Join us for a night of culture, music, and celebration! Enjoy live performances, a dazzling photo booth, and a global food experience. Dance to international beats and honour our community with special awards!

Date: Saturday, April 26
Time: 7:00 - 10:30 PM (Doors Open at 6:30PM)
Location: AMS Great Hall

Wear traditional attire or something that represents YOU.

Get your ticket now and be part of the celebration!

• $20 CAD for Graduate Students
• $30 CAD for Non-Graduate Students

About César Landín

I am a second-year Ph.D. student in Economics at UBC, where I study the interaction between economic inequality, political polarization, and economic outcomes. I hold a dual bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from ITAM in Mexico. Before my Ph.D., I worked for three years at Northwestern University and the Inter-American Development Bank, coordinating multi-country research projects and conducting advanced economic analysis. Additionally, I gained financial management experience as the founder and treasurer of my university’s Ultimate Frisbee Team, preparing budgets and financial statements. In my free time, I enjoy running, skiing, and reading, and will soon begin training for the Vancouver Triathlon. I am excited about the opportunity to serve and give back to the graduate student community by applying my practical skills as the Financial Officer of the GSS.

Take a break and welcome the fresh energy of spring with an evening of creativity and self-care! Whether you're an artist or just looking to unwind, this session will help you set intentions for the season through mindful art activities.

Date: Friday, April 18
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: GSS Thea's Lounge, Thea Koerner House

No art experience needed—just bring yourself! All materials provided.

RSVP now to save your spot.

Unleash your creativity and design a one-of-a-kind swag item for the Graduate Student Society (GSS)! We’re seeking designs that embody the diverse and inclusive spirit of our graduate student community. The winning designs will receive fantastic prizes, recognition, and be featured on GSS tote bags and stickers. Submit your design by May 15 and join in celebrating something truly special.

Prizes:

• 1st Prize – $100 CAD gift card + your design featured on GSS tote bags & stickers
• People’s Choice Award – $50 CAD gift card + special recognition
• Runners-up – GSS Swag Bundle

Need a Break? Join Us for a GSS Retreat on Gambier Island!

Feeling overwhelmed by research, coursework, and everything in between? Take a well-deserved pause and escape with the GSS for a subsidized retreat on Gambier Island, happening April 28–29, 2025.

Reconnect with yourself, nature, and fellow grad students in a peaceful setting designed to help you recharge and reflect.
Cost: $80 CAD + fees

Spots are limited, so don’t miss this chance to rest, reset, and grow.

Ready to hit the field? Join the GSS Softball League for a summer of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit!

• Season: May 22 – July 31

• Game Days: Thursdays

• Time: 5:15 PM – 8:15 PM (75-minute game slots)

• Location: Thunderbird Stadium

• Frequency: One game per week (excluding playoffs)

• Rules: View full rules here

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this league is a great way to stay active and connect with fellow grad students.

Team captains, please register your teams below to secure your spot! 

Questions? Please email: events@gss.ubc.ca.

We were thrilled to sponsor and support this year’s BIG Research Day, held on March 20, 2025, at the Life Sciences Institute, UBC (2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC).

BIG Research Day is an annual event hosted by the graduate programs in Bioinformatics, Interdisciplinary Oncology, and Genome Science + Technology at both UBC and Simon Fraser University. The event brought together over 120 graduate students from the three programs to showcase their research, attend engaging seminars, and participate in workshops led by both academic and industry professionals.

By popular demand, our Pilates classes are back—and we’re turning up the vibe! Think strength, movement, and the energy of a dance floor... all rolled into one empowering hour. 

Join us every Tuesday from 3–4 PM for the spring series:

April 22 & 29 - Thea's Lounge (Thea Koerner House)

Drop-in: $10

Limited spots available!

The GSS has donated $1,010 to the Humanitarian Coalition! Thank you to everyone who contributed and supported this cause.

Feeling stuck or isolated while working on your dissertation? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to write alone either.

Join our Dissertation Writing Co-Working Space, a virtual drop-in room where graduate students come together to work quietly, stay motivated, and make consistent progress on their writing. This space is about building momentum together, in a low-pressure, supportive environment.

Date: April 1 - August (Monday-Friday)

Time: 8:30AM - 10:30PM (drop-in anytime)

Location: Microsoft Teams

For any questions contact, Raha at rahaubc@student.ubc.ca

The GSS Loft will be closed from April 30 to August 31, as it will be used by the AMS during the Summer term. 

Graduate students will not have access during this time. We encourage students to use the GLC. 

Stop by the Graduate Life Centre every Tuesday and Thursday, 5:00 - 9:00 PM and grab what you need.

Note: One item per member of your household, ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy something.

Want to help shape the pantry? Vote for your favourite items in our monthly Instagram polls and see them stocked! Let’s create a community-driven, food-secure space, one delicious choice at a time.

This Week’s Menu: Persian (Sahel)

Meat Option: Kebab plate (includes tomato and rice)
Vegetarian Option: Falafel Wrap

Pickup or dine-in: Graduate Life Centre
Date: Wednesday, April 23
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM

The Centre for Accessibility facilitates disability-related accommodations and programming designed to remove barriers for students with documented disabilities and ongoing medical conditions. You will have confidentiality about the nature of your diagnosis per the language of LR-7.

