Articles by author: nb_jmeuser

  • Call for Volunteers:  GSA Board of Directors 2023-2024 

    Friday, March 10, 2023 | By

    Call for Volunteers:  GSA Board of Directors 2023-2024 

    March 10, 2023

    Looking to get involved with the GSA? Wanting to deepen your engagement within the graduate student community at Brock? Consider applying to be a Director on our Board!

    Our Board of Directors are champions for the association’s mission and are involved in making decisions that define the vision and mission of the GSA, its strategic objectives and priorities, priority populations, the organizational values, and the future course for GSA.

    Click here to review the role and responsibilities of the Board.

    If you are interested in applying to be a member of the GSA Board of Directors for 2023-2024, submit a cover letter and resume/CV outlining your interest and qualifications to email board@brockgsa.ca

    Before applying for the 2023-2024 term, please also ensure that your availability aligns with the meetings of the Board.  Board meetings are typically held the fourth Thursday of every month, Noon to 2 p.m., from May 2023 to April 2024.  The upcoming Board year will be a return to a hybrid model for those who may be unable to attend in-person.

    The deadline to submit an application is Friday, March 31 at 11:59 a.m. EDT (11:59:00).

    If you have any questions or would like additional details about this role, please reach out to board@brockgsa.ca

    – 30 –

    Categories: Current Opportunities, News & Events

  • Ontario Municipal Elections 2022: St. Catharines, Thorold and Niagara Falls Mayor and City Councillor Candidates

    Friday, October 21, 2022 | By

    Ontario Municipal Elections 2022: St. Catharines, Thorold and Niagara Falls Mayor and City Councillor Candidates

    On Monday, October 24, Ontario will be hosting municipal elections across the province, including elections in St. Catharines, Thorold and Niagara Falls. Residents will have the chance to vote for candidates who will become mayors, councillors, regional councillors, and school board trustees. This process happens every four years in Ontario

    Municipal elections hold a focus on issues that are local level. Some issues of focus that affect the daily lives of post-secondary students include transit, housing (inclusive of renting), food security and city by-laws.

    Wanting to help ensure that you are informed voters at the polls, we’ve reached out to local mayor and city councillor candidates in St. Catharines, Thorold and Niagara Falls for their perspectives on some issues affecting graduate students: housing, food security and inclusion/supports for international students.

    Read their responses here: Ontario Municipal Elections 2022: St. Catharines, Thorold and Niagara Falls Mayor and City Councillor Candidates

    Additional Resources:

    For more general information about the Municipal Elections in Ontario, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/document/2022-voters-guide-ontario-municipal-council-and-school-board-elections

    For general information about St. Catharines Elections, visit:
    https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/council-and-administration/election-2022.aspx

    For general information about Thorold Elections, visit:
    https://www.thorold.ca/en/city-hall/elections-municipal-school-board.aspx

    For general information about Niagara Falls Elections, visit:
    https://niagarafalls.ca/city-hall/elections/default.aspx

    Categories: News & Events

  • Recruitment and Appointment Process for the Associate Vice President, International

    Friday, October 14, 2022 | By

    Notice: Recruitment and Appointment Process for the
    Associate Vice President, International

    To: Members of the Brock University Graduate Students’ Association (GSA)

    Pursuant to the GSA Policy (Document 27A) and other relevant GSA legislation, the association is looking to fill the role of Associate Vice-President, International. The appointment will take effect for November 7, 2022 and be in effect until April 30, 2023. The start date may alter, dependent on recruitment results. Recruitment will be rolling, whereby consideration of candidates will begin immediately, with a deadline for applications of October 28, 2022, at 4pm EST.

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Applications must include the following:

    1. A statement of interest in the position/cover letter
    2. A resume/curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience
    3. Contact information for three references.

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Additionally, experience of the international graduate student context is considered an asset. Interviews shall be scheduled and conducted during the week following the close of the application period with an aim to announce an appointment in the week prior to the position commencement date. This is a volunteer position.

