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Category: GSS News

GSS June 2026 Wrap-Up: Community Connections, Advocacy, and Support

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Event Highlights

Vancouver Canadians Baseball Game

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.

Monthly Games Night

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.

Council Highlights

 

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.

FSI Projects in Numbers

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 MetricTotal Count
Meals Distributed

223

Requests for Baby Hampers

113

Visitors to Acadia Food Hub

801

 

Get Involved & Stay Connected

Want to participate in our upcoming events or game nights? Check out our Events Calendar.

Call for Nominations: GSS Financial Officer

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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.

 

Key Responsibilities

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.

 

Position Details & Compensation

  • 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.

 

Election & Timeline

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)

 

How to Apply

To submit your nomination, please prepare the following items:

  1. A Cover Letter detailing your interest and relevant experience.

  2. 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.

 

LEARN MORE GSS BYLAWS

For an exhaustive breakdown of executive duties, powers, and accountability structures, please consult the official GSS Bylaws.

GSS By Laws

[Internal Voting] GSS Swag Design Contest​ 2026

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GSS Swag Design Winners Spotlight

First Place Winner - Stella Wong

Stella Wong

Hi, I’m Stella, an international student from Hong Kong. Studying at UBC has been an inspiring experience, allowing me to explore diverse cultures and connect with nature. I also met many kind and thoughtful people here. These experiences inspired me to put the elements in my design.I’ve loved doodling since I was a kid, especially drawing cartoon portraits for friends. This is my first time joining a design contest so I’m really thankful for your support! If you see me around campus, feel free to say hi and I might draw a portrait for you!

Behind the Design: Stella Wong’s Concept

This illustration features a refreshing blue-green color scheme that aligns with the theme colors of the Graduate Student Society (GSS). It highlights students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Even the squirrels which are commonly seen on campus are included, symbolizing their role as part of our daily university life. The students are not only focused on academics but also engaged in the joys of life, such as skiing, just like how GSS organizes various events to support our mental and physical well-being. Iconic UBC buildings like the Clock Tower and the Nest are also depicted, surrounded by forest elements to represent the harmony between nature and the academic environment.

People’s Choice Award - Linda Chen

Behind the Design: Linda Chen’s Concept

This design brings together a group of animal characters, each representing a different area (or multiple areas)of graduate study: archeology/engineering, science, tech/student writing their thesis, literature/music/philosophy, astronomy/physics, and statistics (which is in almost all areas of study).

The idea was to show the diversity of studies among the GSS. Each animal has a unique personality and tool, coming from different continents (including Antarctica!), but they all stand together, symbolizing community, collaboration, and shared experience. It’s meant to feel inclusive, a little playful, cute, and something most students could see themselves in. Whether you’re in the lab, reading papers, or typing up your manuscript at 2 a.m., we’re all part of a shared journey to understanding the world around us.

This page is specifically for the GSS team’s internal voting. The 1st prize winner, chosen by our jury (you, the GSS team!), will win a $100 gift card and have their design featured on GSS swag 

Voting closes at the end of June 26.

Cast Your Vote!

The vote was closed on June 30
Days
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Raj Parekh

I wanted to encapsulate the feeling of being a graduate student - the fun, curiosity, chaos, and love for free food - in a single design. There are references to UBC staples, such as Blue Chip and Vancouver rain. I made it relatable and funny with mentions of caffeine addiction and imposter syndrome - feelings universal to every graduate student. The QR code leads to the GSS website, signifying that there are always supports and resources available for students who need them.

Stephanie Broder

I wanted to reference the natural landscape of UBC as the front focus of the design, so went with silhouetted trees. I also wanted to include a reference to Vancouver- crows were a natural choice, and the posture of this one represents the Vancouver legend, Canuck the Crow. For the three figures, I wanted each one to represent an aspect of graduate student life. From left to right, they represent: writing, researching, and studying.

Parsa Rajabi

The Graduate Commons Knot is a monochrome linework design that represents graduate students arriving from many paths and forming one shared community. Its interwoven circular shape reflects connection across disciplines, cultures, and identities, while the open center suggests student voice, advocacy, and dialogue. A subtle roofline references the GSS as a home for support, services, and belonging. The continuous line avoids clichés like caps or shields, keeping the design modern and inclusive. Because it uses bold single-colour strokes, it can scale cleanly across T-shirts, totes, stickers, notebooks, mugs, and other swag items without losing clarity in print or embroidery applications.

