Board of Directors Meeting Summaries

September 2026

  • The board was updated on successful Orientation events that were held online, and at both Waterloo and Brantford campuses

  • The GSA hosted “The Launch: Cruise and Connect” event with 66 graduate students in attendance. The event has received excellent feedback.

  • The board discussed extended Health and Dental Plan communications regarding the change of coverage dates

  • The board was informed that GSA staff is working on the Holistic Graduate Student Support Project response and will continue to update on progress

  • Volunteer Agreement offers to Graduate Faculty Representatives have been sent and accepted. Onboarding will begin in advance of the October Graduate Faculty Council meeting

August 2026

  • The board discussed challenges around graduate student space on campus and exploring the possibility of having an official position on this subject

  • The GSA is seeking graduate students for a variety of vacancies of committees seeing graduate student representation

  • The GSA’s Student Experience Analyst has take a position with another organization. The current staff will absorb the tasks associated with this role  

  • The board expressed gratitude to an outgoing board member for their service to the GSA

June 2026

  • Directors approved the Fall 2026 bi-election dates

  • The board was informed that signing authority changes and insurance renewals were complete

  • Items from the former cafe were distributed to the Mini Market, sold at the Laurier garage sale or sent to the Free Store

  • The board was informed of a GSA staff member’s 18-month leave of absence during which time they will be leading the Student Union food services operations

March 2026

  • The graduate student representative on the Laurier presidential search committee provided an update on the committee’s progress

  • The GSA President onboarding transition is in the integration phase and the President-elect is feeling well-supported ahead of official hand-off in May

  • The board is invited to a graduate student specific consultation on the Seagram Project, on March 27 

  • The GSA is advocating for resources following OSAP grant-to-loan changes which affect approximately 16% of the graduate student body at Laurier

  • The board unanimously approved the Non-Tuition Fee Protocol agreement renewal, with plans to revisit it once Bill 33 details are finalized

  • The board unanimously approved AGM quorum requirements and use of electronic proxies for ratification at the AGM

  • Two new directors will be acclaimed in April, with a by-election scheduled for the fall to fill any remaining vacancies

January 2026

  • Updated that GSA’s advocacy has achieved the implementation of an early refund request option for grad students at Laurier

  • The GSA BOD has been invited to Laurier’s second Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom Task Force Consultation meeting for provide input 

  • New President onboarding has begun in phases in preparation for transition of the President role on May 1, 2026

  • The health and dental plan claims report was reviewed with no unexpected information

  • The board approved a 2.2% inflationary increase for 2026/2027 fees. A stable financial position means there is no pressure to go above the inflationary increase.

November 2025

  • Updated that there have been hiring recommendations for two executive Laurier staff positions with announcements anticipated in early December

  • Updated that the GSA has appointed a graduate student to the Laurier President search committee, which will begin its work in December to fill the position in July 2027

  • Updated that there have been ongoing discussions with partners concerning the meaningful representation of students’ interests within the Seagram SPV committee. Given the existing disagreement, the Board may be asked to consider whether it wishes to continue to participate on the committee

  • Approved the Strategic Plan 2026-2031 which includes strategic goals and a commitment framework

  • Reviewed the annual plan progress and noted the repositioning of some item’s timelines

  • Approved Board of Directors election dates, including an amendment to extend the nomination period, allowing students more opportunity to consider running for a position

  • Met with the hiring committee’s recommended candidate for President. The session included a presentation from the candidate, followed by a Q & A with the Board. The Board unanimously supported the committee’s recommendation and an offer will be extended to the candidate

October 2025

  • Approved the President position job posting

  • Updated that the approved donation to the Willow River Centre has been made

  • Informed of a staff secondment to the WLUSU food services as a pilot. A decision on the success of the pilot will be made in the winter semester

  • Updated on Bill 33 advocacy. The GSA has some say in ancillary fees and has a low threshold for what must go to student referendum, therefore showing how the GSA protects and is transparent with student dollars. While the GSA would like to see other organizations being more transparent, we are against the government mandating this

  • Informed of upcoming student feedback sessions to obtain input on the strategic plan

  • Reviewed the annual plan tracking document and noted good progress

  • Approved the transition of a board member as the second alumni, ex-officio, non-voting director