On Monday, September 14, 2015 the GSS Executive met with interim UBC President Dr. Martha Piper to discuss ongoing initiatives like minimum funding for graduate students, scholarships, graduate student wellbeing and the new GSS ad hoc committee on harassment and discrimination.
Dr. Piper agreed with the GSS that regular meetings, twice per academic term, are best practice to keep the President’s Office apprised of graduate student concerns and allow for an ongoing productive dialogue.
The GSS looks forward to building a constructive relationship with the UBC President’s Office. Should you have any graduate-related issues, your department’s representative who sits as a GSS Councillor and your GSS Student Executive would love to hear from you!
GSS Recommends Reforms to UBC’s Board of Governors
Earlier this month, the GSS addressed an open letter to Acting Board Chair Alice Laberge articulating the concerns of graduate students regarding the lack of transparency in the functioning of UBC’s Board of Governors.
The letter also addresses the Board’s lack of communication and direct interaction with the Graduate Student Society, along with recommendations of reforms to increase the level of transparency.
In response to the open letter, the GSS has received an invitation to present to the Governance Committee regarding the suggested changes.
Read the press coverage in The Ubyssey and The Georgia Straight.
GSS Catchup
Get Out The Vote and do your part in the 2015 Canadian Federal Election:
- Pledge to vote online or text YES to 604-265-4706
- Volunteer with our “Get Out The Vote” campaign to engage and encourage fellow graduate students to vote
- Vote at your local voting station on October 19
Next GSS Council Meeting
Thu., Sept 17, 5:30pm, GSS Ballroom
Open to all graduate students. Key discussion items:
- “Changes to Credit Card Payments” presentation by Andrew Simpson, UBC VP Finance, and Ian Burgess, UBC Comptroller
- “Board of Governors” presentation by Veronica Knott and Julie Van de Valk, student members on the Board of Governors
- Seating graduate representatives to AMS Council & Faculty of Graduate Studies Graduate Council
- Policy Manual updates on Executive Spending Policy & Employee Guidelines
Orientation Recap
On Sept. 3 & 4, the GSS welcomed 600+ new graduate students to UBC with pancake breakfast, mini workshops, campus tours and more. Thank you to the GSS team, Faculty of Graduate Studies, volunteers, and new students for making the Orientation a success!
Did you snap a snazzy photo with our Instagram frame at the Fall Orientation?
- Tag yourself on Facebook
- Share your photo on your favourite social media accounts with hashtag #ubcgss
- Download your photo in original resolution on Flickr
GSS Programs & Events
GSS Lip Sync Battle
Tue., Oct. 20, 2015, 7-10:30pm, Biltmore Cabaret
Got the grooves? Sign up to compete as an individual, a duo or group. Faculty and staff welcome. Sign up by Oct. 7, 2015.
| Recreational Classes
French: Beginner 101
or Intermediate 102
Mondays, Sept. 28 – Dec. 7, 2015
Thea Koerner House
Beginner 101: 4-5:30pm; Intermediate 102: 2:30-4pm
Parlez-vous francais? Non? Want to? Take a class and master the French language.
Yoga
Mondays, Sept. 28 – Dec. 7, 2015
Thea Koerner House
Yoga class is back and is open to yogis of all levels!
Skating: Learn to Skate
or Figure Skating
Fridays, Oct. 9 – Nov. 20, 2015, 12-1pm
Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
Glide along for a fun approach to learning how to skate for adults. |
Social Events
Fall Family Fun @ Acadia Park
Sun., Sept. 20, 2015, 2-6pm
Acadia Park Playground
Meet other families at UBC while the kids have fun with inflatable games, face painting, kids movies on a big screen and more! Hosted by your GSS.
Hiking: Bowen Lookout
Sat., Oct. 3, 8:30am-3pm
Cypress Mountain
Join us in the quest to Bowen Lookout on Cypress Mountain for one of the best views of Howe Sound.
GSS Kicks it With the Whitecaps
Wed., Oct. 7, 2015, 7pm
BC Place
Cheer on the local Whitecaps as they battle for top standings for the Western Conference. |
“You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breath, trust, let go and see what happens.”
― Mandy Hale
