1. Welcome to the Post-Graduate Students’ Society (PGSS) PGSS 101

2. Our Mandate We Represent & Serve You • University Representation • Academic Support • Health & Dental Plan • Leisure Opportunities & Events • Thomson House (3650 McTavish) • Our Clubhouse (just show your ID) with a Restaurant, Bar & So Much More…

3. The PGSS • Council • Governing body • Department-based representation • Internal Committees • University Affairs, External Affairs etc. • Officers • Provide support for committees and Council • Staff • Services and Administration

4. University Representation • Senate and Senate Committees • Board of Governors and Committees • Student Services Committees • Graduate and Post-Doctoral Studies

5. Hot Issues! • Quality of Supervision • Supervisory Guidelines • Student-Supervisor Workshops • Financial Issues • More Funding • Less Fees • Student Life • Access to space and resources • Student Services

6. Get Involved! • Become your department’s Councilor • Join or Volunteer for PGSS Committees • University Affairs, External Issues, Environmental Campaigns, Events Planning and Coordination, and much more! • Give us your FeedbackImproving Student Life and Learning • Email us your ideas and suggestions! • Attend our Brainstorming WorkshopTuesday Sept 20, 6pm, Thomson House

7. Academic Support and Advocacy • Workshops • VP Academic • Equity Commissioner • Committee for Graduate Student Support (CGSS)

8. CGSS • Important PGSS Committee • Chaired by Equity Commissioner • Members are graduate students • CGSS: • Works confidentially • Provides advocacy and help for students • Directs students to community groups and resources • Administers the Trust Fund for Student Support

9. CGSS • CGSS deals with problems with: • Supervisors, Departments, Faculties • Colleagues, Roommates, Housing etc. • Address problems and concerns to: • CGSS Hotline: 398-3339 • Equity Commissioner: cgss.pgss@mail.mcgill.ca • Web: www.pgss.mcgill.ca/cgss

10. VP External • Responsible for government relations, lobbying and campaigns.  • Represents PGSS at meetings of national and provincial student associations of whom the Society is a member.  • Chairperson of the External Affairs Committee.

11. VP External: Current campaigns • Reduced bus pass fare for all full-time students regardless of their age • Dedicated federal transfer for post-secondary education • International students’ right to work off-campus

12. VP External: You can help! • Increase awareness among your peers • Bring your ideas! • Help lobby • Participate in campaigns, demonstrations • Abuse my email! external.pgss@mail.mcgill.ca

13. Services • Health & Dental Plan • Recreational Courses – Fall & Winter • Tours, Trips, Parties & Pub Nights • PGSS Grants Program • Board Rooms

14. Services • Restaurant, Bar, Lounge (with WiFi) • Newspapers, Snooker, Board Games, TV with Cable

15. Thomson House Hours • Restaurant • Open from 11h30 to 14h30 (M-F) • Daily menu available on PGSS website • Bar • Open from 11h30 to Midnight (M-W) • Open from 11h30 to 2h00 (Th-F) • PGSS Office • Open from 11h30 to 17h00 (M-F) • Call us at 398-3756 / info.pgss@mail.mcgill.ca

16. Find Out More & Get Involved! • www.pgss.mcgill.ca • Sign-up for the weekly LISTSERV • E-mail: services.pgss@mail.mcgill.ca • Welcome Week & Upcoming Events • Housewarming Party TONIGHT! • Battle of the Bands • Halloween Party • Trivia Night ver. 2.0

17. Questions?

18. The PGSS exists because of its membership…. Evolve…get involved!

19. Get Involved! • Become your department’s Councilor • Join or Volunteer for PGSS Committees • University Affairs, External Issues, Environmental Campaigns, Events Planning and Coordination, and much more! • Give us your FeedbackImproving Student Life and Learning • Email us your ideas and suggestions! • Attend our Brainstorming WorkshopTuesday Sept 20, 6pm, Thomson House