Graduate Student Resources

Graduate studies aren't always sunshine and rainbows - that's normal! There are a wide variety of resources available to EOAS and UBC graduate students to help you navigate problems as they arise.

If you aren't finding the help you need, or just don't know where to start after reading this page, feel free to reach out to the Graduate Council. We're all students too - we get it - and we're here to make sure your experience is a positive one.

Lots of resources are linked on the EOAS Department website. Check it out here for questions about:

  • Safety in the workplace

  • Supervisory Committees

  • PhD Candidacy

  • MSc and PhD Defenses (the when, where, what, how, and after)

This link will also take you to the Graduate Student Handbook - a document put together by grad students for grad students in EOAS.


Looking for a form? Click here for the Departmental page about forms.


Have a conflict?

Tackling conflict as a graduate student can be challenging, whether it's with a supervisor, peer, or another member of the department. UBC offers confidential and impartial advocacy and conflict resolution services (Ombuds) for all students. Click here to learn more.


Still not sure what your options are? Never heard of an Ombudsperson? Read below to find out what they can help you with:


The Ombudsperson office:

  • provides general resource information and makes appropriate referrals;

  • identifies and explains relevant university processes and policies;

  • facilitates discussions and uses informal channels to seek resolution;

  • works with students to plan strategies and explore options on how best to proceed;

  • provides advice, support and training to faculty and staff who deal with students; and

  • works to improve systems and develop best practices and procedures.

They can:

  • Identify and explain relevant UBC policies and procedures

  • Explore options on how best to proceed and make effective referrals

  • Provide guidance to help plan strategies

  • Clarify goals and promote problem-solving

  • Empower students to deal directly and effectively with their concerns

  • Facilitate discussions and use informal channels to seek resolution

  • Give sound, practice advice

  • Listen and provide an objective perspective

They cannot:

  • Decide who is right or wrong

  • Take sides

  • Receive complaints unrelated to the university

  • Provide legal advice or counselling services

  • Advocate for an individual case

  • Compel actions or overturn decisions