SOGS provides its members with several benefits and services including health and dental coverage, bus passes, financial assistance, and advocacy on behalf of students at the university, local, provincial and national levels.

The SOGS extended health coverage helps hundreds of students every year by making what can be expensive procedures and examinations more affordable. In addition, SOGS financial programs help graduate students improve their education and experience by providing funds for travelling to conferences, and other related activities. SOGS is proud to announce that $156,246.15 was awarded in Bursaries and Subsidies for the 2010-11 academic year. SOGS awarded

• 33 Child Care Bursaries for a total of $8,250
• 89 Travel Bursaries for a total of $ $25,496.15
• 90 Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund winners for a total $ 90,000.00
• 30 Out of Province winners for a total of $ 15,000.00
• 30 Grad Club winners for a total of $ 15,000.00
• Two 125th Anniversary Scholarships for a total of $2500

SOGS Council and the Executive are working hard to expand services, benefits, and financial programs for graduate students at UWO. Should you have any questions about our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

SOGS Health Plan Opt In/Out Information

 Opt-in and Opt-out deadline is the last business day of the first month of your enrolment term.  If you still choose to opt-out and do so by the deadline you will receive a refund of your health plan premiums (excluding administration fees) you were billed on your tuition fee bill.

Opt-Out of the SOGS Health Coverage Online Opt-Out
If you are already covered under an extended health plan (this does not mean your provincial health care plan – e.g., UHIP or OHIP), then you may choose to opt-out of the SOGS plan.

You should know that your student health plan includes benefits specially designed for student needs.  You may find it to your advantage to remain enrolled in both this plan and your other extended health plan in order to increase your total coverage by coordinating the benefits of the two plans.

If you still choose to opt-out and do so by the deadline you will receive a refund of the health plan premiums you have been billed on your tuition fee bill. 

Family Members
Full-time graduate students can enroll a spouse or partner, of either the same or opposite sex, who is publicly represented as a “spouse” and any children under 21 years of age (25 if they are still attending school).  The attached opt-in form must be completed and submitted to the SOGS office along with payment (cash or cheque only) by the deadline.

 Part-time Students
Part-time graduate students are not included in the SOGS health plan but are eligible to opt-in.  The attached opt-in form must be completed and submitted to the SOGS office along with payment (cash or cheque only) by the deadline.

Post-Doctoral Fellows
Post-doctoral fellows are also eligible to opt-into the SOGS health plan but must provide proof validating status on campus.  The attached opt-in form must be completed and submitted to the SOGS office along with payment (cash or cheque only) by the deadline.

Exchange and Visiting Graduate Students
Exchange and visiting students at UWO are not eligible for the SOGS health plan.

Please click here to download all forms and visit the link for more information about health plan.

Copyright © 2006, Society of Graduate Students, The University of Western Ontario. All rights reserved.