: Approves the use of the SOGS health plan reserve to fund Empower Me for the 2021-2022 policy year
  • Motion 14: Asks that the SOGS executive draft letters to key partners across campus on climate action
  • Motion 15: Approves that the audit tendering process for the 2021-2022 fiscal year be started in August
  • Motion N02: Requests that the BCC review alternative parliamentary procedures and provide an update to Council by August 2021
Elections:
The following committees had new members ratified:
  • Ad-Hoc Anti Racism Committee
  • Bylaws and Constitution Committee
  • Equity Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Grad Club Committee
  • Graduate Peer Support Committee
  • International Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • Orientation and Social Committee
  • Sustainability Committee

Graphic for the March Summary that has a photograph of purple winter tulips embedded in the word "March"

Access to the March 2021 council package package HERE.
 
Motions:
 
  • Motion 1: Council referred this motion (regarding the hiring of a 4th full-time staff member) back to the President for further consideration and with a request to bring an updated version of the job description to the next Council meeting.
  • Motion 2: Approves SOGS’ endorsement of the U15 Graduate Student Alliance letter. (Note: The U15 is a group of the graduate student societies of the top 15 research-intensive universities in Canada, of which SOGS is a member.)

Elections:

The following committees had new members ratified:
  • Ad-Hoc Accessibility Committee
  • Ad-Hoc Anti-Racism Committee
  • Equity Committee
  • GradCast Committee 
  • Graduate Peer Support Committee
  • Orientation and Social Committee

Access to the February 2021 Annual General Meeting package HERE.
 
Motions:
 
  • Motion 1: Approves SOGS and Grad Club budget
  • Motion 2: SOGS publicly endorses the declaration of climate emergency
  • Motion 3: SOGS Exec to discuss declaring a climate emergency with USC and Western
  • Motion 4: (rank voting) referred to Bylaw and Constitution Committee
  • Motion 5: (training) referred to Executive Committee
  • Motion 6: Removes confidentiality of 2020 AGM in-camera minutes
The following committees had new members ratified:
  • Anti-Racism Ad-Hoc Committee
  • Bylaw and Constitution Committee
  • Health Plan Committee
  • SOGS Pilot Project for Executive Compensation

For the  February council package, see HERE.

The next Council meeting will take place on March  25, 2021 at 6:30pm on Zoom.

Motions:

Motions passed at the February Council Meeting:
 
  • Motion 7: Approves the 2021-2022 SOGS and Grad Club budgets
  • Motion 1: Changes Bylaw 2.7.1 
  • Motion 2: Changes Bylaw 2.7.3 
  • Motion 3: Strikes “The recalled President is automatically a candidate unless they withdraw” from Bylaw 2.7.3.1
  • Motion 4: Changes section 3.3.6.7 in the Unified Documents
  • Motion 5: Accepts the Club Application process and the OSC Policy Document
  • Motion 6: Accepts the GradCast Policy Document

Elections:

NONE.

For the  January council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place February 11, 2020 on Zoom.

Motions:

Motions passed at the January Council Meeting.
 
  • Motion N01 – urges SOGS to take action, on behalf of graduate students, regarding Chancellor Hasenfratz’s recent travel
  • Motion 6 – reinstates the Thesis Completion Fund
  • Motion 7 – accepts the Graduate Peer Support Committee’s Policy Document
  • Motion 1 – schedules February Council for February 11th and the AGM for February 25th 
  • Motion 2 – extends the Executive Compensation Pilot Project stipend for another year
  • Motion 3 – approves the audit statements from the 2019-2020 fiscal year
  • Motion 4 – approves the Finance Committee’s surplus recommendations
 
Motion 5, regarding the trial use of Martha’s Rules, was referred to the Bylaw and Constitution Committee. 
 

