The Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Graduate Students Association (EGSA) represents graduate students at the St. George campus. We help graduate students get involved in the life of the department and the university. We inform students about the services and benefits available to them through the Graduate Student Union (GSU), the EEB Department, and other university-affiliated organizations.  We maintain regular ties with the UTM and UTSc Biology graduate student groups, as well as with the Forestry and CSB student unions.

Through our annual fundraising efforts, EGSA has been able to support the local and larger community.  Every year we are able to partially offset the costs of thesis binding for recently graduated masters and doctoral students.  In the past we have donated money to scholarship funds for future graduate students.  For Christmastide, we have arranged a department raffle with proceeds going towards Toronto-based charity organizations such as Pathways to Education.

EGSA actively contributes to the professional and social life of EEB.  Each year through the generosity of the Atwood family, the EEB graduate student body selects and invites a distinguished scientist to deliver departmental lectures. EGSA also organizes the annual Darwin Day celebration, saluting the founder of modern evolutionary biology while also fostering departmental camaraderie.

EGSA has spawned several graduate student initiatives including the pub-based graduate student seminar series and the University of Toronto Biology Environmental Action Team (UTBEAT).  EGSA members play for the /Tufted Coquettes/, our intramural ultimate frisbee team – three years running (spiritedly, in last place). 

We have monthly meetings where free snacks and food are provided.  The leadership consists of two annually elected co-presidents and a treasurer. Enthusiastic volunteers are always sought for other necessary duties and positions.  Graduate students are integral to the life of every academic department: please consider participating in and supporting your EGSA!