Susan Du

This design shows the diverse and vibrant academic environment of UBC. The large UBC letters are filled with campus scenes and symbols. These details reflect both the daily experiences of students and the overall spirit of learning. With a playful visual style, the design highlights UBC as a place where nature, community, creativity, and academic life come together.

Rosalyn Carr

My design captures a variety of aspects and key features of UBC. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum Whale Skeleton, the Clock Tower, the Rose Garden, and the Reconciliation Pole. Alongside these are various smaller symbols; the maple leaf, the cherry blossom, a book, a beaker, and other small symbols familiar to students. All of these come together as familiar and memorable emblems of UBC.

9
(Internal) Pick Your Top Favourite Swag Design - 2026

Please Note: One of the student designs has been removed due to image resolution limitations that would impact print quality on swag items. We greatly appreciate the time, creativity, and effort that went into all of the submissions, and thank each applicant for sharing their thoughtful designs.

 

To count a successful vote, after selecting your top 1 choice, please fill out your name and GSS position.

 

Voting GSS Swag Design Contest​ 2026

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GSS Swag Design Winners Spotlight

🎉 First Place Winner & People’s Choice Award: Rosalyn Carr

Rosalyn Carr

Rosalyn Carr is a PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. They conduct research in the Digital Health Innovation Lab at BC Children's Hospital, where they explore ways to improve the communication of research results to study participants. Outside of research, Rosalyn spends their time running the UBC Pottery Club and volunteering with the Potters Guild of BC.

Behind the Design: Rosalyn Carr’s Concept

My design captures a variety of aspects and key features of UBC. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum Whale Skeleton, the Clock Tower, the Rose Garden, and the Reconciliation Pole. Alongside these are various smaller symbols; the maple leaf, the cherry blossom, a book, a beaker, and other small symbols familiar to students. All of these come together as familiar and memorable emblems of UBC.

 

Cast Your Vote!

The designs are in, and now it’s your turn to support the ones that speak to you! Pick your top design. Your votes will decide the Popular Choice Award winner who’ll receive a $50 gift card (and endless bragging rights, of course).

 

Online voting closed at the end of June 19.

Days
Hours
Minutes
The vote was closed on June 30

Raj Parekh

I wanted to encapsulate the feeling of being a graduate student - the fun, curiosity, chaos, and love for free food - in a single design. There are references to UBC staples, such as Blue Chip and Vancouver rain. I made it relatable and funny with mentions of caffeine addiction and imposter syndrome - feelings universal to every graduate student. The QR code leads to the GSS website, signifying that there are always supports and resources available for students who need them.

Stephanie Broder

I wanted to reference the natural landscape of UBC as the front focus of the design, so went with silhouetted trees. I also wanted to include a reference to Vancouver- crows were a natural choice, and the posture of this one represents the Vancouver legend, Canuck the Crow. For the three figures, I wanted each one to represent an aspect of graduate student life. From left to right, they represent: writing, researching, and studying.

Parsa Rajabi

The Graduate Commons Knot is a monochrome linework design that represents graduate students arriving from many paths and forming one shared community. Its interwoven circular shape reflects connection across disciplines, cultures, and identities, while the open center suggests student voice, advocacy, and dialogue. A subtle roofline references the GSS as a home for support, services, and belonging. The continuous line avoids clichés like caps or shields, keeping the design modern and inclusive. Because it uses bold single-colour strokes, it can scale cleanly across T-shirts, totes, stickers, notebooks, mugs, and other swag items without losing clarity in print or embroidery applications.

Susan Du

This design shows the diverse and vibrant academic environment of UBC. The large UBC letters are filled with campus scenes and symbols. These details reflect both the daily experiences of students and the overall spirit of learning. With a playful visual style, the design highlights UBC as a place where nature, community, creativity, and academic life come together.

Rosalyn Carr

My design captures a variety of aspects and key features of UBC. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum Whale Skeleton, the Clock Tower, the Rose Garden, and the Reconciliation Pole. Alongside these are various smaller symbols; the maple leaf, the cherry blossom, a book, a beaker, and other small symbols familiar to students. All of these come together as familiar and memorable emblems of UBC.

47
Pick Your Favourite Swag Design - 2026

Please Note: One of the student designs has been removed due to image resolution limitations that would impact print quality on swag items. We greatly appreciate the time, creativity, and effort that went into all of the submissions, and thank each applicant for sharing their thoughtful designs.