Elections:

Here are the new committee members ratified at this meeting.The following committees had new members ratified:
  • Academic Committee
  • Anti-Racism Ad-Hoc Committee
  • Grad Club Committee
  • Health Plan Committee
  • Orientation and Social Committee
  • Policy Committee
  • Sustainability Committee
The following individuals were elected to new/returning roles and should be set up within the system accordingly: 
 
Accessibility Commissioner: Elizabeth Mohler 
 

 

Announcements

  • SOGS Office will be closed to members on the Friday after Council.
  • Western University will resume classes on January 11th for all undergraduate and most graduate programs. Check with your faculty.
  • Western is adding a new policy come January for all staff and employees on campus (including TAs) to allow the use of 2 new “flex days” for vacation use between January 4 and May 31. These are supposed to be used for any type of mental health day or vacation day and are to be organized with your course supervisors.
  • The Graduate Peer Support Committee is looking for members to submit recipes, culinary tips & tricks, and/or food resources to the SOGS Survival Guide to Cooking! Head over to sogs.ca/cookbook to learn more! 
  • Graduate Student Issues Survey is LIVE! Check your inboxes for an email from SOGS, or check out @westernsogs on social media. In order to better advocate for members, SOGS needs your feedback. SOGS is giving out 3 x $50 grocery store gift cards as prizes for participating. 
  • Land Defender Panel: Call-out for 2 grad student panelists (see sogs.ca/events for more information)

Motions

  • Motion 1 – Council approved the creation of an ad-hoc anti-racism committee
  • Motion 2 – Council approved the Non-TA UHIP subsidy application form (see sogs.ca/subsidies for more information)
  • Motion 3 – Council approved the Bursaries and Subsidies Committee’s Policy document
  • Motion 4 – Council approved the Policy Committee’s Policy document
  • Motion 5 – Council approved the Orientation & Social Committee’s Policy document
  • Motion 7 – Council extended the SOGS Pilot Executive Compensation project’s report by one year

Elections:

The following committees had new members ratified:
  • Appeals Review Commission
  • Equity Committee
  • Grad Club Committee
  • GradCast Committee 
  • Graduate Peer Support Committee
  • Graduate Student Issues Committee
  • Health Plan Committee
  • Orientation and Social Committee
  • Policy Committee
  • Sustainability Committee
The following individuals were elected to new/returning roles and should be set up within the system accordingly: 
 
Accessibility Commissioner: Merna Seliman
Indigenous Commissioner: Geneveave Barbo
Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner: Denise Kamyuka
Chief Returning Officer: Laila Zaitoun
VP Advocacy: Yousuf Hasan 

For the October Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place November 26, 2020 on Zoom.

Speaker’s Corner: 5-6pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or to attend Speaker’s Corner, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
  • Join the SOGS Discord server for Virtual Events, such as Council Bingo, Weekly Thesis Writing Drop-ins, Graduate Peer Support Drop-ins, Games Night, and more!
  • The Anti-Racist Book Club led by our current Racial Equity & Inclusivity and Gender Concerns Commissioners will be reading “Half Breed” by Maria Campbell for the month of November.
  • Graduate Peer Support Committee is working on a call-out for recipes to be included in a graduate student oriented community cookbook to come out in Summer 2021! Stay tuned for more information later in November.
  • Canada-Wide Grad Student Trivia Championship is coming in November! Special thanks to our VP SS, Jeremy Johnston for helping to organize this! Want to play for one of SOGS’ 10 teams (if there are spaces left)? Learn more at sogs.ca/events/.

SELF-CARE AND SUPPORT:

 SOGS FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND FUNDS:
ELECTIONS:

The following committees had new members elected:

    • Academic Committee 
    • Bursaries and Subsidies Committee
    • Equity Committee
    • Finance Committee
    • Grad Club Committee
    • GradCast Committee 
    • Graduate Peer Support
    • Orientation and Social Committee
    • Policy Committee

Congratulations to our new Commissioners team for the 2020-21 year! 

