Referendum Questions – GSAÉD

Question 1

Do you support a new levy of $5.00 per semester from all full-time and part-time graduate students for the Student Support Team?

The Student Support Team (Case Management) provides non-clinical case management services to students with complex needs and/or escalated risk factors at the University of Ottawa. Students self-refer or get referred to case management for various reasons, including academic difficulties, mental health challenges that impact their quality of life, struggles with personal or situational trauma, or any other complex matter that would require the coordination of multiple services.

The Student Support Team is also available for consultations regarding students at risk. A consultation is recommended when seeking advice or guidance on how best to support a student of concern or if one is unsure whether the student would be best served by case management.

Student Support Specialists / case managers offer an integrated approach to addressing students’ complex academic, health, or personal needs. They work individually with referred students to understand the nuances of the challenges they are facing. They assist students in developing their skills and harness the resources at the University of Ottawa and in the community to create a support system that enables them to regain control of their life in a sustainable way.

Needs Assessment

Gather detailed information on the student’s individual circumstances, considering factors such as mental health, academic struggles, financial stress, and any personal barriers to success.

Create an Individualized Support Plan

Develop a tailored action plan that addresses the student’s unique needs, outlining short- and long-term goals and outlining potential resources for support.

Advocate on Behalf of the Student

Serve as the student’s voice, ensuring their concerns are heard and their needs are addressed. This may involve working with faculty, administration, or external agencies to ensure that the student receives the necessary accommodations and support.

Support in Navigating University Policies and Procedures

Assist students in understanding and navigating university policies, helping them access academic accommodations, financial aid, or health services as needed.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Work closely with the student’s circle of care, which may include mental health professionals, faculty members, family members, community resources, and academic advisors, to ensure coordinated and effective support.

Progress Monitoring

Maintain regular communication with the student through follow-up appointments to track progress, adjust goals, and ensure the student remains on the path to success.

Confidentiality & Ethics

Uphold ethical standards related to informed consent, privacy, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity.

Question 2

Do you support increasing the levy for the Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) to $3.46 per semester from all full-time and part-time graduate students?

OPIRG-GRIPO Ottawa is a spirited and collaborative space committed to supporting radical projects and creating a more just and equitable world for all. Our organization functions as a catalyst for social change by bridging the university, students, and community members in a united effort toward social, economic, and environmental justice. With our mandate—to bring together and build upon a broad-based community dedicated to justice—OPIRG-GRIPO empowers marginalized voices and promotes a culture guided by sacred teachings.

Our work model is built around three core ideas: research, education, and action. Through our circular community-based research method, OPIRG-GRIPO Ottawa connects and collaborates directly with diverse communities to explore complex issues through an intersectional lens. We centre the experiences of those most impacted by systemic inequities, ensuring that their stories and contributions shape our approach and inform every step of our process. Through sharing circles, storytelling, and art, we transform lived experiences into community-based actions that raise awareness, educate the public, and drive community-led programming

Community-based participatory research opportunities

Assistance with connecting students to community-based research opportunities for all academic disciplines.

Graduate students have the opportunity to access research funding based on community needs and priorities.

Support & Resources

Access to our library of books, workspaces, event planning and logistics support, printing, as well as training and workshops.

Solidarity support for advocacy and equity initiatives on campus and in the community.

Programming

Access to our current programs, including the Fresh Food Box Program, Circle of Art, Action Groups, and research projects. Students can also access our Community Service-Learning (CSL) programming.

Community Collaboration

As a partner with the uOttawa CSL program, we offer a range of unique volunteer skill-building placements for students looking to expand their experience, knowledges, and understanding of consensus frameworks.

As part of a provincial wide network, we provide pathways to a variety of facilitators, workshop hosts, activists, and community leaders and organizations.