Elections

Dear Graduate Students,

My name is Sarah Roberts (she/her). I am a PhD student in Art History and Visual Studies. In 2021, I moved from London (UK) to Victoria, the territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, to complete my MA and decided to stay for a doctorate.

I am running for Chair because graduate students are an incredible, diverse group who deserve support and representation. I am continually inspired by colleagues who balance full-time jobs, family responsibilities, research, teaching, and community commitments. Graduates’ needs are complex and always changing. If elected, I aim to listen to, understand, and advocate for those needs.

In 2022, I joined the GSS as a volunteer on the Graduate Representative Council. I’ve served on numerous standing committees, supporting events, appeals, communications, and finance. In 2025/6, I became the Director of Internal Relations. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of how the GSS functions and the work it does for graduate students. As a current board member, I have firsthand insight into each director’s role in decision-making, campaigning, and supporting members. I have learned so much from my colleagues, including that advocacy requires time, collegiality, and persistence.

Over the past year, I helped organize Graduate Student Appreciation Week, served as vice-chair of the Advocacy and Campaigns and Appeals Committee. I collaborated on a petition to the Board of Governors calling for a review of the University’s accommodation policies. Additionally, I’m working with campus partners to advocate that the province protect the tuition cap and commits to meaningful, transparent consultation on post-secondary funding.

Across campus, I’ve served on the Faculty of Graduate Studies Council and on Senate Committees for Continuing Studies, Awards, and Learning and Teaching, as well as the Global Community Council. I’m a CUPE4163 Steward and Teaching Assistant, and I previously served as Chair of the AHVS Graduate Association.

As Chair, I would champion graduate students’ interests and ensure the board keeps our members’ needs at the center of our work. I would aim to be a present, supportive leader by collaborating, fostering transparency, and encouraging the team of directors.

If elected, I would prioritize the following:

• Housing: Advocate for affordable on-campus housing and long-term solutions at the university, municipal and provincial levels. Despite the provinces’ cancelling the proposed 510-bed dorm project, our needs have not disappeared. Family housing waitlists remain long, and graduates need safe, affordable homes.
  
  
• Affordability: Advocate that the province protects the tuition cap and provide long-term, sustainable funding for post-secondary institutions. Student voices should not be ignored in decisions that directly affect our education and academic freedom.
  
  
• Meaningful peer support: Hold leadership accountable for Equity Report recommendations- including implementing peer mentorship programs and more comprehensive orientations, especially for international students. Grad school can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be a mystery! We need support in transitioning to UVic life.
  
  
• Supervision policy: Champion transparent and collaborative supervision practice, advocate for clearer timelines, accommodations, and stronger communication standards for supervisors and graduates.

Thank you for your consideration.