    • Accessibility Commissioner – Ashton-Nicola Forrest
    • Gender Concerns Commissioner – Francesca Alexander
    • Pride Commissioner – Shannon-Thomas Carnahan
    • Racial Equity and Inclusivity Commissioner – Saadia Bokhari
MOTIONS:
  • Motion 1 (with amendment): Allows an ad-hoc Accessibility Committee to be struck

For the September Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place October 29, 2020 on Zoom.

Speaker’s Corner: 5-6pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or to attend Speaker’s Corner, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
  • Join the SOGS Discord server for Virtual Events
  • Stay tuned for more information about upcoming Wellness Week (Oct 13-16)

SELF-CARE AND SUPPORT:

 SOGS FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND FUNDS:
ELECTIONS:
  • Ombudsperson: Congrats to Seth Kadish!
MOTIONS:
  • Motion 1:  Allows the SOGS Executive to draft a letter on behalf of graduate students to the Western administration regarding the increase in international tuition
  • Motion 2: Permits SOGS to cover the Admin Coordinator’s legal fees of $728.29

For the August Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place September 24, 2020 on Zoom.

Speaker’s Corner: 5-6pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or to attend Speaker’s Corner, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
  • Join the SOGS Discord server for Virtual Events
  • Stay tuned for more information about upcoming Orientation 2020 (Sept 14 – 19) events.
SELF-CARE AND SUPPORT:
 SOGS FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND FUNDS:
ELECTIONS:
  • Gender Concerns Commissioner –  Congratulations to Francesca Alexander!
MOTIONS:
  • Motion 1:  Permits SOGS to pay our current VP Finance for their time as our interim VP Finance during the month of July 2020.
  • Motion 2: Directs SOGS to pay the legal fees of the Administrative Coordinator accrued from May to June 2020.
  • Motion 3: Authorizes SOGS to compensate the 2019-2020 Chief Returning Officer for additional labour related to the 2020 Presidential By-Election

For the full July Council Meeting package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place August 27, 2020 on Zoom.

Speaker’s Corner: 5-6pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or to attend Speaker’s Corner, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events
Self-Care and Support
SOGS Financial Support and Funds
Elections
  • VICE-PRESIDENT FINANCE: Becky Horst was acclaimed! Congratulations!
  • OMBUDSPERSON: Amelia Yuan was elected! Congratulations!
  • Call for nominations:
    • SOGS Gender Concerns Commissioner: SOGS members in good standing wishing to nominate themselves to the position of SOGS Gender Concerns Commissioner must send their nomination (as well as an optional 1-page election poster/platform for inclusion in the SOGS Council mail-out) to the Speaker (speaker@sogs.ca) no later than August 18, 2020 at 5:00 pm EDT. More information at sogs.ca/non-executive-positions
Motions
  • Motion 1:  Allows summer term subsidies to applied to via an online format
  • Motion 2: Allows one member of the BSC to take on adjudication of summer term subsidies IF the position of administrative coordinator is not filled by August 30th
  • Motion 3: Allows SOGS to use a portion of the health plan credit to pilot StudentCare’s Empower Me program
  • Motion 4: Approves the Executive to draft a letter to Western Parking Services on behalf of graduate students
  • Motion N05: SOGS Executive to release two letters from McKenzie Lake lawyers to the SOGS membership

For the full July General Meeting package, see  here.

