Please click here to read a statement from the 2019 – 2020 Executive regarding the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

It has come to the attention of the SGPS that over the weekend some students decided to attend a party with a theme that was insensitive and inappropriate. The SGPS strongly opposes parties and social gatherings that seek to make light of the novel coronavirus. More importantly, it is important that all members of the Queen’s and SGPS community feel supported and included on campus and in the community. We recognize the impacts of this virus particularly on the Chinese and Asian communities. The SGPS would like to echo the message of Principal Deane and call on all members of the Queen’s community to reject fear, misinformation and false assumptions. We would like to remind the community to be compassionate to those who have been affected by this virus and cognizant of the impacts of this illness on other parts of the world. Specifically, to members of the Chinese and Asian student community on campus, the SGPS will do its utmost to respond to concerns and is here to support you along with all students on campus. If you feel affected by this incident and require support, please do not hesitate to reach out to the support services available on campus, including our own Graduate Peer Support Centre and Peer Academic Advisors Program. Additionally, the SGPS Equity and Diversity Commissioner and the SGPS International Commissioner are always available to speak with students who have questions or concerns. Concerned students can also reach out to QUIC’s International Student Advisors and Queen’s Intercultural Advisor. Finally, resources after hours and over the weekend for students include Empower Me and Good2Talk. To learn more about the novel coronavirus check out Queen’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety, the World Health Organization, and the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Statement.

Turnout: 974 (25.3%) of 3852 electors voted in this ballot. Do you have confidence that Sam Heimstra can fulfil the duties required as Rector of Queen’s University? Option Votes Yes 590 (90.9%) No 59 (9.1%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 325 (33.4%) Do you agree to the acclamation of Justine Aman to the position of President of the Society of Graduate and Professional Students at Queen’s University? Option Votes Yes 672 (92.1%) No 58 (7.9%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 244 (25.1%) Do you agree to the acclamation of Anthony Lomax to the position of Vice-President Community of the Society of Graduate and Professional Students at Queen’s University? Option Votes Yes 628 (91.8%) No 56 (8.2%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 290 (29.8%) Do you agree to the acclamation of Tamara Mitterer to the position of Vice-President Finance and Services of the Society of Graduate and Professional Students at Queen’s University? Option Votes Yes 678 (94.6%) No 39 (5.4%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 257 (26.4%) Please select the individual you wish to elect as Vice-President Graduate of the Society of Graduate and Professional Students at Queen’s University Option Votes Courtney Bannerman 375 (57.8%) Rohit Shukla 274 (42.2%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 325 (33.4%) Do you agree to the acclamation of John Jeyaratnam to the position of Vice-President Professional of the Society of Graduate and Professional Students at Queen’s University? Option Votes Yes 590 (91.0%) No 58 (9.0%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 326 (33.5%) Do you agree to the acclamation of Ali Saghari to the position of Graduate Student Trustee? Option Votes Yes 588 (88.7%) No 75 (11.3%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 311 (31.9%) Do you agree to the establishment of a mandatory student fee of $3.00 for the SGPS Graduate Peer Support Centre? Option Votes Yes 632 (75.2%) No 208 (24.8%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 134 (13.8%) Do you agree to the continuation of a student fee* of $1.40 for Centre for Teaching & Learning? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 691 (81.1%) No 161 (18.9%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 122 (12.5%) Do you agree to the continuation of a student fee* of $5.00 for Queen’s Legal Aid? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 753 (87.0%) No 113 (13.0%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 108 (11.1%) Do you agree to the continuation of a mandatory student fee of $3.00 for Ban Righ Centre? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 660 (77.5%) No 192 (22.5%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 122 (12.5%) Do you agree to the continuation of a mandatory student fee of $0.50 for Campus Observation Room? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 651 (76.9%) No 196 (23.1%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 127 (13.0%) Do you agree to the continuation of a mandatory student fee of $63.35 for Student Wellness Services? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 722 (83.9%) No 139 (16.1%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 113 (11.6%) Do you agree to the continuation of an optional student fee of $1.00 for Camp Outlook? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 577 (73.6%) No 207 (26.4%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 190 (19.5%) Do you agree to the continuation of an optional student fee of $1.00 for HIV and AIDS Regional Services? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 749 (87.5%) No 107 (12.5%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 118 (12.1%) Do you agree to the continuation of an optional student fee of $1.00 for Queen’s Daycare? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 786 (89.2%) No 95 (10.8%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 93 (9.5%) Do you agree to the continuation of an optional student fee of $1.80 for Reelout Arts Project? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 584 (72.7%) No 219 (27.3%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 171 (17.6%) Do you agree to the continuation of an optional student fee of $1.25 for Sexual Assault Centre Kingston? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 824 (93.0%) No 62 (7.0%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 88 (9.0%) Do you agree to the continuation of an optional student fee of $0.75 for Telephone Aid Line Kingston? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 754 (88.9%) No 94 (11.1%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 126 (12.9%) Do you agree to the continuation of an optional student fee of $3.00 for Union Gallery? This fee is subject to triennial review. Option Votes Yes 578 (71.4%) No 231 (28.6%) VOTER SUMMARY Total 974 Abstain 165 (16.9%) Click here for the certified results PDF.

On January 14, 2020, SGPS Council voted to sign onto Queen’s Backing Action on Climate Change’s (“QBACC”) call for Queen’s University to divest from fossil fuels. At the same council meeting, the SGPS council also voted to begin the process to divest the SGPS’s investments from fossil fuels. Both votes were the culmination of months of debate and discussion. These decisions were not taken lightly by the SGPS. It was noted by council members that funding from fossil fuel companies in Canada directly supports students, research and the development of green technology. Nevertheless, the SGPS recognizes that immediate and bold action needs to be taken by all sectors of society to tackle climate change. We hope that by joining QBACC’s petition, Queen’s University will take the appropriate steps moving forward and commit to combating climate change. 2019 – 2020 SGPS Executive