Throughout the school year, we host a variety of academic workshops, social events, and panel discussions on a wide range of current events and social issues. These events are organized with the aim to develop stronger connections within the Sociology community and other departments on campus. We strive to create a space to think openly, collaboratively, and critically about current events that are relevant to us as global citizens, residents of Canada, and members of the UBC community. We will discuss different perspectives, share food, connect with faculty and students of different levels, all while creating an interdisciplinary community. Students from all disciplines and departments at UBC are welcome and encouraged to join us!
In the past, we’ve held the following events:
Social
ANSO Gala
Take a break from writing your papers, throw on some nice clothes, and celebrate with your friends and peers for completing one more year in your sociology degree. In collaboration with the Anthropology Students’ Association, join us for a dazzling night featuring delicious food, professional photobooth opportunities, and live entertainment to dance the night away. Whether it’s your first or last year, you all have something to celebrate!
Annual Talk Sociology Networking Night
Students are invited to take part in an evening of connecting with alumni, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students in a relaxed environment. Learn more about where your Sociology degree can take you – this may range from learning about graduate school to different careers after graduation.
Annual BBQs
At the beginning of each school year in September, the SSA welcomes students with a BBQ and mingling event. In addition, at the end of the year, we host a BBQ in April to unveil the newly elected SSA team for the next year and give out informal awards.
Graduation Reception
Every November and May, the SSA collaborates with the Department of Sociology to provide a celebration with cake and food and balloons for graduating Sociology students in ANSO.
Academic
Big Talk Event Series
We usually choose a topic broad enough to create a panel including at least one professor from our department, someone from a different academic background, and an undergraduate student. Discussions usually last for about an hour followed by another half-hour of munching and mingling.
Past topics have included: Truth and Reconciliation Commission 2013, Unpacking Valentine’s Day, Romance, and Heteronormativity, Mental Health and Illness on UBC Campus, Unpacking Professional Development Programs on Campus, Cultural Appropriation and Halloween Costumes, and Rape Culture on University Campuses in collaboration with the Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC).
Honours Info Sessions and Sociology Outside the Classroom
Every year, we try to create an opportunity for students to learn more about the department’s Honours program. We usually bring the Honours program chair, and several honours students to the discussion so students can learn more about how to apply and what the program entails.
We also create an information session and discussion with relevant faculty, instructors, and past student participants of sociology programs outside the classroom, such as Urban Ethnographic Field School, Exchange, Student Directed Seminars, and International Service Learning.
Affiliate Events and Opportunities
The SSA does not directly organize these opportunities for undergraduate students, however we work closely with faculty and graduate students in the Department of Sociology who are responsible for the following offerings. As with all events, you can usually stay up to date on these through the UBC undergraduate emailing system or by liking us on Facebook.
Mentorship Program
Graduate students have organized a mentorship program in the past available for senior undergraduates wanting professional development, career advice, or help with applying to graduate programs. This program may or may not be offered every year. Please email soci.mentorship@gmail.com to inquire.
Graduate School Application Workshops
These workshops, held bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 3pm on Zoom, provide students support with the application process for graduate schools. This is an initiative of the Department of Sociology, however, if you have any questions about this, please feel free to get in touch with the SSA or the undergraduate chair of Sociology, Kerry Greer. Please visit our Facebook page for updates or here for resources.