2020 21 GSG Handbook
2020 21 GSG Handbook
STUDENT
GROUP
HANDBOOK
2020-21
HELLO AND WELCOME!
Welcome!
At the GSA, we provide a strong foundation for our members and community by offering valued services
and programs that support and empower graduate students during and after their academic endeavors. We
create an environment built on fiscal sustainability, social engagement, and effective representation.
The GSA is here to enhance the experience of all grad students, and one of the ways in which we do this is
by encouraging engagement by facilitating Graduate Student Groups (GSGs). We encourage you to start
your own group based on research, cultural, or special interests.
The GSA is pleased to support this exciting initiative with ongoing financial support for all GSGs. If there is a
GSG that aligns with your interests, we encourage you to join it. If you would like to create a new GSG, we
hope this handbook will assist you in doing so.
Although GSGs receive support, financial and otherwise, from the GSA, GSGs operate autonomously and
function independently of the GSA according to each organization’s own governing documents.
If you have any questions in regards to your GSGs or to create a new GSG, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Governance and
Services Coordinator
Crystal Ellis
[email protected]
Creation of GSG
Change of information
Operational Bursary
Event Grants
Graduate Representative Council
EXECUTIVE ELECTIONS
• All GSGs must hold annual elections for their Executive positions.
• If no students are interested in running for the GSG Executive positions, the positions may be
appointed.
• A minimum of three (3) GSG Executive positions are required, and be occupied by Active Members, to
form a GSG. At minimum, these positions must be:
○ President;
○ Vice President; and
○ Treasurer.
It is strongly recommended that all GSG Executives are elected through a democratic process. Visit gsa.
ucalgary.ca/elections to view documents regarding the GSA election process. If you would like to know how
the GSA governs its association in a given situation, please contact the GSA Chief Returning Officer (CRO)
at [email protected].
Please contact the Governance and Services Coordinator if you have any questions about transitions.
Your GSG’s financial records must be both accurate and transparent. Any member of your GSG should be
able to review your financial documents after giving reasonable notice. Two signing authorities are strongly
recommended for each account in order to ensure that accountability and integrity are maintained at all
times. To ensure the accuracy and transparency of your GSG’s finances, keep a spreadsheet noting all
revenues, expenditures, their sources, and the reasons for each item.
The University of Calgary, including the GSA, will not be held responsible for any liability related to the
collection, use or dispersal of GSG’s own bank account or funds, nor will the University or GSA provide
insurance or safe-keeping for such funds.
All GSGs must submit an annual report to the Governance and Services Coordinator at the close of each
academic year. Annual Reports are due by April 30 (or the next business day) of each year.
The annual report should be approximately 2-4 pages in length and must include the following items:
• Executive names and e-mail addresses for both the outgoing executives and (if known) the incoming
executives;
• Total number of members;
• List of activities for the academic year;
• Financial statements (income statement, cash balances, and outstanding items); and
• Issues or concerns (if applicable).
EVENT SUPPORT
The GSA provides event support to all GSGs. The Event Organizer of the GSG must fill out the Event
Submission Form and obtain a formal written approval from the GSA in order to be obtain event support
including event grants, GSA/LDL promotional items, equipment rentals, etc. More details continued on the
following pages.
EVENTS HANDBOOK
What you will find in the Events Handbook:
• General steps of event planning including risk management, promotions, execution, and evaluation;
• Details of available event support;
• Advice and requirements for special events including off-campus events, with alcohol consumption, field
trips, pet therapy, etc; and
• Resources for venue booking, transportation, and booking equipment.
