Despite the COVID-19 related shutdown of McMaster University, the Engineering Graduate Society has continued to provide important services to its members. Recently, two out of three seats on the EGS Council dedicated to SEPT students were filled in a School wide election, and those members are acclimating to their new positions well.

More internally, the Executive has been hard at work updating Elections bylaws after feedback from this years Council. With these new changes, which have been approved by the Council, the EGS may elevate any department representative-elect to a voting seat before their official term begins. This will allow for more discussion and accountability of incoming Executive Officers, who are elected by the outgoing Council.

Travel Awards for the summer semester have been thrown in a bit of a tizzy, with most conferences worldwide being cancelled as research institutes implement working for home procedures and governments close borders. Our Travel Awards Chairs and Committee have opened up the fund to anyone who has purchased tickets, travel, or accommodations and is unable to obtain a refund. Please be in contact with the committee for more information.

Events and Academics have been reacting to the change in expected schedules with grace and agility. While nothing can be publicly confirmed, we are in negotiations to bring a world class expert on thesis writing techniques to lead an online workshop! Keep an eye on this space for more details.

Finally, our External Directorate has been maintaining connections between engineering students and our partners in the Faculty, the University, the GSA, and CUPE. Every day we are advocating for student interests, and making sure that important information is disseminated as quickly as possible.