Hi Grads,
I understand this is a very challenging time for every one of us. I wanted to thank you all for everything that you are doing to help “flatten the curve”. This newsletter includes some useful information to help graduate students in different situations adapt to the disruption of Covid-19, as well as some updates concerning our planned virtual social events.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Highlights
SFU student services has posted an update for students with financial concerns.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & COVID-19
We have been hearing some concerns about the vulnerability of international graduate students particularly regarding income and work options. If you have had any issues with regards to your TAships, RAships or funding for the summer semester please contact tssu@tssu.ca or advocacy@sfugradsociety.ca.
If you would like to help the GSS & TSSU in supporting international graduate students at SFU please follow this link to answer a few questions & sign up for email, text or phone updates.
Migrant Students United is also hosting weekly information sessions for international students. This week the focus will be on income support. The webinar will be at 9:00 am PT and you can register here.
COVID-19 FAQs for GRAD STUDENTSGraduate and Post-doctoral Studies has also created an online guide to address some of the concerns they have been hearing from graduate students. You can also approach the GSS Advocacy office if you have concerns about academic accommodations that are or are not being provided: advocacy@sfugradsociety.ca
GSS REFERENDUM QUESTIONS
A reminder that there are two referendum questions as a part of the GSS Director Elections this semester. They are for fee increases for the SFU Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) & the World University Services of Canada at SFU (WUSC). More the questions and background information is posted on here on GSS website.
You can also contact both organizations directly with any questions or clarifications you might have about the referendum questions: SFPIRG (education@sfpirg.ca) / WUSC (wafaa_zaqout@sfu.ca).
GSS APRIL COUNCIL
April Council is happening online, on Zoom, on Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 from 4-6pm by preferred vote from the Councillors. “Doors” will open at 3:15pm. There will be no discussion, only online voting on the presented motions, and the agenda will include Director and Caucus reports, New Business items, and Announcements. The Zoom link and agenda will be posted on the GSS website next week.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Social Events
SFU Graduate Community: Virtual Potluck and Game Social
We would like to bring SFU graduate students together as a supportive community and have some fun before we send you off into the long weekend! During this virtual event, we will have a virtual potluck – you can bring your comfort food or favourite home-cooked dish. You can order food in too! Have the option to share your story and culture, also maybe share your award winning recipe for those who are interested! Led by the Global Community Graduate Program volunteers, we will also play some games in small groups to be entertained! Your spouses/partners are also welcome to join us! This event is hosted by International Services for Students, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and Graduate Student Society. Register here: https://sfugradssocial.
Spring 2020 Marking Party! Two-day Markathon!
Come join your fellow TSSU & GSS members in a two day Mark-a-thon, where we work together and check-in with each other 🙂 The party will still be held virtually, through BlueJeans. There will be music, stretching exercises and other activities, and there will also be opportunities to check-in with other markers. Feel free to come to both days or just one day. You can also just drop in at anytime for some supportive and social work environment. To join, just enter the BlueJeans link into your browser: https://bluejeans.com/776880593 Even if you are not marking, you are welcome to join us and work together~! All TSSU & GSS Members Are Welcome! ♥
_____________________________
If you have events or announcements that you would like to see included in next months’ GSS newsletters, you can share them with us by emailing student-life@sfugradsociety.ca
Follow the GSS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sfugradsociety/