Executive Director of Academic -

Md. Shaheen Shah (He/Him)

Roles & Responsibilities

The Director of Academics deals with academic concerns facing graduate students. Assisting graduate students in academic disputes and other concerns, the Director of Academics also represents graduate students on University committees that deal with academic issues and is responsible for recruiting new students to sit on various committees.

About

Dear Graduate Students,

As the Executive Director of Academics (EDA) for the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU), I am honoured and excited to serve our vibrant and diverse community. My journey in academia and various leadership roles has prepared me to advocate for your needs and interests as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of higher education together. The academic experience of graduate students is at the heart of our mission at GSU, and I am committed to continually enhancing this experience by fostering a supportive, inclusive, and efficient environment for learning and research. My platform is built on three key pillars:

  1. Establishing a robust platform for the student academic unit.

  2. Ensuring precision and transparency in all operations and activities.

  3. Organizing tasks by setting a benchmark for the future.

As EDA, I will act as a liaison between you and the decision-makers at our esteemed institution. I will represent your interests on the Academic Council, Senate, and various committees, working diligently to ensure that your perspectives are considered in shaping the policies and initiatives that affect your academic and non-academic experiences. One of my top priorities is the successful organization of the upcoming Aldrich Conference, a key event highlighting the outstanding research of our graduate students. I am committed to providing an engaging and rewarding experience, including valuable career and soft-skills workshops to benefit graduate students.

I strongly believe that open communication and collaboration are essential for our collective success. Therefore, please share your concerns, suggestions, and feedback with me at academic@gsumun.ca or drop by the GSU office. Your input will be invaluable as we work together to make GSU a better place for all. Let us strive to create an even stronger graduate student community and unlock the full potential of our academic experience.
I look forward to working with each of you in the coming months.