Executive Elections
- Overview
- Contact Information
- Elections Process
- Nominations Period
- Candidates
- Candidates Profiles
- Campaigning
- Elections Period and Vote!
- Election Results
1. Outline your relevant experience for this position
I am Andrew Ward, the current GSS Board President running for a second term. I have over 10 years of experience in higher education, which has given me a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by graduate students. As a seasoned executive in business and community leadership, I have been responsible for developing and delivering a wide range of programs and services that foster the benefit of individuals. As the current GSS President, I have also played a key role in fostering positive relationships with faculty and staff across the university this past term, which has helped me to understand the needs of graduate students better.
2. What specific initiatives and projects would you undertake related to this role?
If re-elected as the GSS Board President, I would continue to undertake a number of initiatives and projects related to this role. One of my key priorities would be to work closely with other members of the board to develop and implement programs and services that better meet the needs of graduate students. This could include initiatives related to mental health and wellness, professional development, and community building. I would also work to strengthen relationships with the university administration and other stakeholders to ensure that the GSS has the resources and support it needs to be successful.
3. How do you plan on facilitating positive work relationships within the GSS Board, members at large and UWindsor administration?
I plan on continuing to facilitate positive work relationships within the GSS Board, members at large, and UWindsor administration by fostering an open and inclusive culture. It is important for all stakeholders to feel that their voices are heard and that their contributions are valued. This would involve regular communication and collaboration, as well as being responsive to feedback and concerns. I would also continue to work to establish clear goals and expectations for the board and its members, which would help to ensure that everyone is working towards a common vision.
4. Describe the importance of the GSS in your own words
As the current GSS Board President, I understand the importance of the organization in supporting graduate students at the University of Windsor. The GSS serves as a bridge between graduate students and the university administration, helping to ensure that the unique needs of graduate students are understood and addressed. The GSS also provides a range of programs and services that help to support graduate students as they pursue their academic and professional goals. Finally, the GSS serves as a community for graduate students, helping to build connections and foster a sense of belonging on campus. All of these factors make the GSS an essential organization that plays a vital role in the success of graduate students at UWindsor, and I am committed to continuing to lead the board in fulfilling its mission.
1. Outline your relevant experience for this position.
I believe having the knowledge and experience of the role you are assuming can do wonders for you. In this regard, I served as a Department Representative (DR) while pursuing my Bachelors in India. Responsibilities of the role included advocating for my fellow students and department in front of the executive body of the University. I think that role has rewarded me with leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills which are required to succeed in this position.
2. What specific initiatives and projects would you undertake related to this role?
Some of the initiatives I would strive to undertake include:
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Facilitate communication and collaboration between graduate students, faculty, and administrators to ensure that graduate student perspectives are heard and considered in academic decision-making processes.
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Advocate for increased funding for graduate student research and scholarships.
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Undertaking initiatives that aim to improve the mental health and well-being of graduate students, such as offering stress reduction workshops.
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Offering assistance and resources to graduate students who are experiencing academic difficulties, such as providing guidance on navigating the appeals process and offering advice and support on how to handle issues related to academic misconduct.
3. How do you plan on facilitating positive work relationships within the GSS Board, members at large and UWindsor administration?
I think building positive work relationships requires an ongoing effort and communication. This can be achieved by facilitating opportunities for socialization and team building among board members as well as administration. I believe prioritizing inclusivity and equity goes a long way. This ensures that diverse perspectives are heard and all members are treated fairly and respectfully. I am looking forward to promoting culture of open communication and collaboration by encouraging regular communication among all stakeholders.
4. Describe the importance of the GSS in your own words.
In my opinion, GSS is a vital organization as it is the only student body that advocates for graduate students ensuring they are supported and represented fairly at the university level. Through its advocacy efforts, the GSS advocates for policies and funding that benefit graduate students which includes health and dental plan, networking events, career seminars and much more. The GSS offers a forum for students to express their perspectives which helps to ensure that graduate students have a unified voice in conversations that impact their education.
