Expressions of Interest
Health Sciences Representative
Amanda Ervin
My name is Amanda Ervin, and I am writing to express my interest in the Health Sciences Representative position with the Graduate Student Association at the University of Lethbridge.
I am a PhD student in the Cultural, Social, and Political Thought program and a sessional lecturer within the Faculty of Health Sciences. I am also a long-standing University of Lethbridge student, having completed my undergraduate degree, a graduate certificate, and my master’s here. This progression has given me a sustained and well-rounded understanding of the student experience across multiple stages of academic training.
I bring experience across teaching, research, and professional practice. My work includes contributing to research on wellbeing and quality of life, the Indigenous child welfare system, and engagement in community-based projects. I also serve in a leadership role with the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), where I am involved in governance, policy development, and strategic planning. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of how institutional processes and decisions shape student experiences.
I am interested in this role because I value strong, effective student representation and the opportunity to contribute to a connected and responsive graduate community. My perspective is also shaped by my upcoming position assisting with the peer mentorship program, which carries the privilege of working closely with peer mentors and students to support connection and engagement. I approach this work with a strong sense of responsibility, recognizing the importance of listening, trust, and creating spaces were students feel heard.
If selected, I would focus on supporting clear communication, accessible opportunities for engagement, and meaningful student input into decisions that affect the academic experience.
As a first-term applicant, I bring relevant experience alongside a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and responsible governance. I would approach this role with professionalism and a focus on contributing positively to the Graduate Student Association.
Calgary Campus Representative
Dan Pearson
As a current Calgary campus student and incoming PhD candidate, I have seen first-hand how easily Calgary-based and off-campus students can become disconnected from the great events in Lethbridge aimed at supporting student life. This has shaped my focus: ensuring that access, participation, and representation are not limited by location.
If given the opportunity to continue in this role, I will build on this work by advocating for more accessible and consistent online engagement, so students can participate in events, conversations, and decisions regardless of where they are. My goal is not just to increase attendance, but to ensure that participation is meaningful and that students feel their presence and input matter.
I also bring a strong commitment to committee work and governance. I approach these responsibilities with the intention of representing student perspectives clearly and constructively, while contributing to decisions that are practical and forward-looking.
During my previous term, I was deeply involved in policy design through my work with both the Graduate Students’ Association and the University of Lethbridge Graduate Association (ULGA). This experience strengthened my understanding of how governance and policy directly impact student outcomes. I would like to continue contributing in this area to support a more effective, responsive, and sustainable organization, one where student voices are clearly represented and meaningfully incorporated.
I am invested in this role because I see the gap and I am committed to helping close it. A second term would allow me to continue strengthening that connection and delivering on the work already underway.
Questions?
Please contact the Graduate Voting Officer at:
gsa@uleth.ca
2026 GSA Council Election and Referendum Results
The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 GSA Council election and referendum. Thank you to all graduate students who participated by voting, and to the candidates who stood for election and contributed their time and interest in serving the graduate student community.
Council Election Results
The following candidates have been elected to serve on the 2026 GSA Council:
Executive Positions
Jade Oldfield:
Akeem Bamigbola:
Brannon Sumner:
President
VP Academic
VP Finance
Representative Positions
Clara Juliano Cunha:
Olympia Tomasta:
Kelly Grannon:
Razeen Mujarrab:
Tara Laverty:
Independent
Arts & Science
Social Sciences
International
Sexual Awareness
The GSA thanks all candidates who participated in this year’s election process.
Referendum Results
Graduate students also voted on the following referendum questions:
Referendum Question 1: UPass
Do you support the continuation of the universal bus pass (UPass) program, with the above fee schedule, plus an applicable service fee, to be applied to each graduate student enrolled in at least one for-credit Lethbridge course on a per semester basis?
Result: Approved
Referendum Question 2: Student Support
Do you support giving GSA members access to the above services through an optional, opt-out levy of $24.19 per semester starting in Winter 2027, with free access until then?
Result: Approved
Detailed Results
For a full breakdown of vote counts and visual results, please view the official election results report below.
Positions Not Filled in This Election
The following positions did not receive nominations during the General Election period:
1 Faculty of Arts & Science (1 Humanities)
1 Dhillon School of Business
1 Education
1 Health Sciences
1 Indigenous
1 International
1 Calgary Campus
2 Independent Representatives (general graduate representatives)
1 Disability & Accommodated Learning
1 Community Engagement
These roles will be filled through a subsequent Expression of Interest (EOI) process following the conclusion of the current election and throughout the year.