    Interviews shall be scheduled and conducted during the week following the close of the application period with an aim to announce an appointment in the week prior to the position commencement date.

    All applications will be held in strict confidence and should be directed, via email, to Alex Wilder, Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion at equity@brockgsa.ca.  

    All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. In keeping with the University’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) throughout the hiring process the Graduate Students’ Association’s commitment to increase diversity in positions of influence. We are actively committed to diversity and the principles of employment equity and invite applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, people with disabilities, two-spirit as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) persons are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self-identify as a member of a designated group as part of their application.

    The Graduate Students’ Association represents the interests of all graduate students at Brock University. At registration, all graduate students at Brock become members of the GSA. The GSA is the independent voice of graduate students on campus and is recognized by Brock University as the official representative of Brock graduate students.

    Job Description GSA Associate Vice President, International

    Categories: Current Opportunities, News & Events

  • Convocation Message To GSA Graduates

    Tuesday, October 11, 2022 | By

    Dear Graduate, Congratulations!

    As the convocation ceremonies are set to begin later this week, and you look to the next step in your lives, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for being a member of the Graduate Students’ Association.

    We are thankful that you will have the opportunity this week to celebrate your convocation in person with your peers, your families and friends. And if you are not able to make it to this week’s ceremonies in person, we hope that you are able to find a moment of time, wherever you may be geographically, to celebrate your achievements.

    As you move forward into the next chapter of your lives, we hope that you keep in touch and share your upcoming achievements, news and updates! If you’d like to join our growing alumni records, reply to this message with your personal email, your faculty and degree or designation achieved. While we will limit our outreach, we hope to share future opportunities and other relevant news with graduate studies alumni.

    On behalf of our team, once again, congratulations! We are immensely proud of you and hope to keep in touch.

    Prost,

    Haley Myatt, President and CEO

    Categories: News & Events

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022

    Friday, September 30, 2022 | By

    National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022

    September 30, 2022 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal holiday established to honour residential school survivors and recognize the Indigenous lives lost across Turtle Island (an Indigenous name used to reference America and/or Canada).

    It is a day formerly known as Orange Shirt Day, created by Phyllis Webstad of Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. The orange shirt is a reflection of Phyllis’ own orange shirt that was taken from her as a six-year-old when she attended a residential school; her orange shirt was taken, along with her culture. The orange shirt is worn to raise awareness about the negative consequences of the residential school systems felt by Indigenous communities, like Phyllis’ and the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation.

    As Indigenous communities continue to combat the ongoing legacies of colonization, the GSA believes that it is the responsibility of settlers to learn about the history of residential schools, the 60s scoop, missing and murdered indigenous women and girls (MMIWG), as well as ongoing land reclamation and sovereignty efforts.

    Earlier today, a reflecting statement was released earlier today by Interim President Dr. Lynn Wells and Acting Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Dr. Robyn Bourgeois. We encourage all graduate students, members of the Brock community and those outside of our community to take time today to reflect on our country’s relations with Indigenous Peoples and to consider what each of us can do to advance reconciliation meaningfully.

    We also encourage you to take meaningful steps with us towards ending the legacies of colonization; to take actionable steps forward toward reconciliation. Here are some steps that we would encourage you to take, today and every day:

    • Create space for Indigenous people to speak and share their perspectives and voices.
    • Take time to learn about the histories of Indigenous peoples in Canada and reflect on actions taken by Canada towards these communities.
    • Learn how to properly acknowledge the land you reside on and engage with tools like Native Land’s Interactive Map to learn about traditional territories around you.
    • Read the 94 Call to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Truth and Reconciliation Report and identify your role in the work left to be done.
    • Support Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, experiences, and events.
    • Find ways to spread awareness by sharing resources and educating your friends, families, and communities.