Level/Program: Master's Candidate, Civil Engineering
Level/Program: Doctoral, Computer Science
Level/Program: Master's Candidate, Electrical and Computer Engineering
1. Outline your relevant experience for this position.
I think it will benefit you much if you have expertise and experience in the position you are adopting. I served as a Rotaract Club President at my University during my undergraduate in Chennai, India. After that, I continued to serve my local community as a Secretary of the Rotary Club in Chennai, India after I completed my graduation a year. The duty of the position is to represent fellow people and the administration. I believe that the role has given me leadership skills, planning to work according to the events, and developed my abilities to help the needful.
2. What specific initiatives and projects would you undertake related to this role?
Some of the initiatives I would strive to undertake include: To conduct events that can bring all the students to collaborate and understand everyone. Having a proper connection with the students, professors, and administration to ensure everyone and everything has been done as per their requirements. Planning and organizing the required funding for all events and maintaining the accounts. Students who are struggling academically, including advice on navigating themselves towards the path they want to choose and exile with proper procedure and handling issues related to academics.
3. How do you plan on facilitating positive work relationships within the GSS Board, members at large, and UWindsor administration?
Building productive working connections, in my opinion, calls for constant work and communication. This can be accomplished by creating opportunities for networking and team-building among the board and the staff. In this way make sure that different viewpoints are heard and that each member is treated equally and respected. By supporting frequent communication among all peers, I look forward to fostering an atmosphere of openness and collaboration.
4. Describe the importance of the GSS in your own words.
GSS, in my perspective, is an important organization because it is the only student organization that speaks for graduate students, ensuring that they are supported and fairly represented at the university level. The GSS plays an important role in the policies and funding that benefit graduate students through its advocacy efforts, which include health benefits and insurance plans, networking events, career guidance, and much more. The GSS provides all the necessary ways for students to express their opinions, which aids in ensuring that graduate students have a unified voice in discussions affecting their education.
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Outline your relevant experience for this position
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Project Planner / Corporate Planner (2019-2022)
Valiant TMS
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Managed 31 projects simultaneously averaging $2.5M in value, largest program over $20M
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Interfaced with an average team size of 10-20 direct contacts with an overall team size of 50-100
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Design, implement and maintain weekly project governance updates and executive reports on project deliveries
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Updated team and clients on project progression, managed expectations, and addressed timeline changes due to client requests and ECNs
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Coordinated with international teams (Canada, US, Mexico, Austria and India), keeping up to date on local news to proactively mitigate potential delays or issues
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Lead and facilitate team meetings – review achievements and successes, struggles and delays, and project budget utilization vs project progression
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Conference Chair (2017-2018)
Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers Canadian Student Conference
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Managed a $125,000 annual budged used to host educational conference for over 450+ professors, Industry Experts and Students
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Assisted 7 Directors and motivated 23 Volunteers to plan and execute a nation-wide conference.
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Built mutually beneficial relationships with vendors and sponsors to ensure projects stated within budget without compromising quality
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Vice President Student Services (2015)
University of Windsor Students’ Alliance
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Represented over 11,000 undergraduate students
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Created, validated and executed events including Welcome Week, Coming Home Music Festival
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Managed and motivated a team of 7 coordinators, assisting them in their day to day tasks
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Communicated needs of undergraduate students to the university administration and respective departments, including the President’s Office, Board of governors and more
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What specific initiatives and projects would you undertake related to this role?
With regards to the role of VP Finance, I would work with the executive team to help realize their goals for their respective positions, and utilize my finance and project management background to effectively assist in operations and optimize current processes and flows while maintaining financial transparency.
I will work with the GSS Staff to continue to champion and propel current initiatives underway to their completion, while also working with students to better understand and create initiatives that directly impact their educational experience.
A personal project in is to create a directory of discounts from companies at large and who to contact for student groups and clubs so they have a better understanding of how to navigate sponsorship and funding events
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How do you plan on facilitating positive work relationships within the GSS Board, members at large and UWindsor administration?
