Student Newsletter

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ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter February 03, 2025

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Film Screening & Discussion: Stalker (1979) by Andrei Tarkovsky
Join the Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program for a special screening of Stalker, a cinematic journey through the mysterious “Zone.” This philosophical masterpiece explores faith, knowledge, and human desire. Discussion led by Dr. Steven Taubeneck & Dr. Barbara Weber. Don’t miss this thought-provoking experience!
Date - Feb. 20, 2025 | Time  1–5 PM | Location- PCN 1009

Graduate Life Centre
The renovations to the first floor of Thea Koerner House, now home to the Graduate Life Centre (GLC) are now complete. The space is open during the week (Mo-Th 9am-9pm, Fr 9am-5pm, no weekend access), accessible with your graduate student card.

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

2025 EnviroCon conference
Western University’s Centre for Environment and Sustainability invites graduate and undergraduate students to submit abstracts for oral research presentations for the 2025 EnviroCon conference. Lightning talks (3 minutes) and regular talks (12 minutes) are available. Undergraduate and master's students will be prioritized for lightning talks.

EnviroCon is an annual interdisciplinary conference organized by the Centre for Environment and Sustainability. This year’s theme will be Sharing Environmental Knowledge, emphasizing making sustainability knowledge(s) accessible for all. We welcome students from all departments with research connected to the environment and sustainability. The conference will take place at Western on March 21, 2025. There is no registration fee associated with this event and a free lunch is included with registration. To submit an abstract (max 300 words), please use our abstract submission form. Questions can be directed to envirocon2025@gmail.com
Submission Deadline: February 14, 2025 @ 5:00 pm EST   | Successful applicants will be notified by February 28, 2025

Grad Update

Key Messaging: Effectively Articulating the Why's and How's of your Research
Online | Tuesday, Feb 11 | 10 - 11:30 am

Faculty Panel: Communicating Research to the Public
Online | Friday, Feb 14 | 10 - 11:15 am

Waiting for Motivation? Do this Instead!
Online Staying on Track in Grad School Series | Tuesday, Feb 4 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Introduction to Visual Thinking, Graphic Facilitation, and Graphic Recording
In-person | Thursday & Friday, Feb 20 & 21 | 9 am - 4 pm | $1500

Walking for Joy
Annual 9-week walking and rolling challenge that strives to promote regular physical activity in social settings | Learn more and register to join a UBC Rec walk or join this graduate student walk.

Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs)
Online | Monday, Feb 10 | 10 - 11:30 am

Love Data Week
Online | Feb 10 - 14 | This year’s events are all linked to Abacus, a data repository collaboration involving libraries at SFU, UBC, UNBC and UVic. Sessions include:

  • Introduction to the Abacus Data Repository
    Monday, Feb 10 | 11 am - 12 pm | Register
  • Mapping the Environment: Wrangling, Plotting, and Analyzing Spatial Environmental Data in R
    Tuesday, Feb 11 | 1:30 - 2:30 pm | Register
  • Effects of Trades Deregulation on Labour Supply: The Case of Compulsory Trades Certification in British Columbia using Labour Force Survey Data | Wednesday, Feb 12 | 11 am - 12 pm | Register
  • R Showcase: Statistics Canada Microdata in R
    Thursday, Feb 13 | 10 - 11 am | Register
  • Accessing the Abacus API with R
    Friday, Feb 14 | 10 - 11:30 am | Register

Tools and Workflows in QGIS
Online | Wednesday, Feb 12 | 1 - 3 pm

Graduate Instructional Skills Workshop
In-person | Mar 15, 22 & 23 | 9 am - 5:30 pm Apply by Mar 12.
Check out other upcoming ISWs

Verbs for Citations: Moving From Paraphrase to Summary
Hybrid | Wednesday, Feb 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Speaking as a Scholar: Telling Your Research Story
In-person | Thursday, Feb 13 | 12:30 - 12 pm

14 Day Writing Challenge
Online | Feb 24 – Mar 9 | experiment with daily writing, online community, and supportive accountability
Join ncfdd through UBC's subscription, then register by Feb 14.

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Feb 11 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Feb 12 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Graduate Instructional Skills Workshop
In-person | Saturdays, Feb 22, Mar 1 & 8 | 9 am - 5:30 pm Apply by Feb 19
Check out other upcoming ISWs.

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Sankofa and UBC: A Panel Discussion
Black History Month event featuring Dr. Ainsley Carry, Rohene Bouajram, Stephanie Awotwi-Pratt, and Ike Ibegugwu
Online | Thursday, Feb 6 | 2 - 3 pm

Research Mingling: Connect, Collaborate, and Celebrate!
Join the GSS for interdisciplinary research exchanges and peer connection.
In-person | Thursday, Feb 12 | 4 - 6 pm

(De)mystifying Gender+ in Research Workshop Series
In-person 6-week program | Thursdays Feb 13 - Mar 27 | 12 - 1 pm (+ opt 30)
Interdisciplinary, inter-year, and intersectional series to discuss ideas and practices of gender+ research and to build community and connection.

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

Career

GSS Elections: Paid Executive Positions
Submit your nomination for one of four open positions: President, VP External Relations, VP Students, or VP University and Academic Affairs
Learn more and submit by Feb 27.

Arts Amplifier Networking Week
Online info interviews with professionals | Tuesday & Wednesday Feb 18 & 19
Online preparatory workshop | Wednesday, Feb 12 | 1:30pm ~ 2:30pm
Learn more and register by Feb 10.

Writing Your Cover Letter for the Academic Job Market
Online | Feb 13 | 11 am – 12 pm

KxM Research to Impact Fellowship Program
Immersive seven-week training program that equips UBC graduate students & postdoctoral fellows with practical, marketable skills to support careers focused on Knowledge Exchange & Mobilization (KxM)
In-person and asynchronous | May 5 - Jun 20
Learn more and apply by Feb 18

Sustainability Scholars Program, Summer 2025
Paid, part-time internships, May 1 - Aug 15. Learn more and apply by Jan 26

Recordings: National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Check out the recordings from the sessions listed below:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace

The Future of (Your) Scholarship

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter January 26, 2025

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Graduate Life Centre
The renovations to the first floor of Thea Koerner House, now home to the Graduate Life Centre (GLC) are now complete. The space is open during the week (Mo-Th 9am-9pm, Fr 9am-5pm, no weekend access), accessible with your graduate student card.

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

2025 EnviroCon conference
Western University’s Centre for Environment and Sustainability invites graduate and undergraduate students to submit abstracts for oral research presentations for the 2025 EnviroCon conference. Lightning talks (3 minutes) and regular talks (12 minutes) are available. Undergraduate and master's students will be prioritized for lightning talks.

EnviroCon is an annual interdisciplinary conference organized by the Centre for Environment and Sustainability. This year’s theme will be Sharing Environmental Knowledge, emphasizing making sustainability knowledge(s) accessible for all. We welcome students from all departments with research connected to the environment and sustainability. The conference will take place at Western on March 21, 2025. There is no registration fee associated with this event and a free lunch is included with registration. To submit an abstract (max 300 words), please use our abstract submission form. Questions can be directed to envirocon2025@gmail.com
Submission Deadline: February 14, 2025 @ 5:00 pm EST   | Successful applicants will be notified by February 28, 2025

Grad Update

Organizational Habits and Keys to Consistency
Online Staying on Track in Grad School Series | Tuesday, Jan 28 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register

Thriving, Not Just Surviving: The Power of Psychological Safety
Online | Thursday, Jan 30 | 11 am - 12 pm Register

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Jan 28 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 30 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Intro to Machine Learning: Classification and Clustering
Online | Monday, Jan 27 | 10 am - 12 pm Register

Data Bites - Best Practices for Organizing File Directories
Online | Tuesday, Jan 28 | 12:30 - 1 pm Register

Beginner R Part 2
Online | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 10 - 11 am Register

Approaches to Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Classroom
Online | Thursday, Jan 30 | 10:30 am - 12 pm Register

Inclusive Teaching: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning
Online | Thursday, Jan 30 | 10:30 am - 12 pm Register

Writing an Annotated Bibliography: Synthesizing Multiple Studies
Hybrid | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 10 - 11:30 am Register

Introduction to Visual Thinking, Graphic Facilitation, and Graphic Recording
In-person | Thursday & Friday, Feb 20 & 21 | 9 am - 4 pm | $1500 Register

Writing Consultations
Doctoral Writing Consultants support student writers across many writing situations: academic, creative, professional, and technical. Consultations are voluntary, anonymous, independent, and free.
In-person or written feedback | various days, times & locations | Jan 27 - Apr 11 Learn more

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 23 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Inclusive Teaching: What is it and Why does it Matter?
Online | Jan 21 - Feb 4 | This lightly facilitated asynchronous course is for anyone who teaches at UBC and who is looking for an introduction to inclusive teaching practices.

Graduate Instructional Skills Workshop
In-person | Saturdays, Feb 22, Mar 1 & 8 | 9 am - 5:30 pm Apply by Feb 19
Check out other upcoming ISWs.

Research Mentor Training
Online | Jan 28 - Feb 25 | This intensive 5-week seminar meets on Tuesdays from 11:30 am - 1 pm | Cap 20.

Mindset to Mastery: The Inclusive Teaching Course
Online | Jan 30 - Mar 20 | This 8-week course meets on Thursdays from 8 - 9:30 am | Cap 25.

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Turning Your Research Interests into a Fundable Project
Online, for Arts grad students | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 11 am - 12 pm Register

Choosing a Citation Management Tool
Online | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register

Governance & Relationality in Indigenous Fisheries
In-person course on Haida Gwaii | May 5 - 16
Learn more and apply by Jan 31

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

CTLT TA Institute
Online and in-person | Jan 13 - 16 | various times | Session details & Registration. Sessions include:

  • Establishing a Positive TA Experience Working with Faculty Members: Dos and Don’ts
  • Facilitating Discussions
  • Marking, Assessment, and Feedback as a TA
  • AI in Teaching and Learning Spaces
  • Active Learning and Inclusion: Using Student Gender, English as an Additional Language, and Neurodivergence Case Studies
  • TA’ing a Community Engaged Learning Course: Exploring Roles, Tension Points and Opportunities for Professional Development
  • Leveraging TAship for Future Career & Self-Advocacy, Negotiation, and Boundaries
  • Developing a Classroom Community
  • Learn About Your Rights as a TA: Intro to TA Union
  • Social Class in Our Classrooms
  • Effective Use of the UBC Early Alert System

and Designing High Impact Experiential Learning

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

Career

Employer on Campus: Industrial Light & Magic
In-person | Thursday, Jan 30 | 5:15 - 7 pm Register

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career". Learning objectives include identifying transferable competencies for a non-academic career path and interviews
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

KxM Research to Impact Fellowship Program
Immersive seven-week training program that equips UBC graduate students & postdoctoral fellows with practical, marketable skills to support careers focused on Knowledge Exchange & Mobilization (KxM)
In-person and asynchronous | May 5 - Jun 20
Learn more and apply by Feb 18

Sustainability Scholars Program, Summer 2025
Paid, part-time internships, May 1 - Aug 15. Learn more and apply by Jan 26

Recordings: National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Check out the recordings from the sessions listed below:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace

The Future of (Your) Scholarship

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter January 20, 2025

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Graduate Life Centre
The renovations to the first floor of Thea Koerner House, now home to the Graduate Life Centre (GLC) are now complete. The space is open during the week (Mo-Th 9am-9pm, Fr 9am-5pm, no weekend access), accessible with your graduate student card.

