GSS August 2026 Wrap-Up: From Council Motions to Campus Connections

Games Night

“The monthly Games Night is a wonderful opportunity for strangers to become friends as students from departments across campus come together. When I moved to Vancouver, Games Night was my first GSS event, so it’s especially meaningful to see graduate students from around the world creating connections and community. Join us in September!” — GSS President Hayley Lawrence

Networking Night

Our Networking Night was an amazing success! Our graduate students got the chance to connect with UBC alumni and industry leaders, while enjoying delicious food and entering a raffle. Be sure to keep up to date with GSS Events to not miss future networking opportunities!

Gallery

Council Highlights

Council received an overview of HOUSE Canada and discussed potential opportunities for future collaboration. Council also endorsed the CUPE 2278 strike vote and supported outreach efforts to encourage eligible graduate student members to vote YES.

The Council also approved moving forward with a strategic review of GSS staffing and organizational effectiveness, to be led by the Human Resources Committee.

UBC’s proposed Academic Freedom Policy was also discussed, and Council adopted a position opposing its approval, directing the Graduate Student Senators to oppose the policy at Senate.

Finally, Council endorsed the campaign calling for immediate intervention for admitted Palestinian graduate students and supported the GSS signing the related letter.

To read more about the GSS Council, visit gss.ubc.ca/council.

Update from the President

“I attended the AMS Student Union Development Summit (SUDS) from August 14–16, 2026. The Summit provided an opportunity to learn from student leaders and speakers from across Canada regarding the challenges and opportunities facing student unions. I found the discussions on governance and risk, advocacy and government relations, financial stability, executive transitions and student engagement valuable. I also found the opportunity to compare governance models and approaches used by student unions across Canada particularly useful as we consider how the GSS can continue to evolve and better serve our members.” — GSS President Hayley Lawrence