GSA Statement on Iranian Protests
29 September 2022
29 September 2022 - The Graduate Students’ Association condemns gender-based violence and is appalled by the recent events in Iran and stands in solidarity with the people of Iran—both at home and abroad—who have taken action in relation to them.
We join countless other post-secondary organizations and institutions urging for change and, at this critical time, we encourage graduate students who require support to consider the following resources:
- The solidarity and fellowship offered by the Iranian Students’ Association of the University of Alberta (ISAUA);
- Specialized faith- and religion-founded services provided by the Interfaith Chaplains’ Association;
- The University’s Wellness Supports office, which works with students to strengthen mental health and wellbeing, appropriately share resources, make relevant referrals, and engage in robust coordination with on- and off-campus services;
- The University’s Counselling and Clinical Services, which aims to provide accessible and compassionate psychological and psychiatric services;
- The Graduate Student Assistance Program, brought to graduate students, their partners, and their dependents by the GSA, which offers confidential counselling services;
- The GSA Emergency Bursary, the application process for which is facilitated through our partners at the Office of the Registrar. Other emergency funding and supplementary bursary opportunities are also made available through the Office of the Registrar; and
- Academic accommodations or program supports offered by the Faculty of Graduate Students and Research. The office of Dr. Ali Shiri, Interim Vice-Provost and Dean can be reached directly at graddean@ualberta.ca.
The GSA continues to engage in conversations with various University stakeholders, including the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, to discuss means of support that would best serve our community at this critical time. We encourage graduate students to contact us at gsa.frontdesk@ualberta.ca, or visit us virtually or in-person at our office in Triffo Hall as appropriate to help address any questions or concerns.