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

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.
Click or drag files to this area 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.

Ski at Cypress Mountain at Half The Price 

This winter, the GSS is encouraging graduate students to enjoy the snow on beautiful Cypress Mountain! Our Winter Mountain subsidy scheme allows UBC graduate students to get discounts on lift tickets.

You can get a 50% discount on a day pass to Cypress Mountains from now until March 31st. Go out and enjoy the snow and fresh air on the slopes. And share your visit with the rest of the grad student community on social media using the hashtag #GSSWinterFun.

Details

  • Offer available to UBC Vancouver graduate students ONLY

  • 50% discount for the price of a 1-day pass

  • One order per student

To receive the discount, you must:

  • Be a current UBC Vancouver Graduate Student

  • Submit your information on the form below to receive a discount code in your email

The register form expired

  • Click the button below and select "Downhill Tickets - UBC"

    NOTE: The price listed on this page is already the discounted cost!

  • Start the checkout process

  • Enter the code on the "Personalize" page at checkout

Vancouver Christmas Market x GSS

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Details

🎄✨ Dive into the holiday spirit with us at the Vancouver Christmas Market! 🎟️ Limited student tickets available for just $10. Secure your spot now and get ready for a festive celebration! 🌟

For any queries, please contact eventsassistant@gss.ubc.ca

Get Your Ticket

Tickets purchased outside of office hours (9am-5pm, M-F) may not receive a code until the following business day.

Please note that the ticket purchased here will not give you entry to the Christmas Market.

You will receive an emailed code to enter on the Vancouver Christmas Market page (vancouverchristmasmarket.com/tickets) for your preferred entry date.

See below for instructions on how to enter your promo code.

Sorry, no events found!

How To Enter Your Promo Code

GSS Holiday Hampers

Holiday Hampers

With the holiday season swiftly approaching, we understand that it can be a tough time for some graduate students and their families. However, we can make a significant difference by coming together with your support to ensure this season is as memorable as possible. 

This winter, the GSS is dedicated to spreading joy during the holidays by creating and distributing holiday hampers. These hampers are designed to provide assistance to current graduate students at UBC Vancouver who are facing financial challenges while pursuing their studies. The size and contents of the hampers will be tailored to meet each student's unique needs. 

Rest assured, the GSS will take care of assembling and delivering these hampers to make this initiative a success. 

Questions? Email officeassistant@gss.ubc.ca. 

Donation Drive

Your support is crucial for the success of the Holiday Hamper Program! Heading into our third 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 gratefully welcome all donations at the GSS Office (452-6371 Crescent Rd, Thea Koerner House 4th Floor Penthouse, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2) until November 30th, 2023. 

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

  • Gingerbread House Kit 
  • Good Quality Chocolates 
  • Hot Chocolate Mix 
  • Apple Cider Mix 
  • Tea 
  • Popcorn (microwave) 
  • Candy Canes 
  • Cookies (boxed and festive-themed) 
  • Panettone (boxed) 
  • Family Games: 
    • Puzzles (250-500 pieces) 
    • UNO 
    • Playing Cards 
  • Holiday Crackers (pull apart novelties with prizes inside) 
  • Cereal (festive themed) 
  • Marshmallows (festive ones) 
  • Colouring Pencils 
  • Colouring Books 
  • Toiletries 
  • Candles 

Hampers Sign Up

Please ensure that you fill out the form below completely. The application window is open until November 18th at 5 p.m. Applicants who are selected will receive an email notification in early December. 

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. 

The right questions to ask at virtual grad student job fairs

Campus career fairs are some of the best places for graduate students to broaden their careers. You could be there for whatever reason; curiosity about various companies, looking for jobs, looking for valuable networking opportunities, and so on. No matter your aim, they cater to most needs and degrees because employers are always on the lookout for passionate and highly educated individuals such as graduate students.  

These days, more and more career fairs are being held online as a basic precaution during the pandemic. However, this does not have to hinder your experience and the benefits you derive from going. Graduate students can attend from their homes, offices or even while grabbing lunch at a favorite restaurant. Strong connections with recruiters from companies that you are interested in can still be made online, especially without some notable inconveniences traditional career fairs present (e.g. waiting lines). Not only that, but scheduling chats with recruiters is much easier online and the process is much quicker.  

However, while all that is settled, the most daunting thing about career fairs is not knowing what to ask. What are the right questions graduate students can ask to secure a network and possibly, a dream job? 

Without further ado, here are some great questions to ask employers and really make a long-lasting impression. 

A Specific Open Position 

Don’t ask for an open role outright. Employers will easily tell that you didn’t do your homework. Plus you have no excuse because during virtual fairs, you have the luxury of being able to search online any available roles even as the fair is going on. Instead, do research beforehand or at the very least, discreetly check if there are any existing ones before asking the recruiter a more suitable question at the fair like:

“What specific traits they require from an ideal candidate of (a specific role)”. 

The Hiring Process 

It’s a simple question but most often don’t utilize it. Not only does this allow you to get valuable input directly from someone reliable so you can utilize it while job hunting, but it shows the recruiter that you are serious about being thoroughly prepared; you clearly are passionate about catering your application to their needs and not just using online search to find vague requirements. And ultimately, you never know—they could be so impressed they reach out to you a few months down the line to offer an open job to you first. Try questions like:

“What does the hiring process for (open role) look like?”