Only current UBC Vancouver grad students can vote — and just once, so make it count!

To count a successful vote, after selecting your top choice, please fill out your name and student number.

GSS Weekly Newsletter – May 29th, 2026

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GSS Weekly Newsletter - May 29th, 2026

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

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GSS Swag Design Contest​ 2026

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Show off your creativity and design a unique swag item for the Graduate Student Society (GSS)! We’re looking for designs that represent the diverse and inclusive spirit of the graduate student community. Winners will receive prizes, recognition, and have their design featured on GSS swag items. Submit your design by May 31 and be part of something special!

 

Days
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Judging Criteria & Prizes

1. Creativity & Originality (30%)

• Unique and innovative design that stands out.
• Fresh artistic interpretation that aligns with GSS values.
• Avoids clichés and overused symbols.

2. Relevance to GSS & Graduate Student Experience (25%)

• Reflects the identity, diversity, and spirit of the graduate student community (Hint: You can refer to our website’s About section to learn about the society’s values, goals, and history.)
• Incorporates themes of connection, academic journey, inclusivity, or student advocacy.
• Optional: Integrates elements of the university or city in a subtle, creative way.

3. Aesthetic Appeal & Versatility (20%)

• Visually appealing design that works on GSS swag items.
• Can be adapted to different merchandise sizes without losing impact.
• All designs must be monochromatic linework

4. Reproducibility & Printability (15%)

• Suitable for printing on GSS swag items without quality loss.
• Avoids excessive fine details that may not translate well in print.

5. Inclusivity & Positive Messaging (10%)

• Promotes inclusivity, belonging, and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Avoids controversial, offensive, or exclusionary elements.

People’s Choice Award

• In addition to the main judging, all shortlisted designs will be posted for public voting.
• Graduate students can vote for their favourite design.
• The design with the highest votes will receive a People’s Choice Award, with a special prize and recognition.

Prizes

  • 1st Prize – $100 CAD gift card + featured design on GSS swag items.

  • People’s Choice Award – $50 CAD gift card + special recognition.

  • Runners-up – GSS Swag Bundle.

Eligibility & Submission Guidelines

• Open to all graduate students.
• Design is limited to a single colour and linear designs.
• Designs can be with or without a text slogan/tagline.
• Must be an original work (no AI-generated or copyrighted elements).
• Submit in high-resolution format (preferably Adobe Illustrator files, EPS, or PNG with transparent background).
• Must include a short description (100-200 words) explaining the concept behind the design.
 
Deadline for submission: May 31

Your Submission

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 3 files.
Maximum 3 files and 15 MB in total

Annual General Meeting 2026

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The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the most important event of the year for the Graduate Student Society. As a graduate student at UBC Vancouver, you are a member of the GSS, and this meeting is your opportunity to exercise your right to vote on the Society’s future.

Join us to review the past year’s activities and finances, and help us make collective decisions for the upcoming year.

Event Details

  • Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

  • Time: Opens at 4:30 PM . We strongly recommend logging in at this time to allow for identity verification. If quorum (100 UBC graduate students) is reached before 5:00 PM, the meeting will begin promptly at 5:00 PM.

  • Format: Virtual on Zoom

RSVP FOR THE AGM (APRIL) 2026
Zoom Link

Why Attend?

The AGM is where we discuss the Society’s work, approve financial audits, and vote on policy changes. To conduct official business, we require a quorum of 100 UBC graduate students. Your presence ensures your student government can continue its work on your behalf.

Win Exciting Prizes

We value your time and contribution! All attendees on Zoom who stay for the duration of the meeting will be entered to win:

  • Sony earbuds

  • Kobo E-reader

  • Vancouver Whitecaps Tickets

  • VMO Concert Tickets

  • $50 & $25 Gift Cards

  • And more!

Meeting Documents

Stay informed ahead of the meeting by reviewing the official documents. The 2026 Agenda includes key updates on the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan and the Executive Year in Review, while the 2025 Minutes provide a record of our previous session’s decisions.

GSS AGM 2026 (April) Agenda
GSS AGM 2025 Minutes
Important Notice: April 21st AGM

GSS Holiday Hampers

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Spread Some Holiday Cheer with the GSS: The holiday season can be a joyful time but also a challenging one for some graduate students and their families. This year, let’s come together as a community to make the season brighter.