The next Council meeting will take place July 30, 2020 on Zoom.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or to attend Speaker’s Corner, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events:
Self-Care and Support
SOGS Financial Support and Funds
Elections
  • PRESIDENTIAL BY-ELECTION: kirstyn seanor was elected as the SOGS President for the remainder of the 2020-2021 year.
  • Call for nominations:
    • VP Finance By-Elections: SOGS members in good standing wishing to nominate themselves to the position of SOGS VP Finance must send their nomination (as well as an optional 1-page election poster/platform for inclusion in the SOGS Council mail-out) to the Speaker (speaker@sogs.ca) no later than July 21 at 5:00 pm EDT. More information at sogs.ca/executive-positions/
    • SOGS 2020-2021 Ombudsperson – SOGS members in good standing wishing to nominate themselves to the position of SOGS Ombudsperson must send their nomination (as well as an optional 1-page election poster/platform for inclusion in the SOGS Council mail-out) to the Speaker (speaker@sogs.ca) no later than July 21 at 5:00 pm EDT. More information at sogs.ca/non-executive-positions/.
Motions
  • The General Membership voted to allow the “in camera” minutes from the February 2020 AGM to be made public with all names and financial information redacted. 
  • The General Membership voted to permit for the recording and sharing of the Presidential candidates’ statements and Q&A period of the by-election online (website and social media).
  • The General Membership voted to strike specific sections (as outlined in final version of motion) from the July GM President’s Report.

For the full June Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place July 30, 2020 on Zoom.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or to attend Speaker’s Corner, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events:
Self-Care and Support
SOGS Financial Support and Funds
Elections
  • Effie Sapuridis was acclaimed as the 2020-2021 SOGS Speaker.
  • Call for nominations: SOGS 2020-2021 Ombudsperson – SOGS members in good standing wishing to nominate themselves to the position of SOGS Ombudsperson must send their nomination (as well as an optional 1-page election poster/platform for inclusion in the SOGS Council mail-out) to the Speaker (speaker@sogs.ca) no later than July 14 at 5:00 pm EDT.
Motions
  • Council passed a motion to allow one member of the Bursaries and Subsidies Committee to organize the Winter term SOGS subsidy applications.
  • Council voted to formally release all SOGS members and staff from Non-Disclosure Agreements signed on and prior to June 25th, 2020, to have the Executive and relevant committee chairs collaborate on an appropriate solution for protecting personal information, and to have the Executive recommend a solution for wide-spread implementation by August Council. 
  • Council voted to approve the petition to recall the 2020-2021 SOGS President.
  • Council voted to change the title of the Women’s Concerns Commissioner to the Gender Concerns Commissioner.
  • Council voted to give the Acting Speaker a one-time payment from the SOGS Speaker stipend for her service in the role from May 2020-June 2020.
  • A motion to change the VP Finance Bylaws was tabled to the Bylaws and Constitution Committee for review until August Council.

 

For the full May Council package, seehere.

The next Council meeting will take place June 25, 2020 on Zoom.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) on Zoom. For all Council related matters or to attend Speaker’s Corner, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events
Self-Care and Support
SOGS Financial Support and Funds
Elections
  • Call for nominations: SOGS 2020-2021 Speaker – nominations for the position of SOGS Speaker should be submitted to executive@sogs.ca by 11:59PM EDT on Monday, June 15th.
  • There are two vacancies on the Graduate Education Council for grad student representatives from Arts and Ivey. If you are from one of these departments and are interested, email president@sogs.ca
Motions
  • Council approved the awarding of honoraria to 2019-2020 committee chairs and outgoing Vice Presidents.
  • Council voted to allocate funds to additional bursaries for the 2020 Summer term given the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Council voted to apply and enter into the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Covid-19 relief benefit through the Federal Government to assist in covering Grad Club operating costs.
  • Council voted to extend the contract of our current financial auditor for the current cycle, and to go to tender for auditing services once the current auditing cycle is complete.
  • Council voted to form an ad-hoc Human Resources committee.
  • Council voted that the Executive send a letter on behalf of SOGS in support of postdocs, pending approval from PSAC 610.
  • Council approved changes to the Society policies to allow employees to submit complaints directly to the Ombudsperson.
  • Council voted to give ex-officio Observerships on Council to the Accounting Manager, Administrative Coordinator, Communications Administrator, and Grad Club Manager.
  • Council voted to have the Executive submit documentation of legal and HR fees that have accumulated since May 1, 2019 for the next Council package.
  • Council voted to offer the Administrative Coordinator a full-time salaried contract, and to extend her current contract until a new contract can be negotiated.
  • Council voted to have the Executive approve this year’s annual pay raises for salaried staff members.
  • Council voted that the VP Academic will temporarily take over Human Resources and Personnel supervision, until such time as office tensions have been mitigated.
  • Council approved updates to the GradCast Editorial Board and VP Academic Bylaws.
  • Council approved updates to the Bylaws reflecting motions passed at January and February Council. 
  • Council approved that Summer 2020 bursaries can be applied to via an online format.

