Graduate Students Association of McMaster University https://gsa.mcmaster.ca Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:12:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.3 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cropped-GSAfavicon-32x32.png Graduate Students Association of McMaster University https://gsa.mcmaster.ca 32 32 GSA Parental Leave Grant https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2024/03/08/gsa-parental-leave-grant/ https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2024/03/08/gsa-parental-leave-grant/#respond Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=9171 GSA Parental Leave Grant

Introduction

The GSA Parental Leave Grant is designed to provide financial support for full-time and part-time Masters and PhD students who require academic leave for parental leave or other family-related issues. Only those students that were granted academic leave for parental/family-related issues are eligible to apply for the Parental Leave Grant. To be considered for the grant, applicants must demonstrate financial need, not be receiving other forms of leave pay, and show proof of registration for two terms prior to the start of the leave.

The GSA Family Leave Grant is for a one-time amount of $1,000.

Applications will not be processed until all required documentation has been received. Photocopies are acceptable since documentation will not be returned.

Students will be deemed ineligible for this grant where:

  • They are receiving Tri-Council paid parental leave.
  • They are receiving CUPE 3906 paid parental leave.
  • They are receiving Employment Insurance maternity or parental leave benefits.
  • They have previously received this grant or a GSA Emergency Grant for the same family-related purpose.
  • They cannot demonstrate financial need.

On the application form, you will be asked to provide:

  1. Academic and employment information for yourself.
  2. Your gross yearly household income for the previous 12 months (for example, if you are applying in September 2024, please provide 12 months of income from September 2023 to August 2024);
  3. Documentation of approved academic leave for parental/family-related issues;
  4. The names and ages of all your children.

Please note:

The family leave grant applications sent from May to November of each academic year will be reviewed in November, and subsequent applications sent in from December to April will be reviewed in April.

Funds are not guaranteed – the amount available may be exhausted at any time before the end of the academic year.

If funds are not exhausted by the end of the fiscal year, applications sent within this time frame will be reconsidered based on financial need.

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GSA Elections: Executive Officer Candidates https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2024/02/28/gsa-elections-executive-officer-candidates/ https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2024/02/28/gsa-elections-executive-officer-candidates/#respond Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:12:13 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=9130

The 2024 GSA Elections is currently ongoing! Read each candidate statement below to inform your vote! The election polls will open on March 11th at 10:00 AM and close on March 13th at 6:00 PM.

PRESIDENT

Candidate: Kusum Bhatta

Kusum Bhatta’s statement

VP SERVICES

Candidate: Li Ping Song

Li Ping Song’s statement

VP EXTERNAL

Candidates: Abhay Chopra and Farha Haider

Abhay Chopra’s statement

Farha Haider’s statement

VP INTERNAL

Candidate: Mason Fitzpatrick

Mason Fitzpatrick’s statement

VP ADMINISTRATION

Candidates: Ologun Olakunle Oluwakorede and Patrick Sauriol

Ologun Olakunle Oluwakorede’s statement

Patrick Sauriol’s statement

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GSA Travel Grant: Thank You Letters https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2024/02/05/thank-you-letter/ https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2024/02/05/thank-you-letter/#respond Tue, 06 Feb 2024 02:08:57 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=9113 Here are some of the thank you notes we received:

NOVAN_GRAY_GSA TRAVEL ASSISTANCE AWARD

YI_ZHANG_Spring_Summer GSA Travel Assistance Scholarship

Mitra_Tavakkoli_2022-23 Spring_Summer GSA Travel Assistance Scholarship

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GSA Statement on Ceasefire in Gaza https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2023/12/01/gsa-statement-on-ceasefire-in-gaza/ Fri, 01 Dec 2023 20:52:46 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=9050

The Graduate Students Association continues to strongly support the international calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We recognize the devasting impacts of the current events on Palestinian, Israeli, Muslim, Jewish and Arab students in our campus community, some of which have been directly impacted by the ongoing violence in Palestine and Israel. We grieve the devastating loss of thousands of innocent lives and there can be no moral or ethical justification for the deliberate killing of civilians, regardless of the circumstances. We also unequivocally condemn the growing amount of antisemitism and Islamophobia being displayed locally and internationally, and we are here to support and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all our students.

