Social Sciences Graduate Student Association (SSGSA)

Welcome To The Social Sciences Graduate Student Association

Our Mission

The SSGSA aims to foster graduate student welfare by advocating for student concerns, supporting academic pursuits, and providing opportunities for social connections between departments.

We look forward to increased unity across departments and the various avenues of support this will provide for graduate students in our faculty in the years to come.

Our Goals

  • Advocacy: We aim to advocate for graduate student concerns and ensure a coordinated and equitable student experience. This includes sharing experiences about TA and RA positions and how scholarships work.
  • Support: We support academic pursuits by hosting regular meetings and workshops on topics such as “How to do a conference.”
  • Community: We provide opportunities for social connections through events like our Pitch and Pints, where students can share their research and network with peers.

Leadership Team

President

Patrick Sauriol, Political Science

The President is responsible for guiding the direction of the SSGSA, ensuring good governance, and managing day-to-day operations. This role includes chairing meetings and coordinating with other faculties and FSS staff as needed.

In the first year, the President will also establish processes and norms, with support from the SSGSA organizing team and the executive committee.

Finance Officer

Tanzir Rahman Khan,
Economics

The Finance Officer, supported by the Assistant Finance Officer, will oversee the budget and spending of the SSGSA. They will prepare a comprehensive budget and provide regular updates on the financial health of the organization.

Additionally, they are responsible for authorizing payments and reimbursements for SSGSA-related expenses.

In the first year, the Finance Officer will also be tasked with setting up the bank account.

Assistant Finance Officer

Wenlin (Maple) Du, Economics

The Assistant Finance Officer will support the Finance Officer in managing the financial responsibilities of the SSGSA. This includes assisting with budget oversight and financial reporting.

Additionally, the Assistant Finance Officer will be responsible for authorizing payments and reimbursements for SSGSA-related expenses.

Get Involved

For those interested in joining the GSA, the second round of elections will take place at the beginning of the Fall 2025 term. The Vice President, Vice President of Master’s Affairs, and the Graduate Representative Committee positions will be available at the first meeting of the 2025-26 academic year

The 2025/2026 school year marks our inaugural active year with a full executive team for the SSGSA. The Executive Committee will include a President, Vice President, and Financial Officers, who will oversee daily operations and establish the SSGSA’s processes.

Additionally, we will elect an MA representative to join the executive committee. This committee will be supported by a Graduate Representative Council, comprising students from all departments within the SSGSA.

For more details on these upcoming graduate student opportunities and how you can get involved in shaping the future of graduate studies in Social Sciences at McMaster University, please see the information below.

The Vice President plays a crucial role in supporting the SSGSA President and ensuring the smooth operation of the society. This includes managing the relationship between the Executive Committee and the Graduate Representative Council, which consists of representatives from each department within the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS).

In the first year, the Vice President will also be responsible for establishing the Graduate Representative Council.

Length of Term: One year, with the potential for extension (up to a maximum of two years).
Restrictions: Open to both PhD and MA students.

The Vice President for Master’s Students will serve on the Executive Council and collaborate with both the council and the Graduate Representative Council to advocate for the needs and interests of Master’s students within the faculty.

They will provide valuable guidance to the SSGSA, the Faculty, and the University on issues concerning MA students in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Length of Term: One year (due to program length)
Restrictions: Must be an MA student

There are numerous positions available on the Graduate Representative Committee. This committee will consist of two graduate students from each department—one at the Master’s level and one at the PhD level. For departments that exclusively offer Master’s programs, there will be two seats available, both filled by MA students.

Members of the Graduate Representative Committee will bring forward concerns and comments from students in their respective departments to the Executive Committee. These positions will be filled during the first fall term meeting of the academic year.