For the full AGM package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place March 26th in MC, room 110.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) @ the Grad Club. For all Council related matters, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events
  • Monthly Karaoke Night Friday, March 20 at the Grad Club. FREE. 
  • Board Game Night Wednesday, March 18 at 7pm at the Grad Club. FREE.
  • Trans and Nonbinary Education, Awareness, and Advocacy Day Thursday, March 12 6-9pm
Self-Care and Support
  • SOGS Peer Advisor for Academic Matters: Ariana Potichnyj (advisor.academic@sogs.ca)
  • Graduate Peer Support (GPS) Drop-In Sessions  Every Thursday from 12-2pm in the SOGS Multipurpose room. If you need someone to talk to, or practical advice about the pressures of grad life, come and talk to our trained committee members who can offer resources or just an ear. Coffee and snacks provided.
  • Dissertation drop-in: Fridays from 10am-3:45pm. Bring your lunch, coffee and snacks, and write in a stress-free space all day in the SOGS multi-purpose room.
SOGS Financial Support and Funds
Elections
  • Vice Presidents – SOGS Vice-President Elections will take place in April
  • Members were elected to the Ad-hoc committee for the SOGS Pilot project for Executive Compensation (SPEC). Positions on this committee are still available – contact the SOGS Speaker if you are interested in joining.
Business:
  • A motion was passed to change the wording in article 1.6.1.4. of the Constitution to clarify that Executive Officers, the Speaker, and the Ombudsperson may not hold another position on Council, including a Councillor or alternate Councillor position.
  • The membership approved the SOGS and Grad Club budgets for 2020-2021, as well as a Student Choice Initiative Contingency budget.
  • A motion was passed for SOGS to publicly endorse the Western University National Student Walkout for Wet’suwet’en on March 4.
  • Executive officers, non-Executive officers, and committee chairs presented reports on their activities. See the AGM package for more details. 
  • The SOGS office staff made a statement regarding ongoing issues and announced their decision to withdraw their labour.
  • A motion was passed to allow the SOGS staff excused absences from the AGM until the next meeting of SOGS Council to support on-going labour negotiations.

For the full February Council package, seehere.