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

2025 EnviroCon conference
Western University’s Centre for Environment and Sustainability invites graduate and undergraduate students to submit abstracts for oral research presentations for the 2025 EnviroCon conference. Lightning talks (3 minutes) and regular talks (12 minutes) are available. Undergraduate and master's students will be prioritized for lightning talks.

EnviroCon is an annual interdisciplinary conference organized by the Centre for Environment and Sustainability. This year’s theme will be Sharing Environmental Knowledge, emphasizing making sustainability knowledge(s) accessible for all. We welcome students from all departments with research connected to the environment and sustainability. The conference will take place at Western on March 21, 2025. There is no registration fee associated with this event and a free lunch is included with registration. To submit an abstract (max 300 words), please use our abstract submission form. Questions can be directed to envirocon2025@gmail.com
Submission Deadline: February 14, 2025 @ 5:00 pm EST   | Successful applicants will be notified by February 28, 2025

Grad Update

Organizational Habits and Keys to Consistency
Online Staying on Track in Grad School Series | Tuesday, Jan 28 | 12 - 1:30 pm

Register

Thriving, Not Just Surviving: The Power of Psychological Safety
Online | Thursday, Jan 30 | 11 am - 12 pm

Register

Using Visual Thinking to Communicate the Essence of Graduate Students' Research
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 10 am - 12 pm Register

Job Search Strategies – Telling Your Story
Online | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 10 - 11 am Register

Doctoral Defence: Doctoral Examination and Defence Procedures
Online | Thursday, Jan 23 | 2 - 3:15 pm Register

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Jan 28 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 30 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Intro to Machine Learning: Classification and Clustering
Online | Monday, Jan 27 | 10 am - 12 pm Register

Data Bites - Best Practices for Organizing File Directories
Online | Tuesday, Jan 28 | 12:30 - 1 pm Register

Beginner R Part 2
Online | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 10 - 11 am Register

Approaches to Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing in the Classroom
Online | Thursday, Jan 30 | 10:30 am - 12 pm Register

Inclusive Teaching: Introduction to Universal Design for Learning
Online | Thursday, Jan 30 | 10:30 am - 12 pm Register

Writing an Annotated Bibliography: Synthesizing Multiple Studies
Hybrid | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 10 - 11:30 am Register

Introduction to Visual Thinking, Graphic Facilitation, and Graphic Recording
In-person | Thursday & Friday, Feb 20 & 21 | 9 am - 4 pm | $1500 Register

Writing Consultations
Doctoral Writing Consultants support student writers across many writing situations: academic, creative, professional, and technical. Consultations are voluntary, anonymous, independent, and free.
In-person or written feedback | various days, times & locations | Jan 27 - Apr 11 Learn more

Job Search Strategies – Telling Your Story
Online | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 10 - 11 am

Doctoral Defence: Doctoral Examination and Defence Procedures
Online | Thursday, Jan 23 | 2 - 3:15 pm

Using Visual Thinking to Communicate the Essence of Graduate Students' Research
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 10 am - 12 pm

Mindfulness Meditation
In-person @ Brock Hall room 2001
Mondays Jan 20 - Mar 30 | 12:05 - 12:50 pm | Free drop-in group

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 23 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Introduction to Machine Learning: Regression Models
Online | Monday, Jan 20 | 10 am - 12 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Creating a README file
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Beginner R Part 1
Online | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 10 - 11 am

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
This workshop will be facilitated across two sessions. Session 1 online on project design; Session 2 practice skills learned on day one in person. Non-geospatial experts are welcome, especially those interested in spatial approaches to humanities research and data.
Part 1 | Online | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 1 - 3 pm Register
Part 2 | In-person | Thursday, Jan 23 | 1 - 3 pm Register

CTLT TA Institute
Online and in-person | Jan 13 - 16 | various times | workshops are organized into 3 themes: Fundamentals of TAship, Exploring and Supporting Inclusivity, Equity, Accessibility and Wellness, and Experiential and Transformative Learning | See the full schedule and register.

Inclusive Teaching: What is it and Why does it Matter?
Online | Jan 21 - Feb 4 | This lightly facilitated asynchronous course is for anyone who teaches at UBC and who is looking for an introduction to inclusive teaching practices.

Graduate Instructional Skills Workshop
In-person | Saturdays, Feb 22, Mar 1 & 8 | 9 am - 5:30 pm Apply by Feb 19
Check out other upcoming ISWs.

Research Mentor Training
Online | Jan 28 - Feb 25 | This intensive 5-week seminar meets on Tuesdays from 11:30 am - 1 pm | Cap 20.

Mindset to Mastery: The Inclusive Teaching Course
Online | Jan 30 - Mar 20 | This 8-week course meets on Thursdays from 8 - 9:30 am | Cap 25.

Common Academic Expressions in English: Making Connections
Hybrid | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 10 - 11:30 am

Introduction to Spatial Data in R
Online | Monday & Tuesday, Jan 13 & 14 | 10 - 11 am

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Tuesday, Jan 14 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Using Visual Thinking to Communicate the Essence of Graduate Students' Research
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 10 am - 12 pm

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Turning Your Research Interests into a Fundable Project
Online, for Arts grad students | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 11 am - 12 pm Register

Choosing a Citation Management Tool
Online | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register

Governance & Relationality in Indigenous Fisheries
In-person course on Haida Gwaii | May 5 - 16
Learn more and apply by Jan 31

Graduate Student Orientation to UBC Library
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 1 - 1:45 pm Register
In-person | Friday, Jan 24 | 1 - 1:45 pm Register

Creating and Managing Your Academic Profile - Profile Tools
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 11 am - 12 pm

Graduate Student Orientation to UBC Library
Are you new to UBC or want a refresher ? Join to learn about the many resources and services UBC Library has for grad students (library spaces and services, resources specific to your discipline) and how to effectively use UBC library so you can save time later!
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 1 - 1:45 pm Register
In-person | Friday, Jan 24 | 1 - 1:45 pm Register

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

CTLT TA Institute
Online and in-person | Jan 13 - 16 | various times | Session details & Registration. Sessions include:

  • Establishing a Positive TA Experience Working with Faculty Members: Dos and Don’ts
  • Facilitating Discussions
  • Marking, Assessment, and Feedback as a TA
  • AI in Teaching and Learning Spaces
  • Active Learning and Inclusion: Using Student Gender, English as an Additional Language, and Neurodivergence Case Studies
  • TA’ing a Community Engaged Learning Course: Exploring Roles, Tension Points and Opportunities for Professional Development
  • Leveraging TAship for Future Career & Self-Advocacy, Negotiation, and Boundaries
  • Developing a Classroom Community
  • Learn About Your Rights as a TA: Intro to TA Union
  • Social Class in Our Classrooms
  • Effective Use of the UBC Early Alert System

and Designing High Impact Experiential Learning

Writing a Literature Review: Mapping the Scholarly Conversation
Hybrid | Thursday, Jan 16 | 10 - 11:30 am

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 3 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 25!
Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21 at 2 pm.

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 16 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

Career

Employer on Campus: Industrial Light & Magic
In-person | Thursday, Jan 30 | 5:15 - 7 pm Register

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 29 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career". Learning objectives include identifying transferable competencies for a non-academic career path and interviews
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

KxM Research to Impact Fellowship Program
Immersive seven-week training program that equips UBC graduate students & postdoctoral fellows with practical, marketable skills to support careers focused on Knowledge Exchange & Mobilization (KxM)
In-person and asynchronous | May 5 - Jun 20
Learn more and apply by Feb 18

Sustainability Scholars Program, Summer 2025
Paid, part-time internships, May 1 - Aug 15. Learn more and apply by Jan 26

Info Session: U of Pennsylvania International Master of Public Admin
Learn more about this one-academic-year, graduate professional program
In-person | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 12 - 1 pm

Employer on Campus: Library of Parliament
In-person | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm Learn more
In-person | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 12 - 1 pm Learn more

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Learning objectives include making your LinkedIn profile work for you
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Navigating Higher Education in Canada and the US: From Personal to Professional Experience
Alumni Office Hours with Isabel Peng: Director, 1st Year Experience @ Caltech
Online | Thursday, Jan 23 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register

Employer on Campus: Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment Management
This global investment manager based in Vancouver offers a wide range of roles and career paths. Team members have academic training in the fields of math, science, engineering, data science, and/or computer science. A background in Finance is not a requirement to join their team.
In-person | Thursday, Jan 23 | 5:30 - 7 pm Register

Sustainability Scholars Program, Summer 2025
Paid, part-time internship, May 1 - Aug 15. Learn more at info sessions:
Online | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register
Online | Thursday, Jan 16 | 5 - 7 pm Register
Resumes, Cover Letters & Best Practices: Refining Your Scholars Application Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 5 - 6:30 pm Register

Network your way to career success
Online | Tuesday, Jan 14 | 12 - 1 pm

Employer on Campus: Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment Management
This global investment manager based in Vancouver offers a wide range of roles and career paths. Team members have academic training in the fields of math, science, engineering, data science, and/or computer science. A background in Finance is not a requirement to join their team.
In-person | Thursday, Jan 16 | 1 - 2 pm

Entrepreneurship for Arts Graduate Students
A series of three synchronous online and two in-person workshops that will allow you to learn a variety of skills and techniques to develop a venture idea.
Jan 21 - April 1 | various times | Learn more and register

Sustainability Scholars Program, Summer 2025
Paid, part-time internship, May 1 - Aug 15. Learn more at info sessions:
Online | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register
Online | Thursday, Jan 16 | 5 - 7 pm Register
Resumes, Cover Letters & Best Practices: Refining Your Scholars Application Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 5 - 6:30 pm

Life Sciences BC’s 6th Annual Career Connect Day 2025
This dynamic full-day event brings together life sciences employers from across the sector, post-secondary students, and job seekers. Learn more and register.
In-person, Vancouver Convention Centre | Friday, Jan 24 | 9 am - 4 pm | $25

Recordings: National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Check out the recordings from the sessions listed below:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace

The Future of (Your) Scholarship

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter January 13, 2025

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Graduate Life Centre
The renovations to the first floor of Thea Koerner House, now home to the Graduate Life Centre (GLC) are now complete. The space is open during the week (Mo-Th 9am-9pm, Fr 9am-5pm, no weekend access), accessible with your graduate student card.

