Want more specific resources or information? Email us at medg.gsa@ubc.ca.
STUDENT-RUN ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL GROUPS
BCCHR Trainee Omics Group (TOG)
The Trainee Omics Groups (TOG) is based at the BCCHR, where this data analysis support group aims to guide trainees through their research analysis methodology. They hold monthly Open Help Sessions, as well as numerous beginner and intermediate Workshops and Tutorials.
Email: traineeomicsgroup@gmail.com
Slack Link
Bioinformatics Support Group (BSG)
The BSG is a UBC-wide trainee group holding weekly work in progress (WIP) meetings, where you can share your data analysis and ask for feedback. The Slack is quite active, with students sharing and discussing their problems/roadblocks with the rest of the members.
Slack Link
GrasPods
Email / Mailing List: graspodsexec@bccrc.ca
UBC ORGANIZATIONS
The UBC Library has a number of grad research-focused resources, as well as several extremely helpful introductory and intermediate workshops on research practices, introductions to programming languages, and data management
UBC Library Resources
UBC Library Workshops and Events
UBC Graduate Studies
UBC Graduate + Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS)
UBC’s Graduate Student Society (GSS) is a UBC-wide organization focused on supporting and improving graduate life.
“The Graduate Student Society of UBC Vancouver represents and advocates on behalf of all UBC Graduate Students to the University, the Government, and the public. We provide academic, professional, social, and recreational services to our members.“
UBC’s Centre for Accessibility
Keep Learning UBC: To help navigate learning during COVID-19
UBC Academic Advising
AMS Tutoring
STUDENT RIGHTS
Bullying and Harassment prevention at UBC:
Information for faculty, students and staff on definitions, guidelines, reporting procedures, campus partners etc.
Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office
UBC’s academic freedom policies
UBC Employment Equity Resources
Canvas course on Hiring Equity
Faculty of Medicine Mistreatment Report page: Students can report mistreat here anonymously, confidentially, or as a third party
STUDENT ADVOCACY
AMS Advocacy Office: The AMS Advocacy Office exclusively does pro-student guidance and representation. They’ll help you out if you’re having any kind of formal conflict with the university. Most commonly, students looking to resolve academic disputes, appeal student fees, or navigate a discipline case, will seek guidance and assistance from the Advocacy Office. Tel: 604.822.9855 Email: advocate@ams.ubc.ca
AMS Ombuds Office: The AMS Ombuds Office is an independent, impartial body for conflict resolution and confidential service. If you’re not sure how to approach a problem you’re having with the AMS, the AMS Ombudsperson can help you. Tel: 604.822.4846 Email: ombudsperson@ams.ubc.ca
Graduate Students Advocacy: The Advocacy Coordinators at the GSS are graduate students who provide confidential assistance to any graduate student experiencing difficulties with their supervisors, advisors, program, faculty or the University. They ensure your concerns are heard and that you are treated fairly. The office also provides students with information about their rights and responsibilities, and works with students to help resolve disputes. Email: advocacy@gss.ubc.ca
Office of the Ombudsperson for Students:
The Office of the Ombudsperson for Students works with UBC community members to ensure students are treated fairly and can learn, work and live in a fair, equitable and respectful environment. Reporting directly to the President, the office is an independent, impartial and confidential resource for students at UBC, jointly funded by the AMS, GSS and UBC. Tel: 604.822.6149 Email: ombuds.office@ubc.ca
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
UBC’s AMS/GSS Extended Health and Dental Plan: All graduate students at UBC are automatically enrolled in this health insurance plan. You can get upto $1,000 of therapy covered per year, as well.
Health Insurance for domestic students
Health Insurance for international students – International students are covered by iMED insurance for the first three months of your arrival in Canada. You MUST register for the BC Medical Services Plan – International Student Fee as soon as you land in Canada (your MSP coverage will start 2 months from when you register).
