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The ¹û½´ÊÓƵ Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) is building the team that will oversee our democratic process! We are now seeking applications from impartial and dedicated graduate students to fill several critical positions for the 2026 GSA Executive Election.

Ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections is a cornerstone of our association. By taking on one of these roles, you will gain hands-on experience in governance, conflict resolution, and procedural administration while making a direct impact on student democracy at ¹û½´ÊÓƵ.

Available Positions & Responsibilities

1. Chief Returning Officer (CRO) – 1 Position

The CRO is the neutral chief administrator of the election. Working under the GSA Constitution (Article VIII), the CRO's duties include:

• Administering all nomination and voting procedures.
• Acting as the main point of contact for candidates and voters.
• Ensuring all campaign rules are followed.
• Investigating complaints in consultation with the Elections Committee.
• Certifying and reporting election results to the GSA Council.
• Honorarium: This role includes an honorarium for approximately 40 hours of work.

2. Elections Committee Members – 3 Positions

This committee is essential for a smooth electoral process. Its responsibilities include:

• Reviewing applications and interviewing candidates for the CRO role.
• Recommending qualified CRO candidates to the GSA Council for appointment.
• Serving as the first body to hear and rule on election grievances and disputes.

3. Appeals Committee Members – 3 Positions

This committee acts as the final arbiter for election disputes. As per our Constitution, it:

• Hears appeals only when there is evidence that the Elections Committee failed to follow proper procedure in a way that could have changed the outcome of a decision.
• Provides a final, binding resolution on appealed matters.

Eligibility & Requirements for All Roles

• Must be a registered ¹û½´ÊÓƵ graduate student in good standing.
• Must NOT be a candidate for any GSA Executive position in the 2026 elections.
• Must commit to complete impartiality throughout the entire election process.
• Must be available from February through April 2026 for meetings and election duties.
• (For Committee Roles) Cannot serve on both the Elections and Appeals Committees.

How to Apply

• CRO:
• Committee Members:

Application Deadline for ALL Positions: February 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST

• For CRO: The Elections Committee will review applications, interview candidates, and recommend up to three qualified applicants to the GSA Council for a final appointment vote.
• For Committee Members: Applications will be reviewed by the current GSA Executive, with appointments subject to approval by the GSA Council.

Questions?

For more details about the roles, timelines, or expectations, please contact the GSA at internal.gsa@utoronto.ca.