Election Timeline

February
Nomination

January 9 – February 27
March
Meet the Candidates Night

March 2
Debate Night

March 10
Voting Period

March 16 - 20

The Official Results

Results

Hayley Lawrence 2

President

Hayley Lawrence

Vice President External Relations

Charles Adkins

Vice President Students

Mahder Teffera

Vice President University and Academic Affairs

Gautam Luhana

Result Details

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Get to Know the Candidates

How To Vote

  • Visit ams.ubc.ca/vote or click the button "Vote Now" below

  • Click "Login" and sign in with your CWL

  • View the ballot 2026 GSS Elections and cast your vote

Deadline: Voting closes on March 20 at 5:00 PM

President

Vice President External Relations

Vice President Students

Vice President University and Academic Affairs

Election Events

Sorry, no events found!

Questions?

For general inquiries, please email eseo@gss.ubc.ca

Election Overview & Position Details

The GSS is holding elections for paid, part-time leadership roles with a one-year term, designed to be compatible with graduate study and to serve as an alternative to TA/RA positions. These roles are intended for motivated, leadership-oriented graduate students interested in contributing to the Society. Candidates must submit a complete nomination package by February 27 at 5:00 PM (PT).

Why Run for a GSS Executive Position?

• Represent graduate students in high-level discussions regarding housing and funding.

• Impact real policy and budgetary decisions that affect the UBC community.

• Grow your leadership and organizational skills in a professional environment.

• Accessible to all: No prior experience is required, and full training is provided for every role.

Who Can Apply?

Any currently registered Master’s or PhD student at the UBC Vancouver campus.

Elected Executive Positions (Paid)

Note on Compensation: All executive roles receive a semi-monthly honorarium. These payments are structured to be competitive with, and serve as an alternative to, TA or RA positions, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can apply. Annual honorarium totals are listed below for reference.

President

The President is the public face and leader of the GSS. This involves speaking on behalf and representing the Society and graduate students in discussions with University administration, coordinating the Executive Officers and departments of the Society, and leading meetings of the Council.

Yearly Honorarium: $24,744
Time Commitment: At least 16 hours of work per week, including no less than 5 hours of in-person office presence.
Desired Qualifications: Strong public speaking, leadership, and high-level organizational skills.
Staff Support: Works closely with the General Manager and the Communications, Marketing and IT Manager.

Vice President Students

The Vice President, Students is responsible for coordinating social, recreational, and educational programs hosted by the Society, and supports the creation and management of departmental affiliated organizations. This involves assessing the needs in terms of services and programs of graduate students, coordinating Orientation activities for incoming graduate students, and assist in the formation of new departmental organizations. Additionally, the VPS is responsible for coordinating Event Proposals and Approvals (EPAs) in conjunction with the Events Coordinator.

Yearly Honorarium: $20,760
Time Commitment: At least 13 hours of work per week, including no less than 3 hours of in-person office presence.
Desired Qualifications: Event planning oversight, community engagement experience, and budget management.
Staff Support: Works together with the Events Manager for specific program tasks.

Vice President External Relations

The Vice President, External relations is responsible for the external affairs of the Society. This involves representing the Society to external organizations that discuss affairs relevant to graduate students, promoting and communicating information of the Society's activities to external organizations, and lobbying local, provincial, and federal governments for policies that benefit UBC graduate students. The VPE also provides oversight and support for community initiatives, including the Acadia Food Hub and the Baby Hamper project.

Yearly Honorarium: $20,760
Time Commitment: At least 13 hours of work per week, including no less than 3 hours of in-person office presence.
Desired Qualifications: Strong networking abilities, experience in political advocacy, and external communication skills.
Staff Support: Collaborates with the Communications team for external messaging and outreach.

Vice President University and Academic Affairs

The Vice President, University and Academic Affairs holds the responsibility of academic matters of the Society. This involves leading the Academic and External Affairs Committee, coordinating the advocacy office, and liaising with University administration concerning graduate student academic matters.

Yearly Honorarium: $20,760
Time Commitment: At least 13 hours of work per week, including no less than 3 hours of in-person office presence.
Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of university policy, academic advocacy, and personnel management skills.
Staff Support: Supervises two Advocacy Coordinators to manage student cases and academic policy.

Training & Transition: To ensure a smooth transition, the GSS provides a mandatory two-week shadowing period prior to the official start of the term. During this time, incoming Executives work closely with outgoing officers to learn the nuances of the role, attend key meetings, and review ongoing projects. 

Nomination Process

Who Can Apply?

Any ordinary Society member (any currently registered Masters or PhD student from UBC Vancouver campus) may be nominated for positions listed below to be contested in the election.

Submission Guidelines

Election Timeline

February
Nomination

January 9 – February 27
March
Meet the Candidates Night

March 2
Debate Night

March 10
Voting Period

March 16 - 20

Submit Your Nomination Form Today!

Email your form to the Elections and Student Engagement Officer at eseo@gss.ubc.ca or set up a time with them to submit your form in person. All nominations must be submitted by February 27 at 5 pm.

Alternatively, you may also pick up the form in person from the GSS office located at the Thea Koerner House on campus.

GSS Elections Policy Manual

Questions?

For general inquiries about hours, honorariums, or specific duties, please refer to Section 8 of the GSS Bylaws or email eseo@gss.ubc.ca