    For a starting place of resources and additional information, we would suggest exploring these links:

    Brock-based:

    [Brock Service] Hadiyaˀdagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre

    [Brock Webpage] National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    [Brock News Article] Events and Resources: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    [Brock Library Collection] Reconciling the History of the Residential School System in Canada

    [Brock Workshop] Indigenous Ways of Teaching and Learning on October 22

    External:

    [Website] Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

    [Interactive Map] Native Land: Find out whose traditional territory you live on

    [Website] ON Canada Project: Settlers Take Action

    [Course] Free 12-week Indigenous Canada course from University of Alberta

    [Interactive Website] CBC’s Beyond 94: Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

    [Website] 35 Books to Read for National Indigenous History Month

     

     

     

     

    Categories: News & Events

  • GSA Announces Newly Appointed Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion for 2022-2023

    Friday, September 02, 2022 | By

    September 2, 2022 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    GSA Announces Newly Appointed Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion for 2022-2023

    After announcing the resignation of the Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion on July 29, the GSA swiftly embarked on a thorough recruitment process to fill this vacancy and once again complete the executive compliment.

    During the recruitment period, in pursuance to Document 001, other relevant GSA legislation and under the guidance of the Board of Director, the Executive Committee shared responsibilities of this position until a successful candidate was determined and appointed by the Board of Directors.

    The recruitment process in its entirety was held in online spaces due to current hybrid nature of the GSA operations. The Recruitment Committee’s recommendation for the position was presented to the Board of Directors at a special meeting on September 1, providing Board Directors the opportunity to scrutinize the recruitment process and the nomination. The Board unanimously supported the appointment of Alex Wilder to the position of Vice-President, Equity and Inclusion for the remainder of the 2022-2023 operating year (September 6, 2022 – April 30, 2023).

    “Though two recruitment cycles over the summer is not the most typical for our organization, I am proud of the way the GSA has approached this recruitment cycle and its comprehensive, accountable and transparent nature,” says GSA President, Haley Myatt. “Our recruitment processes that were codified into policies last year helped guide us through a seamless path from advertisement and notification of the vacancy, through deliberations, and to the final decision. The process undertaken during this search upholds the GSA’s commitment to have equitable, inclusive recruitments.”

    Wilder is a PhD student from the Department of Biology and comes to the GSA with a large range of experiences with advocacy, community-building, student leadership and initiative creation. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to act as a voice for students and use my role to enact real change so we can continue making Brock a great campus,” shares Wilder. “I believe in creating a safe and comfortable space for all students to actively participate in supportive and educational dialog, bringing about positive changes and experiences. I hope to serve as not only an advocate for my fellow students, but as a resource for student self-advocacy. Together we can create a fulfilling and inclusive graduate experience.”

    With the addition of Wilder, the full 2022-2023 Executive Committee stands as:

    • President and CEO – Haley Myatt
    • President, Communication and Advancement – Sarah Burger
    • Vice President, Equity and Inclusion – Alex Wilder
    • Vice President, External Affairs – Rakha Zabin
    • Vice President, Student Engagement – Safa Khan
    • Past President – Christopher Yendt

    “Alex will be joining the GSA during one of our most active times of the academic year, but I have full confidence that she will be able to approach this new position with a fresh focus, passion and compassion. Over the next month, the GSA will undertake a comprehensive onboarding process, to make sure both Alex and the rest of the Executive team are best positioned for success over the remainder of our terms,” says Myatt. “Acknowledging the incredible work of the Recruitment Committee during this search, I want to thank those members for their additional investment over the month of August. I also want to thank the other executives for taking on any additional responsibilities required of them, as well as the Board for their constant support and guidance during the recruitment period.”

    The GSA looks forward to providing new and exciting opportunities for engagement and involvement moving forward. We encourage members to follow our social media channels to stay up to date on the latest news, as well as check out all the current involvement opportunities currently featured on our website.

