Course Union Manual

Graduate Course Unions vs. Graduate Student Groups

TMGSU supports two types of graduate student organizations: Graduate Course Unions (GCUs) and Graduate Student Groups (GSGs).

Graduate Course Unions (GCUs)

Graduate Course Unions are the official representatives of a specific graduate program. Each eligible graduate program may have one recognized Course Union that serves students within that program.

Graduate Course Unions:

• Represent students in a specific graduate program.
• Organize academic, professional, networking, and social events for their program.
• Receive $1,000 in guaranteed annual operating funding.
• May apply for up to $500 CAD in Special Projects Funding (subject to availability).
• Must meet TMGSU governance and reporting requirements, including submitting a constitution, updating their executive list each year, and participating in required training sessions and meetings.

Graduate Student Groups (GSGs)

Graduate Student Groups are interest-based organizations created by graduate students around a shared interest, identity, culture, profession, or cause. They are not tied to a specific academic program and may include students from multiple departments and faculties.

Graduate Student Groups:

• Bring together graduate students with shared interests or identities.
• Organize community-building, cultural, educational, recreational, advocacy, or professional development activities.
• Are not considered official representatives of any graduate program.
• May apply for up to $1,000 or $500 CAD in Special Projects Funding, depending on availability.
• Must meet TMGSU governance and reporting requirements, including submitting a constitution, updating their executive list each year, and participating in required training sessions and meetings.

Whether you're looking to represent your graduate program or build a community around a shared interest, TMGSU encourages graduate students to get involved and create meaningful opportunities for their peers.

Eligibility Requirements

To access TMGSU funding, Graduate Course Unions and Graduate Student Groups must meet the following requirements:

• Attend the annual TMGSU training session.
• Submit a current constitution to TMGSU.
• Provide an up-to-date list of executive members and their contact information.
• Ensure at least one executive attends TMGSU All-Executive Meetings.
• Remain in good standing with TMGSU and comply with all applicable TMGSU and Toronto Metropolitan University policies.

Please note:

• Graduate Course Unions may not charge membership fees to TMGSU members.
• No individual may receive personal financial benefit from the organization's activities or funding.

How to Apply

Not sure if your program already has a recognized Course Union? Check the list of currently registered Graduate Course Unions and Student Groups eligible for funding.

Register a Graduate Course Union

If your graduate program does not currently have a recognized Graduate Course Union, you can apply by submitting:

• A completed Graduate Course Union Registration Form.
• A copy of your constitution.
• A list of executive members and their contact information.
• A signed list representing at least 50% of the program's graduate students.

Once your application is reviewed and approved by TMGSU, your Course Union will become eligible for annual funding and other TMGSU supports.

Register a Graduate Student Group

To register a Graduate Student Group, please submit:

• A completed Graduate Student Group Registration Form.
• A copy of your constitution.
• A brief description of your group's purpose and activities.
• A list of executive members and their contact information.
• A signed list of a minimum of 10 graduate students.

After approval, your group will be eligible to apply for Special Projects Funding and participate in TMGSU programs and initiatives.

For constitution templates and other required documents, visit our shared resource folder. For additional questions, please contact [email protected].