The Graduate Student Society (GSS) of UBC Vancouver is an organization dedicated to representing and advocating for the interests of over 10,000 graduate students at UBC.

As the GSS president and a fellow Ph.D. student, I want to assure you that our primary focus is on serving and advocating for all graduate students.

The GSS is led by an executive team composed of elected graduate students who work collaboratively to address the academic, social, financial, professional and recreational needs of our graduate student community.

Working alongside the GSS Council, committees and staff, our executive team strives to connect graduate students with the university and the provincial and federal governments. We are an organization run by graduate students, working for graduate students.

One of the crucial services we offer is Peer Support, a resource where fellow graduate students can access information, resources and confidential assistance for a range of challenges including housing, personal issues, funding, debt, academics and supervision. Our dedicated peer support specialists can be reached at advocacy@gss.ubc.ca.

In addition to our strong focus on academic support, the GSS provides a wide array of programs, events and classes aimed at enriching the lives of graduate students on and off campus. In the past year, these have included French and Mandarin classes, a softball league, fitness classes, board game and movie nights, hikes and professional development events.

This fall, we are thrilled to announce the opening of the Graduate Life Center (GLC) located near the Rose Garden, in Thea Koerner House. The GLC has been in development for over five years and is designed to provide formal and informal spaces for studying, relaxation, social events, seminars and conferences.

If you are passionate about enhancing the graduate student experience at UBC, I encourage you to get involved with the GSS. Whether by joining our team or participating in various committees, your ideas and initiatives directly contribute to the success of our society. For more information, please visit our website at gss.ubc.ca. or email aa@gss.ubc.ca.

I invite you to seize the opportunities available through the GSS to fulfill your potential and achieve your personal and professional goals during your time at UBC. Welcome to the GSS, and may you enjoy a fulfilling journey at UBC!

Best regards,

Sam Kenston