Director Elections & FGSA APPOINTMENTS
(Spring 2026)
The nominations for the GSS Director Elections & the Faculty of Graduate Studies Assembly (FGSA) are now open. Below you will find information about the positions available for election and the nominations processes. Full details, including the election timeline and policies, are provided below. If you have any questions please email ec@sfugradsociety.ca.
The nominations period for the Director Elections and FGSA Appointments closes on February 27th at 11:59 pm. To nominate yourself you must complete the Director Elections nominations form with the required 15 endorsements from other graduate students or the FGSA nomination form with 5 endorsements. The completed nominations must be submitted with all supporting documents by the deadline. The nominations forms linked above must be downloaded or copied.
All nominations can be submitted via email to ec@sfugradsociety.ca or delivered to the GSS Offices (Room 2201, Maggie Benston Centre, Burnaby Campus).
Two nominations information sessions will be held for people interested in the elections or the referendum:
Nomination Information Session: February 9th @ 1 pm (Click Here to Join)
Nomination Information Session: February 24th @ 1 pm (Click Here to Join)
Information about the positions, election process and the GSS will be provided at these meetings.
DIRECTOR POSITIONS AVAILABLE
The following GSS Director positions are being elected this term. All positions require the directors to be in regular contact and dialogue with their colleagues, GSS Councillors, staff and graduate students more generally. While many tasks can be performed remotely and outside of working hours, Directors are expected to provide 16 hours of availability during the work week in order to fullfil their obligations to the role. These positions are not simply representative positions. All directors have specific responsibilities and tasks.
Director of Internal Relations >> Terms of Reference – Assists with the planning and coordination of council meetings while maintaining regular communications with caucuses. Also serves as the chair of the governance committee to oversee policy changes and recommendations.
Director of Graduate Services >> Terms of Reference – Acts as the steward for all of the membership services provided by the GSS including the UPass, Health and Dental Plan, and Financial Aid programs while also advocating for services provided by the University.
Director of External Relations >> Terms of Reference – Serves as the primary contact for external organizations which include government bodies, the University President’s office, community organizations and other student societies both at and outside of SFU. Advocates on issues of housing, tuition, national research funding and immigration.
FEATURES OF DIRECTOR POSITIONS:
- Open to all current SFU graduate students, including international students
- Stipend is approximately $6000/semester
- Work an average of 50 hours per month
- Sit on the Executive Committee and Council
- Be an advocate for rights and interests of grad students
- Help steward the services and projects of the GSS
- Plan events, socials and build community for students
- 1 Year Term: May 1st, 2026 until April 30th, 2027
FGSA POSITIONS AVAILABLE
The GSS Council will be appointing 3 graduate student members for a 1 year term from May 1st, 2026 until April 30th, 2027. Two additional appointments will be made in the Fall 2026 Semester. The FGSA meets at least 5 times a year. For more information, please refer to the FGSA Terms of Reference (Appendix A, Page 14). The appointment of graduate student members will attempt to provide representation for Indigenous students, international students and students from different faculties.
IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES
- Notice of Elections: February 2nd @ 4 pm
- Nominations Open: February 2nd @ 4 pm
- Nomination Information Session: February 9th @ 1 pm
- Nomination Information Session: February 24th @ 1 pm
- Elections Nominations Close: February 27th @ 11:59 pm
- Candidate Profile Submission Deadline: March 3rd @ 12 noon
- Mandatory Candidate Q&A Session: March 4th @ 2 pm
- Elections Open Campaigning: March 6th @ 4 pm
- Presenting at GSS Council: March 10th @ 4 pm
- Meet the Candidates (Public Event): March 25th @ 2:30 pm
- Close Campaigning: March 27th @ 11:59 pm
- Open Online Polling: April 1st @ 3 pm
- Close Online Polling: April 10th @ 11:59 pm
- Announcement of Results: December 5th @ 12:00 noon
- Appointment of FGSA Members: April 14th @ 4 pm
BY-LAWS AND REGULATION
Elections and referenda, collectively known as electoral undertakings, are governed by the documents below.
Constitution and By-Laws (page 20)
R1010 Electoral Undertaking Regulation
QUESTIONS?
Email the Electoral Committee at ec@sfugradsociety.ca or the Chief Electoral Officer at electoralchief@sfugradsociety.
To consult past election reports, please click here.