Expressions of Interest
Shahram Khadem - MA Political Science
Vice President Academic and Student Life
I'm Shahram Khadem, an MA student in Political Science and a Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Political Science. I'd like to put my name forward for Vice-President Academic.
I came to Canada two years ago, and I know how long it can take to figure out the basics: who to ask about funding, what a supervisor expects, where to go when something isn't working. Many grad students, especially international students, work this out alone. I'd like to make that easier.
I spent about seven years on boards in Iran, with a civil construction company and an educational institute in a science and technology park. That taught me that a plan needs a budget and a date, and that the people you serve should hear back from you. Here, I sit on the board of the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association, and my wife and I started the Persian Club, running three events with 40 to 50 people each. I also bring more than fifteen years in journalism, and I design my own posters and social media posts.
If elected, I'd focus on:
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Well-timed workshops: scholarship writing before deadlines, thesis-writing sessions, and conference practice, with the schedule and budget ready early.
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A stronger graduate conference, with more departments, sponsors, and first-time presenters.
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Being available: taking committee and appeals work seriously, reporting to Council, and answering students quickly.
I know the role takes 15 to 20 hours a week, and I've planned my term with that in mind.
Chizaramoku Ikevude - Master of Management
Dhillon School of Business Representative
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I am passionate about supporting graduate student success and ensuring that the voices of Dhillon School of Business students are effectively represented within the Graduate Students' Association.
I see this role as an opportunity to advocate for student needs, foster stronger engagement within the graduate community, and contribute to initiatives that enhance both the academic and professional experience of graduate students.
I bring over three years of professional experience as a Business Analyst, where I have developed strong communication, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse stakeholders to understand their needs, facilitate productive discussions, and develop solutions that deliver meaningful outcomes. These experiences have strengthened my ability to listen actively, represent different perspectives, and advocate effectively on behalf of others.
I would be honored to serve as the Dhillon School of Business Representative and contribute to advancing the interests of my fellow students. If elected, I am committed to being an approachable, engaged, and accountable representative who actively seeks input from peers and works collaboratively to ensure their voices are heard.
Thank you for considering my expression of interest. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the Graduate Students' Association and help strengthen the graduate student experience at the University of Lethbridge.
Expression of Interest Process for Vacant GSA Council Positions
When a GSA Council Representative position becomes vacant outside of the regular election period, eligible graduate students may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be considered for the role.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest
Students interested in a vacant representative position should submit an Expression of Interest by email to gsa@uleth.ca
Your Expression of Interest should include:
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Your full name
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Your graduate program
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The position you are interested in
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A brief statement explaining why you are interested in the position
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Any relevant experience, skills, or involvement you would bring to the role
What Happens After an EOI is Submitted
After an Expression of Interest is received, the GSA will post the student’s name and the position of interest on the GSA website.
The Expression of Interest will be included in the next scheduled monthly communication to the graduate student body, typically distributed around the middle of each month. Graduate students will then have one week from the date of that communication to contest the appointment.
If the Appointment is Contested
If another eligible student contests the appointment within the one-week period, the position will proceed to a by-election.
If the Appointment is Not Contested
If no eligible student contests the appointment within the one-week period, the Expression of Interest will proceed to GSA Council for ratification by motion.
Once ratified, the student will be appointed to the vacant representative position.
Questions
Students with questions about vacant positions or the Expression of Interest process can contact the GSA at gsa@uleth.ca
Council Positions Filled
Executive Positions
Jade Oldfield:
Brannon Sumner:
President
VP Finance
Representative Positions
Clara Juliano Cunha:
Olympia Tomasta:
Kelly Grannon:
Razeen Mujarrab:
Tara Laverty:
Mary Siever:
Dan Pearson:
Amanda Ervin:
Harshal Kaur:
Bisi Amanwi:
Independent
Arts & Science
Social Sciences
International
Sexual Awareness
Student Parent
Calgary Campus
Health Sciences
International
Disability & Accomodated Learning
Positions Not Yet Filled
1 VP Academic & Student Life
1 Faculty of Arts & Science (1 Humanities)
1 Dhillon School of Business
1 Education
1 Indigenous
2 Independent Representatives (general graduate representatives)
1 Community Engagement
1 Natural Sciences
These roles will be filled through a subsequent Expression of Interest (EOI) process following the conclusion of the current election and throughout the year.