The atrocities perpetrated by Hamas on innocent civilians, international students and migrant workers in Israel on the 7th of October amount to unspeakable crimes. However, these acts do not justify the daily committal of abhorrent war crimes by the Israeli authorities against Palestinian civilians. These indiscriminate attacks and war crimes amount to collective punishment to the people of Gaza who since 2007 have been illegally blocked in by land, sea and air by the Israeli government.

We echo the calls by leading human rights organizations for an immediate ceasefire to protect the innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza and we reiterate the calls for the end of unlawful attacks on civilians in the West Bank. We also join calls to prevent the arming of the Israeli state and the companies involved in the infrastructure of blockade. We urge the international community to work together to address the root causes of the conflict, including through the dismantling of Israel’s system of apartheid against all Palestinians. We advocate for diplomatic efforts that prioritize the well-being of all the civilians to establish a just and lasting resolution in the region.

In our local community, the GSA is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all our graduate students irrespective of race, ethnicity, or religious beliefs. We strongly condemn any acts of violence, discrimination, or hate towards any individual. We reiterate that there is no room for antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, harassment, and discrimination of any kind within our campus, local community and beyond. In these challenging times, we sincerely encourage our students to demonstrate empathy and kindness, uphold respect for one another and prioritize each other’s well-being. Let us all continue to uphold these values to our fellow students and community members to ensure our collective well-being.

GSA urges students to prioritize their mental health and wellness during this difficult time. If you or someone you know needs support, we encourage you to seek mental health and wellness support available through Conversation and the Student Wellness Centre.

This statement was put forward to the GSA Council for voting on November 27, 2023 after multiple consultations with the GSA Council and the GSA Board after the Student Issues Actions Committee Meeting on October 12, 2023. This statement was approved by the GSA Council after a majority vote on Monday, November 27, 2023.

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Are McMaster students eligible for opt-out? https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2023/08/29/are-mcmaster-students-eligible-for-opt-out/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 19:39:41 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=8673
  • City will reimburse the UCTP fee received by City with regard to a Student where such Student wishes to opt-out of the University/College Transit Pass program, provided that such Student submits an application to “opt-out” in accordance with section 2 below and meets the following criteria:
  •  

    1. The Student is a Student as defined in Section 1 of the Agreement;
    2. The Student is not required to attend McMaster University on a regular basis (being less than ten (10) times per academic year);
    3.  The Student does not live in any of the following areas:
    • City of Hamilton
    • Any part of the Greater Toronto Area
    • Region of Niagara
    • Region of Waterloo
    • Town of Norfolk
    • Town of Haldimand
    • County of Brant
    • Guelph/Eramosa Township
    • Oxford County
    • Any other area serviced by GO Transit
    1. Applications for opting out of the University/College Transit Pass program and for UCTP fee reimbursement must be made, in writing, to and received by City on or before October 31st of the applicable academic year at the following address:

    City of Hamilton

    Transportation Division

    Attn.:  Supervisor of Fare Revenue

    2200 Upper James Street

    Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0

    The Student applying to opt out of the University/College Transit Pass program must include in his or her application satisfactory evidence from McMaster University confirming the criteria above has been met.

     

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    Cultural Fusion Fiesta! Join in us! https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2023/08/29/cultural-fusion-fiesta-join-in-us/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:44:28 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=8641

    The Cultural Fusion Fiesta is an exciting event that celebrates the rich diversity within our student community. It provides a welcoming platform for students to showcase their unique talents and fosters an inclusive atmosphere that encourages meaningful interactions. This event also serves as an opportunity for both new and returning graduate students to connect and form strong bonds with faculty members.
    Date: September 21, 2023
    Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    Location: McMaster University
    Event Highlights:
    Celebrate Diversity: The Cultural Fusion Fiesta will honor and celebrate the various cultures, backgrounds, and identities within our student community. It’s a chance to embrace our differences and learn from one another.
    Showcase Individual Talents: We invite students to express themselves through various talents such as dancing, singing, acting, storytelling, and any other artistic abilities they possess. This is an opportunity to let their creativity shine.
    Foster Inclusivity: Our aim is to create an environment where every participant feels welcomed and valued. The event promotes inclusivity and encourages participation from students of all backgrounds.
    Strengthen Community Bonds: By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, we hope to facilitate meaningful connections and friendships that extend beyond the event.
    Connect New and Current Grad Students: The Cultural Fusion Fiesta offers a wonderful chance for new graduate students to connect with their peers who have been part of the community for some time. It’s a supportive way to start their academic journey.
    Bridge Faculty and Students: This event also serves as a bridge between faculty members and students, fostering a sense of camaraderie and appreciation within our diverse academic community.
    Your participation as the McMaster Tamil Students’ Association (MacTSA) would be a valuable addition to the event, contributing to the vibrant celebration of global traditions.
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    New GSA Health & Dental Plan Insurer https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2023/08/25/new-gsa-health-dental-plan-insurer/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 21:05:47 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=8614

