President’s Welcome Letter 2025

Emily Tang, GSS President 2025

Dear Graduate Students,
 
We are delighted you have chosen to study at UBC – a place known for its vibrant community and incredible diversity. Whether you’re a Vancouver local or an international student, fresh out of college or returning as a mature student, there is a place for you here. The Graduate Student Society (GSS) will be your home away from home, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
The GSS offers a wide variety of events throughout the year, including:
 

• Networking sessions

• Comedy nights (because we all need a good laugh after exams and thesis writing!)

• Puppy yoga (come show off those downward dogs)

• Painting nights

• Subsidized tickets for concerts, soccer games, and ski trips (typical Vancouverite activities, amirite?)

• Game nights (maybe a meet-cute with an enemies-to-lovers trope, who knows?)

• Family Day at Acadia Park

• Grad Orientation Afterparty at Koerner’s Pub – August 28, 6-9 PM
(You should definitely come – it’s a great time. Who knows? You might even meet the love of your life. It’s happened before – true story!)

We also offer GSS Financial Aid (GSFA) – because we understand how tough life can get—and we advocate for:
 
• Increased graduate student funding
• Parental leave tuition pauses
• Support in supervisory relationships
• Housing security
 
…and so much more!
 
I’m really looking forward to meeting you all around campus. If you need anything – or if you’re interested in getting involved with the GSS – feel free to reach out to me at president@gss.ubc.ca.
As the UBC slogan puts it best:
 
Tuum est – It is yours (to slay)!
 
Warmly,
Emily Tang
President, Graduate Student Society of UBC Vancouver
University of British Columbia

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Upcoming Events

Wed Oct 14, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PDT
Wed Oct 14, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PDT
Graduate Life Centre (Graduate Student Society - UBC Vancouver)