GAPSS 2026-2027 Executive Elections

What is GAPSS and Why Join the Executive Committee?

The Geography and Planning Student Society (GAPSS) exists to connect students, support their academic and professional growth, and create a fun, inclusive community at the University of Alberta. Not only a leadership title, serving as a VP gives you the chance to make a real impact, help shape events, advocacy, and communication for the Society, and gain valuable skills that go beyond the classroom. Whether you love organizing, networking, planning, or promoting, being a VP gives you the opportunity to contribute to your peers’ experience while developing your own leadership abilities.

Learn More About Each Role

  • Do you enjoy leading, organizing, and representing a team? As President, you’ll be the primary spokesperson for GAPSS and oversee the Society’s day-to-day affairs. You’ll stay informed on important issues affecting members, develop work plans with each VP to set goals and objectives for the term, and maintain the GAPSS constitution. This role is ideal for someone who loves leadership, collaboration, and guiding a team toward a successful year!

  • Do you enjoy working with numbers and keeping things balanced? As VP Finance, you’ll oversee GAPSS’s operational budget and all financial transactions, apply for funding, and explore sponsorship opportunities. You’ll also plan and coordinate fundraising efforts and provide financial guidance to the Executive Committee. It’s a perfect role for someone who likes organization, strategy, and making sure the Society’s resources are used effectively!

  • Do you love keeping things organized and helping a team run smoothly? As VP Internal, you’ll be the go-to person for everything behind the scenes — from taking meeting notes and keeping records to making sure the GAPSS office and digital spaces are in great shape. You’ll also lead recruitment for committee members, help plan fun internal events, and make sure communication between the exec team and members stays strong. As 1 of 3 Media Committee co-chairs, you support content creation and keeping GAPSS visible online. It’s a great role if you like teamwork, structure, and keeping things running efficiently.

  • Do you love bringing people together and creating memorable experiences? As one of the two VPs Events, you’ll develop an events plan for the academic year and oversee both academic and non-academic events while also co-chairing the Events Committee. You’ll organize and promote events using a management and ticketing system, and handle approvals with the University of Alberta and other organizations as needed. It’s a great role for someone who enjoys planning, coordinating, and seeing events come to life!

  • Do you enjoy staying connected and advocating for your peers? As VP Human Geography, you’ll maintain regular communication with department representatives and stay informed on academic issues that affect GAPSS members. As an Academic Committee co-chair, you’ll lead GAPSS’s efforts on academic advocacy related to Human Geography and act as co-editor-in-chief of the Society’s annual student journal alongside the VP Planning. This role is ideal for someone who loves academic engagement, communication, and supporting their fellow students!

  • Do you enjoy staying informed and advocating for your peers? As VP Planning, you’ll maintain regular communication with department representatives and stay up to date on academic issues that affect GAPSS members. As an Academic Committee co-chair, you’ll lead GAPSS’s efforts on academic advocacy related to Planning and act as co-editor-in-chief of the Society’s annual student journal alongside the VP Human Geography. This role is ideal for someone who loves academic engagement, collaboration, and supporting their fellow students!

  • Do you enjoy networking, connecting with people, and sharing what your team is up to? As VP External, you’ll be the main point of contact between GAPSS and outside groups, helping build relationships with other student organizations, industry partners, and professionals in Human Geography and Planning. As 1 of 3 Media Committee co-chairs, you’ll also work with your fellow chairs to promote GAPSS, with your role taking the lead as editor-in-chief for the Society’s newsletters. It’s perfect for someone who loves communication, collaboration, and keeping everyone in the loop!

  • Do you love spreading the word and getting creative with promotions? As VP Marketing, you’ll develop and maintain GAPSS’s marketing strategy, lead the Society’s marketing efforts, and make sure GAPSS stays visible on social media. You’ll be 1 of 3 Media Committee co-chairs, and get to support content creation with your committee. It’s a great role for someone who enjoys creativity, communication, and showcasing everything GAPSS has to offer!

What are Standing Committees?

Standing Committees are ongoing groups within GAPSS that focus on specific topic areas and help guide the work of the society. They provide recommendations, ideas, and feedback on both internal and external GAPSS policies, and offer advice or information to support decision-making. Each committee is overseen by a Vice President, who chairs meetings, guides activities, and shares updates with the rest of the Executive Committee.

Who Chairs What & What do They Do?

  • The Academic Committee focuses on academic issues affecting GAPSS members and supports student advocacy within the Planning and Human Geography programs. Co-chaired by the Vice Presidents (Planning) and (Human Geography), the committee works to identify and address academic concerns, coordinate advocacy efforts, and edit and publish GAPSS’ annual student journal.

  • The Events Committee plans and delivers GAPSS’ academic and social programming throughout the year. Chaired by the Vice Presidents (Events), the committee organizes a range of events, collaborates with other student groups and external organizations, and ensures all events meet University of Alberta and Students’ Union requirements. This committee helps create engaging opportunities for members to connect, learn, and build community.

  • The Media Committee supports GAPSS’ communications, outreach, and visibility. Co-chaired by the Vice Presidents (External), (Internal), and (Marketing), the committee works to build awareness of GAPSS, maintain relationships with external groups, and coordinate communications with outside partners. It also helps manage internal media-related tasks, ensuring information is shared clearly and consistently across the organization.

How to Run for a Position

If you’re excited about taking an active role in GAPSS, consider running for an executive position! Fill out the nomination form and don’t hesitate to reach out to any current executive member if you have questions or want to learn more about a role.

To nominate yourself, please fill out the Executive Team Nomination form linked below. Once the nomination period ends, we will post updates of all our nominees. Please take note of all the important deadlines in the election process posted below this section. We look forward to learning more about you!

GAPSS membership is required to participate in our elections (for both nominations and voting). If you’re not yet a member, please complete our sign-up form

Important Dates

Nomination Period: Opens March 2 - closes March 22 at 11:59 pm

  • Interested in shaping GAPSS? Submit your nomination and take the first step toward a leadership role!

Campaigning Period: From March 23 - March 29

  • Share your ideas and connect with members as you showcase your vision for GAPSS!

Election Forum: March 26 @ 4:00 pm (location TBD)

  • Join the discussion and tell us how you’d make a difference in your potential role!

Voting Period: March 20 - April 2 @ 4:00 pm

  • All voting must be done through Rubric!

  • Those elected will be announced at our Winter AGM shorty after voting closes!

How to Contact GAPSS

Have questions related to Executive Committee nominations? Send us an email! Please include your name + “Executive Nomination Questions” in the subject line. We’re excited to help you!

email us at gapss@ualberta.ca