Throughout my time as an undergraduate and in my roles in my career, I have focused on creating positive and valuable lines of communications. This is done through effective communication and showcasing strength and passion in my words. I also focus on creating an open and inclusive dialog so those I interact with understand that they are appreciated and respected, regardless of the perceived difference in title or ability. I believe in treating others with dignity and respect and being an active listener. That being said, I will also stand up and represent those who’s voices aren’t heard and be the megaphone for their passion!
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Describe the importance of the GSS in your own words
The GSS provides a voice for graduate students to use as a united front to advocate for change as well as creating an environment for students to be heard. The GSS advocates for the betterment of all graduate students and works towards creating a space for students to engage with campus, network and grow.
1. Outline your relevant experience for this position.
This position requires a strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all facets of campus life. Success in this position depends on your ability to collaborate with internal and external partners as well as colleagues from other parts of the ins6tu6on. Effec6ve communication skills with a variety of stakeholders, such as students, teachers, staff, alumni, and concerned citizens, are crucial. I had been the vice president of student experience in my bachelors, I volunteered for a lot of events and programs for my department and college. I was in the managing committee and organized expertise talks for students as well. I got selected by my state government for Startup because of my research project idea. I had always helped my fellow mates and other people from my university with their concerns, so it would be great for me as an VP to help students from different nations to connect and resolve their issues.
2. What specific initiatives and projects would you undertake related to this role?
In order to assist build a secure and invi6ng campus wherein students can prosper via healthy learning environments, a vice president for university affairs works with students, teachers, and staff. Students all over the world had suffered as a result of this pandemic. Online learning is 6me-consuming, and lockdowns and quaran6nes have a nega6ve impact on mental health. For both local and foreign students to connect and exchange experiences, I will be recommending ini6a6ves such as Get-togethers, town hall discussions, issues under discussion, and other engaging events. As the vice president for university affairs, I will concentrate on boos6ng student involvement in theuniversity. I would focus on programmes that support mul6culturalism and inclusion across campus and collaborate with student societies to encourage tolerance and intercultural communication. I would collaborate with the administrators of the university to put sustainable prac6ces in place on campus. I would cooperate with university counselling facility to help students who might be struggling with mental health difficul6es. Along with this, I will collaborate with other department to encourage physical wellness through exercise programmes and other events.
3. How do you plan on facilitating positive work relationships within the GSS board and membership?
Building successful working partnerships requires open and honest communica6on. Promote open channels of communica6on, and make sure everyone is made to feel heard and understood. Promote ac6ve listening and offer opportunity for input on a regular basis. Provide an inclusive workplace where all par6cipants feel appreciated and have a voice to promote teamwork and collabora6on. Promote cross-func6onal coopera6on to accomplish shared objec6ves. Promote polite conduct and respect for one another's individual viewpoints and contributions. Avoid assuming or drawing hasty conclusions. By establishing specific expectations and objec6ves and holding one another accountable for achieving them, you may promote accountability. Promote posi6ve feedback and cri6cism when something goes wrong. To boost morale and enhance team spirit, celebrate achievements and milestones together. Promote the development of a culture of appreciation and acknowledgment. Keep in mind that developing good working connec6ons requires some effort and 6me, but they are worthwhile for the strategic and long success.
4. Describe the importance of the GSS in your own words.
The GSS is a non-profit company. According to what I understand, the Graduate Student Organization is "Of the Students, By the Students, and For the Students." Here, no matter what industry it may be, there is a soluAon for every issue. If you are struggling to pay the fees or are geIng bored with your daily rouAne, there are scholarship programmes and sporAng events you can participate in. There are various clubs that allow people to make new friends, as well as social gatherings and networking opportuniAes. The student can also get legal assistance whenever they need it. There really are orientaAon acAviAes to help new graduate students feel at home at the university when they first arrive. The foundational component of every student's well-being at this university is the variety of services offered by GSS. GSS is made up of individuals from all over the world, demonstrating diversity and the coming together of many beliefs for a common goal—the comfort and wellbeing of students. As new international students enroll in universities, they need a support network, which GSS provides. No one feels alienated in our society. The Graduate Student Society continually collaborates with the university to implement policies that serve students' best interests. There are seasoned students serving in various disciplines as council members, and there are executives overseeing the entire process who answer to the board members. Becoming a GSS me TOD offers many benefits and prospects due to the company's global reach. I want to express my graAtude to the original founders of this society because it is crucial to student's university experiences.
