Share your thoughts and have a free lunch, courtesy of the SA.
The Student Association of George Brown College (SAGBC) is set to host a series of town hall meetings starting Feb. 19, including a virtual session.
The aim of these meetings is to provide students with a chance to discuss important agenda items and to have direct communication with the association.
Peter Corno, director of student experience, says the town hall sessions are designed to act as a forum for GBC students, where they can go beyond mere Q&A and engage in meaningful debates.
“We felt a lot of concern from students during and after the AGM. It became more of a debate rather than a voting session, so we decided to create a separate meeting focused on discussing these issues ahead of time,” Corno said.
A significant issue to be discussed will be the election process and the role of the board of directors.
Corno highlighted the fact that much of the conflict during the AGM was rooted in ambiguities surrounding board protocols and the mandates of those chosen.
“We found that a majority of the AGM discussions revolved around governance, board roles, and election rules. This town hall is meant to clarify those points and ensure students have their concerns addressed before the next AGM.”
It must be noted that the town hall is not considered an extension of the AGM. That being said, it will act as a platform for students to give feedback on the operations of the SA.
“The goal is to engage students, hear their thoughts, and determine what changes they want to see,” Corno added. “This isn’t about making motions or passing policies—it’s about open dialogue.”
In addition to governance, the town halls will also deal with student concerns about their experience in the academia, services offered by the SAGBC, and priorities. Students are encouraged to speak their mind, with the aim of helping shape future planning and also assisting in improvements within the SAGBC.
“We hope that with this town hall, we can resolve the conflicts that emerged during the AGM and move forward with clearer communication,” Corno said.
The meetings will take place on the following days:
- 19 – Casa Loma
- 20 – St. James
- 21 – Waterfront
- 3 – TMU
- 4 – Virtual
Attending students will receive meal vouchers for a free lunch from an SAGBC vendor, or partner.
Students who wish to participate must register in advance, but walk-ins will also be allowed to sign in at the door. Those interested can sign up at the following link: