GSU President

Name: Kimberley Keats 

Position: President

Email Address: president [at] gsumun.ca

Hello fellow graduate students, both new and returning.  Welcome to the 2011-2012 academic year at Memorial University!

As President of the GSU, I am responsible for the guidance of the affairs of the GSU, and I coordinate the actions of both the academic and facilities divisions.  Along with the GSU Executive, I work to ensure that graduate students have a voice on campus and that we are actively involved and accurately represented, in decision-making processes.  Being aware of your concerns, whether big or small, will help the GSU better represent your needs and interests, and help ensure your graduate experience is the best that it can be.

In my experience, one of the greatest aspects of being a graduate student is meeting and talking with students from different cultures and backgrounds.  The graduate student community at Memorial University is quite diverse, and there is a wealth of knowledge that can be obtained, not only from your studies, but from your friends and colleagues.  There will be a number of GSU-hosted events happening throughout the year, and I invite you all to come out and participate in these events.  I also encourage you to become involved with your GSU, your academic department, and the larger campus community.  There are always great opportunities to serve on committees and volunteer with events.  Find a club, society, or cause you are interested in, and get involved! For those of you who are new to Memorial University and St. John's, I hope you will take the time to explore our charming, vibrant city, and if you have the opportunity, more of our beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrado.  It is a province with a unique culture and history, and strong ties to the University.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or another member of the GSU Executive if you have any questions, concerns, comments, or ideas.  I am always accessible via email, and I can usually be found at Bitters, the GSU owned/operated Restaurant and Lounge, on Friday evenings.  I encourage you to stop by for a coffee or a pint, to study or to socialize.  It is a great place to meet fellow graduate students, and to the unwind and relax.

Once again, welcome.  It is my priviledge to represent you as GSU President for the 2011-12 academic year.  I am certain you will enjoy your time at Memorial, and I wish you great success in all your future endeavours.

Kimberley Keats

president (at) gsumun.ca