GSS Committees
The GSS committees do most of the work of the society, and as such are the primary way a student can have influence on the key decisions the society makes. Each Graduate Representative serves on at least one committee, but we love to accept committee volunteers from the wider grad community, too! Interested in event planning? Want to share your love of governance or financial management? Passionate about advocacy? We have a committee for you!
Appeals Committee
Contact the Chair & Vice-Chair
email: gssinternal@uvic.ca
What have we been working on?
This committee hears all appeals from students regarding opt-ins and opt-outs of the GSS Health and Dental Insurance plans and the U-pass (bus pass), and decides whether to approve or deny those appeals in accordance with relevant contracts and law. The committee will report to the Executive Board where systemic issues are found in GSS administrative processes. The committee will also review feedback received about these services, and provide a summary report on the feedback to the Executive Board.
The Appeals Committee meets monthly.
Want to join this committee?
Are you on the Graduate Representative Council? Fill out the 2023-24 Committee Preference Form, indicate Events Committee as your top choice, and submit your completed form to gssgov@uvic.ca.
Advocacy & Campaigns Committee
Contact the Chair & Co-Chair
Director of External Relations
email: gssexternal@uvic.ca
Director of Internal / University Relations
email: gssinternal@uvic.ca
Advocacy & Campaigns Committee Core Mandate
- Propose, plan and organize political action campaigns approved by GRC;
- Propose, plan and organize advocacy work on graduate student issues;
- Identify and research issues affecting the membership;
- Develop and implement GSS campaigns and actions outlined in the Annual Plan;
- Communicate progress on advocacy campaigns to the membership;
- Identify campaign issues and strategies to recommend for the next Annual Plan.
What have we been working on?
The Advocacy & Campaigns Committee is new as of April 2024, and will be building on the work and projects of the previous Student Affairs and Communications committees.
In the last year, the Student Affairs Committee initiated the ongoing Lactation Friendly Campus project, which has been undertaken by Robert Lapper’s Social Justice class, with the Committee assisting to develop a person-centred design for addressing the issue. Additionally, the Committee created the Climate Action Working Group, who will continue work to alleviate climate stress through connection and activities, including a monthly Show & Share gathering, and a Climate Action Info Fair. Ongoing projects which may be taken up by the Advocacy & Campaigns Committee include the Food Sovereignty Resource List and the fostering of food sovereignty opportunities and initiatives on campus.
Interested in joining this committee?
Are you on the Graduate Representative Council? Fill out the 2023-24 Committee Preference Form, indicate Events Committee as your top choice, and submit your completed form to gssgov@uvic.ca.
Bylaw & Policy Committee
Contact the Chair
email: gsschair@uvic.ca
What have we been working on?
In general, the Bylaw and Policy Committee reviews the Society’s policy manual and by-laws, and makes recommendations to the GSS on all matters pertaining to these areas. The Committee ensures the continued transparent and accountable governance of the Graduate Student Society and its various services in the ongoing interest of its members.
The bylaw amendments proposed by the Bylaw and Policy Committee all require approval at our Annual or Semi-Annual General Meeting. You can find out about the most recent bylaw amendments by visiting gss.uvic.ca/agm to see the last bylaw amendments approved by the membership.
Please also additional time after the AGM or SAGM to see revised bylaws on our Governance Documents page, as staff need time to format the revised versions. For complete copies of our policy manual and bylaws, check out here
Interested in joining this committee?
Are you on the Graduate Representative Council? Fill out the 2023-24 Committee Preference Form, indicate Events Committee as your top choice, and submit your completed form to gssgov@uvic.ca.
Events Committee
Contact the Chair
Director of Student Life
email: gsslife@uvic.ca
What have we been working on?
The events committee plans, promotes and executes social events for graduate students, on- and off-campus. Our mission is to get grad students to meet new people, to give people a fun break from work and to foster a sense of community among GSS members. Events committee members help with brainstorming, event logistics, promotion, set-up/take-down and hosting. We meet formally once a month, while the remainder of the time commitment is as needed for specific events.
Want to join this committee?
Are you on the Graduate Representative Council? Fill out the 2023-24 Committee Preference Form, indicate Events Committee as your top choice, and submit your completed form to gssgov@uvic.ca.
Interested in volunteering for events, even if you’re not a GRC member? Contact the Chair!
Finance Committee
Contact the Chair
Director of Finance
email: gssfinan@uvic.ca
What have we been working on?
The Finance Committee maintains a continuing review of the financial performance of the GSS to keep transparency of financial management. Committee members make budget recommendations and projections of 5 year statements, analyze the execution of the current budget, and explore initiatives and adjustments to improve the GSS’ financial performance.
Want to join this committee?
Are you on the Graduate Representative Council? Fill out the 2023-24 Committee Preference Form, indicate Events Committee as your top choice, and submit your completed form to gssgov@uvic.ca.
Stipend Review Committee
This committee is Chaired by a member of GRC. For information about this committee, please contact gssgov@uvic.ca
What have we been working on?
Members of the Stipend Review Committee are elected by the Grad Council each September.
The Stipend Review Committee reviews and makes recommendations about the Executive Board stipend, the structure and duties of the Executive Board positions, the balance of work between the portfolios. The committee may interview executive members about their duties and workload as needed. The committee also reviews Executive Board reports to the Grad Council in detail and may recommend, where appropriate, a “top up” of the monthly stipend due to extraordinary duties performed in any period. Members of the Stipend Review Committee cannot run for election to the Executive Board in the term of their service.
The committee reports to the Semi-Annual General Meeting in March.
Want to join this committee?
Are you on the Graduate Representative Council? Fill out the 2023-24 Committee Preference Form, indicate Events Committee as your top choice, and submit your completed form to gssgov@uvic.ca.
Get Involved
Join us in shaping the grad student experience at UVic! Connect, advocate, and gain valuable skills. Explore opportunities to get involved today!