About Kamali Pahwa

My name is Kamali Pahwa (she/her), from New Delhi, India. I am a second-year Master's student in Public Policy and Global Affairs at UBC. I completed my Bachelor's in Law and worked as a corporate lawyer in the fintech industry in India, where my interest in financial and economic policies emerged. This intersection of law and finance drives my passion.

Throughout my time at UBC, I have actively participated in student associations, advocating for student concerns and amplifying their voices—something I am deeply committed to. As the Financial Officer for GSS, my goal is to ensure that our financial strategies not only meet but exceed the needs of all students, making finances accessible and comprehensible for everyone.

Want to meet and hang out with other grad students while enjoying a fun-filled evening? Our monthly Grad Student Society Games Night will be hosted at the Graduate Life Centre (GLC) from 5-8 pm. Come by to enjoy some refreshments, entertainment, and great company! We’ll have board games for adults, music, and a wide range of refreshments available.

Date: Friday, July 26

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Graduate Life Centre, Thea Koerner House

GSS is excited to collaborate with UBC Pilates to offer summer classes for UBC students at a heavily discounted rate! Classes are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering flexibility for your busy schedule.

Days: Tuesdays (6:30-7:30pm) and Saturdays (1:30-2:30pm)

Location: Thea’s Lounge, Thea Koerner House

Experience a welcoming and vibrant space designed specifically for graduate students at the Graduate Life Centre (GLC)! 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study, a comfortable area to meet with peers, or just a spot to unwind, the GLC has it all. Located at Thea Koerner House, the GLC offers a range of facilities tailored to meet your academic and social needs. Drop by, explore our modern study room, cozy lounge areas, and picturesque views. Make the most of your graduate journey by visiting the GLC today!

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

This Fall 2024, the UBC Career Centre is launching a special program to support students with disabilities on their career journey. We're looking for Graduate Student Mentors who identify as having a disability.

Join us for skills-building workshops, inspiring guest speakers, and a chance to connect with a mentorship cluster of fellow students and professionals. The goal is to build supportive connections and develop important social and networking skills.

Plus, you'll receive an honorarium upon completing the program requirements. 

Apply now and be part of this empowering experience!

Application Deadline: Sunday, July 28

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.