GSS Peer Support
AMS Peer Support
UBC’s Wellness Centre: Connect with trained students to navigate campus services and learn more about health topics and wellness resources
UBC Counselling
UBC Student Assistant Program (SAP): A “free, 24/7 wellness resource for students. Services include personal counselling, life coaching, group programs and more based on your needs.”
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Student general health/mental health support
Student counselling supports: UBC Counselling services Tel: 604.822.3811 (M-F 8:30pm-4:30pm), Campuslightbox.com: Student created website, mental health resource repository for campus wide services
Helping Staff and Faculty in Distress resource
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Equity and Inclusion Office – UBC: They can assist with Human Rights Advising, Conflict Engagement Advising, Training and Education resources, and Consultation Services
EDI in Research course: This course is created to support the application of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within research activities across all disciplines.
Contact info:
o Phone: 604 827 1773 (M-F 8:30AM to 4:30PM)
o Room 2306, 1874 East Mall, Brock Hall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
o info@equity.ubc.ca (general inquires)
o helene.fd@ubc.ca (2SLGBTQ+ inquiries)
For support outside our office hours: CRISIS CENTRE: Confidential, non-judgmental, free emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Available 24/7 and in over 140 languages. Greater Vancouver: 604-872-3311 BC-wide: 1-800-784-2433
Inclusion Action Plan – Equity & Inclusion Office
EDI Canvas Courses:
Identity Matters: The Identity Matters asynchronous module is part of the Anti-Racist Teaching Series Canvas site. Once self-enrolled in this course, you can navigate directly to the Identity Matters module.
Microaggressions in the Classroom – UBC PDF resource
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Teaching and Learning
Community Building Education
FINANCE
UBC’s Enrollment Service Advisor: For any questions regarding your finances
UBC Tax Assistance Clinic (TACS): File your taxes for free through this UBC volunteer-run organization.
INTERNATIONAL AND OUT OF PROVINCE STUDENTS
All of your Canadian documents (study permit, temporary resident visa [TRV], health insurance, social insurance number [SIN]) are linked to your passport expiry date.
UBC’s International Student Advising
Passport Renewal
Study Permit extension
TRV application
Social Insurance Number: Apply for your SIN as soon as you land in Canada to be able to receive your stipend payments via UBC payroll.
Health Insurance – International students are covered by iMED insurance for the first three months of your arrival in Canada. You MUST register for the BC Medical Services Plan – International Student Health Fee as soon as you land in Canada (your MSP coverage will start 2 months from when you register). The International Student Health Fee is $75/month.
UBC Tax Assistance Clinic (TACS): You have to file your taxes at the start of every year for the previous year regardless of whether you have a work-permit. All required documents will be made available automatically through your SSC account around mid-February. These include your T4A (stipend and scholarship tax slips) and T2202 (tuition and enrolment certificate) – if you are employed elsewhere (part-time job, TAship), ask your your T4 (employment slip).
Driver Licence (ICBC): If you are a full time UBC student with a valid licence from another country/province you do not need to switch over to British Columbia licence. You have 90 days to switch over to the British Columbia driver licence after graduation if your permanent residence is now in British Columbia and you wish to stay here after graduation. If you are bringing your vehicle over from out of province or country make sure to get the appropriate insurance in advance! You need to register, license and insure the vehicle within 30 days of arriving, even if you are a student.
Housing: Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to get an idea of the average rent (varies according to location and number of people in your household). The greater Vancouver area has a number of local community groups for gifting/receiving household items, supplies, and furniture from your neighbours free! Some students have been able to furnish entire apartments by asking in their local group. Search for your local Buy Nothing project page on Facebook by searching ‘Buy Nothing [neighbourhood/community you reside in].
Utilities (heat and electric) vary by consumption month-to-month year-round.
Water is free to use in the city of Vancouver (does not include the neighbouring cities of Burnaby, Richmond, or Surrey).
WiFi plans start at $60/month
Phone plans start at $50/month
Medical Genetics Graduate Student Association 