About Us

Dedicated advocacy for graduate student concerns.

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Advocacy, Services & National Representation

The GSA Carleton, aka Graduate Students’ Association, offers services, advocacy, and community for over 6000 graduate students at Carleton University.

We work to ensure graduate student representation throughout the university, and advocate at the municipal, provincial and federal levels on issues including affordable education, accessible public transit, research funding, academic freedom, and ending rape culture. Several of these campaigns, as well as lobbying, are done in partnership with other students’ unions across Canada through the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), a pan-Canadian student union representing over 500,000 students from over 80 universities and colleges.

Leadership & Governance Structure

The GSA Carleton is administered by 5 part-time executive members (a president and 4 vice-presidents), whom are elected by graduate students each spring for a one-year term. The executive and staff carry out the business of the GSA Carleton Council, which is the legislative authority of the GSA Carleton and has the final word on all matters.

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2025-2026 GSA Executive Team

President – Zeina’s Bio

My name is Zeina Al Attar, and I am honoured to serve as the President of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). I am a PhD candidate in Anthropology with a Specialization in Political Economy, in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. I also hold a Master’s degree in Migration and Diaspora Studies from Carleton. My research explores how gender, sect, and political economy intersect in everyday life and online discourse, particularly during periods of crisis.

Throughout my time at Carleton, I have been actively engaged in student governance and peer support. I have served as a GSA Councillor, Graduate Student Representative for the Anthropology Caucus, and Graduate Peer Mentor, helping build stronger networks of support and community among graduate students. In Fall 2025, I will begin a Graduate Diploma in Curatorial Studies to further develop my skills in public-facing approaches to research, knowledge sharing, and community engagement.

On a professional level, I have held several roles over the years, most recently working for over five years with the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization as Team Lead of the Multicultural Liaison Officer Program. In this role, I supported newcomer and immigrant families in Ottawa through advocacy, system navigation, and intercultural mediation.

As GSA President, I am committed to advocating for an inclusive, transparent, and collaborative environment that empowers graduate students and supports their academic, professional, and personal success.

President – Zeina’s Bio

VP Operations – Fatemeh Mohammad Zamani

My name is Fatemeh Mohammad Zamani. I am a PhD student in Aerospace Engineering. I have been a dedicated volunteer and board member of the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) for the past two years. During this time, I have worked closely with our executives to support the GSA’s mission, with a strong focus on assisting graduate students. As Vice President Operations, my goal is to enhance the visibility and accessibility of GSA services, ensuring that graduate students are well-informed about their rights and the resources available to support them throughout their academic journey. I am Passionate to put my effort to organize and manage all internal sections of the organization in efficient and transparent manner. I am committed to implementing initiatives that promote mental and psychological well-being, as well as organizing inclusive national and international events to foster a strong sense of community at Carleton, a place where all students feel safe, supported, and at home. I’m excited to continue working towards a stronger, more connected GSA that truly supports all graduate students.

VP Operations – Fatemeh's Bio

VP Academic – Elen’s Bio

Hi, I’m Temuulen Turbat (Elen), a Master of Applied Business Analytics student at Carleton University, and I’m honored to serve as the VP Academics for the Graduate Students’ Association. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), I’m committed to driving meaningful initiatives and actively listening to the shared experiences and challenges of our graduate community, so we can build better solutions together.

Originally from Mongolia, I believe that every graduate student deserves strong support, accessible resources, and real opportunities to thrive. The GSA should be a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all, regardless of background, gender, or identity.

As a core member of the Mongolia Inclusion & Diversity group, I’ve led efforts to promote equitable workplaces, secure funding for social causes, and champion inclusive practices. I now bring that same dedication to GSA, encouraging collaboration and fostering an inclusive environment.

As your VP Academics, I’m dedicated to advocating for an inclusive academic community, prioritizing well-being, fostering growth, and meaningful connections for us all.

VP Academic – Elen’s Bio

VP External- Hadi’s Bio

My name is Hadi Hefzy, and I am proud to serve as your Vice President External at the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA). I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Technology Innovation Management at Carleton University, building on my previous education, including an MSc in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. Over the years, I have spent a significant amount of time in academic environments, which has shaped both my professional growth and my understanding of student needs. Having also experienced life as an international student in Hungary, I deeply understand the unique challenges and aspirations that international graduate students often encounter. Throughout my career, I have consistently focused on fostering environments that encourage collaboration, mutual support, and collective achievement. My dedication to teamwork and innovation led to my recognition as one of the most prominent entrepreneurs in Iran on national television in 2022.

As your VP External, my goal is to enhance GSA’s collaboration with external organizations, advocate for comprehensive student services, including career development, mental health resources, and financial support, and ensure that every graduate student at Carleton feels represented and empowered.

