GSS Weekly Newsletter – September 22th, 2023

GSS Weekly Newsletter - September 22th, 2023

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.

GSS Latest Newsletters

.

GSS Weekly Newsletter – September 15th, 2023

GSS Weekly Newsletter - September 15th, 2023

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.

GSS Latest Newsletters

.

GSS Graduate Coaching Program

WHAT IS COACHING?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
 
The coaching process is highly customizable to your unique needs and circumstances, making it a valuable tool for personal and professional growth.
 
Our unique coaching program is specifically designed to address the needs of graduate students.

WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF COACHING?

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The GSS Graduate Coaching Program aims to equip graduate students with frameworks and tools to enhance leadership communication. Through practice, in and outside of the classroom, participants will develop a ‘coach approach’ and learn to incorporate these skills into their everyday conversations with peers and colleagues. As the quality of their conversations improve, along with their relationships with their peers, participants will be better equipped to achieve their professional goals. 

  • Date: October 18 - November 22 (Wednesdays, 6 sessions)

  • Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

  • Location: Online (Zoom link will be provided to participants upon registration)

Still wondering what coaching can do for you? Join our hybrid information session

  • September 27 at 5:30 pm

HOW CAN GRADUATE STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM COACHING

Graduate students can learn several invaluable skills from our coaching program.

Effective communication

If you struggle with communicating effectively with your professors, supervisors or peers in your academic or professional pursuits, coaching can help you develop the communication skills necessary for success.

Relationship building

Graduate students often need to establish strong connections with peers, mentors, supervisors and sponsors. This coaching program can assist you in building meaningful relationships that can support your academic and career goals.

Self-confidence

Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome is essential for graduate students to feel optimistic in their studies and achieve their dream careers. Coaching can help boost your confidence and self-belief. 

Unleashing potential

You possess the talents and skills needed for success, but sometimes self-limiting beliefs hold you back. Coaching can empower you to pursue your ideal career and live the life you aspire to lead.

Stress management

Dealing with stress when facing challenges can be overwhelming, such as balancing additional responsibilities on top of academic engagement. This coaching program can equip you with strategies to better manage stress.

DURING THE COURSE STUDENTS WILL:

  • Gain a foundational understanding of the concept of coaching

  • Learn the conversational coaching framework and how to apply it in everyday conversations

  • Practice essential coaching skills such as active listening and powerful questioning

  • Build connections with the GSS student community and foster peer-to-peer coaching support

  • Participate in one-on-one coaching with experienced coach practitioners

LESSON PLAN

  • Session 1      Introduction to Coaching 

  • Session 2      Coaching Fundamental: Core Coaching Skills

  • Session 3      Coaching Fundamental: A simple framework

  • Session 4      Practice: in Coaching Lab 

  • Session 5      Practice in Peer Coaching Triangle (PCT)

  • Session 6      Additional Coaching Toolkits & Wrap-Up

COACHES

Beata Chami

Beata Chami is an organizational psychologist and certified coach. Beata serves as an external coach with the Coaching@UBC program. Her passion is fostering spaces where people can show up as their best selves both personally and professionally. Beata specializes in workplace health and well-being, having worked in municipal, healthcare, non-profit, and hospitality industries for the past decade. Much of her experience lies in psychological safety and health promotion, which has led to her interest and involvement in mental health advocacy within organizations, schools, and the community. In her spare time, Beata enjoys running, playing soccer, and spending time with loved ones

Lily Gu

Lily is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). As a certified organizational coach and a leadership coach, Lily partners with individuals and groups to enhance their leadership capacity and navigate through challenges and opportunities with confidence and ease. Lily holds a Master of Education and a Master of Computer Engineering. Lily is currently serving as an associate coach with the Coaching@UBC program, a mentor coach with the Certificate in Organizational Coaching program, and a leadership development coach with a few other organizations. Prior to becoming a professional coach, Lily worked 20+ years in Higher Education and IT.

WHAT PAST STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAM

"It was such an incredible experience to learn and practice the coaching frameworks and effective conversational skills.
I am not the same person who started this class. Through this class I improved my active listening skills and developed my coach-like presence. Since incorporating these skills into my daily conversations, the quality of my conversations has improved.
This program is the beginning of a lifelong journey."
Sina Halvaei
PhD student at UBC and past student of the coaching program

Get your GSS Swags!

GET YOUR GSS SWAGS!

Seeing people around campus carrying GSS tote bags? Or maybe you've seen someone sporting a GSS hat or sunglasses on the bus, and wondered how you can get some of this swag. The good news is that you too can get your hands on some GSS swags — and that too for free!

HOW TO GET FREE SWAGS

Fill the form below and enter a swag giveaway contest. We'll be doing weekly draws! Also follow us on Instagram (@ubcgss) to learn about more opportunities to win swag. 

Get your own GSS swag now!

POCKET LIGHT

Stay safe at night with a nifty little pocket light!

TOTE BAG

They say you aren't a true Vancouverite without your trusty tote bag. Grab an eco-friendly one at the GSS.

NOTEBOOK

Want to take old-school notes, not on your laptop? We have you covered with our sleek, minimalist notebooks, complete with a sturdy metal spine and a GSS brand pen!

HAT

When it's sunny, it's super sunny. Stay shaded with a baseball hat while repping GSS and your grad family.

