The Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) is welcoming a new head honcho.
As of May 1, Duncan Sutherland assumed the role of president and will now head up the organization, which operates on behalf of graduate students at Western.
Sutherland, a PhD student in Chemistry, wants to address outstanding concerns affecting SOGS.
“Well I’m hoping that this year we can bring some stability and resolve some long-standing issues that we’ve had. The most important one is that there was a petition put forward to leave the Canadian Federation of Students,” says Sutherland, explaining a referendum will be necessary to determine the outcome.
Sutherland is not new to SOGS, having served as VP Finance and chair of the finance committee. He is well acquainted with Western, having completed an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry.
Sutherland urges new graduate students to balance studies with other opportunities.
“Of course, your number one goal is to be a student and to get your degree quickly and to the best of your abilities. But certainly make time to do other activities and meet other people.”
SOGS is responsible for many benefits and services tailored to graduate students such as the bus pass, health plan and bursary program. SOGS owns the Grad Club, which operates out of Middlesex College.
Along with Sutherland, SOGS’ executive board includes: Natalie Szudy (VP Academic); Saidur Chowdhury (VP External Affairs & Communications); Jordan Harel (VP Finance) and Christopher Hum (VP Student Services).
For information about SOGS, visit: www.uwo.ca/sogs.