Advocacy
Representing Graduate Student Voice
The Biomedical Engineering Students’ Association (BESA) is committed to representing the academic, professional, and well-being interests of Biomedical Engineering graduate students.
Advocacy is a core part of BESA’s mandate. We work to ensure that student concerns are heard, communicated clearly, and addressed through constructive engagement with departmental, faculty, and university stakeholders.
Our Approach to Advocacy
Student-centred
Advocacy priorities are informed by student feedback and lived experiences.
Collaborative
We engage respectfully with faculty, administration, and governance bodies.
Transparent
We communicate openly about issues, processes, and outcomes.
Constructive
We focus on solutions that improve the graduate student experience.
Issues & Initiatives
BESA engages on a range of issues that affect Biomedical Engineering graduate students. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and program-related concerns
- Teaching assistant workload and expectations
- Access to resources, space, and infrastructure
- Equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues
- Graduate student well-being and support
- Specific initiatives and focus areas may evolve from year to year based on student priorities and institutional context.
Committees & Student Representation
BESA representatives participate in departmental, faculty, and university-level committees to ensure graduate student perspectives are included in decision-making processes.
Through these roles, BESA:
- Brings forward student feedback
- Shares relevant updates with the community
- Advocates for transparency and accountability
Information about current representatives and committees can be found on the Get Involved page.
Policy Updates & Statements
BESA representatives participate in departmental, faculty, and university-level committees to ensure graduate student perspectives are included in decision-making processes.
These communication aim to:
- Keep students informed
- Clarify BESA’s position or actionsShare outcomes of advocacy efforts
- Share outcomes of advocacy efforts
Updates are shared through the website, newsletters, or official BESA communications.
Share Feedback or Raise a Concern
BESA welcomes feedback from graduate students on issues affecting their academic and personal experience.
If you would like to:
- Share a concern
- Suggest an advocacy priority
- Provide feedback on an issue
You may do so through the Feedback & Concerns Form or by contacting the BESA Executive Team directly.
All feedback is treated with respect and discretion.
Confidentiality & Support
While BESA is not a confidential reporting body, we strive to handle sensitive matters thoughtfully and to direct students to appropriate university resources when needed. If a concern requires professional or confidential support, students are encouraged to consult university wellness, accessibility, or equity offices.
Share Feedback or Raise a Concern
BESA welcomes feedback from graduate students on issues affecting their academic and personal experience. All feedback is treated with respect and discretion.
Submit FeedbackGet Involved in Advocacy
Graduate students interested in advocacy are encouraged to get involved through executive or representative roles, committees and working groups, or by providing feedback and participating in consultations. Your voice plays a vital role in shaping the graduate experience.