The GSS Holiday Hamper Program helps support UBC Vancouver graduate students facing financial challenges. Each hamper is thoughtfully curated to meet the unique needs of individual students because everyone deserves to celebrate the season with warmth and care.

Our team will handle the assembly, and hampers will be available for pickup at the GSS Office.

Join us in spreading joy and kindness this holiday season!

Questions? Email aa@gss.ubc.ca

Donation Drive

Your support is crucial for the success of the Holiday Hamper Program! Heading into our fourth year of the initiative, the GSS provides fellow graduate students, as well as university departments and units, with a chance to create a memorable holiday season for UBC graduate students and student-families. 

We warmly welcome all donations at the GSS Office (452-6371 Crescent Rd, Thea Koerner House, 4th Floor Penthouse, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2) until November 21, 2025. Thank you!

Recommended items for donation (including items suitable for student-families)

1. Treats/Snacks

  • Gingerbread House
  • Kit
  • Good Quality
  • Chocolates
  • Hot Chocolate Mix
  • Apple Cider Mix
  • Tea
  • Popcorn (microwave)
  • Candy Canes
  • Cookies (boxed and festive-themed)
  • Panettone (boxed)
  • Cereal (festive themed)
  • Marshmallows (festive ones)

2. Family-Games/Activities

  • Family Games
  • Puzzles (250–500 pieces)
  • UNO
  • Playing Cards
  • Holiday Crackers (pull-apart novelties with prizes inside)
  • Colouring Pencils
  • Colouring Books

3. Household Items

  • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner,hand cream)
  • Candles

Our Hampers

Hampers Sign Up

Please ensure that you fill out the form below completely. The application window is open until November 14th at 5 p.m. Applicants who are selected will receive an email notification in late November. A distribution of results will take place from December 1 – 5.

To be eligible, recipients must: 

  • Currently, be registered as graduate students at UBC Vancouver. 
  • Fill out the sign-up form, providing details about their need for assistance and any specific barriers they face in pursuing their studies at UBC. 

Preference will be given to applicants who belong to one or more of the following groups: 

  • Single parent students 
  • Students with families 
  • LGBTQIA2S+ students 
  • Indigenous students 
  • Students of colour 
  • Students with disabilities 
  • International students (please note, international students must be in Vancouver to collect a Hamper) 

Please be aware that completing this form does not guarantee that you will receive a hamper. Additionally, by submitting this form, you consent to the GSS contacting you. You will need to pick up the hamper from the GSS office on the UBC campus.

The sign-up form has been closed!

Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.
Collection, Use and Disclosure of Student Information

The information collected on this form will be used for purposes that are consistent with activities necessary to the operation of the GSS Graduate Student Holiday Hamper Program and in compliance with the provisions of the British Columbia Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

Declaration of Applicant

By submitting this form I certify that:

a) I am the person named above.

b) All information provided on this application is complete, accurate, and truthful to the best of my knowledge.

c) Any information disclosed in this application is subject to audit and you may be asked to provide proof of any items listed in the application.

d) I am consenting that the GSS may use any comments I make in my thank you note anonymously to promote the Holiday Hamper program.

Pick Your Favourite Swag Design!

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GSS Swag Design Winners Spotlight

First Place Winner - Stella Wong

Stella Wong

Hi, I’m Stella, an international student from Hong Kong. Studying at UBC has been an inspiring experience, allowing me to explore diverse cultures and connect with nature. I also met many kind and thoughtful people here. These experiences inspired me to put the elements in my design.I’ve loved doodling since I was a kid, especially drawing cartoon portraits for friends. This is my first time joining a design contest so I’m really thankful for your support! If you see me around campus, feel free to say hi and I might draw a portrait for you!

Behind the Design: Stella Wong’s Concept

This illustration features a refreshing blue-green color scheme that aligns with the theme colors of the Graduate Student Society (GSS). It highlights students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Even the squirrels which are commonly seen on campus are included, symbolizing their role as part of our daily university life. The students are not only focused on academics but also engaged in the joys of life, such as skiing, just like how GSS organizes various events to support our mental and physical well-being. Iconic UBC buildings like the Clock Tower and the Nest are also depicted, surrounded by forest elements to represent the harmony between nature and the academic environment.

