Student Caucus

Cultural Studies Student Caucus

Note: The Student Caucus is not active at this time. Any students interested in reactivating it are welcome to do so and can contact Carrie Miles for further information, ideas, and connections. 

The Cultural Studies Student Caucus (CSSC) is not a traditional student governance structure, but rather a peer-supported communication and resource hub focused on enriching and sustaining our learning community.

Student Advocacy: This is a student run advocacy and referral "centre" that will provide a safe(r) space for Cultural Studies students to ask questions and get information regarding (but not limited to) the Cultural Studies program, campus and community resources, policies and procedures. Our volunteers will work with students in a confidential and compassionate manner, provide information and support, and direct them toward relevant resources and services on and off campus. The student advocacy and resource centre will further function as a vehicle for students who wish to engage with faculty and administration around sensitive issues, and desire the support of a stronger, more unified, student collective.

Social: The Social Committee will be responsible for planning events and/or gatherings for Cultural Studies students throughout the year, while also helping to connect students to existing Kingston events.

Peer Mentorship: The student mentorship committee aims to support incoming and current students in Cultural Students. We hope to establish connections between incoming and upper year students in order to ease the transition to graduate student life. We aim to be available to students who are seeking information about the requirements for beginning and completing their degree. This includes: connecting like-minded researchers with one another; establishing writing groups; welcoming students to the city of Kingston, particularly International students; facilitating casual meet and greets to discuss and exchange information associated with degree completion, e.g. comprehensive exams. This list is not exhaustive: please let us know how we can help you!

Steering Reps: These are the cultural studies students who volunteer their time to participate in Steering Committee and formally represent and advocate for the broader student body at this decision-making body. Any CUST student is welcome to sit on Steering, including members of the CSSC organizing committee. Each year a Student Co-Chair will be appointed as part of Steering.

Information Officer: The CSSC Information Officer is responsible for maintaining the CSSC email account and for general communications within the caucus. To facilitate this, the Information Officer must sit on Steering Committee.

Associated Activities and Groups:

  • Undisciplined Organizing Collective
  • Cultural Studies Student Review

To create a public forum/space where Cultural Studies students can discuss, negotiate and manage their needs as community, and advocate these needs to program administration, Steering Committee, as well as the broader university institution.

  • To build, create and sustain a stronger sense of community amongst the CUST student body;
  • To be a communication hub between different student cohorts/generations;
  • To use this space as a platform to support and advocate for students and student-led activities within CUST.
  • To represent the collective interests of CUST students at Steering Committee, and act as a communication link between the students and program administration.

As a student in Cultural Studies, you are automatically a member of the caucus, and are welcome to attend meetings/events and participate in any way you are able or interested.

  • Each year a core group of 5-6 volunteers will take on leadership and organizational responsibility for the caucus, with roles for Portfolio Team Leaders and Information Officer, and additional roles for PSAC TA/TF Steward, SGPS Representative, Information Officer, and general volunteers;
  • No hierarchy, but we are accountable to each other, and our learning community;
  • The Caucus is portfolio-driven, with sub-committees developed as needed.