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Job Search Strategies – Telling Your Story
Online | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 10 - 11 am

Doctoral Defence: Doctoral Examination and Defence Procedures
Online | Thursday, Jan 23 | 2 - 3:15 pm

Using Visual Thinking to Communicate the Essence of Graduate Students' Research
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 10 am - 12 pm

Mindfulness Meditation
In-person @ Brock Hall room 2001
Mondays Jan 20 - Mar 30 | 12:05 - 12:50 pm | Free drop-in group

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 23 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion"
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Introduction to Machine Learning: Regression Models
Online | Monday, Jan 20 | 10 am - 12 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Creating a README file
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Beginner R Part 1
Online | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 10 - 11 am

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
This workshop will be facilitated across two sessions. Session 1 online on project design; Session 2 practice skills learned on day one in person. Non-geospatial experts are welcome, especially those interested in spatial approaches to humanities research and data.
Part 1 | Online | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 1 - 3 pm Register
Part 2 | In-person | Thursday, Jan 23 | 1 - 3 pm Register

CTLT TA Institute
Online and in-person | Jan 13 - 16 | various times | workshops are organized into 3 themes: Fundamentals of TAship, Exploring and Supporting Inclusivity, Equity, Accessibility and Wellness, and Experiential and Transformative Learning | See the full schedule and register.

Inclusive Teaching: What is it and Why does it Matter?
Online | Jan 21 - Feb 4 | This lightly facilitated asynchronous course is for anyone who teaches at UBC and who is looking for an introduction to inclusive teaching practices.

Graduate Instructional Skills Workshop
In-person | Saturdays, Feb 22, Mar 1 & 8 | 9 am - 5:30 pm Apply by Feb 19
Check out other upcoming ISWs.

Research Mentor Training
Online | Jan 28 - Feb 25 | This intensive 5-week seminar meets on Tuesdays from 11:30 am - 1 pm | Cap 20.

Mindset to Mastery: The Inclusive Teaching Course
Online | Jan 30 - Mar 20 | This 8-week course meets on Thursdays from 8 - 9:30 am | Cap 25.

Common Academic Expressions in English: Making Connections
Hybrid | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 10 - 11:30 am

Introduction to Spatial Data in R
Online | Monday & Tuesday, Jan 13 & 14 | 10 - 11 am

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Tuesday, Jan 14 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Using Visual Thinking to Communicate the Essence of Graduate Students' Research
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 10 am - 12 pm

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Creating and Managing Your Academic Profile - Profile Tools
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 11 am - 12 pm

Graduate Student Orientation to UBC Library
Are you new to UBC or want a refresher ? Join to learn about the many resources and services UBC Library has for grad students (library spaces and services, resources specific to your discipline) and how to effectively use UBC library so you can save time later!
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 1 - 1:45 pm Register
In-person | Friday, Jan 24 | 1 - 1:45 pm Register

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

CTLT TA Institute
Online and in-person | Jan 13 - 16 | various times | Session details & Registration. Sessions include:

  • Establishing a Positive TA Experience Working with Faculty Members: Dos and Don’ts
  • Facilitating Discussions
  • Marking, Assessment, and Feedback as a TA
  • AI in Teaching and Learning Spaces
  • Active Learning and Inclusion: Using Student Gender, English as an Additional Language, and Neurodivergence Case Studies
  • TA’ing a Community Engaged Learning Course: Exploring Roles, Tension Points and Opportunities for Professional Development
  • Leveraging TAship for Future Career & Self-Advocacy, Negotiation, and Boundaries
  • Developing a Classroom Community
  • Learn About Your Rights as a TA: Intro to TA Union
  • Social Class in Our Classrooms
  • Effective Use of the UBC Early Alert System

and Designing High Impact Experiential Learning

Writing a Literature Review: Mapping the Scholarly Conversation
Hybrid | Thursday, Jan 16 | 10 - 11:30 am

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 3 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 25!
Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21 at 2 pm.

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 16 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

Career

Info Session: U of Pennsylvania International Master of Public Admin
Learn more about this one-academic-year, graduate professional program
In-person | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 12 - 1 pm

Employer on Campus: Library of Parliament
In-person | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm Learn more
In-person | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 12 - 1 pm Learn more

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 22 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Learning objectives include making your LinkedIn profile work for you
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Navigating Higher Education in Canada and the US: From Personal to Professional Experience
Alumni Office Hours with Isabel Peng: Director, 1st Year Experience @ Caltech
Online | Thursday, Jan 23 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register

Employer on Campus: Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment Management
This global investment manager based in Vancouver offers a wide range of roles and career paths. Team members have academic training in the fields of math, science, engineering, data science, and/or computer science. A background in Finance is not a requirement to join their team.
In-person | Thursday, Jan 23 | 5:30 - 7 pm Register

Sustainability Scholars Program, Summer 2025
Paid, part-time internship, May 1 - Aug 15. Learn more at info sessions:
Online | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register
Online | Thursday, Jan 16 | 5 - 7 pm Register
Resumes, Cover Letters & Best Practices: Refining Your Scholars Application Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 5 - 6:30 pm Register

Network your way to career success
Online | Tuesday, Jan 14 | 12 - 1 pm

Employer on Campus: Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment Management
This global investment manager based in Vancouver offers a wide range of roles and career paths. Team members have academic training in the fields of math, science, engineering, data science, and/or computer science. A background in Finance is not a requirement to join their team.
In-person | Thursday, Jan 16 | 1 - 2 pm

Entrepreneurship for Arts Graduate Students
A series of three synchronous online and two in-person workshops that will allow you to learn a variety of skills and techniques to develop a venture idea.
Jan 21 - April 1 | various times | Learn more and register

Sustainability Scholars Program, Summer 2025
Paid, part-time internship, May 1 - Aug 15. Learn more at info sessions:
Online | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register
Online | Thursday, Jan 16 | 5 - 7 pm Register
Resumes, Cover Letters & Best Practices: Refining Your Scholars Application Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 5 - 6:30 pm

Life Sciences BC’s 6th Annual Career Connect Day 2025
This dynamic full-day event brings together life sciences employers from across the sector, post-secondary students, and job seekers. Learn more and register.
In-person, Vancouver Convention Centre | Friday, Jan 24 | 9 am - 4 pm | $25

Recordings: National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Check out the recordings from the sessions listed below:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace

The Future of (Your) Scholarship

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter January 06, 2025

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Introduction to Spatial Data in R
Online | Monday & Tuesday, Jan 13 & 14 | 10 - 11 am

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Tuesday, Jan 14 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Using Visual Thinking to Communicate the Essence of Graduate Students' Research
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 10 am - 12 pm

Every Semester Needs a Plan
Online | Thursday, Jan 9 | 11 am - 12 pm
Join ncfdd.org through UBC's subscription, then register

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

How Do I Get Started?”: Exploring in/relation and Storying Instructor Experiences
Online | Thursday, Jan 9 | 1 - 2:30 pm
Prior to attending, take a tour of the in/relation website and listen to episode 1 of the Stories in/relation podcast.

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

CTLT TA Institute
Online and in-person | Jan 13 - 16 | various times | Session details & Registration. Sessions include:

  • Establishing a Positive TA Experience Working with Faculty Members: Dos and Don’ts
  • Facilitating Discussions
  • Marking, Assessment, and Feedback as a TA
  • AI in Teaching and Learning Spaces
  • Active Learning and Inclusion: Using Student Gender, English as an Additional Language, and Neurodivergence Case Studies
  • TA’ing a Community Engaged Learning Course: Exploring Roles, Tension Points and Opportunities for Professional Development
  • Leveraging TAship for Future Career & Self-Advocacy, Negotiation, and Boundaries
  • Developing a Classroom Community
  • Learn About Your Rights as a TA: Intro to TA Union
  • Social Class in Our Classrooms
  • Effective Use of the UBC Early Alert System

and Designing High Impact Experiential Learning

Writing a Literature Review: Mapping the Scholarly Conversation
Hybrid | Thursday, Jan 16 | 10 - 11:30 am

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 3 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 25!
Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21 at 2 pm.

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 16 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Thursday, Dec 19 & Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

Career

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Employer on Campus: Government of Canada
In-person | Thursday, Jan 9 | 12 - 1:30 pm

Network your way to career success
Online | Tuesday, Jan 14 | 12 - 1 pm

Employer on Campus: Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment Management
This global investment manager based in Vancouver offers a wide range of roles and career paths. Team members have academic training in the fields of math, science, engineering, data science, and/or computer science. A background in Finance is not a requirement to join their team.
In-person | Thursday, Jan 16 | 1 - 2 pm

Entrepreneurship for Arts Graduate Students
A series of three synchronous online and two in-person workshops that will allow you to learn a variety of skills and techniques to develop a venture idea.
Jan 21 - April 1 | various times | Learn more and register

Sustainability Scholars Program, Summer 2025
Paid, part-time internship, May 1 - Aug 15. Learn more at info sessions:
Online | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register
Online | Thursday, Jan 16 | 5 - 7 pm Register
Resumes, Cover Letters & Best Practices: Refining Your Scholars Application Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 5 - 6:30 pm

Life Sciences BC’s 6th Annual Career Connect Day 2025
This dynamic full-day event brings together life sciences employers from across the sector, post-secondary students, and job seekers. Learn more and register.
In-person, Vancouver Convention Centre | Friday, Jan 24 | 9 am - 4 pm | $25

Recordings: National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Check out the recordings from the sessions listed below:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace

The Future of (Your) Scholarship

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter December 09, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Dec 17 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Quantum: Young’s Double Slit Demonstration & Workshop
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Dec 17 | 10 am - 1 pm
Register through Mitacs Edge.

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

CTLT Winter Institute
Online and in-person | Dec 9 - 11 | various times | sessions include:

  • Deepening Our Understanding of Wellbeing: Reflections from the UBC Community (panel),
  • Unlearning Scarcity: Building a Culture of Flourishing and Reciprocity at UBC,
  • Using Labour-based Grading in Undergraduate Science Courses,
  • Why Do I Avoid My Student Evaluations of Teaching?,
  • Making Teaching, Learning, and Even Meetings More Joyful Through Improv and Theatre Games,
  • Practices to Support Safety and Wellbeing in Learning Environments
  • Social Wellbeing in the Classroom Environment,
  • and more.

View all sessions and register.

