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 April 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

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 - 11:00 PM
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

A guided painting session where students can relax, enjoy refreshments, and connect with others in a fun and welcoming setting. No experience is needed, and all supplies will be provided.

When: Friday, March 28

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM 

Location: GSS Thea's Lounge

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 (with tomato and rice)
Vegetarian Option: Falafel wrap

Pickup or dine-in: Graduate Life Centre
Date: Wednesday, April 2
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Join the last session of the Human Library TODAY, March 28th, from 4:00–5:00 PM in the GSS Loft.

This month, every reader is a winner—join us at the Graduate Human Library and gain new perspectives as you "read" our human books.

Click the link below for more details and upcoming event dates.

If you are interested in signing up as a "Human Book," please complete this FORM.

Looking for a collaborative and productive study environment? Join our upcoming Grad Study Session! Whether you're working on assignments, projects, or your thesis, this is a perfect opportunity to connect with others and stay focused. 

When: Monday, April 7

Time: 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Location: Graduate Life Centre

We are seeking nominations for the role of Financial Officer. Interested candidates can submit their application, including a cover letter and a brief bio, to Firth at president@gss.ubc.ca and Maria at aa@gss.ubc.ca by April 14. The election will take place during the Council meeting on Thursday, April 17.

Responsibilities of the Financial Officer:

• Oversee the society’s finances to ensure smooth operations
• Report to Council on the society’s financial status monthly
• Prepare and present a complete budget and financial statements each trimester
• Ensure an audit of financial records at the end of each fiscal year
• Supervise all GSS staff in financial matters

If you’re passionate about financial oversight and leadership, we encourage you to apply!

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.

Join us on April 2nd for Purpose-Driven: Careers Shaping the Future of Food. This interdisciplinary event is open to students and alumni from all degrees (both food-related and non-food related). Discover the wide range of career opportunities in the Food industry, build valuable network connections, and gain insights from experts across various academic fields and career stages. Everyone is welcome!

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.

An expert panel will discuss the opportunities, constraints and responsibilities that corporations have in adapting their business practices to address the unequal impacts of climate change, considering their different emissions contributions. Speakers will examine the extent to which businesses are able to —and should—be socially and environmentally responsible.

Refreshments will be provided!

When: Thursday, April 3

Time: 12:30 -2:00 PM

Where: Centre for Interactive Research in Sustainability (2260 West Mall)

Join us for a public talk on the new wildfire reality facing urban BC with best selling author and writer John Vaillant, Koerner Chair for the Centre for Wildfire Coexistence and UBC Faculty of Forestry Professor Lori Daniels. The conversation will be moderated by UBC Faculty of Forestry Professor Suzanne Simard.

When: Thursday, April 3

Time: 6:00 -8:00 PM

Where: Centre for Interactive Research in Sustainability (2260 West Mall)

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!

The CGPSS deadline has been extended to Today, March 28th, giving you more time to share your feedback, which will be shared with senior administration, to ensure your voices are heard. 

Your input provides a basis for advocacy and shapes real change regarding better funding, student-supervisor relationships, and health and wellbeing services  

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.