Representation on GEC
Members
Members of the graduate faculty of each division may elect four members four members to the Graduate Education Council (GEC). The terms are staggered so that only a portion of GEC changes each year. Candidates for a faculty seat must be full members (non-Emeritus) of the graduate faculty in a graduate unit from the relevant division, and must be nominated by two members of the graduate faculty from that division. All members of the graduate faculty of a graduate unit (including members Emeriti) may make nominations.
Chairs and Directors of graduate units in each division may elect one member to GEC (PDF). Candidates for a Chair / Director seat must be the Chair or Director of a graduate unit from the relevant division and be nominated by two Chairs or Directors of graduate units in that division.
No graduate unit may have more than two members (including faculty and Chairs / Directors) on Council at one time. Terms for both faculty and Chair / Director seats begin July 1 and are normally three years. Those whose terms are ending are eligible for re-election for one additional term of three years, to a maximum of six consecutive years.
Students registered in graduate units in each division may elect three members to GEC. Candidates for a student seat must be graduate students in a graduate unit from the relevant division, and must be nominated by two graduate students from that division. No graduate unit may have more than two student members on Council at one time. Terms for student seats begin July 1 and are one or two years at the member’s discretion. Those whose terms are ending are eligible for re-election for up to three consecutive years on GEC.
Continuing or appointed staff working in the administration of graduate studies in graduate units from any of the four SGS divisions may elect two members to GEC. Candidates must be continuing or contractually appointed members of the University administrative staff working in the administration of graduate studies in a graduate unit. Candidates must be nominated by two continuing or appointed members of the University administrative staff working in the administration of graduate studies in a graduate unit in any of the four SGS divisions.
Continuing or appointed staff working at the School of Graduate Studies may elect one member to GEC. Candidates must be continuing or contractually appointed members of the University administrative staff working at the School of Graduate Studies. Candidates must be nominated by two continuing or appointed members of the University administrative staff working at the School of Graduate Studies.
Terms for administrative staff seats (whether graduate unit and School of Graduate Studies seats) begin July 1 and are one or two years at the member’s discretion; GEC membership ends if the staff appointment ends. Contractually appointed staff are only eligible if the appointment extends to June 30 of the year following the start of their term (i.e. long enough to serve at least a one-year term). Those whose terms are ending are eligible for re-election for up to three consecutive years on GEC.
Member Responsibilities
Members are expected to attend GEC meetings and to review agenda material beforehand so they can make informed decisions about items requiring approval. In addition, members may be asked to serve on ad hoc or standing committees of GEC, such as Graduate Academic Appeals Board. Members missing more than two successive meetings of GEC may be asked to resign. Meetings are normally held on the St. George campus and are normally scheduled at 3 pm on the third Tuesday of the month. GEC meets at least once a session (term) between September and May.
Contact
Dianne Heximer
Secretary to the Graduate Education Council
School of Graduate Studies
65 St. George Street
416-978-2390
sgs.dean@utoronto.ca