Data Bites - Introduction to depositing datasets in Borealis
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 12:30 - 1:15 pm

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

CTLT Winter Institute
Online and in-person | Dec 9 - 11 | various times | sessions include:

  • Deepening Our Understanding of Wellbeing: Reflections from the UBC Community (panel),
  • Unlearning Scarcity: Building a Culture of Flourishing and Reciprocity at UBC,
  • Using Labour-based Grading in Undergraduate Science Courses,
  • Why Do I Avoid My Student Evaluations of Teaching?,
  • Making Teaching, Learning, and Even Meetings More Joyful Through Improv and Theatre Games,
  • Practices to Support Safety and Wellbeing in Learning Environments
  • Social Wellbeing in the Classroom Environment,
  • and more.

View all sessions and register

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Dec 12 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Thursday, Dec 19 & Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Career

Recordings: National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Check out the recordings from the sessions listed below:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace

The Future of (Your) Scholarship

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 11 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career". Identify transferable skills, competencies for an interview, and more.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Career Paths in Conservation
IBios seminar: Dr. Soudeh Jamshidian’s Journey to Indigenous Conservation with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation
In-person | Monday, Dec 9 | 12 - 1 pm

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter December 02, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Join Us for the ISGP Holiday & End-of-Term Celebration! - NEW
As the term comes to a close, we invite you to join us for the ISGP Holiday & End-of-Term Event to celebrate the season and our shared accomplishments. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon connecting with peers and staff over delicious food and engaging conversations. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Barbara joining us to make the gathering even more memorable. Please RSVP if you planning to attend this event.
Date: December 4, 2024 | Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Location: Gallery Patio & Lounge, 6133 University Blvd., UBC Campus, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Pathways to permanent residence
Online | Watch the video, and register for a Q&A session with Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada | Thursdays 11 am - 12 pm | Nov 21 - Dec 19

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Getting the Most Out of Your Academic Experience: Designing Your Grad School/Career Strategy
Hone your academic plan and establish strategies for prioritising your time and discovering career possibilities throughout your program.
Online | Thursday, Dec 3 | 11 am - 1 pm

LinkedIn
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm Register

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Friday, Dec 6 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Data Bites - Introduction to depositing datasets in Borealis
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 12:30 - 1:15 pm

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

CTLT Winter Institute
Online and in-person | Dec 9 - 11 | various times | sessions include:

  • Deepening Our Understanding of Wellbeing: Reflections from the UBC Community (panel),
  • Unlearning Scarcity: Building a Culture of Flourishing and Reciprocity at UBC,
  • Using Labour-based Grading in Undergraduate Science Courses,
  • Why Do I Avoid My Student Evaluations of Teaching?,
  • Making Teaching, Learning, and Even Meetings More Joyful Through Improv and Theatre Games,
  • Practices to Support Safety and Wellbeing in Learning Environments
  • Social Wellbeing in the Classroom Environment,
  • and more.

View all sessions and register

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Dec 12 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Getting the Most Out of Your Academic Experience: Designing Your Grad School/Career Strategy
Join this session to hone your academic plan and establish strategies for prioritising your time and discovering career possibilities throughout your program.
Online | Thursday, Dec 3 | 11 am - 1 pm

LinkedIn
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm

Quantum Sensing Use Cases (Technical Audience)
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 10 am - 1 pm Register.

Introduction to Machine Learning: Classification and Clustering
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Organizing File Directories
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Designing Web Maps with Mapbox
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 1 - 3 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Dec 3 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Speaking as a Scholar: Telling Your Research Story
Hybrid | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 10 - 11:30 am Learn more

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm Register

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Pizza and Proposals: ISI Fund Student Led Projects
In-person | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 11 am - 12 pm

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Information
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Dec 5 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and position yourself for a job in industry
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Thursday, Dec 19 & Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

Quantum Optimization Use Cases (Technical)
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 8 - 11 am
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 11 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career". Identify transferable skills, competencies for an interview, and more.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Career Paths in Conservation
IBios seminar: Dr. Soudeh Jamshidian’s Journey to Indigenous Conservation with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation
In-person | Monday, Dec 9 | 12 - 1 pm

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter November 25, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Join Us for the ISGP Holiday & End-of-Term Celebration! - NEW
As the term comes to a close, we invite you to join us for the ISGP Holiday & End-of-Term Event to celebrate the season and our shared accomplishments. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon connecting with peers and staff over delicious food and engaging conversations. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Barbara joining us to make the gathering even more memorable. Please RSVP if you planning to attend this event.
Date: December 4, 2024 | Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Location: Gallery Patio & Lounge, 6133 University Blvd., UBC Campus, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars Agenda Register
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship| Sessions include:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace
  • The Future of (Your) Scholarship
  • Panel: Exploring Careers in the Public Sector
  • Panel: What I Learned from Serving on a Faculty Search Committee

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Pathways to permanent residence
Online | Watch the video, then register for a Q&A session with Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada | Thursdays 11 am - 12 pm | Nov 21 - Dec 19

Immigration Q&A Session: Travelling Outside Canada during the Holidays
Planning to travel during the winter break? Join us for an interactive Q&A session where an International Student Advisor will answer all your questions about travelling outside Canada as an international student. We will cover topics such as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)/eTA, re-entry requirements, essential travel documents, and how your travel may impact your study plans. This is your chance to get advice and ensure you’re fully prepared for a smooth return to Canada.
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 12 - 1 pm

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Getting the Most Out of Your Academic Experience: Designing Your Grad School/Career Strategy
Join this session to hone your academic plan and establish strategies for prioritising your time and discovering career possibilities throughout your program.
Online | Thursday, Dec 3 | 11 am - 1 pm

LinkedIn
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm

Quantum Sensing Use Cases (Technical Audience)
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 10 am - 1 pm Register.

Introduction to Machine Learning: Classification and Clustering
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Organizing File Directories
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Designing Web Maps with Mapbox
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 1 - 3 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Dec 3 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Speaking as a Scholar: Telling Your Research Story
Hybrid | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 10 - 11:30 am Learn more

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm Register

Introduction to Git and GitHub
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 10 am - 12 pm

Introduction to the tidyverse R package
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Machine Learning: Regression Models
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Creating a README file
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Introduction to Web Mapping with Leaflet
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 1 - 3 pm

Inclusive Teaching: Reflecting on Your Teaching Practice
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Turning Your Research Interests into a Fundable Project
Arts Amplifier session | Using the non-academic grant application as a framework, this workshop will help you reframe your interests and skills for potential projects and partnerships.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 11 am - 12 pm

Abstracts: Communicating Research Findings With Brevity and Concision
Hybrid | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 10 - 11:30 am

Using Zotero for Citation Management
Online | Monday, Nov 18 | 4 - 5:30 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Tools for Designing Interactive Courses: H5P
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 10:30 am - 12 pm

Accessibility Studio
Online | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 12 - 1 pm

CGS-M Proposal: Crafting a Compelling Research Story
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 10 am - 12 pm

Translating Database Searches and Finding Grey Literature
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop Series
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups

Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Pizza and Proposals: ISI Fund Student Led Projects
In-person | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 11 am - 12 pm

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Information
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Dec 5 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and position yourself for a job in industry
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Thursday, Dec 19 & Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Information
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12 pm

Creating and Managing Your Academic Profile - Author IDs
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 11 am - 12 pm

Tools, Screening Criteria, and Appraisal
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 12 - 1:30 pm

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

Quantum Optimization Use Cases (Technical)
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 8 - 11 am
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge.

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
Part 1 | In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 1 - 3 pm Register
Part 2 | In-person | Thursday, Nov 21 | 1 - 3 pm Register

Introduction to R and RStudio (beginner)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 12:30 - 1 pm

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

Entrepreneurship as an Arts Student
In-person panel discussion | Thursday, Nov 21 | 5:30 - 7 pm

Alumni Office Hours with Ayshe Calisal
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online | Monday, Nov 25 | 5 - 6 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 28 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event, featuring a keynote on "The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters" followed by numerous career exploration sessions Full agenda
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship Register

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

GAA position: Centre for Community Engaged Learning
$31.18/hr, 14 - 20 hrs/week | Nov 2024 - Jul 2025 | Role will support/implement a project that will help to better understand the experiences of students with disability in community engaged learning and to support inclusive and equitable education in this context. Learn more and apply by Nov 14

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and network with positive results.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Industry After Academia: Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable
Alumni Office Hours with a Research Scientist @ lululemon
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online |Wednesday, Nov 20 | 4 - 5 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter November 18, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars Agenda Register
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship| Sessions include:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace
  • The Future of (Your) Scholarship
  • Panel: Exploring Careers in the Public Sector
  • Panel: What I Learned from Serving on a Faculty Search Committee

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Pathways to permanent residence
Online | Watch the video, then register for a Q&A session with Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada | Thursdays 11 am - 12 pm | Nov 21 - Dec 19

Immigration Q&A Session: Travelling Outside Canada during the Holidays
Planning to travel during the winter break? Join us for an interactive Q&A session where an International Student Advisor will answer all your questions about travelling outside Canada as an international student. We will cover topics such as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)/eTA, re-entry requirements, essential travel documents, and how your travel may impact your study plans. This is your chance to get advice and ensure you’re fully prepared for a smooth return to Canada.
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 12 - 1 pm

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Introduction to Git and GitHub
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 10 am - 12 pm

Introduction to the tidyverse R package
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Machine Learning: Regression Models
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Creating a README file
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Introduction to Web Mapping with Leaflet
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 1 - 3 pm

Inclusive Teaching: Reflecting on Your Teaching Practice
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Turning Your Research Interests into a Fundable Project
Arts Amplifier session | Using the non-academic grant application as a framework, this workshop will help you reframe your interests and skills for potential projects and partnerships.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 11 am - 12 pm

Abstracts: Communicating Research Findings With Brevity and Concision
Hybrid | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 10 - 11:30 am

Using Zotero for Citation Management
Online | Monday, Nov 18 | 4 - 5:30 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Tools for Designing Interactive Courses: H5P
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 10:30 am - 12 pm

Accessibility Studio
Online | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 12 - 1 pm

CGS-M Proposal: Crafting a Compelling Research Story
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 10 am - 12 pm

Translating Database Searches and Finding Grey Literature
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop Series
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups

Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Information
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12 pm

Creating and Managing Your Academic Profile - Author IDs
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 11 am - 12 pm

Tools, Screening Criteria, and Appraisal
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 12 - 1:30 pm

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

Quantum Optimization Use Cases (Technical)
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 8 - 11 am
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge.

