Governance & Constitution
The Biomedical Engineering Students’ Association (BESA) operates under a formal governance structure designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective representation of Biomedical Engineering graduate students. BESA is a student-led organization governed by its Constitution, which outlines the association’s mandate, leadership structure, election procedures, and decision-making processes.
The BESA Constitution
The BESA Constitution serves as the foundational document guiding the association’s operations and governance. It defines:
- The purpose and scope of BESA
- Membership eligibility and rights
- Roles and responsibilities of the Executive Committee
- Election procedures and term limits
- Committees and working groups
- Financial oversight and accountability
- Amendment and review processes
The Constitution is reviewed periodically to ensure it continues to reflect the needs and priorities of the graduate student community.
Executive Committee Governance
BESA is governed by an elected Executive Committee that is responsible for overseeing the association’s activities and representing graduate students throughout the academic year.
- Represent graduate student interests to departmental and university stakeholders
- Plan and deliver academic, professional, social, and advocacy initiatives
- Manage the association’s finances responsibly
- Ensure continuity and sustainability of BESA operations
Executives are expected to act in the best interests of the membership and to uphold BESA’s values of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.
Elections & Terms
Learn More About Elections
- Senior Executive elections are held in July, prior to the start of the academic year
- Junior Executive elections are held in September, early in the academic year
- All eligible Biomedical Engineering graduate students may run for positions and vote
- Term lengths, eligibility criteria, and voting procedures are defined in the BESA Constitution
- Any mid-term vacancies are filled in accordance with established constitutional procedures
Information about upcoming elections, open roles, and nomination timelines is shared on the Get Involved page and through BESA communications.
Committees & Working Groups
Learn More About Committees
In addition to the Executive Committee, BESA may establish committees or working groups to support specific initiatives such as:
- Events and programming
- Advocacy and student representation
- Professional development
- Communications and outreach
Committees provide additional opportunities for students to contribute to BESA’s work and gain leadership experience.
Financial Oversight
Learn More About Financial Oversight
- Annual budgeting and planning
- Transparent use of student funds
- Oversight by the Vice President, Finance & Operations
- Compliance with university and student governance policies
Financial decisions are made in the interest of maximizing benefit to the graduate student community.
Meetings & Records
BESA conducts regular executive meetings to plan activities, review initiatives, and address student concerns. Where appropriate, records such as meeting summaries, annual reports, and policy updates may be shared with the membership to promote transparency and accountability.
Feedback & Accountability
BESA values feedback from the graduate student community. Students are encouraged to share questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding governance, representation, or operations. Feedback can be submitted through the Contact Us page or directly to a member of the Executive Committee.
Interested in shaping BESA’s governance? Learn how to get involved.