People’s Choice Award - Linda Chen

Behind the Design: Linda Chen’s Concept

This design brings together a group of animal characters, each representing a different area (or multiple areas)of graduate study: archeology/engineering, science, tech/student writing their thesis, literature/music/philosophy, astronomy/physics, and statistics (which is in almost all areas of study).

The idea was to show the diversity of studies among the GSS. Each animal has a unique personality and tool, coming from different continents (including Antarctica!), but they all stand together, symbolizing community, collaboration, and shared experience. It’s meant to feel inclusive, a little playful, cute, and something most students could see themselves in. Whether you’re in the lab, reading papers, or typing up your manuscript at 2 a.m., we’re all part of a shared journey to understanding the world around us.

Cast Your Vote!

The vote was closed on June 30
Days
Hours
Minutes

Dante Prado

For many graduate students, graduate school life can feel daunting, infinitely challenging; however, in the end, it is comprised of many elements, including the GSS support. The shape roughly follows UBC Vancouver's shape and keeps the teal colour used in the GSS logo; it also retains from the logo a certain sense of recursion. The design then includes three arabesques that represent growth, while the segmentation suggests the possibility of viewing small units within a larger or longer trajectory; in our case, academic journey. The tail or end of the design evokes the idea of student and perspective diversity with the scales, while simultaneously adding a certain aquatic motif to the whole design, which I believe makes it more attractive and attuned to the teal colouring.

Leila Abtahi

Here, I aimed to show a graduate student’s journey throughout their education. Our path always leads us upward. Sometimes it is steep and challenging, other times it is smoother with gentle climbs. Along the way, the Graduate Student Society (GSS) empowers us to grow stronger while fostering a sense of belonging, respect, and community. During my own journey, I have become familiar with the true meaning of equity, diversity, and inclusion. That is why I placed EDI symbols at the mountain peaks, they represent the values I continue to embrace and learn.

Linda Chen

This design brings together a group of animal characters, each representing a different area (or multiple areas)of graduate study: archeology/engineering, science, tech/student writing their thesis, literature/music/philosophy, astronomy/physics, and statistics (which is in almost all areas of study).

The idea was to show the diversity of studies among the GSS. Each animal has a unique personality and tool, coming from different continents (including Antarctica!), but they all stand together, symbolizing community, collaboration, and shared experience. It’s meant to feel inclusive, a little playful, cute, and something most students could see themselves in. Whether you’re in the lab, reading papers, or typing up your manuscript at 2 a.m., we’re all part of a shared journey to understanding the world around us.

Enav Zusman

My design incorporates the current Graduate Student Society logo and emphasizes the Graduate Student Society’s role in representing the graduate student body at UBC. It features the iconic UBC skyline and includes a western redcedar, the provincial tree of British Columbia and a culturally significant tree for BC's First Nations. Most importantly, my design highlights two proud graduate students, celebrating their achievements and the spirit of academic endeavour and success.

Hana Aboelella

I went for a youthful kind of design for this! I think as a graduate student, you can feel like your youth is behind you, and you've entered adulthood. But by incorporating the curvy lines and the little sparkles, it feels a bit whimsical and is a good reminder that we're not so far away from our young selves.

Jeffrey Boone

The idea is about unity, commitment, togetherness and positivity. It also subtly defies divisive tendencies of political leanings that threaten our society currently. The expression "a hundred percent" is quite wide spread in its meaning of total agreement, and within an academic context it illudes to a perfect grade.

Negar Mousavi

(No Description)
>> Please view another option here

Katherine Cheung

My goal is to create a character that embodies the spirit of the Graduate Student Society (GSS). I chose a cheerful, walking brain to represent the intelligence, curiosity, and determination that bring us all to grad school. The relaxed pose and friendly smile reflect the balance we strive for—working hard, but staying grounded and connected.

Around the brain are hearts, stars, and peace symbols, representing the diversity, hope, and shared values that shape our student community.

The tagline, “Every mind matters and every mind belongs,” captures the essence of what GSS stands for: an inclusive, welcoming space where all identities, disciplines, and perspectives are respected and celebrated.

>> Please view design concept and mockup at here

Morris Cheung

UBC is like a great tree—its roots are diversity and inclusiveness, which nourish the growth of vibrant green leaves: open-minded students who care deeply about the world around us.