“Can you tell me more about each stage in the hiring process for (open role)?” 

The Recruiter’s Experience at the Company 

In order to join a company, you have to ensure if it is a good fit for you. After all, you don’t want to waste your time as well as a recruiter or company’s time. Hence, it will be beneficial to learn about its work culture and its proudest achievements through a reliable source such as a recruiter. Besides, the more personal you get, the more unforgettable you seem to them. Say something like:

“What do you personally think is the best quality about working at (company)?”

“What are some of the challenges you’ve faced at (company)?”

Growth and Evolution 

Something as simple as these example questions goes a long way in showing the recruiter you will be a dedicated and long lasting employee; you’re already thinking about your future working with them.

“What does development look like in (open role)”

“I believe that the workforce is always evolving. How does (company) upskill its employees to evolve with it?”

You can also take advantage of virtual fair formats by suggesting that the recruiter could share some links to where you can discover more personal testimonials from workers. Furthermore, this can send the message that you know your worth and you also care about how fellow professionals are being treated.

Services and Recent News 

While doing research on open positions to ask about, also take the time to read about their recent accomplishments and familiarize yourself with their services. For instance, they may have released a new product so it is a great opportunity to ask:

“I recently heard (news) and I am thrilled about it. How has it impacted employees and the company?” 

You can mention you did some readings of your own but you want to take advantage of virtual fair formats by asking the recruiter to share any links to news they’re most excited about.

Saying Goodbyes and Staying in Touch 

Wrap up your productive chat by collecting contacts (e.g. LinkedIn, email, etc.) so you can reach out afterward and ensure a long-lasting relationship. Say something like:

“What would be a great next step to take after meeting you here?”  

Also, after the fair, you could send a simple email thanking the recruiter for their time. It’s a good way to leave a positive impact as well as discreetly remind them that you’d like to stay connected and have further discussions because you find them interesting.  

Good luck and stay positive!  

Wellness Week

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Starting on April 19, we’ve got a great series of events dedicated to enhancing your wellbeing through creativity.

Join us to learn to make beautiful candles. Create you own masterpieces on canvas with our Paint Night or get into Bullet Journals and help organise your work.

It’s a fun way to relax and unwind after the stress of the term.[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”tribe_events” max_items=”” style=”pagination” element_width=”6″ gap=”10″ item=”21485″ initial_loading_animation=”” grid_id=”vc_gid:1618244683150-143502a7-217d-0″ taxonomies=”139″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

GSS Haiku Competition Spring 2021: Results

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Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter our Spring Haiku Competition. We were blown away by the quality and creativity of the responses. 

Our Theme was: Grad Students in Spring, and we had 5 awesome entries who will all be winning a prize for their creativity.

[/vc_column_text][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][dt_fancy_title title=”Our Winners” title_size=”h3″][ultimate_spacer height=”10″][dt_gallery_masonry bwb_columns=”desktop:2|h_tablet:4|v_tablet:3|phone:2″ image_border_radius=”0px” project_icon_border_width=”0px” include=”25068,25064,25063,25062,25061″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1617834754741{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

 

Name Program Poem Title
Alyssa MEd – Education for Sustainability Step Count
Davi PhD – Atmospheric Sciences Knock Knock
Emily PhD – Biomedical Engineering Immersed
Jonathan MSc – Computer Science Zoom
Hailee MEng – Mechanical Engineering Pokemon

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Graduate students call on federal government to utilize university residence isolation plans as an equitable alternative to mandatory hotel stay for arriving international students

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Eight graduate student societies and associations, representing 91,000 graduate students across Canada, are calling on the federal government to approve university-administered quarantine plans at university residences as an equitable alternative to 3-day mandatory hotel stay for arriving international students.[/vc_column_text][ultimate_spacer height=”15″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1615766077586{background-color: #008186 !important;}”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][ult_content_box bg_color=”#008186″ box_shadow=”horizontal:px|vertical:px|blur:px|spread:px|style:none|” hover_box_shadow=”horizontal:px|vertical:px|blur:px|spread:px|style:none|”][vc_column_text]

Read Graduate Students’ Joint Letter to the Federal Government 

[/vc_column_text][/ult_content_box][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_spacer height=”15″][vc_column_text]On February 21st, 2021, Canada introduced new restrictions on international travel requiring all travellers arriving in Canada to isolate in a federally-approved hotel for three days at their own expense. While restrictions on international travel to Canada are required to ensure safety and wellbeing of travellers and residents, we believe the unequitable barriers to entry to Canada must be mitigated for those that must enter the country for essential travel.

Graduate students are a group that must enter Canada to be able to partake in their studies, which is primarily research which takes place in research facilities on and around campuses.