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
Part 1 | In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 1 - 3 pm Register
Part 2 | In-person | Thursday, Nov 21 | 1 - 3 pm Register

Introduction to R and RStudio (beginner)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 12:30 - 1 pm

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

Entrepreneurship as an Arts Student
In-person panel discussion | Thursday, Nov 21 | 5:30 - 7 pm

Alumni Office Hours with Ayshe Calisal
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online | Monday, Nov 25 | 5 - 6 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 28 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event, featuring a keynote on "The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters" followed by numerous career exploration sessions Full agenda
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship Register

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

GAA position: Centre for Community Engaged Learning
$31.18/hr, 14 - 20 hrs/week | Nov 2024 - Jul 2025 | Role will support/implement a project that will help to better understand the experiences of students with disability in community engaged learning and to support inclusive and equitable education in this context. Learn more and apply by Nov 14

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and network with positive results.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Industry After Academia: Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable
Alumni Office Hours with a Research Scientist @ lululemon
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online |Wednesday, Nov 20 | 4 - 5 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter November 12, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Introduction to the Unix Shell
Online | Tuesday, Nov 12 | 10 am - 12 pm

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person, for Master's students | A Thrive UBC event | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm

Formative Peer Review of Teaching
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 12 | 10 am - 12 pm

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person, for Master's students | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm

Inclusive Teaching Studio: Inclusive Assessment Design
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 9 - 11 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills". Register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Introduction to Machine Learning: Neural Networks
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Naming
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Loops and conditional statements in R
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 1 - 2 pm

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 14 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills" Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Info Session
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 2 - 3 pm

Using Zotero for Citation Management
Online | Monday, Nov 18 | 4 - 5:30 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Tools for Designing Interactive Courses: H5P
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 10:30 am - 12 pm

Accessibility Studio
Online | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 12 - 1 pm

CGS-M Proposal: Crafting a Compelling Research Story
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 10 am - 12 pm

Translating Database Searches and Finding Grey Literature
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop Series
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups

Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

Quantum Optimization Use Cases (Technical)
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 8 - 11 am
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge.

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
Part 1 | In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 1 - 3 pm Register
Part 2 | In-person | Thursday, Nov 21 | 1 - 3 pm Register

Introduction to R and RStudio (beginner)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 12:30 - 1 pm

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event, featuring a keynote on "The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters" followed by numerous career exploration sessions Full agenda
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship Register

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

Pursuing Careers Alternative to Your Degree/Academia
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 4:30 - 6 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

GAA position: Centre for Community Engaged Learning
$31.18/hr, 14 - 20 hrs/week | Nov 2024 - Jul 2025 | Role will support/implement a project that will help to better understand the experiences of students with disability in community engaged learning and to support inclusive and equitable education in this context. Learn more and apply by Nov 14

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and network with positive results.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Industry After Academia: Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable
Alumni Office Hours with a Research Scientist @ lululemon
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register

Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online |Wednesday, Nov 20 | 4 - 5 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter November 04, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event, featuring a keynote on "The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters" followed by numerous career exploration sessions Full agenda
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship Register

Finding and Applying for a Job
Online | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 11 am - 12 pm

Doctoral Defence: Doctoral Examination and Defence Procedures
Online | Thursday, Nov 7 | 2 - 3:15 pm

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person, for Master's students | A Thrive UBC event | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 9 - 11 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills". Register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Introduction to the Unix Shell
Online | Tuesday, Nov 12 | 10 am - 12 pm

Introduction to Machine Learning: Neural Networks
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Naming
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Loops and conditional statements in R
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 1 - 2 pm

Formative Peer Review of Teaching
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 12 | 10 am - 12 pm

Inclusive Teaching Studio: Inclusive Assessment Design
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 14 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills" Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 5 | 10 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Cultivate creativity in your work
Online | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 12 - 1 pm

Introduction to Machine Learning: Classification and Clustering
Online | Thursday, Nov 7 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Introduction to Data Management Plans (DMPs)
Online | Thursday, Nov 7 | 12:30 - 1:15 pm

Conversations in Pedagogy: Why Think Deeply About Pedagogy?
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 1 - 2:30 pm

How to Apply for a CCEL Grant
The Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) grants support students in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address community needs. Applications open Nov 1st
Online info session | Thursday, Nov 7 | 12 - 1 pm Register

Writing a Statement of Intent and Purpose: Crafting Your Scholarly Identity
Hybrid | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 10 am - 12 pm

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST | AgendaRegister
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship| Sessions include:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace
  • The Future of (Your) Scholarship
  • Panel: Exploring Careers in the Public Sector
  • Panel: What I Learned from Serving on a Faculty Search Committee

Finding and Applying for a Job
Online | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 11 am - 12 pm

Doctoral Defence: Doctoral Examination and Defence Procedures
Online | Thursday, Nov 7 | 2 - 3:15 pm

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person, for Master's students | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work and life? Join this support group to connect with peers in a non-judgmental and welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 12 - 1:30 pm | Learn more about discussion topics (motivation, procrastination, setting boundaries, and more) and how to join.

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person | For Masters students | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm (registration opens Monday, Oct 28)

Graduate Teaching Practicum
Online | Nov 2024 - Apr 2025 | various dates & times Apply by Oct 28

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Free Stats Advice
Term 1 (Sep-Dec 2024): under the supervision of a Statistics professor, graduate Statistics students will provide free project-specific consultations, including a report of recommendations, as part of their STAT 551 practicum consulting course. Submissions are accepted now until Nov 3. To apply, send a 1-page project description (see sample) to asda@stat.ubc.ca Learn more

Writing groups for grad students
In-person | Building on the momentum of the recent writing retreat, we are planning to host two, 2-hour writing groups weekly through the month of August (and into fall with interest). Interested? Complete this survey to let us know your preferred writing time. See full details.

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Getting Started and Structured Searching
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop Series
Online | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Voices for Health Equity
A UBC Health and Public Scholars Initiative event with presentations, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities
In-person | Monday, Nov 4 | 1 - 5 pm

Using Zotero for Citation Management
Online | Monday, Nov 4 | 4 - 5:30 pm

Creating and Managing Your Academic Profile - Profile Tools
Online | Tuesday, Nov 5 | 1 - 2 pm

FIRETalks: Climate Justice
In-person | Graduate students present their research on Climate Justice from different disciplinary perspectives. Wednesday, Nov 6 | 12 - 1 pm

‘Don’t Be a Gap-Filler’, and Other Writing Advice
In-person | Friday, Nov 1 | 12 - 1 pm

PICS University Climate Knowledge Mobilization Events program
Up to $2,500 for eligible events | supports climate change-related research dissemination, knowledge mobilization, and education focused events hosted in BC by PICS University (UBC, SFU, UNBC, UVic) groups, organizations, departments, and/or institutes.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Competition
Canada's most prestigious postdoctoral competition | UBC holds an internal competition to nominate select applicants for the national competition. Learn more about UBC's process and apply by May 6 (UBC-O) or Jul 15 (UBC-V). Applying to another institution? Check out their guidelines and visit the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships site for all details, including eligibility

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

Pursuing Careers Alternative to Your Degree/Academia
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 4:30 - 6 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

GAA position: Centre for Community Engaged Learning
$31.18/hr, 14 - 20 hrs/week | Nov 2024 - Jul 2025 | Role will support/implement a project that will help to better understand the experiences of students with disability in community engaged learning and to support inclusive and equitable education in this context. Learn more and apply by Nov 14

Mastering the Elevator Pitch
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 7 | 12 - 2 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career" (identify core skills and competencies as well as transferable skills for a non-academic path).
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Exciting Opportunity: Graduate Academic Assistant at UBC’s Public Humanities Hub!

Join us in advancing interdisciplinary humanities research by supporting workshops, creating public scholarship toolkits, and managing event content. Ideal candidates are MA/PhD students with strong digital skills and a commitment to equity.

Details:

  • Start Date: Between October 15 and November 1, 2024
  • End Date: Between March 31 and April 30, 2025
  • Hours: Up to 10 hrs/week
  • Salary: $30-35/hr

Apply by October 1, 2024. Send your cover letter and CV to Heather Tam at phh.manager@ubc.ca. Questions? Contact Dr. Mary Bryson at mary.bryson@ubc.ca.

p/t work: sound editor for podcast
$25/hour, 15 - 25 hours/mo. | Remote work | Substantial experience with sound editing and strong competence in a sound editing software suite are expected.

P/T on campus work: FNHL and ISPIC
7-21 hr/week, $40/hr | Indigenous Strategic Plan Implementation Committee Data Analyst & Writer
Flexible and remote work | More info Community Forum

P/T on campus work: Koerner Library
3-6 hr/week, $26.02/hr | 4 Student Librarian positions for the AskAway Service
Flexible and remote work | Apply through Careers Online

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter January 06, 2025

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Introduction to Spatial Data in R
Online | Monday & Tuesday, Jan 13 & 14 | 10 - 11 am

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Tuesday, Jan 14 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Using Visual Thinking to Communicate the Essence of Graduate Students' Research
Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 10 am - 12 pm

Every Semester Needs a Plan
Online | Thursday, Jan 9 | 11 am - 12 pm
Join ncfdd.org through UBC's subscription, then register

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

How Do I Get Started?”: Exploring in/relation and Storying Instructor Experiences
Online | Thursday, Jan 9 | 1 - 2:30 pm
Prior to attending, take a tour of the in/relation website and listen to episode 1 of the Stories in/relation podcast.

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

CTLT TA Institute
Online and in-person | Jan 13 - 16 | various times | Session details & Registration. Sessions include:

  • Establishing a Positive TA Experience Working with Faculty Members: Dos and Don’ts
  • Facilitating Discussions
  • Marking, Assessment, and Feedback as a TA
  • AI in Teaching and Learning Spaces
  • Active Learning and Inclusion: Using Student Gender, English as an Additional Language, and Neurodivergence Case Studies
  • TA’ing a Community Engaged Learning Course: Exploring Roles, Tension Points and Opportunities for Professional Development
  • Leveraging TAship for Future Career & Self-Advocacy, Negotiation, and Boundaries
  • Developing a Classroom Community
  • Learn About Your Rights as a TA: Intro to TA Union
  • Social Class in Our Classrooms
  • Effective Use of the UBC Early Alert System

and Designing High Impact Experiential Learning

Writing a Literature Review: Mapping the Scholarly Conversation
Hybrid | Thursday, Jan 16 | 10 - 11:30 am

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 3 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 25!
Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21 at 2 pm.

