Memorial University interdisciplinary doctoral candidate and Graduate Students’ Union (GSU) member Shannon Fraser penned a letter to the 2025-26 GSU Executive and Board of Directors on November 2, 2025, outlining a number of concerns, including the Executive or the Board not reporting missing funds to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC).
Fraser wrote that GSU members made comments at the October 29, 2025, semi-annual general meeting about calling the police and reporting the alleged misappropriation of funds. She said that, in keeping with GSU Constitution section 4.15.2, it would be prudent for the current Board of Directors to report alleged criminal activity to the RNC immediately.
Fraser said that boards do not have to know exactly what transpired, what funds were missing, or from which year to seek support and file a report with the RNC fraud division. She said it is important to be viewed by the membership as exercising due diligence and setting in motion pathways to redress and accountability.
She added that while funds have been misused or misappropriated from the GSU as a corporate entity, the union is a representative body, meaning that the funds have been taken from the membership. Fraser said that while any member can lodge a criminal complaint with the RNC at any time, it would be better for the 2025-26 Board of Directors to be viewed as having made the complaint rather than appear complicit through omission.
Fraser also recommended that if there are recent instances of undocumented, nonstandard, or questionable payments to officers, board members, or employees during 2023-24 or 2024-25, the Board send demand letters requiring supporting documentation or repayment. In the absence of such provision or return, an indication that civil and/or criminal proceedings will be pursued.
View the letter below:
Matt Barter is a graduate of the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty at Memorial University of Newfoundland, holding a degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. He enjoys reading thought-provoking articles, taking walks in nature, and volunteering in the community.
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