Md Nurul Hasan Shimul

Dear fellow graduate students, It is an honour to present my candidacy for the position of Executive Director of Academics at the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU) of Memorial University of Newfoundland. As a graduate student myself, I understand both the opportunities and challenges we face every day — from research pressures and funding concerns to the need for strong academic support services and representation. My commitment is to advocate for every graduate student while working within the framework of the GSU Constitution to strengthen our academic experience. The GSU exists to represent graduate students’ interests to the University administration, foster communication among students, and enhance academic life across the university. I will actively participate in academic committees, advocate for fair policies, and work collaboratively with faculty and administration to address issues such as supervision quality, research resources, and program support. One of my top priorities is to restart institutional access to Grammarly for all graduate students. Academic writing is central to our success — whether in coursework, thesis preparation, journal publications, or grant proposals. Many students currently bear the cost of writing tools individually. By restoring Grammarly access through the GSU Academic Division, we can provide equitable support that improves writing quality, reduces stress, and enhances research output across disciplines. In addition, I will introduce the GSU Academic Excellence Scholarship Program. Under this initiative, the top-performing graduate students from each faculty will receive a scholarship at the end of every semester. Recognizing excellence not only motivates students but also highlights the remarkable achievements of our graduate community. This program will be developed transparently, with fair criteria in consultation with academic units and the School of Graduate Studies. Another priority of my platform is to support newcomer international students in navigating academic challenges. Transitioning to a new education system can be overwhelming. I will work to develop structured academic orientation sessions, peer mentorship programs, and workshops on thesis writing, research skills, and time management. I aim to ensure that international students feel supported, confident, and fully integrated into the academic community. Furthermore, I will support initiatives that improve graduate student well-being and productivity, such as writing retreats, research skill workshops, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. Academic success is not achieved in isolation; it depends on community, mentorship, and accessible resources. My background as a Master’s student in Environmental Systems Engineering and Management, combined with my experience in research, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement, has prepared me to serve effectively and responsibly. I am committed to working diligently, ethically, and transparently in the best interests of all graduate students. In accordance with the Executive Council's duties, I will act with honesty, diligence, and accountability while striving to improve the academic experience of every graduate student at Memorial University. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive academic environment where every student has the tools to succeed. I humbly request your support and your vote. Let us work together to elevate graduate education at our own Memorial University.