Stephanie Wu

This design features a constellation formed by diverse, interconnected symbols — a pen, a candle, an open book, and interlocked hands — each representing a key part of the graduate journey: research, wellness, knowledge, and solidarity. Inspired by the GSS’s mission to support, advocate, and connect graduate students, the line-art style offers clarity and adaptability for stickers and tote bags. The constellation motif symbolizes both individuality and collective strength, echoing the star-like impact of each student. It’s designed to resonate across disciplines, cultures, and identities, reminding us that we thrive not alone, but together.

Mahfida Tahniat

My design is inspired by the simplicity and beauty found in nature, something we often take for granted. Yet it is important to show our gratitude as nature gives us the strength to keep us together and blossom in life.

The design shows a half-blooming flower, signifying full of potential. In place of a disc of the flower, the GSS logo is placed, symbolizing the GSS being the central embodiment of the graduate student’s achieving full potential. The GSS logo itself has further significance as the 2-dimensional G also represents the graduation hat, symbolizing academic excellence, while the two Ss with leaves remind us of our shared responsibility and sustainability in the current climate crisis context.

The six petals represent the core values of the GSS: excellence, integrity, respect, collaboration, continuity, and empathy. The connected petals show the unity in inclusivity, while the differently positioned, similar-looking petals represent equity through diversity. The oxymoron lies in how we are the same from within, yet different from outside!

The color symbolism adds further meaning to the design as the blue color represents the beautiful beaches surrounding UBC Vancouver, as well as the harmony and peace. The white color symbolizes purity, innocence, and a new beginning of life.

>> Please view mockup at here

Kataale Abdulai

This concept, titled Faceless, Fearless, Found, speaks to the anxiety of being in a new environment. It uses a comic book style to convey the journey of how a new student navigates fitting into a new environment. The concentric lines that form the protagonist symbolise the anxiety as well as the unique personality the person brings to the society. As the story unfolds, the protagonist becomes fearless, takes a bold step to participate in a GSS event, and is welcomed into a diverse community. This is represented by a change of colour, similar to the GSS logo. The Ladner clock tower, found in the middle of the page, represents the institutional vastness, a shared landmark, and time to take that bold step into finding community with the GSS.

>> Please view mockup at here

Stella Wong

This illustration features a refreshing blue-green color scheme that aligns with the theme colors of the Graduate Student Society (GSS). It highlights students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Even the squirrels which are commonly seen on campus are included, symbolizing their role as part of our daily university life. The students are not only focused on academics but also engaged in the joys of life, such as skiing, just like how GSS organizes various events to support our mental and physical well-being. Iconic UBC buildings like the Clock Tower and the Nest are also depicted, surrounded by forest elements to represent the harmony between nature and the academic environment.

Janna Grant

One of my favourite things about UBC is the parallel between the diversity of the environment and the diversity of the students. Much like how UBC is a diverse nature hub with stunning views of mountains, forest, and ocean, our students are also a diverse hub of culture and connection. I chose to use this metaphor in my design, to subtly recognize UBC’s natural diversity and societal diversity, as together this is what truly creates UBC’s beauty. I also wanted to recognize that we are on traditional unceded territory of the Musqueam First Nations, so I incorporated their traditional art style into my design.

Finally, Each and every member of UBC is a part of its story, and I wanted this design to capture that essence. Therefore, with the theme of individual stories and the academic journey, I felt as though a book would complete the design. No matter who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we will go from here, UBC will always be a part of our story.

Only current UBC Vancouver grad students can vote – and just once, so make it count!

To count a successful vote, after selecting your top 5 choices, please fill out your name and student name.

Cheers to the Class of 2025: Share Your Graduation Moments!

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Congratulations, Class of 2025! 

We at the Graduate Student Society (GSS) are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished — and we’d love to celebrate with you!
 
Share Your Moment:
 
Submit your graduation photos below to be featured on our social media and help us honour the incredible Class of 2025. Whether you’re donning your cap and gown or celebrating in your own unique way with your friends and family, we want to see it!
 
Let’s celebrate this milestone — together.
This is optional. Please share your Instagram handle if you'd like us to tag you in our story/post!
The content should be less than 100 words (optional)
Please attach your publicly accessible and downloadable video link in the field below.
We will select an appropriate video to share on GSS Instagram. If we have any further requests, we will contact you via email.
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 3 files.
Please upload a maximum of 3 photos. The total file size should not exceed 5 MB. If your photos are too large, consider reducing their size before uploading.
We will select an appropriate video to share on GSS Instagram. If we have any further requests, we will contact you via email.