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Jan 16 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Thursday, Dec 19 & Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

Career

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Employer on Campus: Government of Canada
In-person | Thursday, Jan 9 | 12 - 1:30 pm

Network your way to career success
Online | Tuesday, Jan 14 | 12 - 1 pm

Employer on Campus: Connor, Clark & Lunn Investment Management
This global investment manager based in Vancouver offers a wide range of roles and career paths. Team members have academic training in the fields of math, science, engineering, data science, and/or computer science. A background in Finance is not a requirement to join their team.
In-person | Thursday, Jan 16 | 1 - 2 pm

Entrepreneurship for Arts Graduate Students
A series of three synchronous online and two in-person workshops that will allow you to learn a variety of skills and techniques to develop a venture idea.
Jan 21 - April 1 | various times | Learn more and register

Sustainability Scholars Program, Summer 2025
Paid, part-time internship, May 1 - Aug 15. Learn more at info sessions:
Online | Wednesday, Jan 15 | 12 - 1:30 pm Register
Online | Thursday, Jan 16 | 5 - 7 pm Register
Resumes, Cover Letters & Best Practices: Refining Your Scholars Application Online | Tuesday, Jan 21 | 5 - 6:30 pm

Life Sciences BC’s 6th Annual Career Connect Day 2025
This dynamic full-day event brings together life sciences employers from across the sector, post-secondary students, and job seekers. Learn more and register.
In-person, Vancouver Convention Centre | Friday, Jan 24 | 9 am - 4 pm | $25

Recordings: National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Check out the recordings from the sessions listed below:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace

The Future of (Your) Scholarship

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter December 09, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Dec 17 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Quantum: Young’s Double Slit Demonstration & Workshop
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Dec 17 | 10 am - 1 pm
Register through Mitacs Edge.

Foundations of Pedagogy
Online | Feb 3 - March 31 | Mondays 2 - 4:30 pm
Successful completion involves participation in 7 out of 8 classes including pre-work, teaching one 10 minute mini-lesson and writing a first draft of your teaching portfolio. Upon completion, you will be awarded CIRTL Associate status.
Learn more and apply by Jan 13

CTLT Winter Institute
Online and in-person | Dec 9 - 11 | various times | sessions include:

  • Deepening Our Understanding of Wellbeing: Reflections from the UBC Community (panel),
  • Unlearning Scarcity: Building a Culture of Flourishing and Reciprocity at UBC,
  • Using Labour-based Grading in Undergraduate Science Courses,
  • Why Do I Avoid My Student Evaluations of Teaching?,
  • Making Teaching, Learning, and Even Meetings More Joyful Through Improv and Theatre Games,
  • Practices to Support Safety and Wellbeing in Learning Environments
  • Social Wellbeing in the Classroom Environment,
  • and more.

View all sessions and register.

Data Bites - Introduction to depositing datasets in Borealis
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 12:30 - 1:15 pm

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

CTLT Winter Institute
Online and in-person | Dec 9 - 11 | various times | sessions include:

  • Deepening Our Understanding of Wellbeing: Reflections from the UBC Community (panel),
  • Unlearning Scarcity: Building a Culture of Flourishing and Reciprocity at UBC,
  • Using Labour-based Grading in Undergraduate Science Courses,
  • Why Do I Avoid My Student Evaluations of Teaching?,
  • Making Teaching, Learning, and Even Meetings More Joyful Through Improv and Theatre Games,
  • Practices to Support Safety and Wellbeing in Learning Environments
  • Social Wellbeing in the Classroom Environment,
  • and more.

View all sessions and register

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Dec 12 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Thursday, Dec 19 & Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Career

Recordings: National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Check out the recordings from the sessions listed below:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace

The Future of (Your) Scholarship

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 11 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career". Identify transferable skills, competencies for an interview, and more.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Career Paths in Conservation
IBios seminar: Dr. Soudeh Jamshidian’s Journey to Indigenous Conservation with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation
In-person | Monday, Dec 9 | 12 - 1 pm

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter December 02, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Join Us for the ISGP Holiday & End-of-Term Celebration! - NEW
As the term comes to a close, we invite you to join us for the ISGP Holiday & End-of-Term Event to celebrate the season and our shared accomplishments. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon connecting with peers and staff over delicious food and engaging conversations. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Barbara joining us to make the gathering even more memorable. Please RSVP if you planning to attend this event.
Date: December 4, 2024 | Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Location: Gallery Patio & Lounge, 6133 University Blvd., UBC Campus, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Pathways to permanent residence
Online | Watch the video, and register for a Q&A session with Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada | Thursdays 11 am - 12 pm | Nov 21 - Dec 19

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Getting the Most Out of Your Academic Experience: Designing Your Grad School/Career Strategy
Hone your academic plan and establish strategies for prioritising your time and discovering career possibilities throughout your program.
Online | Thursday, Dec 3 | 11 am - 1 pm

LinkedIn
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm Register

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Friday, Dec 6 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Data Bites - Introduction to depositing datasets in Borealis
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 12:30 - 1:15 pm

Workshop materials: Digital Scholarship, Data visualization, Research Data Management, and more.
Check out the Research Commons online repository of workshop materials.

CTLT Winter Institute
Online and in-person | Dec 9 - 11 | various times | sessions include:

  • Deepening Our Understanding of Wellbeing: Reflections from the UBC Community (panel),
  • Unlearning Scarcity: Building a Culture of Flourishing and Reciprocity at UBC,
  • Using Labour-based Grading in Undergraduate Science Courses,
  • Why Do I Avoid My Student Evaluations of Teaching?,
  • Making Teaching, Learning, and Even Meetings More Joyful Through Improv and Theatre Games,
  • Practices to Support Safety and Wellbeing in Learning Environments
  • Social Wellbeing in the Classroom Environment,
  • and more.

View all sessions and register

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Dec 12 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Getting the Most Out of Your Academic Experience: Designing Your Grad School/Career Strategy
Join this session to hone your academic plan and establish strategies for prioritising your time and discovering career possibilities throughout your program.
Online | Thursday, Dec 3 | 11 am - 1 pm

LinkedIn
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm

Quantum Sensing Use Cases (Technical Audience)
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 10 am - 1 pm Register.

Introduction to Machine Learning: Classification and Clustering
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Organizing File Directories
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Designing Web Maps with Mapbox
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 1 - 3 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Dec 3 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Speaking as a Scholar: Telling Your Research Story
Hybrid | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 10 - 11:30 am Learn more

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm Register

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Pizza and Proposals: ISI Fund Student Led Projects
In-person | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 11 am - 12 pm

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Information
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Dec 5 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and position yourself for a job in industry
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Thursday, Dec 19 & Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

Quantum Optimization Use Cases (Technical)
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 8 - 11 am
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

Mastering the elevator pitch
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 11 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career". Identify transferable skills, competencies for an interview, and more.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Career Paths in Conservation
IBios seminar: Dr. Soudeh Jamshidian’s Journey to Indigenous Conservation with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation
In-person | Monday, Dec 9 | 12 - 1 pm

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter November 25, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Join Us for the ISGP Holiday & End-of-Term Celebration! - NEW
As the term comes to a close, we invite you to join us for the ISGP Holiday & End-of-Term Event to celebrate the season and our shared accomplishments. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon connecting with peers and staff over delicious food and engaging conversations. We’re thrilled to have Dr. Barbara joining us to make the gathering even more memorable. Please RSVP if you planning to attend this event.
Date: December 4, 2024 | Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Location: Gallery Patio & Lounge, 6133 University Blvd., UBC Campus, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars Agenda Register
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship| Sessions include:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace
  • The Future of (Your) Scholarship
  • Panel: Exploring Careers in the Public Sector
  • Panel: What I Learned from Serving on a Faculty Search Committee

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Pathways to permanent residence
Online | Watch the video, then register for a Q&A session with Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada | Thursdays 11 am - 12 pm | Nov 21 - Dec 19

Immigration Q&A Session: Travelling Outside Canada during the Holidays
Planning to travel during the winter break? Join us for an interactive Q&A session where an International Student Advisor will answer all your questions about travelling outside Canada as an international student. We will cover topics such as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)/eTA, re-entry requirements, essential travel documents, and how your travel may impact your study plans. This is your chance to get advice and ensure you’re fully prepared for a smooth return to Canada.
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 12 - 1 pm

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Getting the Most Out of Your Academic Experience: Designing Your Grad School/Career Strategy
Join this session to hone your academic plan and establish strategies for prioritising your time and discovering career possibilities throughout your program.
Online | Thursday, Dec 3 | 11 am - 1 pm

LinkedIn
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm

Quantum Sensing Use Cases (Technical Audience)
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 10 am - 1 pm Register.

Introduction to Machine Learning: Classification and Clustering
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Organizing File Directories
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Designing Web Maps with Mapbox
Online | Thursday, Dec 5 | 1 - 3 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Dec 3 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Speaking as a Scholar: Telling Your Research Story
Hybrid | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 10 - 11:30 am Learn more

SSHRC Storytellers Challenge
Submit a 3-min video or audio clip of your SSHRC-funded research and win prizes. 2 UBC graduate students were in 2024's SSHRC Top 5! Learn more and submit by Tuesday, Jan 21

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm Register

Introduction to Git and GitHub
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 10 am - 12 pm

Introduction to the tidyverse R package
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Machine Learning: Regression Models
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Creating a README file
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Introduction to Web Mapping with Leaflet
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 1 - 3 pm

Inclusive Teaching: Reflecting on Your Teaching Practice
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Turning Your Research Interests into a Fundable Project
Arts Amplifier session | Using the non-academic grant application as a framework, this workshop will help you reframe your interests and skills for potential projects and partnerships.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 11 am - 12 pm

Abstracts: Communicating Research Findings With Brevity and Concision
Hybrid | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 10 - 11:30 am

Using Zotero for Citation Management
Online | Monday, Nov 18 | 4 - 5:30 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Tools for Designing Interactive Courses: H5P
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 10:30 am - 12 pm

Accessibility Studio
Online | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 12 - 1 pm

CGS-M Proposal: Crafting a Compelling Research Story
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 10 am - 12 pm

Translating Database Searches and Finding Grey Literature
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop Series
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups

Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Research Impact Canada Engaged Scholarship Award
This award is meant to recognize knowledge mobilization excellence. PhD winners will receive $3k CAD and Master’s winners will receive $2k CAD. Learn more and apply by Feb 24.

Pizza and Proposals: ISI Fund Student Led Projects
In-person | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 11 am - 12 pm

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Information
Online | Wednesday, Dec 4 | 2 - 3 pm

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Dec 5 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and position yourself for a job in industry
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Virtual Information Session
Get a comprehensive overview of the SIN application process and the services offering by the SIN Clinic
Online | Thursday, Dec 12 | 10 - 11:30 am

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Clinic
Service Canada agents will be on campus to help you obtain your SIN
In-person | Thursday, Dec 19 & Tuesday, Jan 7 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Information
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12 pm

Creating and Managing Your Academic Profile - Author IDs
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 11 am - 12 pm

Tools, Screening Criteria, and Appraisal
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 12 - 1:30 pm

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

Quantum Optimization Use Cases (Technical)
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 8 - 11 am
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge.