As organizations advocating on behalf of graduate students, our priority is the health and safety of our respective student bodies and broader community. We believe university residences’ isolation programs are a safe, equitable and affordable alternative to mandatory 3-day hotel stay for international graduate students who must enter the country for their research and studies.[/vc_column_text][ultimate_spacer height=”15″][vc_column_text]“We believe there is an opportunity here to utilize university residence isolation programs as a safe and affordable alternative to mandatory hotel stay that will reduce costs for students and allow for greater utilization of hotel space for other arriving groups. Our university residences’ quarantine plans have proven to be safe and effective programs so far and we think approving them would be beneficial especially as we see universities start to re-open and more students arrive in Canada”.
– Alireza Kamyabi, Vice-President External Relations, Graduate Student Society of University of British Columbia Vancouver

“International graduate students are key contributors to the academic mission of Canadian universities, and we need to reduce travel-related barriers so they can begin or continue their studies here. Our universities’ federally-approved isolation packages are the ideal compromise between affordability, safety, and accessibility for these students.”
– Marc Waddingham, President, University of Alberta’s Graduate Student Association, gsa.president@ualberta.ca

“It’s already difficult for international students to adjust to a foreign country. In addition to that, incoming international students face high financial stress due to increased payments that are required to start a life in a new home country. Forcing students to also pay a minimum of $2,000 for a hotel room stay is creating more financial barriers for students, especially when universities are prepared to receive international students during the pandemic and have government approved quarantine plans in place.”
– Humaira Inam, President, University of Saskatchewan’s Graduate Students’ Association[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Read the letter to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Minister of Health

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GSS Haiku Competition Spring 2021

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Calling all poets and Haiku-enthusiasts! Spring is here and we’re feeling sentimental. Tell us about all your big grad student feels in tiny 5-7-5 haiku form, get some laughs, and maybe even win a prize!

Theme: Grad Students in Spring

Do you have a love for language? A preference for poetry? A hankering for haiku? Send us your silliest haiku poetry about springtime, your grad student experience, just whatever those big feels are! Submit your poetry for the chance to win a prize and the honour of having your poem displayed on our website and social media, plus the prestige, of course. How about something to start you off?

 

Title: Zoom Class Feels

Springtime poetry;

Open up about that time

You forgot to mute

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Criteria:

  • All UBC Vancouver Graduate students are invited to participate
  • Maximum 3 entries per person
  • The judges will be taking in consideration the following: creativity, humour and adherence to the 5-7-5 syllable haiku rule!
  • Entries can be in text or images of text in .jpeg or .png format
  • By submitting your photo to the contest, you agree that your content is original and not plagiarized; and as the author, you retain all rights to the creative material, and grant the GSS a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to display your poem in social media, marketing publications, on our website or elsewhere.
  • Please keep your poetry family-friendly!

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Submissions:

  • Submit your photo via Instagram DM (UBCGSS) or to vpstudents@gss.ubc.ca
  • Submissions must include your name, email, name of your program, poem title, and poem itself
  • Submissions close at noon on March 26, 2021

Prize: $25 gift card of your choice and a feature on GSS social media and newsletter!

 

*Winner will be contacted via email and posted on Social Media as well as the GSS Newsletter

 

Contact Us: If you have questions, please contact events@gss.ubc.ca or vpstudents@gss.ubc.ca

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Grad Life Through a Lens 2021

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Graduate student life is better when it’s shared with friends and peers. Grad Life through your Lens is a competition that is about sharing. Sharing the experiences of campus life with other graduate students by capturing one of the moments of beauty, humour or friendship that make up graduate student life. We want images that capture your experiences at UBC!

 


Theme: Graduate Student Impact

Do you have an image that captures the essence and impact of your graduate research/studies? This could show off the outcomes of research, the impact on individuals, or even the way graduate study affects you personally. Just be creative. Enter the 2021 GSS Graduate Impact Competition to win a prize , and the opportunity and prestige to see your image displayed on and off campus. This competition is open to all UBC-Vancouver graduate students in both thesis- and course-based programs.

Criteria:

  • All UBC Graduate students are invited to participate.
  • No more than 3 entries per person.
  • The judges will be taking in consideration the following: creativity, composition and relevance to the topic/theme.
  • Use common file formats (jpeg, gif, png, tiff) and a max. of 5 MB per photo. Make sure you retain a high-resolution copy of your photographs to ensure we can properly display them.
  • By submitting your photo to the contest, you must agree that you have permission to take the photo of the selected location, intellectual and/or artistic copyright, and individuals, and have their permission to enter the photo in this contest; and as the photographer, you retain copyright to the photo submitted, you grant the GSS a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to display your submitted images and use them in future marketing publications, on our website or elsewhere.
  • Judges reserve the right to exclude any photos that are deemed inappropriate and/or are a violation of Canadian Copyright laws.
  • Please do not submit photos of children unless there’s given consent.

Submissions:

  • Submit your photo via Instagram DM (UBCGSS) or to events@gss.ubc.ca
  • Submissions must include your name, title of the photo (description), location the photo was taken, and the name of your program.
  • Submissions close at noon on February 15th, 2021

Prize: photo displayed in the GSS Loft as well as website plus $100 Gift Card

*Winner will be announced via email and posted on Social Media as well as the GSS Newsletter

Contact Us: If you have questions, please contact events@gss.ubc.ca

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