CUPS

Enjoy your toasty or chilly drinks with a gorgeous dyed mug or covered cup.

SUNGLASSES

Our vintage-style sunglasses feature a subtle logo on the sides so you can rep the GSS on sunny Vancouver days!

Join the GSS Swag Winners - Get Yours Now!

Get your own GSS swag now!

GSS Weekly Newsletter – September 8th, 2023

GSS Weekly Newsletter - September 8th, 2023

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.

GSS Latest Newsletters

.

GSS Orientation 2023: Events Schedule

Get all events schedule in PDF file!

Summer Subsidy Program

This summer, the GSS is encouraging graduate students to enjoy the sun and get out into nature! Our Summer Subsidy Program allows UBC graduate students to get a reimbursement on their tickets to visit the Capilano suspension bridge near the city.  
You can get a 50% reimbursement on ONE Student Ticket or Student BC Annual Pass purchased during the month of September. Enjoy the beauty of BC’s landscape at an affordable student rate!
 
Details:
  • Offer available to UBC Vancouver graduate students ONLY
  • Students are eligible to be reimbursed for ONE Student 18+ Years Capilano Suspension Bridge Park ticket OR ONE BC Annual Pass Student 18+ Years Ticket. If a regular Adult (18-64 years) ticket is purchased you will be reimbursed 50% of the cost of a single Student ticket, not the regular Adult ticket.
  • Students can only receive one reimbursement of a single ticket for the duration of this subsidy.
  • Tickets must be purchased from September 1st to September 30th to be eligible. 
  • Receipts can be submitted from September 1st to October 31st. Receipts submitted November 1st or later will not be reimbursed.
How to Claim Your Reimbursement
  • Be a current UBC Graduate Student at the Vancouver Campus
  • Submit a copy of your UBC Student Card
  • Submit a copy of your itemized receipt (must show the same name as your Student Card)
  • Send your submission to us via this form by October 31st, 2023.
  • Receipts submitted in September will be reimbursed by the end of October. Receipts submitted in October will be reimbursed by the end of November.

President’s Note

2023 President's Letter

Dear Incoming Graduate Students, 

Welcome to the University of British Columbia (UBC) and congratulations on your acceptance to this prestigious university! You have worked tirelessly to get here, and all the hard work has finally paid off. You are now a student at one of the topmost universities in the world, a place where academic excellence meets boundless opportunity. 

As the President of Graduate Student Society (GSS) of UBC Vancouver, it is an honour to introduce you to the GSS. The GSS is run by and for the over 10,000 graduate students here at UBC. We have full-time staff, part-time staff and elected executives all working hard to advocate for and promote the academic, social and cultural interests of all Graduate Students. From engaging networking events to enlightening workshops, from uplifting social gatherings to impactful community initiatives, we are here to enrich your academic journey and foster an atmosphere where you can flourish. We are here to support you and create a sense of belonging that extends beyond the walls of our lecture halls and labs. 

Graduate school can be both intellectually rewarding and occasionally challenging but remember that you are not alone on this path. Surround yourself with peers who inspire you, mentors who guide you, and colleagues who share your passions. Engage in meaningful conversations, seek out opportunities for collaboration, and remember that some of the most valuable insights often emerge from discussions and interactions outside the classroom. Your journey at UBC may not always be easy. There will be highs to celebrate, but there may also be lows to bounce back from. During these highs and lows, and for everything in between, you can turn to the GSS. 

At the GSS, we organize monthly games nights and several events. Seize such opportunities to network widely. Attend departmental events, workshops, and seminars to connect with fellow students and faculty members. Engage in community outreach initiatives by participating in clubs and departmental outreach initiatives. In short: embrace the power of community and collaboration. 

As is my custom, I would like to leave with you a quote that I love: It takes a village to move a mountain. This proverb emphasizes the power of collaboration and teamwork, illustrating that even seemingly impossible tasks can be achieved when people come together and work collectively towards a common goal.  

Remember, your journey through graduate school is not just about the knowledge you gain but also about the relationships you build and the collaborative efforts you undertake. Welcome to UBC, and I wish you all the best on your exciting academic adventure! 

 

Warm regards, 

Sam Kenston 

President, UBC Graduate Student Society 

GSS President Speech

GSS Weekly Newsletter – August 25th, 2023

GSS Weekly Newsletter - August 25th, 2023

GSS Latest Newsletters

.

GSS Weekly Newsletter – August 18th, 2023

GSS Weekly Newsletter - August 18th, 2023

GSS Latest Newsletters

.

Construction Progress Weekly Photo Reports

GLC before construction

Week 21 – July 07 2023

Week 20 – June 30 2023

Week 19 – June 23 2023

Week 18 – June 9 2023

Week 17 – June 2 2023

Week 16 – May 26 2023

Week 15 – May 19 2023

Week 13 – May 05 2023

Week 12 – April 28 2023

Week 11 – April 21 2023

Week 10 – April 14 2023

Week 9 – April 6 2023

Week 8 – March 31 2023

Week 7 – March 24 2023

Week 6 – March 17 2023

Week 5 – March 10 2023

Week 4 – March 3 2023

Week 3 – February 24 2023

Week 2 – February 17 2023

Week 1 – February 10 2023