GSSLogo-Insignia-Teal_WEB

Category: GSS News

Special General Meeting

Posted on by systemdev
This Special General Meeting (SGM) is being called to discuss and vote on proposed bylaws amendments. 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 proposed changes, and help us make a collective decision.

 

Event Details

🗓️ Date: Thursday, November 19
🕜 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: Hybrid
📍 Location: GSS Loft, 4th Floor, AMS Nest, or online via Zoom
Special General Meeting (SGM) 2026
FREE

Special General Meeting (SGM) 2026

Thu Nov 19, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PDT
Thu Nov 19, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM PDT
GSS Loft
BUY TICKETS
More Info

Why Attend?

You’ll have the opportunity to be part of decision-making for the graduate student society, and win exciting prizes!
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 in person and on Zoom who stay for the duration of the meeting will be entered to win:
 
  • Gift cards worth up to $50
  • A waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Dinner will be provided for in-person attendees.

 

Meeting Documents

Special General Meeting Agenda

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.

Bylaw Revision Form 5.4
Bylaw Revision Form 6
Bylaw Revision Form 8.6
Bylaw Revision Form 12

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!

GSS Holiday Hampers

Posted on by systemdev

Spread Some Holiday Cheer with the GSS: The holiday season can be a joyful time but it can also be 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 sixth 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 – Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m) until November 25, 2026. Thank you!

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

1. Treats/Snacks

  • Gingerbread House Kit
  • Good-quality chocolates (a box or a festive selection)
  • Hot Chocolate Mix (optionally with festive marshmellows)
  • Assorted tea and or ground/instant coffee
  • Microwave popcorn
  • 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)
  • Card games: UNO, standard playing cards
  • Holiday Crackers (pull-apart novelties with prizes inside)
  • Colouring books
  • Colouring pencils/crayons
  • Small LEGO set
  • Crossword/sudoku book

3. Household Items

  • Toiletries (soap, hand cream, lip balm)
  • Cozy/reading socks
  • Candle

 

Our Hampers

Hampers Sign Up

Please ensure that you fill out the form below completely. The application window is open until November 20 at 5 p.m. Applicants who are selected will receive an email notification in late November. A distribution of results will take place from November 30 – December 4. 

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.

GSS September 2026 Wrap-Up: Orientation Season & Advocating for Student Needs

Posted on by systemdev

Advocating for Student Needs

VP UAA Gautam Luhana and President Hayley Lawrence presented at the UBC VP Students and Student Leaders Fall Retreat. They shared the GSS’s priorities for the year, supporting their asks with data from the GSS Student Satisfaction Survey and examples of similar supportive policies adopted by other institutions across Canada. 

Games Night

Our monthly Games Night continues to bring graduate students together across departments to unwind, play board games, and build connections. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and share a fun evening on campus. 

 

See More Highlights in GSS Gallery

GSS Family Fun Day

The GSS Family Fun Day brought together graduate student families for an afternoon filled with outdoor activities, laughter, and community bonding. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make it such a memorable event for parents and kids alike!

 

See More Highlights in GSS Gallery

Orientation Season

The orientation events sure did sell out fast! We loved meeting and welcoming new students.  

As President Hayley Lawrence shares, “It was wonderful to welcome so many graduate students at GradStart! We loved meeting you, connecting with you, and being part of the start of your UBC journey.” 

Like every year, we also put together a portal for incoming students. See the New Grad Portal, an essential stop for new students. 

Strike Vote

The Graduate Student Society proudly supported the efforts of our union CUPE 2278. Students showed up ready to learn more and vote at the Get Out the Vote BBQ, and continued showing up throughout the week during the voting period (September 21-25). 

95.4% of voters voted in favour of a strike.

Learn More

Council Highlights

Council received a presentation from AMS Student Services Senior Manager Kathleen Simpson on the services offered by the AMS, including data on how these services support graduate students. Council also had an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the available services.
 
Council discussed and approved amendments to the Committee and Caucus Policy regarding the All-Chairs Committee. The changes establish the President as Chair of the All-Chairs Committee, replacing the previous rotating chairship structure.
 
Council also discussed and approved changes to the membership of the AMS Caucus, limiting membership to the three AMS Representatives. 
Finally, Council approved the revised Statement of Investment Policy, presented by HFC Chair Joshua Fan.
 
To read more about the GSS Council, visit gss.ubc.ca/council.

Joint Letter regarding 2026/2027 Food Security Initiative (FSI) Funding

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. 

Read Letter

Projects in Numbers

122

families provided baby hampers

849

households supported by Acadia Food Hub

2739

individuals supported by the Acadia Food Hub

 

 

 

GSS Weekly Newsletter – September 18th, 2026

Posted on by systemdev

GSS Weekly Newsletter - September 18th, 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

.

GSS Weekly Newsletter – September 11th, 2026

Posted on by systemdev

GSS Weekly Newsletter - September 11th, 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

.

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

Posted on by systemdev
Gallery

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

 

Learn More

Projects in Numbers

716

households supported by Acadia Food Hub

132

families provided baby hampers

 

GSS Weekly Newsletter – September 4th, 2026

Posted on by systemdev

GSS Weekly Newsletter - September 4th, 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

.

GSS Weekly Newsletter – August 28th, 2026

Posted on by systemdev

GSS Weekly Newsletter - August 28th, 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

.

GSS July 2026 Wrap-Up: Community, Governance, and Support

Posted on by systemdev
Gallery

Drag Brunch

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.

Stress Less Painting

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.

Gallery

Council Highlights

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.

Update from the President

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.

Learn More

FSI Projects in Numbers

330

meals distributed

110

requests for baby hampers

889

visitors to Acadia Food Hub

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

Posted on by systemdev

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.