On Feb. 8, the incoming executive members of the Society for Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) were announced.
The SGPS election saw a 19.2 per cent voter turnout, with 914 of 4,767 eligible students casting their ballots. The four candidates running uncontested each received at least 90 per cent of the confidence vote.
Emils Matiss was elected president, Simran Sharma was elected vice-president (community), Katie Zutautas was elected vice-president (finance and services), and Maya Kawale was elected vice president (professional).
In the only contested race for Vice-President (Graduate), Zaid Kasim was victorious over Julia Tropak, with 65.8 per cent votes cast in his favour.
The ballot saw the renewal of the optional Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) student fee, which received 69 per cent of votes in favour.
In statements to The Journal, both Matiss and Kasim expressed their confidence in the SGPS’s ability to enact positive change for graduate and professional students in the upcoming year.
“Each of us on the newly elected SGPS team brings a unique perspective and set of skills that will be invaluable as we navigate the challenges in the coming year,” President-elect Matiss said.
Kasim extended thanks and congratulations to his fellow candidate, Tropak, for her excellent campaign, and gratitude for all students who engaged in the democratic process.
“The upcoming year will undoubtedly be challenging, but I’m confident that the incoming SGPS Executive will remain steadfast in our mission to provide the best possible experience to the SGPS membership,” Kasim said.
Tags
elections 2024, SGPS, SGPS executive
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