The next Council meeting will take place March 26th in MC 110.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) @ the Grad Club. For all Council related matters, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events:
  • SOGS Annual General Meeting  Thursday, February 27th in Middlesex College 110 at 6pm **bring your Western ID to sign in!**
  • Graduate Wellness Workshop: On The Road To Resilience – Thursday, February 18, 2020 @ 4pm in Middlesex College, room 110
  • Monthly Karaoke Night Friday, February 21 at 8pm at the Grad Club. FREE.
  • Board Game Night Wednesday, February 19 at 7pm at the Grad Club. FREE.
  • Upcoming ski/tubing trip to Boler Mountain. Saturday, February 22. Tubing is $15 per person. Skiing (includes lift ticket, rental, and lesson) for $60 per person. Each SOGS member can bring up to 4 guests. Tickets are available in the SOGS office. *Ski tickets are limited*
  • Family Craft Night: Learn How to Make Slime! Monday, February 24, 2020 from 5-7pm at the Grad Club
  • Graduate Wellness Workshop: The Imposter Syndrome – Tuesday, February 25, 2020 @ 4pm in Middlesex College, room 110
  • Disney Trivia – Wednesday, February 26 at 7pm. Hosted by our own VP Finance, Madison Bettle. All Disney owned-franchises are fair game at this special edition of trivia (i.e., Pixar and Star Wars)
Self-Care and Support
  • SOGS Peer Advisor for Academic Matters: Ariana Potichnyj (advisor.academic@sogs.ca)
  • Graduate Peer Support (GPS) Drop-In Sessions  Every Thursday from 12-2pm in the SOGS Multipurpose room. If you need someone to talk to, or practical advice about the pressures of grad life, come and talk to our trained committee members who can offer resources or just an ear. Coffee and snacks provided.
  • Dissertation drop-in: Fridays from 10am-3:45pm. Bring your lunch, coffee and snacks, and write in a stress-free space all day in the SOGS multi-purpose room.
SOGS Financial Support and Funds
Elections
  • Indigenous Commissioner – Danica Pawlick Potts was acclaimed as SOGS Indigenous Commissioner
Motions
  • Council passed a motion to move the International Graduate Student Issues Committee under the VP Advocacy’s portfolio and to move the Graduate Peer Support Committee under the VP Student Services’ portfolio starting May 1
  • Council approved new Bylaws explaining process for awarding the Outgoing Vice-President Transition Honoraria
  • Council voted to raise the Grad Club Levy from $1.77/term to $3.33/term, and approved that up to 50% of the levy can be used towards Grad Club operations.
  • Council approved the SOGS and Grad Club budgets for 2020-2021, as well as a Student Choice Initiative Contingency budget.
  • Council approved that any Grad Club 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 surpluses be put towards the Grad Club’s debt to SOGS

For the full January Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place Thursday, February 13, 2020 in MC 110 at 6 pm.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) @ the Grad Club. For all Council related matters, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events
    • Board Game Night – Wednesday, February 19 at 7pm. Try out some of the 60+ board games in our vault!
    • Karaoke Night @ the Grad Club – 8pm on Friday, February 21. 
    • Upcoming ski/tubing trip to Boler Mountain. Saturday, February 22. More information TBA. Tickets will be made available in the SOGS office. 
    • Disney Trivia – Wednesday, February 26 at 7pm. Hosted by our own VP Finance, Madison Bettle. All Disney owned-franchises are fair game at this special edition of trivia (i.e., Pixar and Star Wars)
    • A Thriving Graduate Student Experience – Two Open Space Meetings for Graduate Students on Tuesday, February 4th, 12:00 p.m. IGAB Atrium and Thursday, February 6th, 6:00 p.m. UCC Room 056. This is an opportunity to share ideas about how to create the best graduate student experience at Western.
Self-Care and Support
  • SOGS Peer Advisor for Academic Matters: Ariana Potichnyj (advisor.academic@sogs.ca)
  • Graduate Peer Support Drop-Ins: Every Thursday from 12-2pm in the SOGS Multipurpose room. If you need someone to talk to, or practical advice about the pressures of grad life, come and talk to our trained committee members who can offer resources or just an ear. Coffee and snacks provided. See the drop-in schedule here. 
  • Dissertation drop-in: Fridays from 10am-3:45pm. Bring your lunch, coffee and snacks, and write in a stress-free space all day in the SOGS multi-purpose room.
SOGS Financial Support and Funds
Elections
  • Call for Nominations: SOGS Indigenous Commissioner (by-election)
    Those interested, please contact speaker@sogs.ca.
  • SOGS Presidential Election: Polls will open at 8 am on February 4 and will close at 8 pm on February 5, 2020.
  •  Graduate Student Visioning Committee: AJ Wray elected as Graduate Student at Large
Motions
  • Council passed a motion to schedule the next SOGS Council meeting on February 13, 2020 and the SOGS Annual General Meeting on February 27, 2020.
  • Council voted to task the SOGS Speaker with updating the SOGS Motions Database.
  • A motion from the SOGS Sustainability Committee was passed requesting the SOGS Executive write a letter in support of an initiative from graduate student, Brendon Samuels, who has  provided evidence of bird collisions to building as a concern for the biodiversity and natural landscape of Western University. This motion also requests SOGS disseminate the Petition to Secure a future for Nature and Biodiversity on Western’s campus (https://forms.gle/xiD95arnqdDLU8XV9) to all of SOGS’ media platforms.
  • Council passed a motion to adjust departmental grant calculations and to update the bylaws to reflect the change.
  • Council passed motions with recommendations from the Finance Committee regarding SOGS Executive and Non-Executive compensation, as well as an honorarium for an optional one-month training period by outgoing SOGS Vice-Presidents.
  • Council passed a motion presenting a modification to the 2019-2020 budget, specifically a new line item entitled “Capital purchases” after the Finance Committee had discovered the line item had been created to accommodate the purchase of iPads for SOGS Executive use. This motion also tasks the Finance Committee to ensure incoming executives are aware of the procedure for modifying the current budget.

