Grad student association talks about the upcoming year
Taiva Tegler — External Commissioner
Describe your job in a sentence.
Strengthening links on campus—locally, provincially, and nationally—through collaboration and action on student issues such as research funding, social innovation, access, and equity.
What do you hope to accomplish this year?
This year, I would like to establish a comprehensive and active campaign for accessible, high-quality public child care, and in doing so, work collaboratively with community partners to bring this important campaign to graduate students at the University of Ottawa.
Additionally, I would like to integrate graduate student priorities such as research funding, commercialization of campus and research, and improved social services into recommendations for the upcoming Oct. 6 provincial elections.
Finally, I would like to see the incorporation of students’ diverse experiences and voice into the development of an inclusive and active anti-harassment policy for our university, rooted firmly in anti-oppressive principles.
What is the best thing about U of O?
Seeing and experiencing great creativity and the integration of students and community partners through collaboration with NGOs, embassies, businesses, community centres, art initiatives, and social justice groups such as the Ontario Public Interest Research Group.
Any advice for the new students?
Challenge yourself … Check your privilege, never stop questioning, be supportive of one another, and remember to take the time for self-care!
Nelson Arturo Ovalle Diaz — University Affairs Commissioner
Describe your job in a sentence.
My mandate is to advocate for graduate students’ rights and academic interests inside the university.
What do you hope to accomplish this year?
I hope that the interdisciplinary conference of the GSAÉD generates a high intellectual discussion about the most recognized tendencies with regard to the understanding of the contemporary society from the research achieved in the academic environment on a world scale.
If we get this objective, we will be able to publish the proceedings of the interdisciplinary conference. This kind of publication is very important, because it will help the graduate students to build a better resumé when they are asking for awards or for job applications.
What is the best thing about U of O?
The best thing about the University of Ottawa is the campus life spirit. [That] means the diversity regarding social, sport, leisure, and academic life. In particular, each year it is at the interdisciplinary conference of the GSAÉD where the graduate students of the University of Ottawa present their research along with internationally renowned experts.
Any advice for the new students?
I advise all students to see in detail your statement of account at uoZone and to check for each penny that you pay. Once you have done that, go and make use of all services for which you have paid.
Gwen Madiba Moubouyi — Student Life Commissioner
Describe your job in once sentence.
My job is to ensure that our graduate students benefit from a quality student life on campus and to ensure that they are in-the-know when it comes to activities on our campus and projects that directly concern them, such as the Grad House project. My job also involves overseeing Café Nostalgica.
What would you like to accomplish this upcoming year?
This year, I would like to have more activities directed toward students needs. I would also like to work closer with all graduate student associations and make sure that they all feel included. It would be great to create a real sense of community.
What is the best thing about the U of O?
The best thing about our university is that our university is a world of possibilities. The best thing about our university is also being surrounded with great students coming from different academic and social backgrounds. We have so much to learn from one another.
Any advice for the incoming students?
Know your university and all the resources that we have on campus for you. There’s always a solution and an answer to your concerns. As your student association, we are here for you, to listen to you, and to help you navigate through your journey here. Know that you are not alone.
Patrick Imbeau — Finance Commissioner
Describe your job in a sentence.
I am in charge of the GSAÉD’s finances, health plan, and Academic Project Fund.
What do you hope to accomplish this year?
Simplify and bring GSAÉD’s finances technologically up-to-date to make them more accessible for our members.
What is the best thing about U of O?
While this may be a bit self-serving, I adore Café Nostalgica and all the other student-run businesses on campus, like Café Alt and the Pivik. It’s great to see excellent alternatives to cookie-cutter cafeterias.
Any advice for the new students?
Take an active interest in what’s going on in your department. You may get bombarded with emails, but keep an eye out for gatherings to get to know your fellow students—and get some free food while you’re at it.
Caitlin Campisi — Internal Commissioner
Describe your job in a sentence.
I ensure the smooth functioning of the GSAÉD at all of our different levels of governance, which includes human resources, working with our departmental associations, and planning a lot of meetings.
What do you hope to accomplish this year?
I’d like to work on improving GSAÉD’s governance structure by making it more accessible, and I’d like to do this by strengthening relationships with our departmental associations, developing comprehensive training and reference documents, and working with our many services and student groups toward maintaining safer, more inclusive spaces within GSAÉD and on campus.
What is the best thing about U of O? You get used to it.
Any advice for the new students?
Remember that U of O belongs to us, the students. We are the reason the University of Ottawa exists. There are a lot of great student-led initiatives, activities, and services here—take the time to get acquainted with them.
