An update from the GSA President: January 2023
While the mission and vision of the GSA hasn’t changed with the turning of the new year, there will be one major change occurring at the end of the month.
Our interim CEO, Jeremy Waite, will be finishing at the GSA.
Jeremy has been a stalwart ambassador for the GSA since 2019, first serving as the Activities Officer, then as President from 2020 to 2022. Jeremy has overseen our transition to a new, and highly successful governance model as President, and has helped build our organisation’s reputation at the University.
Moreover, he did all these things during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His never-ending devotion to our organisation has seen a variety of important improvements. While many of them are not always obvious, the outcome of those changes is experienced by all graduate students.
One of the major areas which Jeremy has driven change, has been in the governance of the GSA. The new constitution and structure allow students who want to focus entirely on the sustainability of the organisation, able to do so on the board, without worrying about operational activities, such as events. Likewise, the successful implementation of the Faculty Council, has resulted in a fully student led faculty-based forum. Interestingly, other universities are implementing similar systems to our Faculty Council model.
Likewise, Jeremy has helped sustain a positive and engaging culture at the GSA. Whether it is at the staff, representative or student level, the culture of support and sincerity has ensured that students feel comfortable engaging with our organisation at every level.
Personally, Jeremy has been an exceptional mentor for my term as President. His in-depth knowledge and advice have been instrumental in helping me develop and ensure a smooth transition of Presidents.
Finally, Jeremy has performed his duties as interim CEO, whilst undertaking full time study. This tremendous burden will never be forgotten by the GSA board, and the graduate student community.
I speak on behalf of every graduate student in wishing Jeremy good fortunes on his journey ahead. His temperament, commitment and attitude are a shining example of leadership, and he will be sorely missed.
If you are interested in getting involved with the GSA, or need any support, feel free to reach out to me at president@gsa.unimelb.edu.au
Jesse,
President GSA