We are excited to invite you to a special event on Friday, June 21, 2024! Join us for a refreshing Pilates class followed by a fun-filled game night at the Graduate Life Center.

We can't wait to see you there for a fantastic evening of fitness and fun!

Date: Friday, June 21, 2024

Location: Graduate Life Center, Thea Koerner House

You clearly love the food subsidy program, and we love running it! Follow the link below to see what we have in store for you next week and place your orders for subsidized $5 meals. Please note that the meals sell out fast.
New menu every week. Pick-up or dine in at the Graduate Life Centre (GLC).

Passionate about improving the graduate student experience? Have good ideas on funding, supervision, or social life? Consider joining these working groups to shape UBC policies and practices for years to come!

1. Enhancing Research Supervision:
Work on updating policies and guidelines, identifying gaps in support, and enhancing trainee-supervisor relationships at UBC.

2. Graduate Student Experience:
Focus on improving the non-academic aspects of graduate life by evaluating current supports and identifying areas for enhancement.

3. Reimagining Graduate Student and Postdoc Funding:
Examine the evolving funding landscape and strategize on the best ways to support students with internal and external funding.

Interested? Please fill out the Google form below with your name, department, program, year, and the working group you would like to join. You can also send your information to Maria at aa@gss.ubc.ca.

Join us for an afternoon of sun, sand, and friendly competition at the Spanish Banks West Volleyball Courts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to have some fun, this event is perfect for all skill levels. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow grad students from various departments and disciplines. So, grab your sunscreen and your game face, and let's hit the beach!

Don't forget to RSVP using the link below to secure your spot on the court! We can't wait to see you there!

The GSS has set up the Graduate Student Financial Aid (GSFA), a fund to support graduate students experiencing unforeseen circumstances. This may include, but is not limited to: living expenses, prescription medications not covered by MSP, Pharmacare, and the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan, and the UBC Leave of Absence fee. GSFA will not cover tuition and other school fees. 

The Housing Security Aid (HSA), is a newly approved fund provided by the GSS specifically to cover housing-related challenges. The purpose of the HSA is to provide housing related support to graduate students who are facing housing insecurity or challenges.

Funding examples:

• Rent/Security deposit assistance (including rent increases by landlord)
• Moving-related expenses
• Assistance with temporary accommodations
• Assistance with replacement of damaged items in the student’s units which could necessitate fines by landlord

Questions? Email gsfa@gss.ubc.ca

Dealing with difficult situations as a graduate student at UBC can be challenging and exhausting. Whether a student is facing financial, housing, academic or supervisory issues, knowing what to do, seeking support, and where can be very confusing. If you are in this situation, there is no need to fret. The GSS is right here to support you.

Our Advocates are uniquely positioned to help you navigate these challenges and many more by providing answers to your questions through peer support, external advocacy and resource referrals. Our team is also actively working on new policy recommendations and proposing amendments to existing UBC policies that would benefit the graduate student community of UBC.

Our advocacy coordinators are here to help you. Contact us at:  advocacy@gss.ubc.ca

Having thoughts of suicide? Experiencing a mental health crisis? Help is available. Call or text 9-8-8, Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline.

With Here2Talk, students have immediate access to counselling and community referral services across phone, online chat, and mobile app. All Here2Talk services are free to students and available 24/7, in multiple languages. It is accessible to all UBC students, including domestic and international students, graduate or undergraduate. No matter where they are in the world, UBC students can access Here2Talk anytime and as frequently as they require.