The Graduate Student Society (GSS) is run by and for the 10,000 graduate students at UBC Vancouver. We promote and protect our members’ academic, social and cultural interests.
Thea Koerner House, the home of the Society, has been the centre of graduate student life on campus since it was opened in 1962.
On September 11, 2026, the Graduate Student Society of UBC Vancouver (GSS), Alma Mater Society (AMS), Students' Union Okanagan (SUO), and Graduate Students' Association of UBC Okanagan (GSA) submitted a joint letter to the UBC Board of Governors and UBC Administration regarding the 2026/2027 Food Security Initiative (FSI) funding.
While welcoming UBC's $1.2 million FSI funding commitment for the 2026/27 fiscal year, the student societies raised concerns regarding the decision to redirect an additional $400,000 toward the University-led Food Prescription Program pilot rather than student-led food security initiatives, as well as the absence of a multi-year funding commitment. The letter urges the Board of Governors to maintain the full $1.2 million annually for student-led initiatives across both campuses and to provide transparent details on the program's funding and development.
The Graduate Student Society (GSS) is run by and for the 10,000 graduate students at UBC Vancouver. We promote and protect our members’ academic, social and cultural interests.
Thea Koerner House, the home of the Society, has been the centre of graduate student life on campus since it was opened in 1962.
“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
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!
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.
“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
households supported by Acadia Food Hub
families provided baby hampers
The Graduate Student Society (GSS) is run by and for the 10,000 graduate students at UBC Vancouver. We promote and protect our members’ academic, social and cultural interests.
Thea Koerner House, the home of the Society, has been the centre of graduate student life on campus since it was opened in 1962.
The Graduate Student Society (GSS) is run by and for the 10,000 graduate students at UBC Vancouver. We promote and protect our members’ academic, social and cultural interests.
Thea Koerner House, the home of the Society, has been the centre of graduate student life on campus since it was opened in 1962.
Don’t be a drag, attend a drag show! We took UBC graduate students out on the town this month to The Real Drag Brunch hosted by local performer, The Real Human Girl. Students got to experience the queer joy of Vancouver’s drag scene and make memories with friends both new and old.
Students took a break from their summer coursework with our Stress Less, Paint More event. We provided the paint and materials (and snacks), and students brought the most important thing: their creativity and whimsy, expressing themselves while destressing.
Council held the election for their Financial Officer, reelecting César Landín, who will continue in the role starting September 1.
Council received a presentation summarizing key takeaways from the Unifor Symposium, which focused on recognizing gender-based violence as an epidemic, the impacts on university communities, and actions institutions can take to address the issue.
Graduate Student Senator Bryan Buraga introduced UBC’s proposed Academic Freedom Policy, providing background on its development and encouraging councillors to consult with their constituencies ahead of a final Council discussion and decision slated for August.
To read more about the GSS Council, visit gss.ubc.ca/council.
On July 17, GSS President Hayley Lawrence and Policy Assistant Ihomehe Agbebaku met with the Minister of Post-secondary Education. They discussed Mandating Indigenous Student Representation on University Senates and Boards of Governors.
meals distributed
requests for baby hampers
visitors to Acadia Food Hub
Batter up! The GSS took the Nat Bailey Stadium by storm this month, supporting the Vancouver Canadians as they faced off against the Everett AquaSox of Washington State (USA).
The Canadians fought valiantly, but the AquaSox won with a final score of 11-1, breaking Vancouver’s winning streak. Despite the loss, UBC graduate students had the chance to meet, connect, and bond with their peers, enjoying discounted tickets sponsored by the GSS.
We hosted our monthly Games Night in the Graduate Life Centre. With snacks and drinks, graduate students played everything from Scrabble to Exploding Kittens to the strategy game Carcassonne.
Whether you’re a newcomer to any of these games or an old pro, our Games Nights offer a friendly environment to learn and try new games with fellow students.
Addressing Key Student Concerns: The Student Satisfaction Survey revealed that funding, housing affordability, financial stress, supervisor accountability, and well-being remain the biggest concerns facing graduate students. The Academic and External Committee worked on turning these concerns into measurable advocacy and service goals to support UBC’s graduate student population.
Financial Sustainability: The Quarterly Financial Report demonstrated that the GSS is in a healthier financial position than anticipated due to improved budget controls, stronger financial oversight, and new systems being implemented to support long-term sustainability.
To read more about the GSS Council, visit gss.ubc.ca/council.
Our Food Security Initiative (FSI) continues to provide vital, direct support to the graduate community. Here is how we made an impact this month:
| Impact Metric | Total Count |
|---|---|
| Meals Distributed | 223 |
| Requests for Baby Hampers | 113 |
| Visitors to Acadia Food Hub | 801 |
Want to participate in our upcoming events or game nights? Check out our Events Calendar.
The Graduate Student Society (GSS) at UBC Vancouver is a student-led organization dedicated to enriching the academic, professional, and personal lives of over 12,000 graduate students. Through advocacy, financial aid, wellness programs, and community-building events, the GSS ensures that graduate students are supported, heard, and connected.
As part of the Graduate Student Society team, you will play an important role in combating food insecurity and enhancing systemic wellness initiatives within the graduate student community. The GSS actively coordinates grassroots student resources, emergency financial aids, and localized programming to help reduce institutional and economic barriers across campus.
The Food Security Initiative (FSI) Coordinator works closely with GSS staff, the Executive Team, and external partners to deliver impactful community food programs. You will manage logistics, oversee project milestones, and help establish strong networks between the GSS and broader campus food equity systems.
Please submit your application via email directly to hrcontractor@gss.ubc.ca (ensuring all application materials are included in a single message) by Friday, July 10, 2026, with:
1. A brief cover letter outlining your fit, training, and experience specifically relevant to the operational requirements of the position.
2. Your updated resume / CV (saved as a PDF file).
Short-listed candidates may be asked to complete a brief skills assessment.
We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in the position. However, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls or follow-up emails, please.
Email to hrcontractor@gss.ubc.ca
We are currently accepting nominations for the position of Financial Officer. If you are interested in contributing to the Graduate Student Society in a leadership role and exercising strategic oversight over the Society’s financial operations, we encourage you to apply.
As an elected executive position, this role offers an incredible opportunity to develop executive leadership skills, manage a multi-million dollar non-profit enterprise, and directly support the graduate student community at UBC.
Based on the GSS Bylaws and Executive Policy, the Financial Officer will:
Oversee the financial operations of the GSS to ensure smooth, compliant, and transparent processes.
Report monthly to the GSS Council on the Society’s current financial and investment position.
Prepare and present the annual budget and trimester financial statements.
Facilitate the annual audit of financial records at the end of each fiscal year.
Supervise and support GSS staff on institutional financial matters.
Type: Elected Executive Position
Yearly Honorarium: $21,265.20 (paid in semi-monthly installments)
Term & Commitment: Requires a minimum of 13 hours of work per week, including 3 to 6 hours of guaranteed, in-person office presence at the Thea Koerner House.
The election for this position will take place democratically during the upcoming GSS Council meeting.
Application Deadline: Monday, July 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon)
Election Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Meeting Location: Online via MS Teams (Link to be provided to candidates)
To submit your nomination, please prepare the following items:
A Cover Letter detailing your interest and relevant experience.
A brief Bio (100–200 words) to be shared with the Council.
Please email both documents directly to Hayley Lawrence (President) at president@gss.ubc.ca and Maria Mawyin (Administrative Assistant) at aa@gss.ubc.ca before the deadline.
For an exhaustive breakdown of executive duties, powers, and accountability structures, please consult the official GSS Bylaws.
