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