1. Outline your relevant experience for this position.
Over the years I have experience of working in different roles with varied responsibilities. During my undergraduate studies, I was an active core member of different student societies which included the organizing committee of the annual University fest, Rotaract Club, Enactus and photography society. It has been a very enriching experience being a member of all these committees. I learnt about the working of student bodies and collaborate with the team members efficiently and communicate effectively with the University officials. Most importantly, I learnt how to lead the team and keep them motivated right till the end. I developed critical thinking and quick decision making skills as there are several unforeseen last minute issues arise which must be dealt with for smooth completion of events. After graduation, I was placed in one of the “Big 4” consulting firms which helped me gain the professional skills which helped me in my overall personality development and gave me a global exposure. I worked in a team which had people from all around the world with different backgrounds. This really helped me broaden my perspective and create an inclusive outlook when facing any hurdles. Being an international graduate student myself, I can understand all the challenges that a student faces and if I can help them in any way possible, it would be my pleasure.
2. What specific initiatives and projects would you undertake related to this role?
The main initiative that I would undertake is to generate more volunteering or work opportunities in the University. Graduate students may face financial constraints that can limit their ability to engage in research and professional development, so increasing the various opportunities could have a significant impact on the graduate student experience. I would ensure transparency in the selection process for these opportunities to be free of any kind of biases.
Strengthening and maintaining the various communities in the university is another key initiative that the GSS could undertake. Organizing more social events, workshops and seminars for the graduate students in various domains. Regular meet and greets for the students of different programs for networking and making connections. Increased engagement with their community will help them grow the sense of belongingness in a new place.
I would like to make the GSS approachable to all the students. Whenever they feel like they are stuck at in any situation, they must know that they can reach out to GSS at any moment without any hesitations. I will make sure that all the student concerns are heard and students are helped in any way possible to support them, they should not feel that they are alone in any situation. I would make sure that the GSS is able to reach out to the concerned department and get help for the student.
3. How do you plan on facilitating positive work relationships within the GSS Board, members at large and UWindsor administration?
I believe that the most vital factor in positive work relationship is effective communication. Clear channels should be established for open and honest communications between all the parties involved. I encourage people to speak directly in a straight forward manner. Regular meetings, open forums for discussion and inputs and feedbacks from people should be encouraged to understand different perspectives of people from different backgrounds. I give importance to recognizing members for their efforts and contribution to the team to keep them motivated and feel valued.
The members other than the Board members don’t feel involved in the events organized by the society. Inviting all the members to partake in the events organized by the GSS, not only the GSS Board to increase their involvement in the society. This way we could take advantage of the rich experiences of the members and achieve higher success of events. In this way more work or voluntary opportunities can be created for the members.
4. Describe the importance of the GSS in your own words
The GSS is a very important organization that represents all the graduate students, advocates for their issues and interests of graduate students. GSS is like a family for all the graduate students where they can seek support to overcome any hurdles. The students need a place where they can voice their concerns for which they wouldn’t know whom to approach, are heard and the concerns are addressed. It is also crucial to foster a sense of belongingness among the students with their community, networking and connecting with people from all over the world. GSS represents the interests of the students and can provide their perspective to the university in any decision making process. There are several clubs for students to come together based upon their shared interests and get involved in the activities. There is a service of ‘Student Advocacy’ as well to provide assistance to students. Overall, the GSS plays an important role in ensuring the well-being and success of students in university.
