The Graduate Student Association

Information created by: Lara El Mekkawi

The Graduate Student Association at the University of Waterloo is the official representative of graduate students at UW.

For more information on GSA governance, services, news, and events, please check the website: https://gsauw.ca/

DGSA Support

SAGE is the English Language and Literature department’s departmental graduate student association.

The GSA representative is your point of reference for questions and concerns related to the Graduate Student Association. They act as the official voice of members of SAGE at the monthly GSA meeting, and they are responsible for keeping the Graduate association informed and up to date on all issues brought forward by the members of SAGE. The GSA representative is further responsible for making members of SAGE aware of the relevant activities and motions of the GSA and fulfilling their duties as a member of the GSA.

Your current GSA representative is Lara El Mekkawi. You can reach her via email at lelmekka@uwaterloo.ca

These are some of the services provided to you through the GSA to keep in mind:

Academic Support
- The GSA provides academic support through the Writing and Communication Center.
Advocacy and Support
- The GSA can help graduate students experiencing challenges by:
  - Navigating the policies
  - Filing a grievance, appeal, or petition
  - Providing a support person for meetings

Consultations are held by appointment only, upholding strict confidence.

Helpful resources on advocacy and support include:

Funding Options

Your WatCard is our UPass which allows you unlimited travel on the Grand River Transit (GRT) system and ION Light Rail Transit (LRT.
GRT & ION UPass Refund Request
- You can submit a request for a refund on your UPass if eligible. For instructions on how to submit the request, a list of eligibility criteria, and required supporting documentation as proof of eligibility, please read the GRT & ION UPass Refund Request Form Submission Guide.

The GSA provides a supplementary health plan, in addition to the basic provincial healthcare plan. This health plan provides access to “a range of health professionals to coverage of prescription drugs, vaccinations, diagnostic services, and medical equipment.
Additional coverage can be received by visiting professionals affiliated with Studentcare Networks.
- The health plan also extends to:
  - vision coverage
  - travel coverage
  - dental care
  - mental health and wellness support service: Empower Me.
- For more information on what the Health Plan covers, please consult the following link: https://gsauw.ca/services/health/

Legal and Tax Aid

Please consult the website for information on the legal and tax aid provided: https://gsauw.ca/services/legal-tax-aid/
- Legal Protection Program
- Legal Representation
- *NEW PILOT PROGRAM* Virtual Commissioning & Notarizing Services

Income Tax Aid

Income Tax Video Seminar for Graduate Students: https://youtu.be/ILpn0mkD_BU
Personal Consultations – By Appointment:
- To schedule a legal or tax aid consultation, please submit an appointment request form: https://gsauw.ca/forms/tax-legal-aid-request-form/