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
Part 1 | In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 1 - 3 pm Register
Part 2 | In-person | Thursday, Nov 21 | 1 - 3 pm Register

Introduction to R and RStudio (beginner)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 12:30 - 1 pm

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

Entrepreneurship as an Arts Student
In-person panel discussion | Thursday, Nov 21 | 5:30 - 7 pm

Alumni Office Hours with Ayshe Calisal
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online | Monday, Nov 25 | 5 - 6 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 28 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event, featuring a keynote on "The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters" followed by numerous career exploration sessions Full agenda
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship Register

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

GAA position: Centre for Community Engaged Learning
$31.18/hr, 14 - 20 hrs/week | Nov 2024 - Jul 2025 | Role will support/implement a project that will help to better understand the experiences of students with disability in community engaged learning and to support inclusive and equitable education in this context. Learn more and apply by Nov 14

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and network with positive results.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Industry After Academia: Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable
Alumni Office Hours with a Research Scientist @ lululemon
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online |Wednesday, Nov 20 | 4 - 5 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter November 18, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars Agenda Register
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship| Sessions include:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace
  • The Future of (Your) Scholarship
  • Panel: Exploring Careers in the Public Sector
  • Panel: What I Learned from Serving on a Faculty Search Committee

JSPS Fellowships Information Session with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Hybrid | Monday, Dec 2 | 1 - 4 pm

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

EDI in Research
New online course | Developed specifically for the UBC research community, this canvas course helps develop the understanding and application of appropriate EDI practices to the research environment.

Pathways to permanent residence
Online | Watch the video, then register for a Q&A session with Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada | Thursdays 11 am - 12 pm | Nov 21 - Dec 19

Immigration Q&A Session: Travelling Outside Canada during the Holidays
Planning to travel during the winter break? Join us for an interactive Q&A session where an International Student Advisor will answer all your questions about travelling outside Canada as an international student. We will cover topics such as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)/eTA, re-entry requirements, essential travel documents, and how your travel may impact your study plans. This is your chance to get advice and ensure you’re fully prepared for a smooth return to Canada.
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 12 - 1 pm

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) from International Student Advising.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Introduction to Git and GitHub
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 10 am - 12 pm

Introduction to the tidyverse R package
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Machine Learning: Regression Models
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for Creating a README file
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Introduction to Web Mapping with Leaflet
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 1 - 3 pm

Inclusive Teaching: Reflecting on Your Teaching Practice
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Turning Your Research Interests into a Fundable Project
Arts Amplifier session | Using the non-academic grant application as a framework, this workshop will help you reframe your interests and skills for potential projects and partnerships.
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 11 am - 12 pm

Abstracts: Communicating Research Findings With Brevity and Concision
Hybrid | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 10 - 11:30 am

Using Zotero for Citation Management
Online | Monday, Nov 18 | 4 - 5:30 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Tools for Designing Interactive Courses: H5P
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 10:30 am - 12 pm

Accessibility Studio
Online | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 12 - 1 pm

CGS-M Proposal: Crafting a Compelling Research Story
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 10 am - 12 pm

Translating Database Searches and Finding Grey Literature
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop Series
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups

Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Free Data Analysis
Apply for a chance to get free data analysis from students taking STAT 450/550/540 in Term 2 (Jan-Apr 2025). Learn more and apply by Dec 15. If your project is selected, submit your data Jan 6 2025.

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Information
Online | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12 pm

Creating and Managing Your Academic Profile - Author IDs
Online | Wednesday, Nov 27 | 11 am - 12 pm

Tools, Screening Criteria, and Appraisal
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop
Online | Thursday, Nov 28 | 12 - 1:30 pm

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

Quantum Optimization Use Cases (Technical)
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 8 - 11 am
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge.

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
Part 1 | In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 1 - 3 pm Register
Part 2 | In-person | Thursday, Nov 21 | 1 - 3 pm Register

Introduction to R and RStudio (beginner)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 12:30 - 1 pm

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

Entrepreneurship as an Arts Student
In-person panel discussion | Thursday, Nov 21 | 5:30 - 7 pm

Alumni Office Hours with Ayshe Calisal
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online | Monday, Nov 25 | 5 - 6 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 28 | 10 am - 1 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event, featuring a keynote on "The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters" followed by numerous career exploration sessions Full agenda
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship Register

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

GAA position: Centre for Community Engaged Learning
$31.18/hr, 14 - 20 hrs/week | Nov 2024 - Jul 2025 | Role will support/implement a project that will help to better understand the experiences of students with disability in community engaged learning and to support inclusive and equitable education in this context. Learn more and apply by Nov 14

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and network with positive results.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Industry After Academia: Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable
Alumni Office Hours with a Research Scientist @ lululemon
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online |Wednesday, Nov 20 | 4 - 5 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter November 12, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

Introduction to the Unix Shell
Online | Tuesday, Nov 12 | 10 am - 12 pm

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person, for Master's students | A Thrive UBC event | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm

Formative Peer Review of Teaching
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 12 | 10 am - 12 pm

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person, for Master's students | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm

Inclusive Teaching Studio: Inclusive Assessment Design
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 9 - 11 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills". Register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Introduction to Machine Learning: Neural Networks
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Naming
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Loops and conditional statements in R
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 1 - 2 pm

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 14 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills" Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Info Session
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 2 - 3 pm

Using Zotero for Citation Management
Online | Monday, Nov 18 | 4 - 5:30 pm

Incorporating reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion into your project
Online Mitacs training | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 6:30 - 9 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Fostering a culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Tools for Designing Interactive Courses: H5P
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 10:30 am - 12 pm

Accessibility Studio
Online | Tuesday, Nov 19 | 12 - 1 pm

CGS-M Proposal: Crafting a Compelling Research Story
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 10 am - 12 pm

Translating Database Searches and Finding Grey Literature
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop Series
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Refined project communication plan
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 7 - 10 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Enhance your communication skills".
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Overcoming Perfectionism
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Friday, Nov 22 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Leveraging your Strengths to Strategize for Success
Online | A Thrive UBC event | Tuesday, Nov 26 | 11 am - 12:30 pm
Includes a free CliftonStrengths Top 5 assessment ($35 value)

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups

Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

Quantum Optimization Use Cases (Technical)
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 21 | 8 - 11 am
Learn more and register through Mitacs Edge.

Telling Spatial Stories with your Data
Part 1 | In-person | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 1 - 3 pm Register
Part 2 | In-person | Thursday, Nov 21 | 1 - 3 pm Register

Introduction to R and RStudio (beginner)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 10 - 11 am

Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs)
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Formatting
Online | Thursday, Nov 21 | 12:30 - 1 pm

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event, featuring a keynote on "The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters" followed by numerous career exploration sessions Full agenda
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship Register

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

Pursuing Careers Alternative to Your Degree/Academia
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 4:30 - 6 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

GAA position: Centre for Community Engaged Learning
$31.18/hr, 14 - 20 hrs/week | Nov 2024 - Jul 2025 | Role will support/implement a project that will help to better understand the experiences of students with disability in community engaged learning and to support inclusive and equitable education in this context. Learn more and apply by Nov 14

Building your project network map
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Advance your reach". Make your LinkedIn profile work and network with positive results.
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Industry After Academia: Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable
Alumni Office Hours with a Research Scientist @ lululemon
Online | Wednesday, Nov 20 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register

Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online |Wednesday, Nov 20 | 4 - 5 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

Innovation Onboard Pitch Competition
Dreaming of launching a venture but not sure where to start? This program is designed to help students bring ideas to life through mentorship, resources, and hands-on experience. Compete for up to $5k
Learn more and apply before Dec 25.

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

ISGP Weekly Student Newsletter November 04, 2024

*Please check announcements from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies' Graduate Pathway to Success program, and subscribe to their events alert here.

Upcoming Events

Student profile page- Showcase your story!
Exciting News! The Student Profile webpage is underway and ready for your input. Check out the first two profiles to see the information needed. Don't miss the chance to showcase your story—fill in the survey now! or reach out to our student peer mentor ritwik85@student.ubc.ca directly.

Join Our Student Community on Social Channels!
Looking to connect with fellow students and stay updated on events, resources, and community activities? Email our student mentor, Ritwik, at ritwik85@student.ubc.ca to get added to our social channels! Whether you’re looking for event updates, or just a space to connect, our community is here to support you. Don’t miss out—reach out today!

2024W2 RHSC Graduate Seminar Offerings
Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences (RHSC) has two new course offerings for 2024 Winter Term 2 that we think may be of interest to research Master’s and PhD students in your graduate programs

RHSC 506B Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence for Rehabilitation Science, Tuesdays 1:00-4:00pm, location TBD

This pilot course is led by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul and emphasizes a conceptual understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the context of rehabilitation sciences where students will gain a well-rounded, non-technical perspective on the role of AI in rehabilitation sciences, understand the influence of bias present in AI models and discuss the ethical implications of current and future AI models.

RHSC 537 Randomized Intervention Trials, Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, location: KPAV T136D.  

Led by Dr. Liisa Holsti, students in this course will develop an advanced understanding of designing and implementing randomized intervention trials which are often complex in nature in the rehabilitation context. Please review the attached draft syllabus for details.

UBC Public Scholars Initiative 2024/25
UBC's Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) has announced 35 new doctoral students for the academic year. The scholars are from nearly every faculty and discipline.

  • View the announcement
  • Scholar information (names, research topics, faculty) are located within the announcement

Stats for the 2024/25 cohort

  • 31 doctoral students from Vancouver campus
  • 4 doctoral students from the Okanagan campus
  • 10 students, across both campuses, are in the Health Equity Stream, run in partnership with UBC Health, working on projects related to health issues
  • Several scholars are also Killam, Vanier or other award winners as well

Call for Submissions - Mantle Interdisciplinary Journal
Mantle, the interdisciplinary journal at UBC, is currently accepting submissions for their 2nd issue. They are seeking thought-provoking work from all disciplines.

Mental Health Literacy
Check out the Wellbeing Training and Education available. Online, on demand Canvas course | Enroll

Understanding stress
Feeling end-of-term stress? Find helpful resources for understanding stress or check out the various health topics for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Indigenous Wellness Drop-ins
In person, IRSHDC | Tuesdays | 9 am - 4 pm

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work & life? This support group is for grad students to connect in a non-judgmental & welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 3 - 4:15 pm | Learn more and register

Grad Update

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event, featuring a keynote on "The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters" followed by numerous career exploration sessions Full agenda
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship Register

Finding and Applying for a Job
Online | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 11 am - 12 pm

Doctoral Defence: Doctoral Examination and Defence Procedures
Online | Thursday, Nov 7 | 2 - 3:15 pm

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person, for Master's students | A Thrive UBC event | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm

Project and time management
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 9 - 11 am | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Spur up your project management and time management skills". Register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Introduction to the Unix Shell
Online | Tuesday, Nov 12 | 10 am - 12 pm

Introduction to Machine Learning: Neural Networks
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Best Practices for File Naming
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 12:30 - 1 pm

Loops and conditional statements in R
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 1 - 2 pm

Formative Peer Review of Teaching
In-person | Tuesday, Nov 12 | 10 am - 12 pm

Inclusive Teaching Studio: Inclusive Assessment Design
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 1 - 2:30 pm

Framing your project in a masterful presentation
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 14 | 9 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Refine your writing and presentation skills" Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Applying the principles of sound leadership and team building
Online Mitacs training | Wednesday, Nov 5 | 10 am - 12 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "High performing leadership and teams". Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge.