For the full November Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place January 30th in MC 110.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) @ the Grad Club. For all Council related matters, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events:
  • Grad Club 40th Anniversary: Members Appreciation Event casual drop-in event on Monday, December 2 at 4pm. Bring your UWO ID with you to pick up your newly minted Grad Club membership card. These cards will give you access to “Membership Mondays”, which includes 50% off a select appetizer menu every Monday after 6pm. FREE. More information on our Facebook event page.
  • The Future Is Accessible Lunch Tuesday, December 3 from 11am-1pm in the SOGS Office. Registration is required – reserve your spot here
  • SOGS Annual Ugly Sweater Party Wednesday, December 4 at 7-11pm at the Grad Club. Tickets available in SOGS office ($5 for SOGS members, $10 for non-members)
  • Board Game Night Wednesday, December 18 at 7pm at the Grad Club. FREE.
  • Monthly Karaoke Night Friday, December 20 at 8-11:30pm at the Grad Club. FREE.
Self-Care and Support
  • SOGS Peer Advisor for Academic Matters: Ariana Potichnyj (advisor.academic@sogs.ca)
  • Graduate Peer Support (GPS) Drop-In Sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7 pm in the Western Interdisciplinary Research Building, room 1110. (@Western.SOGS facebook.com/events/2290381097940907/) December 3rd & 5th are the last dates for this term.
  • Dissertation drop-in: Fridays from 10am-3:45pm. Bring your lunch, coffee and snacks, and write in a stress-free space all day in the SOGS multi-purpose room.
Elections
  • Chief Returning Officer – Martin Ross was acclaimed as Chief Returning Officer
  • Pride Commissioner – Broderick Clement-Thorne was acclaimed as SOGS Pride Commissioner
  • A number of new committee members were ratified, including new members of the Appeals Review Commission.
Motions
  • Council passed motions to adopt a number of surplus recommendations from the Finance Committee. These recommendations include: 
    • Five $500 OSAP bursaries ($2500)
    • Additional funding for the SOGS archivist position ($650)
    • An Executive discretionary fund ($1000)
    • Purchase of a professional camera and accessories ($1500)
    • Purchase of an accounting laptop ($800)
    • Restoring funding to the 2019-2020 Bursaries and Awards line item that was reduced due to SCI predictions ($14000)
    • Additional funding to the Professional Legal Fees line item ($2500)
  • Council voted to recommend a revision to the Society’s Constitution for the 2020 AGM to specify that Executive Officers, the Speaker, and the Ombudsperson may not serve as Councillors or Alternate Councillors.
Committee Reports
  • The ad-hoc SOGS Structure Review Committee reported their findings on the structure of SOGS in relation to other graduate student associations in Canada. Their final report is available here.
  • The Bylaws and Constitution Committee submitted a report on their findings regarding the issue of Executive Voting Rights in response to a motion that was referred to the committee for review at September Council. The full report is available in the Council package.