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    Find us on social:
    Facebook – Brock University Graduate Students’ Association
    Instagram – @BrockGSA
    Twitter – @BrockGSA
    LinkedIn – Brock GSA – Graduate Students’ Association

    Categories: Current Opportunities, News & Events

  • Recruitment and Appointment Process for the Associate Vice President and Corporate Secretary

    Friday, June 10, 2022 | By

    Notice: Recruitment and Appointment Process for the
    Associate Vice President and Corporate Secretary

    To: Members of the Brock University Graduate Students’ Association (GSA)

    Pursuant to the GSA Policy (Document 27A) and other relevant GSA legislation, the association is looking to fill the role of Associate Vice-President and Corporate Secretary. The appointment will take effect for July 11, 2022 and be in effect until April 30, 2023. The start date may alter, dependent on recruitment results. Recruitment will be rolling, whereby consideration of candidates will begin immediately, with a deadline for applications of June 26, 2022, at 11:59pm EST.

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Applications must include the following:

    1. A statement of interest in the position/cover letter
    2. A resume/curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience
    3. Contact information for three references.

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Additionally, experience with minute, record or note-taking should be clearly noted. While not required, any previous experience actively working on committees, advisory groups or Board of Directors should also be clearly highlighted.

    Interviews shall be scheduled and conducted during the week following the close of the application period with an aim to announce an appointment in the week prior to the position commencement date.

    All applications will be held in strict confidence and should be directed, via email, to Haley Myatt, President and CEO at gsapresident@brocku.ca.

    All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. In keeping with the University’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) throughout the hiring process the Graduate Students’ Association’s commitment to increase diversity in positions of influence. We are actively committed to diversity and the principles of employment equity and invite applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, people with disabilities, two-spirit as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) persons are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self-identify as a member of a designated group as part of their application.

    The Graduate Students’ Association represents the interests of all graduate students at Brock University. At registration, all graduate students at Brock become members of the GSA. The GSA is the independent voice of graduate students on campus and is recognized by Brock University as the official representative of Brock graduate students.

      Job Description GSA Associate Vice President & Corporate Secretary     

    Categories: Current Opportunities, News & Events

  • Recruitment and Appointment Process for the Associate Vice President, Digital Communications

    Friday, June 10, 2022 | By

    Notice: Recruitment and Appointment Process for the
    Associate Vice President, Digital Communications

    To: Members of the Brock University Graduate Students’ Association (GSA)

    Pursuant to the GSA Policy (Document 27A) and other relevant GSA legislation, the association is looking to fill the role of Associate Vice-President, Digital Communications. The appointment will take effect for July 18, 2022 and be in effect until April 30, 2023. The start date may alter, dependent on recruitment results. Recruitment will be rolling, whereby consideration of candidates will begin immediately, with a deadline for applications of June 26, 2022, at 11:59pm EST.

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Applications must include the following:

    1. A statement of interest in the position/cover letter
    2. A resume/curriculum vitae highlighting relevant experience
    3. Contact information for three references.

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    Additionally, experience with content creation, graphic design and experience with relevant design and social media platforms should be clearly noted. While not required, applicants may also provide no more than five (5) samples of creative work/concepts to further illustrate their skills and/or interest in the position of Associate Vice President, Digital Communications. Samples of work may include, but is not limited to: social media graphics, infographics, print materials, web design, videos, GIFs.

    Interviews shall be scheduled and conducted during the week following the close of the application period with an aim to announce an appointment in the week prior to the position commencement date.

    All applications will be held in strict confidence and should be directed, via email, to Haley Myatt, President and CEO at gsapresident@brocku.ca

    All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. In keeping with the University’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) throughout the hiring process the Graduate Students’ Association’s commitment to increase diversity in positions of influence. We are actively committed to diversity and the principles of employment equity and invite applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, people with disabilities, two-spirit as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) persons are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self-identify as a member of a designated group as part of their application.

