From health and dental coverage to financial support, the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) services and advocates for more than 5,000 students at Queen’s University.

Elected earlier this year, President Devin Fowlie began his one-year term this May, joined by executive team members Tony Hu (Vice-President Community), Gaby Fekete (Vice-President Finance), Steacy Coombs (Vice-President Graduate), and Maya Kawale (Vice-President Professional).

“We’re extremely excited about this position and the plans we have for the SGPS community,” says Fowlie. “We all feel that our platform will strengthen the resources and programs provided to students, while also implementing some novel ideas promoting the development of an inclusive campus culture.”

Developing financial stability

With four years of experience within the SGPS, as well as involvement in grassroots politics throughout Nova Scotia, Fowlie felt drawn to the position of president. Within his team’s platform is an emphasis on student financial stability. One of the first projects the team intends to implement is the full return of the SGPS grant program, which has been functioning at a reduced capacity since the start of the pandemic.

“The grants are an integral source of funding for graduate and professional students,” says Fowlie. “They give the SGPS the opportunity to invest directly in initiatives that interest the Queen’s community, while also providing students with the financial stability needed to pursue their goals.”

Building community

Another of the team’s main values is the importance of community. Their platform strives to create an accessible and inclusive network of graduate and professional students at Queen’s.

“The COVID-19 pandemic provided insight into how our programs and resources can be improved to better support students,” says Fowlie. “The value of community is often understated. It allows students to connect and discuss the issues that they’re passionate about. Our team wants to re-form these bonds through the development of accessible and sustainable initiatives.”

To facilitate this, the SGPS intends to strengthen and diversify the mental health services available to students. The executive team also aims to promote hybridization within the classroom and campus community to offer remote resources, something that was essential in the Queen’s community throughout the pandemic, and still is today. The move, the team explains, will promote accessibility and sustainability while providing the ability to further develop and promote student opportunities.

To learn more about the new executive team visit the SGPS website.