    We are excited to announce an insurer transition for the GSA Health & Dental Plan. Effective Sept. 1, 2023, the GSA Health & Dental Plan insurer will change from Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada to Securian Canada (Canadian Premier Life Insurance Company). Eligible students will continue to have access to health and well-being support through the health, dental, vision, and travel benefits covered by the Plan.

    WHAT’S NEW?

    Starting Sept. 1, 2023:

    • New Insurer: Securian Canada
    • New Group Number/Prefix for health & dental claims: MUG
    • New Member ID: MUG + Your 9-digit Student ID + 00 (e.g. MUG123456789-00)
    • IMPORTANT: Please make sure to update this information at your pharmacy and/or eligible provider clinics for Sept. 1, 2023.The GSA and its partners are working to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruptions. This transition comes with the exciting introduction of an enhanced web and mobile platform that will make managing coverage more convenient and efficient than ever before. Key features of the enhanced platform include:
    •  Claim Submission: The new platform allows users to effortlessly submit claims online, eliminating the need for paper forms and lengthy processes.
    • Drug Look-Up Tool: A user-friendly tool for looking up the coverage status of prescription drugs under the GSA Plan will be at your fingertips.Note that the Studentcare mobile app will no longer be available as of Sept. 1st, 2023. Please make sure to save any important information (e.g. sent claims history) currently stored there, as you will no longer be able to access it on the app.IMPORTANT: All eligible GSA Plan claims and services (including Pay-Direct) rendered on or after Sept. 1, 2023 must be submitted to the new insurer, Securian Canada, using the new Group Number/Prefix above.

      For eligible health, dental, and vision services rendered during the current 2022-2023 policy year (between Sept. 1, 2022 and Aug. 31, 2023), students covered by the Plan have until Oct. 31, 2023 to submit their claims to Sun Life.

      As the transition is currently our primary focus, please look out for future updates. Details will be provided to students via email and other campus channels. For more information about the insurer transition, how to claim, and the enhanced web and mobile platform, please visit www.studentcare.ca

      For any inquiries, you can also contact the Plan administrator Studentcare by visiting the Assistance Centre at www.studentcare.ca

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    Health insurance information -Reproductive Health Fund https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2023/08/06/health-insurance-information-reproductive-health-fund/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 01:51:39 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=8550 Under the Reproductive Health Fund, CUPE 3906 Unit 1 members (TAs and RAs in lieu) are able to claim up to $150 in reproductive  health related expenses per academic year. These expenses include but are not limited to, menstrual products, HPV vaccines, prenatal vitamins, OTC Plan B, IUD insertions, transportation to and from reproductive healthcare services etc. As with our Gender Affirmation Fund, we recognize that the financial costs associated with reproductive health may vary greatly from person-to-person.

    The Benefits Committee remains committed to working closely with members of the Women’s Committee and Equity Committee to provide fair and equitable access to this fund. If you would like to be a part of this process please reach out to womenscommittee@cupe3906.org or benefits@cupe3906.org

    Please CLICK HERE for the claim form.

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    A great news!Gender Affirmation Fund for us! https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2023/08/06/a-great-news%ef%bc%81gender-affirmation-fund-for-us/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 01:49:27 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=8547 We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for reimbursement through CUPE 3906’s first-ever Gender Affirmation Fund. We’d like to thank our sister Locals like CUPE 3902 and CUPE 4600, who have led the charge in providing benefits like these to academic workers at U of T and Carleton, respectively. Their own Trans Funds served as great examples after which we could model our own Gender Affirmation Fund. Many thanks, also, to the trans and nonbinary members of CUPE 3906 who assisted in the creation of this fund and the relevant application materials. Your input has been invaluable to ensuring that the Gender Affirmation Fund addresses the needs of those for whom this benefit is intended.

    See below for a detailed overview of the Gender Affirmation Fund, including eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply. The required claim form can be found .