Cultivate creativity in your work
Online | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 12 - 1 pm

Introduction to Machine Learning: Classification and Clustering
Online | Thursday, Nov 7 | 11 am - 1 pm

Data Bites - Introduction to Data Management Plans (DMPs)
Online | Thursday, Nov 7 | 12:30 - 1:15 pm

Conversations in Pedagogy: Why Think Deeply About Pedagogy?
In-person | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 1 - 2:30 pm

How to Apply for a CCEL Grant
The Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) grants support students in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address community needs. Applications open Nov 1st
Online info session | Thursday, Nov 7 | 12 - 1 pm Register

Writing a Statement of Intent and Purpose: Crafting Your Scholarly Identity
Hybrid | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 10 am - 12 pm

National Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Online | Tuesday - Thursday, Nov 19 - 21 | 10 am - 1 pm PST | AgendaRegister
5th annual Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network event
Free, through UBC's Sponsorship| Sessions include:

  • The Psychology of Focusing on What Matters, by Professor Joe Kim, PhD, McMaster University (Keynote)
  • Career Decision Making: The Role of Values
  • Research Your Career: How You Can Act on What We Know About PhD Job Outcomes
  • Effective Strategies for Tackling Networking Conversations
  • L’élaboration du dossier de candidature professionnel - Points de repères
  • Determining Psychological Safety in Your Future Workplace
  • The Future of (Your) Scholarship
  • Panel: Exploring Careers in the Public Sector
  • Panel: What I Learned from Serving on a Faculty Search Committee

Finding and Applying for a Job
Online | Wednesday, Nov 6 | 11 am - 12 pm

Doctoral Defence: Doctoral Examination and Defence Procedures
Online | Thursday, Nov 7 | 2 - 3:15 pm

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person, for Master's students | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Grad Student Support Group
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or challenged in balancing work and life? Join this support group to connect with peers in a non-judgmental and welcoming space to help navigate the unique challenges of grad school.
In-person | Wednesdays | 12 - 1:30 pm | Learn more about discussion topics (motivation, procrastination, setting boundaries, and more) and how to join.

Fall Grad Student Writing Groups
Join other graduate students to write every Tuesday and/or Friday from 2 - 4 pm in the Graduate Life CentreRSVP or simply drop by. Questions? Email

Joining the Scholarly Conversation: An On-Campus Writing Retreat
In-person | For Masters students | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 10 am - 3 pm (registration opens Monday, Oct 28)

Graduate Teaching Practicum
Online | Nov 2024 - Apr 2025 | various dates & times Apply by Oct 28

Indigenous Grad Student Writing Circle
Online | Every 2nd Sunday | 1 - 2:30 pm

Self-direct learning: Wellbeing workshops
Start the term off with a refresher on how to help navigate your own physical and mental wellness, help peers in need of support and more.
Online, on-demand on Canvas | Topics include:

  • Navigating Your Health and Wellbeing at UBC and Beyond
  • Mental Health: The Basics
  • How to Help a Peer
  • Inclusive Event Planning
  • SAVE Lives: Harm Reduction & Naloxone Training

Free Stats Advice
Term 1 (Sep-Dec 2024): under the supervision of a Statistics professor, graduate Statistics students will provide free project-specific consultations, including a report of recommendations, as part of their STAT 551 practicum consulting course. Submissions are accepted now until Nov 3. To apply, send a 1-page project description (see sample) to asda@stat.ubc.ca Learn more

Writing groups for grad students
In-person | Building on the momentum of the recent writing retreat, we are planning to host two, 2-hour writing groups weekly through the month of August (and into fall with interest). Interested? Complete this survey to let us know your preferred writing time. See full details.

Hidden Handbook
Online | A mini-series of short videos (5 - 10 mins each) to provide quick tips for success in a variety of areas across the academic sphere. Topics include:

  • Accountability Matters
  • Creating Micro-goals
  • Productivity Pick-me-ups
  • The 5 D's" What to Do When All Your --- Don't Fit
  • Advancing Your Strategic Plan
  • How to Revise & Resubmit in No Time
  • Promoting Your Publications
  • Rethinking Self-care
  • The Art of Saying 'Yes'
  • Touchstone Teamwork

Academic

Getting Started and Structured Searching
Systematic, Scoping & Related Reviews Workshop Series
Online | Wednesday, Nov 13 | 11 am - 12:30 pm

Voices for Health Equity
A UBC Health and Public Scholars Initiative event with presentations, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities
In-person | Monday, Nov 4 | 1 - 5 pm

Using Zotero for Citation Management
Online | Monday, Nov 4 | 4 - 5:30 pm

Creating and Managing Your Academic Profile - Profile Tools
Online | Tuesday, Nov 5 | 1 - 2 pm

FIRETalks: Climate Justice
In-person | Graduate students present their research on Climate Justice from different disciplinary perspectives. Wednesday, Nov 6 | 12 - 1 pm

‘Don’t Be a Gap-Filler’, and Other Writing Advice
In-person | Friday, Nov 1 | 12 - 1 pm

PICS University Climate Knowledge Mobilization Events program
Up to $2,500 for eligible events | supports climate change-related research dissemination, knowledge mobilization, and education focused events hosted in BC by PICS University (UBC, SFU, UNBC, UVic) groups, organizations, departments, and/or institutes.

Centre for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) Social Impact Grants
$1,500 to $10,000 per project | Grants support masters students (and undergrads) in co-designing and implementing impactful initiatives that directly address BC-based community needs.
Learn more. Applications open Nov 1 and close Jan 31.

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation
  • The Hidden Handbook, a series of short videos to topics including accountability, productivity, re-thinking self-care, and more!

Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Competition
Canada's most prestigious postdoctoral competition | UBC holds an internal competition to nominate select applicants for the national competition. Learn more about UBC's process and apply by May 6 (UBC-O) or Jul 15 (UBC-V). Applying to another institution? Check out their guidelines and visit the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships site for all details, including eligibility

The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
Available through UBC's subscription, the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

  • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
  • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
  • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Core webinar series: Every Semester Needs a Plan, Academic Time Management, and more
    • A Monday Motivator Email Series, and
    • The Dissertation Success Curriculum, designed to provide the skills, strategies, and support needed to overcome the three biggest obstacles to finishing a dissertation: perfectionism, procrastination, and isolation.
    • Register through UBC's subscription, then check out the member resources Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS), Grad Game Plan
      GPS offers a suite of workshops in various themes including grad school success, career building, wellbeing, communication, and statistics. The Grad Game Plan is a guide to help navigate the various stages of grad school and provides links to additional resources. The Dissertation Success Curriculum, Writing Support, and more
      The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity provides various online, on-demand programming to support graduate students, including:

Writing Consultations at the Longhouse

Career

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshop
Get up-to-date information about the recently announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, eligibility criteria, application process, work eligibility during the transition to a PGWP, and important considerations when travelling after completing your studies. With Q&A.
Online, multiple date and time options:

  • Friday, Nov 15 | 12 - 1 pm Register
  • Thursday, Nov 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am Register
  • Wednesday, Nov 27 | 3:30 - 4:30 pm Register
  • Tuesday, Dec 3 | 12:30 - 1:30 Register

Pursuing Careers Alternative to Your Degree/Academia
A Disability-Specific Career Development Program Guest Speaker Event
Online | Thursday, Nov 14 | 4:30 - 6 pm
Find event descriptions and event access on Canvas

GAA position: Centre for Community Engaged Learning
$31.18/hr, 14 - 20 hrs/week | Nov 2024 - Jul 2025 | Role will support/implement a project that will help to better understand the experiences of students with disability in community engaged learning and to support inclusive and equitable education in this context. Learn more and apply by Nov 14

Mastering the Elevator Pitch
Online Mitacs training | Thursday, Nov 7 | 12 - 2 pm | Mandatory online pre-requisite "Boost your career" (identify core skills and competencies as well as transferable skills for a non-academic path).
Learn more and register for this or upcoming sessions through Mitacs Edge

Exciting Opportunity: Graduate Academic Assistant at UBC’s Public Humanities Hub!

Join us in advancing interdisciplinary humanities research by supporting workshops, creating public scholarship toolkits, and managing event content. Ideal candidates are MA/PhD students with strong digital skills and a commitment to equity.

Details:

  • Start Date: Between October 15 and November 1, 2024
  • End Date: Between March 31 and April 30, 2025
  • Hours: Up to 10 hrs/week
  • Salary: $30-35/hr

Apply by October 1, 2024. Send your cover letter and CV to Heather Tam at phh.manager@ubc.ca. Questions? Contact Dr. Mary Bryson at mary.bryson@ubc.ca.

p/t work: sound editor for podcast
$25/hour, 15 - 25 hours/mo. | Remote work | Substantial experience with sound editing and strong competence in a sound editing software suite are expected.

P/T on campus work: FNHL and ISPIC
7-21 hr/week, $40/hr | Indigenous Strategic Plan Implementation Committee Data Analyst & Writer
Flexible and remote work | More info Community Forum

P/T on campus work: Koerner Library
3-6 hr/week, $26.02/hr | 4 Student Librarian positions for the AskAway Service
Flexible and remote work | Apply through Careers Online

What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism
Last October, UBC participated in the Canadian Career Symposium for Grad Students & Postdocs. The handouts and recordings are available for:

  • What’s Holding You Back? Getting Beyond Procrastination & Perfectionism, by Alex Abdel-Malek, MSW, RCC (very popular keynote)
  • Exploring Career & Professional Development Opportunities During Your Graduate Degree and Postdoc
  • Networking Strategies for Events and Conferences
  • Planning Your Postdoc
  • "Who am I?": Claiming Your Professional Identity
  • Negotiating a Faculty Position: A Conversation with Reinhart Reithmeier by Reinhart Reithmeier
  • Making the Most of Your Non-Thesis/Course-Based Master’s Degree
  • Learning about the Employment Sector to Boost Career Exploration
  • Yes, Just Apply. You Are Marketable!

LinkedIn Learning
Online, on demand | Have you identified a skill or competency that could help you in your grad program or in your career preparation? Take courses on topics such as:

  • business finance
  • project management
  • leadership
  • communication skills
  • technical skills (R, Excel, SPSS, etc)
  • personal development,
  • and more.

Career Advising:
Book an online appointment, Learn more

Course Offerings

Check the UBC Calendar for course offerings.