October 2019 Council Summary

For the full October GM/Council package, see here.

The next Council meeting will take place on November 28 in MC 110.

Speaker’s Corner: 4-5 pm (prior to Council meetings, last Thursday of the month) @ the Grad Club. For all Council related matters, contact speaker@sogs.ca.

Upcoming Events:
  • Family Halloween Party: Monday, Oct. 28 @5pm. Costume party for the little ones + pumpkin carving + costume contest and loot bags for kids + parents in costume get a free cocktail! Pizza party. $5 per SOGS member and $10 for non-members, kids are free. See our Facebook event for more details.
  • Harry Potter Trivia: Wednesday, October 30 @7pm at the Grad Club. There will be a special Harry Potter-themed appetizer menu.
  • Monthly Karaoke Night: Friday, November 15 at 7 pm
  • Board Game Night: Wednesday, November 20 at 7 pm. We have over 60 board games, so there is something for everyone.
  • Beers and Peers networking event: Wednesday, November 20 from 6-8 pm at the Grad Club.
Important Deadlines:

2018-2019 HEALTH CLAIMS must be sent to the insurance company byNovember 30. If you mail them out at the SOGS office, you will need to bring them in by mid-November to ensure they are processed in time.

Self-Care and Support
  • SOGS Peer Advisor for Academic Matters: Ariana Potichnyj (advisor.academic@sogs.ca)
  • Graduate Peer Support (GPS): Drop-In Sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7 pm in the Western Interdisciplinary Research Building, room 1110. (@Western.SOGS facebook.com/events/2290381097940907/)
  • Dissertation drop-in: Fridays from 10 am – 3:45 pm. Bring your lunch, coffee and snacks, and write in a stress-free space all day in the SOGS multi-purpose room.
SOGS Financial Support and Funds
New Commissioners for the 2019-2020 Council year
Call for Nominations

SOGS members in good standing wishing to nominate themselves to any of the following positions must send their nomination (and an optional 1-page election poster/platform) to the Speaker (speaker@sogs.ca) no later than November 19 at 5:00 pm EST.

  • SOGS Pride Commissioner
    The Pride Commissioner advocates on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ SOGS members. In addition to representing the community’s interests at SOGS Council meetings, the Pride Commissioner helps connect students to resources, supports local LGBTQIA+ events, and seeks out ways to support LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • SOGS Chief Returning Officer
    The role of SOGS Chief Returning Officer (CRO) is primarily to oversee elections and referenda. For more details please see the latest Constitution and Bylaws document, particularly sections 2.2.3, 2.4, 2.19.3.3, and 3.3. If you have questions about the position, please contact speaker@sogs.ca.
  • Members for the Appeals Review Commission
    The role of the Appeals Review Commission is to rule on appeals relating to presidential elections and referenda. For more details please see the latest Constitution and Bylaws document, particularly sections 2.4.2., 2.4.10, 3.2.7, 3.2.8, and 3.3.1. If you have questions about the position, please contact speaker@sogs.ca.
Motions
  • A motion was passed to revise Bylaw 2.15.4.4. to read: “Written minutes must be recorded by an office staff member or Executive member in attendance at the meeting. The minutes shall be presented at the next Council meeting.”
  • A motion was passed approving a letter in support of Western Librarians and Archivists to be sent on behalf of SOGS in by the Executive Committee to Western’s President, Provost, and Chair of the Board of Governors.
  • A motion was passed to revise bylaw 2.2.6.5 to adjust Commissioner reporting times in the Fall term to support and align reasonable expectations of newly elected incumbents. (Commissioners are elected in October.)
  • A motion was passed to ratify the updated Grad Club Policy document. The policy was updated include language for Non-Disclosure and Code of Ethics documents. 
  • A motion submitted from the floor was passed to extend the Freedom of Expression ad-hoc committee term to September 2020.

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