Your voice matters to me! I’m always eager to hear your ideas, concerns, and suggestions. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out by email through the GSA. Let’s work together to make this academic year enriching and memorable.

VP External- Hadi’s Bio

VP Finance – Dapo’s Bio

Hi! I’m Oladapo Odumosu, a PhD student in Economics at Carleton University and a candidate for VP Finance of the GSA. I moved to Canada from Nigeria as an international student and have since earned both my BA and MA in Economics at Carleton. Professionally, I worked as Manager, Research and Analysis at the Chamber of Marine Commerce, where I led research on regulatory policies, marine transportation economics, and trade. I currently serve as a GSA Councillor for the Department of Economics, sit on the GSA Board of Directors, and chair the Grants and Awards Committee. These roles have given me direct experience with the financial operations and programs that support graduate students. If elected, I’ll work to strengthen transparency, equity, and timeliness in the delivery of GSA services. I’m passionate about ensuring our student dollars are used efficiently and in ways that truly support our community.

VP Finance – Dapo’s Bio

Engage With Us

On this site you will find many ways to get involved in your GSA Carleton, whether it is by representing your department on GSA Carleton Council or the Graduate Academic Caucus, participating in campaigns with the Political Action Committee, or other programming organized through the GSA Carleton. The best way to stay informed is to sign-up for the weekly Grad Bulletin, an email newsletter that includes upcoming events, job and funding opportunities, and much more. Sign up for the Grad Bulletin in the subscription box to the right.

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Miscellaneous Fees

Included in the amounts quoted above are the following miscellaneous fees. Carleton University uses a portion of every student’s fees, as approved by the Board of Governors, to support services on campus. Fees for campus services are not use-based. Students are not eligible for a refund if they do not use one or more of the campus services. The limited exceptions to this rule are noted on the main fee page.

Fee Full-Time Part-Time Comments
Athletics110.3633.11
Career Development Fee4.171.25
Cdn Fed of Students (CAN & ON)10.323.10
Charlatan2.400.72
CKCU FM 93.14.421.33
Foot Patrol0.530.16
GSA Accessibility Fund3.000.90
GSA Capital Development Fund3.000.90
GSA Sexual Assault Centre1.390.42
GSA Students' Association95.5328.66
Health Insurance (Grad)501.36N/A* Charged in Fall
Health Services41.2412.37
Mental Health Fee25.5825.58
Mike’s Place Fee7.002.10
Rideyánin Centre (GR)15.014.50
Ombudsperson2.280.68
Omnibus16.675.00
OPIRG4.541.36
Social Work Association10.003.00For programs in Faculty of Social Work only
SPPA Society Fee22.684.42
Sprott Career Levy Fee90.0027.00For programs in Faculty of Sprott
Sprott MAcc Society50.0025.00For MAcc program only
Sprott MBA Society Fee50.00N/AFor MBA program only
The Leveller2.170.65
UHIP Insurance792.00264.00
UPASS Card Fee5.41N/A* Charged in Fall
UPASS Fall234.80N/A* Charged in Fall
UPASS Winter234.80N/A* Charged in Winter
WUSC0.600.18
Total Compulsory Miscellaneous Fees Full-Time (Fall & Winter Term combined) Includes UPASS Fee Part-Time (Single Term)
All other programs 1,676.79 122.97
MBA 1,956.79 149.97
MAcc 1,956.79 174.97
MFin 1,856.79 149.97
Social Work 1,696.79 125.97
Programs in School of Public Policy and Administration 1,722.15 145.65

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Budget

The Budget for the GSA Carleton and Mike’s Place Pub are approved by GSA Carleton Council, usually at the June meeting. Below is the most recent approved budget. Note that GSA Carleton fiscal years are from May 1 to April 30 of the following calendar year. Earlier fiscal years are available for members of the Graduate Students’ Association by contacting the VP Finance ([email protected]).

Audited Financial Statements GSA Carleton

The Audited Financial Statements for the 2014-2015, and 2015-2016 are available below. Earlier fiscal years are available for members of the Graduate Students’ Association by contacting the VP Finance ([email protected]).

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Constitution and By-Laws

GSA Carleton is governed by a Council made up of graduate student representatives from each department. GSA Carleton Council is governed by, in order of priority, the Constitution, By laws, and Policies. If any discrepancy exists between the online version of any documents and the official print version of these documents, the print version overrides any others.

The Graduate Students’ Association has many policies regarding the administration of the GSA Carleton as well as its programs. There are also several policies outlining the Terms of Reference for GSA Carleton committees, and for grants and awards.