    The Graduate Students’ Association represents the interests of all graduate students at Brock University. At registration, all graduate students at Brock become members of the GSA. The GSA is the independent voice of graduate students on campus and is recognized by Brock University as the official representative of Brock graduate students.

    Job Description GSA Associate Vice President, Digital Communications

    Categories: Current Opportunities, News & Events

  • Mental Health and Well-Being Supports Available to Graduate Students

    Friday, May 27, 2022 | By

    May 27, 2022 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    Mental Health and Well-Being Supports Available to Graduate Students

    Over the last few weeks, news and social media channels have been flooded with stories that have felt heavy to many. We acknowledge that recent news updates alongside continued navigation of pandemic/post-pandemic spaces, balancing graduate workloads and finding harmony between all outputs of your lives can feel overwhelming.

    We want you to know that your experiences are valid. We want you to know that you are not alone.

    Acknowledging that reaching out for support may not always be easy, we have gathered a list of resources that we hope can be a starting point for you discovering supports that work best for your own well-being, mental health and situation.

    Personal Counselling & MySSP App

    Personal counselling is available to all Brock graduate students 24/7. You can speak to a professionally trained counsellor in a confidential space, completely free.

    • For an appointment call 905-688-5550 x 6380 or visit ST400 on campus
    • For urgent 24/7 telephone counselling, call 1-833-BROCK33 (1-833-2762-533)

    You can also download the MySSP app (provided free by Brock) and receive confidential 24/7 support via text or telephone with a professional counsellor. Support is available in English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese (simplified Chinese via chat).

    The app also offers an extensive library of mental health and well-being resources, including articles, podcasts, infographics and videos and unlimited free access to the virtual fitness app LIFT. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. When creating a profile, be sure to enter ‘Brock University Student Counselling Program’ as the school.

    For other avenues of well-being, wellness, and mental health supports, please consider:

    Additional App Recommendations

    If you are looking for a resource that is more portable and accessible to your every day, perhaps a mobile-based app could work for you. While there are several support resources online that you can access, here are a few suggestions to kickstart your search to find the best option for you:

    Categories: News & Events

  • Increased Engagement Opportunities for Graduate Students Through BUSU Partnership

    Friday, April 29, 2022 | By

    April 29, 2022 – (St. Catharines, ON)

    Increased Engagement Opportunities for Graduate Students Through BUSU Partnership

    Throughout the last two years, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic, we have witnessed a growing interest from graduate students vocalizing their desires for more opportunities to create community, connect with other graduate students and get more involved on the Brock campus. As a strategic pillar within our organization, we continue to prioritize efforts to build community through and within our actions as an organization.

    Considering student need and under the direction of our Strategic Plan, we have worked diligently over the last year to identify opportunities for graduate students. Today, we are proud to announce a deepened partnership with the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU).

    Through a new omnibus agreement with BUSU, the GSA has secured the following for graduate students:

    • Access to BUSU events and programming, under the same terms and conditions offered to undergraduate students
    • Ability to create graduate student clubs, under BUSU’s purview
    • Open opportunity to join and participate in BUSU clubs, in accordance with BUSU policies and established club rules

    Event and club access now stands alongside the previous agreed upon services between the GSA and BUSU: the Food First program and transit/U-Pass.

    “This agreement finalizes years of efforts to partner more closely together, benefiting both graduate and undergraduate students,” shares GSA President, Christopher Yendt. “We have been aligned on a number of major projects over the last several years, from the Zone renovation, mental health initiatives and increased support for Aboriginal Student Services. Having worked for both BUSU and the GSA, I have long seen the opportunity to bring our two organizations closer together and this agreement is not only a culmination of those efforts but represents a first of its kind partnership within the student association sector in Ontario.”

    Graduate students are now able to access BUSU events, programming, and clubs.

    We look forward to the continued partnerships with BUSU and will continue to work towards the establishment of strong community for graduate students at Brock.

     

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    Categories: News & Events

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