1. Outline your relevant experience for this position
I worked as a campus ambassador during my bachelor’s in engineering. This experience helped me to learn a number of important skills like Leadership and Networking, required for the role of a VP University Affairs. I learned how to understand the interests of the students and how these interests should be addressed to the higher authorities. I learned how to take responsibility and perform my duties with honesty and dedication.
2. What specific initiatives and projects would you undertake related to this role?
Career pathways – I will organize guest lectures and seminars for students who are confused regarding their career and require proper guidance to achieve their success. I will also help the students to engage with the alumni to ask for any advice regarding the career opportunities.
Networking opportunities – I will work hard to enhance the career opportunities on campus for the students. I will organize networking events, collaborate with students clubs to increase networking opportunities on campus.
Awareness - I will help raise awareness of issues related to graduate education and advocate for policies that benefit graduate students. I will make sure that every student gets his or her benefits.
3. How do you plan on facilitating positive work relationships within the GSS Board, members at large and university administration?
Communication is the most important factor for positive work relationships in an organization. I will make sure that I am in regular touch with the GSS Board, members at large and university administration. I will respect other’s opinions and advices and implement them in my work. Students’ opinions will also be appreciated and their voice will be my voice. I will always be available to the students through social media or in person for any kind of help.
4. Describe the importance of the GSS in your own words
The Graduate Student Society (GSS) is the official representative organization of all graduate students at the University of Windsor. It works to enhance the overall student experience at the University by advocating the student’s interests and rights. It provide a sense of community and support that is essential for navigating the challenges of graduate school and building a successful academic and professional career.
1. Outline your relevant experience for this position.
I served as a technical event coordinator and fundraising committee member at Gujarat Technological University. As an event coordinator, my responsibility was to organise the Technical, Cultural, and Sports Fest for two years. I am also part of the NSS (Nation Service Scheme) Team of my college, where we have to organise social events like the availability of population control among the surrounding area of the university campus, maintain cleanliness on campus and around the collage, and also encourage the juniors to join NSS and become a valuable team member. I actively maintain contact and relations with the deans of the college, the principal, the head of department, and other faculty members for the purposes of planning, organising, and maintaining peace in the college atmosphere. I also was a member of Hostel Committee and selected as a lead Representative for a year, where my responsibility was to address any concerns or issues of students in a timely and effective manner.
2. What specific initiatives and projects would you undertake related to this role?
Build the strong relation with the various community of graduate students by organising different events, enhancing student wellness and mental health programs, and creating more opportunities for student engagement and involvement in campus life. As a Vice-President of university Affairs, I will work with other university leaders to develop and implement initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the campus. I also want to take initiative to develop and maintain strong relationships with government, industry, and community partners, which could lead to increase funding opportunities, collaborative research initiatives, and other benefits for university. I will also provide leadership and support for the development and implementation of strategic plans that align with the university’s mission and goals.
3. How do you plan on facilitating positive work relationships within the GSS Board, members at large and UWindsor administration?
I will work to foster a collaborative culture within the GSS and with university administration. This can be done by encouraging open and transparent communication, actively seeking input and feedbacksfrom all parties, and promoting a culture of mutual respect and understanding. I also address conflicts and concerns proactively by establishing clear protocols for conflicts resolution and ensuring that all parties have access to the necessary resources and support to create a safe and supportive environment where all parties feel comfortable raising issues or concerns. I will analyse the whole system of GSS and other organization and suggest my overview.
4. Describe the importance of the GSS in your own words?
The Graduate Student Society (GSS) play a vital role in supporting and advocation for the needs and interests of graduate students. As an organization run by graduate students, for graduate students, the GSS is uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges facing this community. One of the key roles of the GSS is to provide support and resources for graduate students, including academic support, career development, and mental health services. By providing wide range of services and resources, the GSS helps ensure that graduate students have the support they need to succeed academically and professionally. Overall, the GSS is an important organization that serves as a voice and advocate for graduate students. By providing support, resources, and advocacy efforts, the GSS helps that graduate students have the tools and support the need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.