    WHAT IS THE GENDER AFFIRMATION FUND?

    The Gender Affirmation Fund is a pool of money that was won by the CUPE 3906 Unit 1 bargaining team (representing TAs and RAs in-lieu at McMaster) in their most recent round of collective bargaining with the Employer. Now protected in Article 21 of the Collective Agreement, the Gender Affirmation Fund provides a total of $10,000 per year to help offset the costs involved with various elements of affirming one’s gender. The fund is officially defined by the Employer as a “supplemental benefits fund” that the Union can use “for supplementing benefits entitlements of employees or related purposes as determined by CUPE.” To this end, the Union has committed to dedicating the entirety of these $10,000 annual lump sum payments to supplemental benefits for our Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary members. Put simply, the purpose of this fund is to help offset the costs associated with gender affirmation – including everyday, medical, administrative, legal, and other expenses.

    WHO CAN ACCESS THIS FUND?

    Any member of CUPE Local 3906, Unit 1 (TAs and Ras in-lieu) who identifies as Two Spirit, trans, or nonbinary.

    HOW MUCH MONEY COULD I GET?

    Given that the total amount of money in the fund ($10,000 per year) that we have to work with is still rather modest, there are limits on how much money any individual member can access. There are over 2 600 Unit 1 members who may be eligible for the fund, and we want to be as equitable as possible and need to balance a meaningful contribution to each person who needs to access the fund, while simultaneously ensuring that there is money in the fund when folks need it.

    To this end, in March 2021, the benefits committee voted to increase the annual cap per member to $2000/academic year (September – August), while the lifetime cap is set at $4000.  All claims are subject to availability of funds but we encourage interested members to apply for this fund.  (To inquire about availability of funds please email benefits@cupe3906.org) We hope to increase these caps through future rounds of collective bargaining.

    WHO ADMINISTERS THIS FUND?

    In an effort to protect your confidentiality and make this fund available ASAP, all applications will go directly to our third-party benefits administrator, the Prosure Group, for review. We do hope to create a Gender Affirmation Fund Steering Committee in future years, through which Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people will adjudicate the applications; however, to create and rely on such a committee right now – in the context of COVID-19 – would likely cause further delays in getting these funds to our members.

    Should the folks at Prosure have questions regarding your application, they may reach out to you directly for clarification. Other concerns may be relayed to our Equity Officer and Benefits Committee without the applicant’s name attached. We have a strong working relationship with Prosure and have brought our account representatives up to speed on the single criterion for eligible expenses, which is explained below.

    Please note: You do not need to obtain an “Authorized CUPE rep signature” for the duration of our office closure. 

    WHAT COUNTS AS AN ELIGIBLE EXPENSE?

    The financial costs associated with gender affirmation can vary greatly from person to person. That being said, the Union holds an expansive, open definition of what constitutes gender affirmation. There is no predetermined list of eligible or ineligible expenses for reimbursement through this Gender Affirmation Fund. Rather, the fund is intentionally designed to make accessible forms of gender affirmation that are often limited by the strict requirements of OHIP, the CRA, and other employment-based or public forms of funding for Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people. The only requirement is that the cost(s) for which you are seeking reimbursement be incurred for the purpose of affirming your gender identity, however you so choose.  We have included some examples for your information below, but again, we wish to emphasize that this list is by no means exhaustive. If you are a Two Spirit, trans, or nonbinary Unit 1 member of CUPE 3906 and wish to seek reimbursement for an expense that is not listed below but was nonetheless incurred as a means of affirming your gender identity, we would strongly encourage you to submit an application.

    Some examples of eligible expenses include:

    (1) Everyday purchases associated with gender affirmation, such as:

    – new wardrobe

    – binders

    – shapewear

    – packers

    – makeup

    – wigs

    (2) Medical procedures, pharmaceuticals, and therapies associated with gender affirmation, especially those not sufficiently covered under the member’s existing health and public insurance plan(s). For example:

    – gender-affirming surgeries, including gender-affirming cosmetic surgeries

    – hormone replacement therapy (H.R.T.) prescriptions

    – fertility treatments

    – resilience therapy/gender counselling

    – voice/speech therapy

    – laser/other forms of hair removal

    – For Two Spirit members, this might also include supports accessed through community Elders and traditional medicines (e.g. participation in Two Spirit gatherings, and related travel costs).