RAFFLES
If your GSG is planning on hosting a raffle, a provincial licence is required. Please visit the AGLC website for
more information about hosting a raffle: https://aglc.ca/gaming/licences/raffle-20000-and-less
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
The GSA has a projector, a portable Bluetooth speaker, and a water boiler for rental. GSGs can request
rentals of these equipment through the Event Submission Form. GSGs are asked to follow procedures
and sign rental agreement to access these equipment for events. Note: streaming of live sporting events in
university classrooms is prohibited. Movies/documentaries/shows require license, contact Copyright office for
information.
www.gsa.ucalgary.ca/graduatestudentgroups | Graduate Student Groups Handbook 7
WAIVERS AND WAIVER ADMINISTRATION
It is the GSG’s responsibility to prepare appropriate waivers for events to avoid potential claims resulted from
body injury to event participants or third parties. The GSGs may seek waiver templates and guidance from
the UCalgary’s Risk Management website HERE: https://www.ucalgary.ca/riskmgmt/services/waivers-and-
informed-consents
REFERENCES
• Post-Secondary Learning Act
• GSA Bylaws
• GSG Creation Form
• GSG Change of Information/Operational Bursary Form
• Event Submission Form
• After Event Report Form
• Procedures and Guidelines for Administration of Waivers
• Events Handbook
• GSG Bylaws Template
• GSG Policy
Access all GSG information and resources on the Association’s web site here:
https://gsa.ucalgary.ca/graduatestudentgroups/
□ Maintain a minimum of three (3) executives including President, Vice President, and Treasurer that are
Active Members at all times (as defined in the GSA Bylaws);
□ Operate according to the ratified governing document (Bylaws or Constitution) as submitted to the GSA;
□ Submit a current version of the GSG governing document within two (2) weeks of any amendments;
□ Abide by the GSA policies and procedures at all times, including but not limited to: GSG Policy, GSG
Handbook, and Events Policy and Procedures;
□ Submit the Change of Information Form annually before October 15 of each academic year, or as soon
as our GSG is able, to update the GSA with new executives’ information, governing documents, and
bank signing authorities;
□ Ensure funds are spent appropriately to meet the mandate of our GSG;
□ Submit an Annual Report to the GSA by April 30 outlining the activities of the previous academic year;
□ Ensure events are safe and healthy for members by properly assessing risks, administering waivers,
and seeking additional necessary insurance for special events as outlined in GSA Events Handbook and
required by the GSA;
□ Submit an Event Submission Form in a timely manner as required by the GSA for event approval from
the GSA. All events that have not been approved in advance will not be supported by the GSA;
□ Submit an After Event Report Form with all event receipts to be eligible for a GSG Event Grant;
□ Take responsibility for any repairs or replacement of the UCalgary property if damage has occurred
during a GSG event; and
□ Fulfill transition requirements when new executives are elected as outlined in the GSG Handbook, and
report this to the GSA within a reasonable timeframe.
Failure to comply with these terms may result in the suspension of GSG funding, services, and other benefits
as provided by the GSA up to and including de-ratification. Further, our GSG understands and agrees that
any funding and/or services made available to GSGs are subject to availability of funds, equipment, and/or
space allocation.
Signature
Name:
Date:
• If live entertainment is involved: Special Events Liability needs to be obtained as a standalone policy.
The exception would be if the live entertainment is hosted by and at the Last Defence Lounge, operated
by the Graduate Students’ Association.
• If the event is a paid admission event, and/or takes place over more than one day: Special Events
Liability needs to be obtained.
• If the event will be attended by a larger number of attendees (50+): Additional coverage may or may
not be required, depending on the particulars of the activity. Please contact your GSA representative to
work with The Co-operators to review and arrange coverage as required.
• If the event is off-campus: Additional coverage may or may not be required, depending on the particulars
of the activity. Please contact your GSA representative to work with The Cooperators to review and
arrange coverage as required.
• If the event is not related to the purpose of the GSA: Special Event Liability is required.
Examples:
• Regular meetings of GSA members/student groups at coffee shops, workshops, classrooms, and other
on-campus facilities would be covered.
• A GSA/student group planned BBQ may need additional coverage to cover liquor liability and live
entertainment.
• In circumstances where it’s indicated that you will need “Special Event Liability, Liquor Liability, etc.”, you
may contact The Co-operators to obtain this coverage on your group’s behalf.