Annual General Meeting: Executive Member Nominations

Each year at the AGM we elect the new PGSA Executive for the coming year. This year we've clarified the role descriptions and added new roles to improve the functioning of the exec in the coming year.

We are calling for nominations in advance of the AGM to give our members the opportunity to submit proxy votes in case they cannot attend. Nominations are due by 5pm on Wednesday 2 October. If we have no nominations for a role, or do not have candidates to fill all positions, we will open nominations to members present at the AGM.

All Executive positions are subject to election at the AGM, and all present Executive Members are required to re-nominate themselves at this time.

President

The role of the President is to provide overall leadership in delivering the core aims of the PGSA which are: representing postgraduate students (at all levels of the University and to external bodies); promoting and developing the postgraduate community; facilitating communication between postgraduates, staff, and the University; and to advocate for and protect postgraduate students in issues affecting their study. The President manages relationships with senior university staff members and external bodies and oversees the operation of the PGSA, taking overall responsibility for its management and decision-making. They also sit on Academic Board and Academic Committee, and act as a student representative on level three disciplinary committee meetings.

Vice President (Advocacy)

The two Vice Presidents of the PGSA are joint second-in-command to the President, and support the President in delivering the aims of the organisation. The Vice President (Advocacy) attends meetings with senior staff members with or on behalf of the President on advocacy matters and initiatives which promote the excellence of postgrads at VUW, and is able to deputise for and support the President in all areas of advocacy, outreach, administration and liaison as required. This includes ensuring equity of opportunities to all postgraduate students, and helping organise the annual 3 Minute Thesis and Victorias Awards events. In conjunction with the Vice President (Community), they organise and oversee all PGSA Committee Representatives and Faculty Delegates. They should also sit on the University Research Committee and one other committee, and act as a student representative on level three disciplinary committee meetings.

Vice President (Community)

The two Vice Presidents of the PGSA are joint second-in-command to the President, and support the President in delivering the aims of the organisation. The Vice President (Community) oversees the delivery of the PGSA events calendar, facilitating the association’s community strategy and the sharing of responsibilities between all executive members. They also oversee the Outreach and Communications officer positions, and are able to deputise for and support the President in all areas of advocacy, outreach, administration and liaison as required. In conjunction with the Vice President (Advocacy), they organise and oversee all PGSA Committee Representatives and Faculty Delegates. They should also sit on the Faculty of Graduate Research Board and one other committee and act as a student representative on level three disciplinary committee meetings.

Treasurer

The role of the Treasurer is to safeguard the PGSA’s finances and oversee the financial management and reporting of the PGSA. They are responsible for developing the PGSA’s annual budget for presentation at the AGM, providing financial reports to Student Academic Services and other funding bodies as required, monitoring the PGSA’s expenses and giving a monthly financial report to the PGSA executive, and preparing the annual financial performance report for presentation at the IGM. They also ensure that the PGSA is keeping appropriate financial records.

Communications Officer

The role of the Communications Officer is to maintain the vital link between the PGSA and the wider postgraduate community at Victoria University of Wellington. The Communication officer administers the PGSA membership database and mailing list, maintains the PGSA website, is the editor of the PGSA newsletter (the Postgraduate Informer) and works closely with the Vice Presidents to promote the work of the PGSA with posters on campus, social media, and regular emails to the postgraduate community. The communications officer brings creative flair to the PGSA, writing skills, and a commitment to attending and photographing PGSA events.

Outreach (Pipitea)

To ensure the association’s strategies and events are accessible and beneficial to postgraduate students based in Pipitea campus. This may involve attendance at events, meetings with members of Pipitea-based schools and helping to promote PGSA initiatives. This role is intended for a postgraduate student based primarily on Pipitea campus.

Outreach (Te Aro)

To ensure the association’s strategies and events are accessible and beneficial to postgraduate students based in Te Aro campus. This may involve attendance at events, meetings with members of Te Aro-based schools and helping to promote PGSA initiatives. This role is intended for a postgraduate student based primarily on Te Aro campus.

Outreach (Māori)

To ensure the association’s strategies and events are accessible and beneficial to Māori postgraduate students, in line with the Victoria University of Wellington Treaty of Waitangi Statute. This may involve attendance at events, meetings with Ngai Tauira or Āwhina representatives and helping to promote PGSA initiatives. This role is intended for a postgraduate student who identifies as Māori.

Outreach (Taught)

To ensure the association’s strategies and events are accessible and beneficial to postgraduate students on taught programmes, including Honours, taught Masters and postgraduate certificates/diplomas. This may involve attendance at events, meetings with university services and helping to promote PGSA initiatives. This role is intended for a student currently studying on a taught postgraduate programme.

Executive Member

In addition to the named positions there are an four general Executive roles availible.

Every executive member reports to the President and Vice Presidents of the PGSA. Their role is to assist the President and Vice Presidents in delivering the core aims of the PGSA. They liaise with postgraduate faculty representatives, advise and lobby various bodies, run events, and assist with different tasks as they are able. Executive members are also required to attend the monthly executive meetings. Executive members maintain active contact via MS Teams and work together to achieve the day-to-day operation of the PGSA. Every Executive member is expected to represent the PGSA on at least one university committee.