Two weeks into the start of the 2026 winter term, the U of M Graduate and Postdoctoral Society (UMGPS) will host an in-person town hall meeting on Friday, Jan. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 260 Helen Glass Centre.
Timilehin Oluwajuyitan, UMGPS president, said the meeting was scheduled in response to increased engagement from graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. “The town hall was prompted by a noticeable increase in student questions, concerns and requests for clarity around issues affecting graduate students and postdoctoral fellows,” he said.
Oluwajuyitan said the timing reflects a need for direct engagement early in the academic term. “We recognized that this was an important moment to pause, listen and engage directly with our members in an open and transparent way, rather than relying solely on written updates or informal communication,” he said.
He stated the meeting is intended to address several themes raised by students. “The town hall aims to address concerns related to communication, representation, decision-making processes and accountability within UMGPS,” Oluwajuyitan said. He added that “students have also expressed interest in better understanding ongoing initiatives, governance matters and how their voices are reflected in advocacy efforts,” he said.
Oluwajuyitan said the town hall format provides an opportunity for information to be shared publicly. According to him, it creates a space where “leadership can speak openly, students can ask questions directly and information is communicated consistently to everyone.” He added that the meeting “reinforces accountability” since it ensures that concerns are not addressed “behind closed doors, and that students can hear explanations, context and next steps firsthand,” he said.
As part of the meeting guidelines, students have been invited to submit questions in advance. Oluwajuyitan said this process “helps ensure that complex or sensitive topics are addressed thoughtfully and accurately.” He also noted advance submissions allow for broader participation. “It also gives students who may feel uncomfortable speaking live an equal opportunity to participate,” he said, adding that the process also supports time management.
Students who do not submit questions ahead of time will still be able to participate during the session. “While prepared questions help structure the discussion, the Town Hall will also include opportunities for live questions and comments, time permitting,” Oluwajuyitan said. He mentioned the session will be coordinated with support from a mediator from the human resources office. Oluwajuyitan encouraged attendance and hints the meeting will be conversational. “We want the session to be interactive and inclusive,” he said. “Even if you don’t have a question, your presence matters,” Oluwajuyitan said, addressing students who may be uncertain about attending. “[It] is an opportunity to stay informed, hear directly from your representatives and help shape the future of your student society.”
Oluwajuyitan hopes the town hall “strengthens trust […] and reinforces the idea that UMGPS is a student-driven organization.”
The town hall is open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at U of M. Prepared questions for the meeting may be submitted directly to the mediator at [email protected], using the subject line “Question Submission.”