The Centre for Accessibility works with students with permanent or ongoing conditions. Please contact your Department/Program or Graduate Advisor if you have a temporary condition. If your Program has questions, they can follow up with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

geXC Life Course is a comprehensive multi-omics symposium on Aging and Life Course. The symposium will cover a range of topics including single-cell and spatial technologies, multi-omic approaches, advances in sequencing, and data analysis. By blending academic and industry presentations with a fully catered event. 

Breakfast, lunch, and prizes available

Reserve now, limited spots

Date: May 8

Time: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Location: LSI Atrium W (2350 Health Sciences Mall)

The federal election is underway—and now is a crucial time to make our voices heard about the future of research in Canada.

A grassroots letter campaign has been launched, calling on federal party leaders to defend and expand Canadian research sovereignty with a historic investment in science. This is a non-partisan initiative that highlights the importance of national support for research, especially as reliance on U.S. partnerships becomes less certain.

Open to faculty, research associates, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students across Canada.

With the recent developments regarding Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, UBC recognizes that these changes may impact your procurement needs. UBC’s procurement team is closely monitoring the situation and doing their best to minimize disruptions. Your requirements remain a top priority and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this evolving landscape.

UBC encourages you to consider sourcing from Canadian and Indigenous suppliers. If you have questions about your current purchase with a U.S. supplier, please contact the designated Buyer or Procurement Officer who is facilitating your order.

The Strategy Consulting Mentorship Program (SCMP) is designed to provide UBC students with direct access to job opportunities at top consulting firms. This intensive 3–4 month program offers structured mentorship to prepare participants for consulting interviews and life at a firm.

SCMP includes a series of lectures, boot camps, resume reviews, and personalized coaching. It demands a strong commitment from each participant, but the rewards are significant—successful candidates may secure interviews with six or more of the world’s leading consulting firms.

We are now accepting applications and will remain open until April 18th.

The UBC Centre for Migration Studies announced that the Migration Data Challenge is open for applicants from UBC students!

It is an exciting competition inviting students to explore underutilized Statistics Canada datasets. Participants will work in teams to develop innovative, evidence-based projects that explore disparities in geographic proximity to services and facilities among immigrants, permanent residents and Canadian-born individuals 

Students will gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and have a chance to compete for cash prizes!

The Water and Environment Student Talks Conference (WEST 2025) is now accepting abstract submissions for student poster and oral-format presentations. This year’s conference, "Shaping Water Futures: Innovation and Collaboration," is planned by students for students, and will highlight your great research in the water and environmental fields

Dates: June 12 (virtual) and June 13 (in-person at UBC)

• Showcase your research and connect with fellow researchers from UBC and beyond
• Winning presentations will receive CASH AWARDS 
• Registration is FREE for all attendees
  
• Submit your abstract here by April 7th!

Join the Air and Odour Management Conference and Trade Show 2025, hosted by the University of Toronto, in collaboration with Scentroid. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, attend expert-led presentations, and learn what experts, researchers, and industry leaders are working on towards cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Dates: October 8-9

Location: Hart House, University of Toronto

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS – now open!

 Researchers, industry professionals, and students have a chance to submit their abstracts for an opportunity to present at the conference. The deadline for abstract submissions is April 28, 2025, and results will be announced towards the end of May.

The Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen’s University is inviting applications for one-year Pre-Doctoral Fellowships in Black Studies.

These Fellowships are open to PhD students (from universities other than Queen’s) who are conducting doctoral research in the creative arts, humanities, social sciences, or natural and physical sciences. Applicants must have completed all PhD requirements except for their final doctoral project (e.g., dissertation), which they are expected to complete during the fellowship term.

Fellows must relocate to Kingston, where they will teach one course in the Faculty of Arts and Science and engage in the intellectual life of the university community.

Info Session: Thursday, May 1 | 3:00–4:00 PM ET REGISTER HERE
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025 (Decisions by June 15, 2025)
Fellowship Term: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026

Award Includes:

• $37,000 annual stipend

• Benefits

• Paid teaching opportunity

• Research and conference funding

• Relocation support

Residents of UBC Family Housing in Acadia Park are facing rent increases of up to 8%, without prior notice. In response, they are calling on UBC to revoke these disproportionate hikes and implement a rent freeze.

Add your voice! Sign the petition below to support fair and affordable housing at UBC.

Are you a CUPE 2278 Component 1 member? TA, tutor, exam invigilator, or GAA? Our current collective agreement is set to expire at the end of this summer, and it's time to make your voice heard.

Join us on Monday, May 12 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM for the Bargaining Endorsement Meeting to vote on the bargaining package we’ll bring to the table for our next agreement.

Your vote matters!

Hybrid format: Online via Motion Meetings + in-person (location TBD – food will be provided!)

Please join us on Thursday, April 24 at 6:30 PM for dinner and a seminar. The venue is the GSS Loft on the 4th floor of the NEST (Room 4202). We will share in a delicious home-cooked meal, and we will meet new and old friends around the dinner table. After dinner, we will have a seminar with guest speaker Rick Mattson. His topic is "God, Evil, and Suffering -- How can a good God allow suffering?" Please fill out the RSVP in the QR code provided. If you like, please bring a dish to share! But there will be plenty of food, so you are most welcome to bring yourself. We're looking forward to meeting you!

AMS Peer Support is a free mental health and harm reduction service providing one-on-one peer support for UBC students. They are trained to talk about academic stress, anxiety, burnout, depression, substance use, relationships, grief, and more. They also distribute free safer sex and safer substance use supplies.