    (3) Administrative costs associated with changing one’s legal name and/or listed gender marker through the required government channels, and reissuing any official documentation/forms of identification to reflect said change(s). Examples of documentation for re-issue may include, but are not exclusive to:

    – passports

    – health cards

    – driver’s licenses

    – debit and credit cards

    – academic documents (diplomas, transcripts, awards, etc.)

    (4) Costs incurred as a result of transphobic/transmisogynist violences. For example:

    – moving expenses

    – travel

    – legal funds and advice

    (5) Procedures for body dysmorphia

    • body sculpting
    • fat reduction in chest
    • etc.

    HOW DO I APPLY FOR REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH THE GENDER AFFIRMATION FUND?

    By filling out THIS FORM (please note that, as per above, the yearly limit is $2,000 per member and the lifetime limit per member is $4,000). All applications must include the completed form with the applicant’s signature, as well as any supporting documentation specified therein (e.g. receipts or invoices). You should then submit your complete application package, ideally as a single document, by email to claims@prosure-group.com.

    You may also send a hard copy of your application to the Prosure Group via mail; however, email applications are preferred and likely to be processed faster given the circumstances of COVID-19. Should you choose to apply by mail, the address is below:

    THE PROSURE GROUP

    2255 Sheppard Avenue East

    SUITE 202, Atria 1

    Toronto, ON M2J 4Y1

    IF MY CLAIM IS ACCEPTED, HOW WILL I GET MY MONEY?

    Either by mailed cheque or by direct deposit. Should you choose direct deposit, be sure to submit the additional required paperwork described on the claim form.

    QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, SUGGESTIONS, OR OTHER COMMENTS?

    Email us! This is our first time offering the Gender Affirmation Fund and we welcome all feedback, particularly from Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people. You can reach our Equity Action Officer at equity@cupe3906.org. Where applicable, your feedback will then be relayed to our Benefits Committee and/or the Prosure Group.

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    Update for Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/2023/08/06/update-for-health-care-spending-account-hcsa/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 01:44:31 +0000 https://gsa.mcmaster.ca/?p=8544

    Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) exists for all TAs and RAs (in lieu).  As a result of our success with collective bargaining in late 2022, we have been able to expand the maximum entitlement for members. Collective Bargaining works! Effective January 30, 2023 (and backdated to September 1, 2022), the maximum entitlement is no $350 per twenty four month period.   (This period is currently calculated retroactively from September 1st of the academic year in which you use up your entitlement.  For example, if you make a $350 claim in November, 2021, the next time you will be eligible to make a claim will be September 1st, 2023, provided you are still a member/meet the eligibility criteria.  The entitlement period is subject to change pending funding.) Previously, the maximum entitlement was $250 per twenty four month period.

    The Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) enables members to claim a wide range of medical, dental and pharmaceutical expenses not covered (or inadequately covered) by OHIP, UHIP and student extended health plans administered by the GSA and MSU. Vision care products and services such as glasses, contacts and eye exams will remain eligible expenses.

    Click here for a full list of HCSA eligible expenses determined by the Revenue Canada Agency.  You can also visit the CRA’s list of authorized practitioners according to province here.)

    **Please note that prescription eye glasses are on the  eligibility list.  They are listed by as: “Vision devices – including eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct eyesight – prescription required.” If you are only getting frames, you need proof from the optometrist that they inserted prescription lenses into the frames.  (They should be able to indicate this on your receipt.)**

    This benefit is open to ALL Unit 1 (Teaching Assistants or RA in lieu) members in good standing.  If you hold a TA or RA in lieu contract for the 2022-2023 academic year (September 1st, 2022 to August 31st, 2023), you are be eligible to make a HCSA claim this academic year (provided you have not “maxed out” your entitlement in the past academic year).

    Your eligibility for this benefit expires on August 31st of the current academic year, and will not be renewed in September unless you hold a contract for (or have a reasonable expectation to hold a contract for) the next academic year.  (Please note there are some additional limitations to this eligibility period in very rare circumstances.  If you have any questions, please contact administrator@cupe3906.org.)

    To file a claim,  fill out the form available at the Union office or on our website HERE (This form is a PDF that can be filled out on your computer.)

    A Cheque will normally be mailed to the address provided on the claim form in about 4-6 weeks.

    Please note that you must normally submit your HSA claim within 60 days of purchase of your health-related product or service. Some exceptions may be possible. For more information, contact administrator@cupe3906.org.

     

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